IBA WEST MEMBERSHIP APPROVES 2004 RESOLUTIONS:

Members of the Independent Brokers and Agents of the West approved eight resolutions at the recent 2004 Installation of Officers and Directors and Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. The first resolution urged the Legislature to complete the job of reforming the state’s workers’ compensation system by eliminating unnecessary costs and to provide more equitable benefits to injured workers. A second resolution congratulated Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on his election and his pledge to make California a place for businesses to flourish and provide more jobs. He was further commended for his challenge to lawmakers to eliminate $11 billion in unproductive costs from the workers’ comp system. In a third resolution, the membership also commended Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi for his efforts to address the dysfunctional workers’ comp system that reduced the market to a handful of insurance companies. In a related resolution, the IBA West membership commended the California Insurance Guaranty Association (CIGA) for diligently fulfilling its purpose of protecting Californians in the event of an insurer’s insolvency. The IBA West membership commended IBA West California Advocacy Fund co-chairs, Andrew Valdivia and Stanley Simpson for reaching the first fundraising milestone in just three months. Over $200,000 has been raised to date. The IBA West membership also commended courageous firefighters, police and emergency services personnel who valiantly fought the devastating wildfires that swept across the southern California region beginning Oct. 25, 2003. IBA West also commended the people of the insurance industry who were quickly deployed to the fire areas, paying claims and assisting policyholders to begin to rebuild their lives and their communities. In recognition of service, the IBA West members acknowledged the leadership of outgoing President Neal Nakashima and the service of the board of directors, committees and staff of the association. Finally, the membership expressed gratitude and appreciation to the honorable Jerry W. O’Kane for his leadership. O’Kane has served as CEO since June of 1982 and announced his retirement, effective later this year. This was his final annual meeting as CEO of IBA West.