From the Desk of David Kennedy, ACEC-IL Executive Director

One thing the ACEC Fall Conference proved: What happens in Vegas … spreads all over the country! Of course, I’m referring to the Lead Referral Program, which the ACEC Business Insurance Trust (BIT) rolled out to thundering applause during our meeting in October at Caesars Palace. The program couldn’t have been more appealing than if the BIT were offering free money. Which they are!

The way the Lead Referral Program works is: The first 40 Member Organizations (MOs) that furnish the BIT with three qualified business insurance leads* receives a $500 check from the ACEC BIT. And every MO that does this has a chance to win a first prize of $10,000, or one of two second prizes of $5,000. Today is the last day for submitting your leads, so look over the fact sheet and entry form in this newsletter and get your submissions in!

The prizes will be awarded December 8, at our NAECE Winter Meeting in Phoenix, by Stephanie Wagner, BIT Trustee and Jeff Connelly of our insurance broker partner, Marsh U.S. Consumer. Plan on attending the meeting, not only for the ACEC BIT-sponsored dinner but also to be sure you don’t miss any …shall I say … interesting surprises.

Also, thanks to the ACEC BIT Trustees Marc Alper, Karen Friese, Gary Loesch and Stephanie Wagner who attended the Las Vegas conference and worked tirelessly to educate fellow Members about the BIT’s deductible-assistance program. As a reminder, MOs, who have their coverage through The BIT, can collect up to $1,000 to help pay deductibles for claims filed on their ACEC BIT Spectrum and Auto policies. Firms (or MO’s with claims for that matter) should submit requests to ACEC BIT Treasurer Woody Germany at: 1111 E. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802.

Free money may not always be available, but you can depend on the BIT and Marsh U.S. Consumer for reliable financial protection programs and risk solutions for your business. Learn more—and be pleasantly surprised—in Phoenix in December!

David E. Kennedy
The ACEC-IL Executive Director

*Defined as firms that are willing to speak to a Marsh representative and provide the necessary information related to the firm’s exposures to allow Marsh to quote the firm’s business insurance coverage with The Hartford^®.

From the Desk of H. K. White, ACEC Business Insurance Trust Chair

Nothing like starting off with good news: By now, all Executive Directors should have received their second round of royalty checks from the ACEC Business Insurance Trust! The checks result in part from the continued favorable performance of the ACEC BIT’s Business Insurance Program. It’s the most tangible evidence that Member Firms benefit when they rely on the program to help control their risks and their insurance costs!

One of the main reasons for this continued favorable performance is the program has always been designed by engineers for engineers. Our Trustees play a major role in making sure your needs are being met, and spreading the word among ACEC Member Firms. Four of my fellow Trustees (Marc Alper – Vice Chair, Karen Friese, Gary Loesch and Stephanie Wagner) attended the recent ACEC Fall Conference in Las Vegas, letting members know about the newly enhanced deductible-assistance program. We were also excited to announce the new lead referral program that demonstrates the BIT’s desire to more closely partner with MO Executives in growing the ACEC BIT Program. Our Marsh Consumer sales team members continue to have phenomenal success closing on two out of every three opportunities. We simply need to have the opportunity to demonstrate our BIT Program’s value to more of your member firms. For more about those programs see David Kennedy’s letter in this issue.

Two Trustees, myself and Wayne Shuler, will be officially joining the ranks of “former Trustees” with the expiration of our terms this summer. The ACEC BIT needs quality individuals to fill those seats! The best candidates are active or previous officers in their state organizations with strong track records in decision-making, leadership experience and, of course, engineering expertise. I ask all Member Organization Executives to submit candidates’ names to me as soon as possible.

Among the Trustees’ main tasks in the months to come will be to put the finishing touches on our upcoming Loyalty Program, which will help defray coalition dues for those Member Firms insured by the ACEC BIT who also actively participate in ACEC’s coalitions. We know from experience that working together through the various coalitions Member Firms can help identify and address common business concerns and risk issues, as well as develop needed professional networks and valued relationships. Watch for additional information as we get closer to the roll-out.

I trust these new programs demonstrate the ACEC BIT‘s commitment to helping Member Firms tackle today’s challenges. Thanks for your continued support!

H. Kenneth White, Chairman
The ACEC Business Insurance Trust

Marsh Sales Professionals at work for you!

Have you spoken recently with your dedicated ACEC BIT Marsh Sales Professional? He’s your best source for swift and dependable answers and information about your rapidly changing business insurance needs. More importantly, he’s the guy that’s been “hounding” you to get your 3 Leads in early so as to qualify for the Lead Referral Program prizes!

Just a reminder that Jared Maxwell is your new Marsh Sales Professional in the East and Midwest and Mike Janes is your new Marsh Sales Professional for the South and West. Please consult the lists below to find the Sales Professional for your state and contact your Sales Professional at 1-800-338-1391.