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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE…….Jeannie Upright

It was nice to see 9 members at our November meeting! And of course Pam’s guest, her mother Charlotte, who is always a welcome addition.

Ted Wampole, LUTCF, from Liberty Mutual Ins. Group was a” wonderful” guest speaker. We all benefited from his expertise and hope to have him back again in the Spring.

Thank you to those members who helped decorate our tree at Bloomsburg’s Tree Fest on November 19th and to those who donated food for our box. We’ll have pictures at the next meeting if you didn’t see it in the newspaper.

The December meeting will be at the Pine Barn Inn and I hope to see all our members there to share food & fellowship.

“If we bestow a gift and expect a return for it, then it is not a gift but a trade”

May you all have a blessed holiday season!

SECRETARY’S MINUTES……….Debbie Musgrave

The Insurance Professionals of Susquehanna Valley met on Wed Nov 15th, 2006 at Portabella's in Lightstreet.

President, Jeannie Upright, called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM .

The Secretary's report was accepted as printed in the newsletter.

The treasurer's report was accepted as distributed and will be filed for audit.

The guests for the evening were introduced, Charlotte Stetler, Pam's mother and our speaker Ted Wampole, LUTCF from Liberty Mutual Insurance Group.

Members in attendance were Jeannie Upright, Gail Bradley, Pam Stetler, Brenda Weaver, Patsy Lachat, Barbara Kressler, Donna Coombs and Betty Rafalko.

After dinner, our guest speaker Ted Wampole spoke to us about the Six Steps to Online Safety.

A $25 donation was made to Mr Wampole's favorite charity and he would like to come back and speak to us again at a future date.

Jeannie opened the meeting by reviewing the Delegates report which she distributed and also the Alternate Delegates "fun report"

Committee reports:

Membership/Public Relations - Gail reported that a photo was in the Press Enterprise of the group that helped with the Soup Kitchen in Danville and that photo is also posted on our website. She is also working on a letter to send to local insurance professionals as an introduction to our organization and invitation to join us at a future meeting. Gail was also given a lead on a new employee at Hutchison Agency in Bloomsburg, Gloria Hart and she will be contacting her to join us at a future meeting.

Education - Brenda reported that the CPCU class was going well and is half over. She also had some insurance institute books for anyone who would like to take one and see if there was a class that might be of interest for the spring. Brenda also said that she had checked into the price of having name badges made and it was agreed that she would have name tags made for each member at our own expense which would amount to about $2.25 each.

Safety - Barbara reported that we were Runner-Up for the Safety award at Council Day in York.

Legislative - Patsy reported that we were Runner Up for the Legislative Award at Council Day in York.

There was no Horizon Report

Jeannie announced that Barbara Kressler won the AAMGA Award at Council Day which is an Association achievement award given to her by the Council Director.
Jeannie also reported that there were 12 scholarship given out at Council Day and no one from our association applied. Hopefully next year someone will be able to apply for a scholarship.

Fund Raisers - Gail reported that the ticket sales are going well and Pam & Brenda sold lots at Council day. Remember to bring in your money and stubs to each meeting and if you have too many tickets, bring some to the December meeting so that we can get them all sold and bring ALL TICKETS and MONEY back by the January meeting. Candy bars are also being sold and Gail, Lori & Betty each took boxes. If you would like a box to sell, contact Jeannie before the next meeting and she will bring it to the meeting.

November 19th at 2PM we will be decorating a tree for tree fest in Bloomsburg. Those participating will be Jeannie, Patsy, Barbara, Betty, Pam & Brenda.

The Christmas meeting will be Wed December 13th at the Pine Barn Inn in Danville, Cocktails will be from 6-6:30 and dinner will be ordered off the menu at 6:30. There will be no seperate checks so be sure to bring cash to pay for your dinner so that we will be able to have the right change. There will also be a 24% tax and gratuity added to each bill. There will also be a cash bar. Gail will extend invitations to past members to see if they would like to join us.

Pam brought up the idea of buying a brick for our association for the new National building. After much discussion it was decided that it was not something that we would like to do so the idea was withdrawn.

Jeannie was the winner of the 50X50 drawing.

After the Good of the Cause - the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM

Respectfully Submitted
Acting Sec't
Gail Bradley

EDUCATION…………….Brenda Weaver

None to report

PROGRAM AND MENU………Gail Bradley

The December 13th meeting will be held at the Pine Barn Inn in Danville. Cocktails will be served from 6 - 6:30pm. Dinner will be ordered from the menu at 6:30pm. Members are reminded to bring cash to pay for their dinner and a 24% tax and gratuity.
.

Please RSVP by December 8th by emailing Gail Bradley at brado@ptd.net.

SAFETY…….Barbara Kressler

Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

TREES

Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look for a statement specifying this protection.

A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard that a dry tree. To check for freshness remember:
A fresh tree is green.
Fresh needles are hard to pull from branches.
When bent between your fingers, fresh needles do not break.
The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.
When the trunk of a tree is bounced on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows that the tree is too dry.

Place tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other hear sources. Heated rooms dry trees out rapidly, creating fire hazards.

Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Trim away branches as necessary to set tree trunk in the base of a sturdy, water holding stand with wide spread feet. Keep the stand filled with water while the tree is indoors.

Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways. Use thin guy-wire to secure a large tree to walls or ceiling. These wires are almost invisible.

“SNOW”

Artificial snow sprays can irritate lungs if inhaled. To avoid injury, read container labels; follow directions carefully.

LIGHTS

Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, hours, walls or other firm support to protect from with damage.

Use no more than three standard size sets of lights per single extension cord.

Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

The tree can become charge with electricity from faulty lights, and any person toughing a branch could be electrocuted! To avoid this danger, use colored spotlight above or beside a tree, never fastened onto it!

Keep “bubbling’ lights away fro children. These lights with their bright colors and bubbling movement can tempt curious children to break candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink liquid, which contains a hazardous chemical.

CANDLES

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near evergreens.

Always use non-flammable holders.

Keep candles away from other decoration and wrapping paper.

Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.

TRIMMINGS

Use only non-combustible for flame-resistant materials.

Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass “angle hair’ to avoid irritation to eyes and skin.

Choose tinsel or artificial icicles or plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous is ingested by children.

In homes with small children, take special care to:

Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable.
Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children. Pieces could be swallowed or inhaled.
Avoid trimming that resemble candy or food. A child could eat them!

FIRES

Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that flue is open.

Keep a screen before the fireplace all the time a fire is burning.

Use care with “fire salts” which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metal which can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation or vomiting if eaten. Keep away from children.

PAPER

When making paper decoration, look for materials labeled non-combustible or flame-resistant.

Never place trimming near open flames or electrical connections.

Remove all wrapping papers from tree and fireplace areas immediately after presents are opened.

Do not burn papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

General Rules for Holiday Safety

Keep matches, lighters, and candles our of the reach of children.
Avoid smoking near flammable decorations.
Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do. PRACTICE THE PLAN!
Avoid wearing loose flowing clothes - particularly long, open sleeves – near open flames – such as those of a fireplace, stove, or candlelit table.
Never burn candles near evergreens. Burning evergreens in the fireplace can also be hazardous. When dry, greens burn like tinder. Flames can flare our of control, and send sparks flying into a room, or up the chimney to ignite creosote deposits.
Plan for safety. Remember, there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and eliminate potential danger spots near candles, fireplaces, trees and/or electrical connections.

This article was reproduced from the web site, www.safetyindo.com.

Remember to keep in mind these tips and have a safe and happy Holiday!

MEMBERSHIP AND PUBLIC RELATIONS…Gail Bradley

The Membership & Public Relations committee is working on a letter to send to area insurance businesses as a way of introducing NAIW to them. I hope to be able to have the letter ready by the first of the year to mail out. If you know of someone that I should send a letter to, please let me know before the January meeting.

I will also be trying to get our meeting dates published in the local newspaper along with any photos of noteworthy events that we participate in..

If you have any ideas or suggestions that you feel would help us to attract some new members or meeting ideas that you feel would attract some interest, please let one of the officers know. We value your input and all of your ideas are appreciated.

Gail Bradley
Membership & PR Chair

LEGISLATIVE…………………Patsy Lachat

LEG REG REVIEW
2006, Thirty-first Issue
LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm based near the State Capitol. 
WHO IS IN CHARGE?
The 64 dollar question is who will control the House of Representatives? The answer lies in Chester County where votes are still being considered from the general election and that tally would determine if there is a change in leadership. After that point, a recount may or may not be relevant. Currently each party has 102 seats. That notwithstanding, House Republicans and House Democrats caucused last week in order to select their leaders for the 2007-2008 session. The uncertainty is who the Speaker will be, John Perzel or William DeWeese. Control also means who gets to be committee chairmen. Although not perhaps as high-profile as a leadership post, a committee leadership is important because the chair of a committee gets to set the committee agenda.
House Republicans
· Speaker - John Perzel (Phila.)
· Majority Leader - Sam Smith (Jefferson)
· Whip - David Argall (Schyllkill)
· Caucus Administrator - Merle Phillips (Northumberland/Snyder)
· Caucus Chair - Sandra Major (Susquehanna/Wayne)
· Caucus Secretary - Jerry Stern (Blair)
· Caucus Policy Chair - Mike Turzai (Allegheny)
House Democrats
· Minority Leader - Bill DeWeese (Greene)
· Whip - Keith McCall (Carbon)
· Caucus Administrator - Dan Surra (Elk/Clearfield)
· Caucus Chair - Mark Cohen (Phila.)
· Caucus Secretary - Frank Dermody (Allegheny)
· Caucus Policy Chair - Todd Eachus (Luzerne)
SENATE LEADERSHIP THIS WEEK
The Senate has its turn this week with Republicans and Democrats voting for their leaders.
GOVERNOR VETOES BUSINESS RELIEF BILL
Governor Ed Rendell again vetoed a bill seeking regulatory relief to small business. House Bill 238 was sponsored by Tina Pickett (R-Bradford) in order to require state agencies prepare a small business regulatory impact statement for firms of fewer than 100 employees or less than $6 million in annual sales. The bill was part of the Keystone Manufacturing Initiative.

INSURANCE CONSUMER ADVOCATE EMBEDDED INTO HB 1773
Passed by the House last week was House Bill 1773 which would establish the Department of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programs. Additionally, it was amended to also create the Office of Consumer Advocate for Insurance (OCA) within the Office of the Attorney General. OCAs are opposed by the insurance industry because the mission of the Insurance Department is to protect the consumer. There is already a Consumer Liaison within the Insurance Department and there is already an office within the AG’s office dealing with prosecution for insurance fraud. Hence, per the industry, an OCA is redundant. It is doubtful that enough time remains for the Senate to act.
OTHER BILLS
· SB 180 (Corman-R-Centre) passed the House and is on its way to the Governor. It allows consumers hit by identity theft or credit fraud to put a freeze on their credit reports.
· HB 93 (Sather-R-Huntingdon) had passed the House but insufficient time may remain for Senate and House to concur on changes espoused by the carriers to limit the legislative scope by which Long-Term Care Partnerships might be authorized in PA with a Medicaid waiver.
· There are reports that a last-minute attempt may be made to amend a transportation bill to change the terms ˜full tort”™ and ˜limited tort”™ to ˜full right to sue”™ and ˜limited right to sue”™. This would resemble language espoused by current Number Two House Democrat Mike Veon.
TRIBUTE TO SOME¦
Some of the legislators who are leaving deserve special thanks and appreciation because I have worked with them over the years. Although much might be said about many, a few individuals singled out are:
· Rep. Larry Sather, a former insurance agent and sponsor of LTC Partnership legislation as an industry stalwart.
· Senator Chip Brightbill and Rep. Lynn Herman for the fact that they always gave insurance agents an audience and a fair hearing.
· Reps. Bob Allen, Rod Wilt, and Dennis Leh for their tireless advocacy on behalf of the business community.
· Sen. Noah Wenger, Reps. Jerry Birmelin, Teresa Forcier and Jackie Crahalla for their integrity and basic sense of decency.
· Reps. Pat Fleagle and Matthew Wright for their candor and penetrating insights.
· Mike Veon for his dedication to his beliefs and the integrity with which he dealt with interest groups.

MISCELLANEOUS……..

Pennsylvania Council Day
State Conference Report
Submitted by
Jean L. Upright
President and Delegate of
Insurance Professionals of Susquehanna Valley

“Light The Spark” 2006 Council Day Conference was held at the Heritage Hills Resort in York, Pa. On November 11,2006.
Congratulations to the Insurance Women of York for hosting this event!

IPSV had 7 members attend the Conference. We arrived Friday about 4:30 pm so Barbara Kressler could attend her first meeting of the Nominating Committee at 6:00pm. We checked in; registered for the Conference; Jeannie Upright & Gail Bradley signed in at Credentials as the official Delegate and Alternate.. We had “OFFICIALLY" arrived !!
Since they did not provide dinner for us, we went to the hospitality suite for snacks.
At 7:30 pm Jeannie Upright & Gail Bradley attended the Delegates Briefing. The amendment of State Bylaws was discussed because we would be voting on these issues at the business meeting on Saturday.
We then attended the ice cream welcome party.

Saturday morning at 7:45 am we attended the Communicate with Confidence speak off. There were 5 contestants. Barbara Miller-Nelligan, CIC,CISR, CPIW of the Insurance Professionals of Greater Harrisburg was declared the winner at our business meeting later in the day, with Mary Ann Owens, CPIW,CISR,API,AIS of NAIW of Reading as the runner-up.
We all attended the CE classes or seminars from 9:15 to 12:15, then proceeded to the awards luncheon. I am proud to announce that our association received 2nd place for Safety and 2nd place for Legislative , a Pinnacle Award Patch for last year’s submission. And congratulations to Barbara Kressler, she won the coveted AAMGA Award!! There were 12 education scholorships given out this year, but IPSVA had no applicants. The key -note speaker was James J. McGuire of the Philadelphia Insurance Company,
As always it was an honor to represent our association .

The Business Meeting was called to order at 2:45pm by Donna Mescall,CPIW, Pennsylvania Council Director. She welcomed all the attendees and introduced the head table. After the opening ceremony, the Credentials Committee reported 17 Delegates present. We heard reports from the National Representative, Elena Ifkovits, CISR, CPIW, DAE, Region I Vice President, the Education

Foundation, and all Committee Chairpersons. There was much discussion regarding the language change to Council Bylaws to match the National language, the vote was taken and passed.

The Nominating Committee presented 2006-2007 elections. Council Director –Elect is Polly Jones; Education, Cathy Heffernan; Legislative, Angie Horton ; Membership, Carol Sukchai; Public Relations, Tara Dombach; Safety, Rebecca Klemmer; Technology, Vicki Wilt; Delegate to Regional Nominating Committee, Michele Morgan; Alternate Delegate to Regional Conference, our own Pamela Stetler.
The program continued with remarks from Council Director-Elect; the report of the Council Director; the reconfirmation & bids for future Council Conferences. The meeting concluded at 5:30pm.
If any one would like to see the agenda and reports for the entire conference, you may borrow my booklet.

Sunday morning we waited for Barbara Kressler to attend a meeting of the Council; said our good-byes for another year and then we departed for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel and headed home!

Christmas is many things – it’s decorating the tree with favorite ornaments and finding that each one holds a memory. It’s listening to familiar carols and finding a beauty in them we’ve never heard before. It’s smiles and laughter and even happy tears that make the lights on the tree glow with a soft warmth. Christmas is many things – It’s caring and sharing, giving and loving. And that’s why it’s more than one December day. Christmas is a season of the heart.

Merry Christmas my friends!

IMPORTANT DATES

Happy Birthday To:

December 3 – Debbie Musgrave
December 30 – Pat Mackey-Strock