What’s New: In Brief (April 18, 2006)

Martin Ouellet has been named regional sales manager for Canada at Applied Systems, Inc.
Most recently, Ouellet was a senior sales consultant for Applied Systems Canada, devoting eight of his 12 years in technology sales and sales management to growing the company’s client base in a number of provinces.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Laval University in Quebec. In his new role, Ouellet will be responsible for expanding the growing and productive Applied Systems Canada sales force to better serve local markets throughout the country.
“Martin’s dedication to customer service and professionalism will continue to influence and solidify our current and future relationships with insurance brokers in Canada,” said Applied Systems chairman and CEO James P. Kellner, who announced Ouellet’s new position along with Jeffrey D. Purdy, the company’s senior vice president and national sales manager. “Our broker partners can look forward to Martin’s leadership in providing superior service for increased profitability,” Kellner said.
Applied Systems develops insurance agency management technology.

Sean Long has been appointed individual health products specialist at Desjardins Financial Security.
He will work with Desjardins Financial Security’s account executives across Canada to support the company’s growth and presence. Long will also work and provide counsel to Desjardins Financial Security contracted advisors to help them grow and succeed in their own operations.
“We are pleased to have Mr. Long join the Desjardins Financial Security team,” Alain Bdard, Desjardins’ vice president of product development and marketing, says. “Mr. Long’s experience is a wonderful addition to help us in continuing to grow and develop our strong presence across Canada.”
Starting in the insurance industry more than 34 years ago, Long spent 25 years as an agent and broker. Following a successful career in sales, he moved to specializing in living benefits.
He’s worked with the world’s largest reinsurers promoting critical illness throughout Canada, U.S., and the Caribbean
markets. Long is a motivational speaker on living benefits and has given more than 8,000 presentations on living benefits, having worked with actuaries, marketing departments, brokers and MSA across North America.

WICC Ontario is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, July 17, 2006 at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario.
This charity tournament increases in popularity each year. As a result, the event will again be a double-shotgun format, using both of the prestigious Angus Glen courses.
Since the inception of WICC Ontario in 1996, with the help of all industry supporters and participants in the insurance industry, over CD$1.8 million has been raised in Ontario and over CD$2.5 million nationally to support of cancer research and education.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of WICC in Ontario. Tin is the traditional gift for a 10th anniversary; befitting a golf tournament, organizers have chosen a “tin cup” theme. Ten years ago, one of the major movies of that year was Tin Cup, starring Kevin Costner, Renee Russo and Cheech Marin. This humorous look at the game of golf is the theme.
Those interested in sponsoring the event can contact Heather Matthews at 1-800-267-5540 or Lyna Newman at execdirector.wicc@sympatico.