Message from the President (December 01, 2010)

As you can see from the cover feature of this issue, the advancement of modern technology is making it increasingly difficult to separate one’s personal life from one’s professional life. The good news is, it is actually not that complicated to have a work/life balance — no matter what the profession. Establishing priorities is key. Many leading organizations recognize that workers who are healthier and more balanced are better for the company’s productivity and long-term success. According to some estimates, work/life imbalance costs Canadian businesses $12 billion every year in health claims, lost productivity and absenteeism. I applaud those members who have found it, and wish all members and industry partners a better work/life balance in 2011 — consider it an investment well worth the effort!

Since my last message I had the pleasure of attending the Toronto Insurance Conference’s 55th Annual Black Tie Dinner. Guest speaker, Lorne Rubenstein, award winning golf writer and columnist for The Globe and Mail, very cleverly applied the strategies of a game of golf, to the risk management of the insurance industry. I enjoyed meeting the broker members of this vital organization and congratulate them on hosting an extremely successful event.

As part of CIAA’s continued commitment to industry collaboration, the creation of a National Advisory Board comprised of leading claim’s professionals will further build mutual trust and confidence through effective consultation on a regular basis. Strong momentum is growing as this new forum offers significant advantages for both groups and provides the opportunity to promote and differentiate CIAA’s membership with insurers securing a steady supply of competent loss adjusting service for them in the future.

CIAA is proud to provide the insurance industry with the latest edition of the CIAA/ACEI National Claims Manual. The quality of information contained within and the ease of reference to CIAA members across the country make this a valuable reference tool. CIAA members demonstrate their commitment to professionalism in their declaration to abide by the association’s strict code of ethics and are well equipped to facilitate those requiring their services in all areas of the country. The positive response and regular requests for additional copies confirms the insurance industry appreciates and values our publication. All claim’s personnel will benefit by having a copy of the 2011 CIAA National Claims Manual close at hand.

This year marks the 44th anniversary for CICMA/CIAA Ontario Chapters’ Annual Joint Conference. Similar meetings occur throughout the year in several regions across the country and have fittingly gained industry-wide recognition as highly regarded events, reinforcing the importance of “united and committed leadership through education, professionalism and communication.” I look forward to attending all of the joint conferences during my term as president and sincerely thank the CIAA and CICMA members for their dedication, commitment and shared efforts in providing this forum to address and educate us on current and timely issues affecting our industry.

CIAA’s members are dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the independent loss adjusting profession and it is through their membership the association continues to be in the forefront of our industry.

All the very best for a collective, healthy and prosperous 2011! •