GREEN MOUNTAIN AGENT VERMONT INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION | March 2021
Prescribing Coverage in a Virtual World
Vermont Insurance Agents Association is a statewide trade association representing nearly 100 independent insurance agencies in Vermont, with more than 900 employees. VIAA member independent insurance agents represent more than one insurance company, and as a result, can offer clients a wider choice of auto, home, business, life and employee benefits.t
Green Mountain Agent is a publication of
CONTENT ________________ March 2021
05 Letter from the President
600 Blair Park Road, Suite 100 Williston, VT 05495 Phone: 802-229-5884 Fax: 802-876-7912 www.viaa.org
11 Be Proactive with Prescribing Coverage in Virtual World 16 On the Hill
VIAA Officers
20 E&O Corner Misrepresentation
President Daniel J. Rodliff, CIC, CPIA, LUTCF
22 Danger! Watch Out for Changing Entity Types
Vice President Michael Barrett Secretary/Treasurer Jessica M. Fleury, ACSR
28 Commentary
National Director Ronald Bixby
32 Agency & Company News
Directors Chip Ams Ian Sutherland Alan Kinney
www.viaa.org
3
4
www.viaa.org
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT ______________________________ March 2021
Greetings! One of this month's feature articles stresses the importance of Cyber coverage for your agency. Cyber attacks, hijacking of email and ransom activity are on the rise and as business owners, we are very vulnerable. If you don't have cyber coverage, there is no better time than right now to get that coverage in place. VIAA has access to markets for you, just give us a call and we'll get you started. As I think of March, I think of the saying, “in like a lion and out like a lamb.” I find this doesn’t just apply to the weather, but also so fulfilling our state CE requirements. There always seems to be a mad dash to finish up our courses in order to maintain our Vermont Insurance licenses. With the deadline of March 31st fast approaching, please remember that VIAA has a wide array of programs, including Flood and Ethics, to be sure you stay compliant. Visit viaa.com for the complete schedule.
Dan Rodliff VIAA President
Stay well and see you next month! Dan
www.viaa.org
5
www.viaa.org
7
AGENCY MANAGEMENT
BE PROACTIVE WITH PRESCRIBING COVERAGE IN VIRTUAL WORLD By Donna Asta, Vice President and Claims Expert at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Many of us have transitioned to working from home in response to COVID-19 protocols and are reliant on technology now more than ever. Nevertheless, productive, proactive and profitable teleworking can be accomplished by keeping a number of things in mind.
also an excellent time to generate more premium by recommending business insurance policies and business interruption coverage to clients, particularly for business owners and independent contractors working from home.
Now is the time to take a closer look at whether your agency has appropriate cyber insurance. While most offices connect through a VPN and use encryption technology, not everyone has that available at home. Remind your employees and customers to utilize proper security measures when conducting business from home.
When meeting with your clients via video conference, use that time as an opportunity to offer appropriate types of coverage and consider whether your clients' needs have changed. A recent Arkansas claim involved a client who was running an uninsured daycare out of her home. Although the broker did not have any knowledge of the business, they should have created a checklist of possible exposures to ask their clients about. Making a list of clients to contact each day and finetuning a checklist of important questions will help keep you informed and prepared.
Also, do you, your employees and clients have insurance that covers business-related activities at home? Review your agency's coverage and confirm the extent of coverage for employees working from home. This is
www.viaa.org
11
Be Proactive with Prescribing Coverage in Virtual World continued
A checklist helps with identifying insurance needs, but also in assessing a particular risk, as you may have less information available to obtain coverage for your client. For example, a claim arose in New York involving a large commercial bakery that had installed a new assembly line. The agent was unaware of the new equipment because he did not visit the bakery in person as he normally does every year at renewal time. When the new assembly line broke down, the client sustained an uninsured business interruption loss. Had the agent prepared for his virtual meeting with a checklist of questions, it's possible the loss would have been covered. As COVID-19 continues to affect every business, some have changed the nature of their business altogether. Think about the distilleries that are now making hand sanitizer. Who would have thought that would happen a year ago? Review your clients' websites for additional insight. For example, a recent claim in Wisconsin involved a landscaping company that also started removing snow. While the change in their business was on the client's website, it was not disclosed to the broker.
some thoughtful workarounds. Donna Asta is vice president and claims expert at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and works out of the office in Chicago. Insurance products underwritten by Westport Insurance Corporation, Kansas City, Missouri, a member of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions.
Accessing state records may help determine ownership and the names of officers and directors. Do your clients have state reporting requirements? Look it up. We saw a claim in Indiana involving different trucking mileages reported to the state from that reported to the insurer. One of the claims against the insured broker was that it should have confirmed the numbers with the state's reports. Reviewing your customers' tax returns might also provide additional insight on the coverage limits your clients require. Working from home should not be daunting. While it may not be ideal for some, it can be effectively managed with technology and 12
www.viaa.org
This article is intended to be used for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Swiss Re shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained or referenced in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, accounting or professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of the Swiss Re Group (“Swiss Re") and/or its subsidiaries and/or management and/or shareholders.
www.viaa.org
13
ON THE HILL: President Biden Criticizes Home and Auto Insurance Pricing
During a CNN town hall, President Biden gave a lengthy response to an audience question about policing practices. Toward the end of his remarks, President Biden mentioned disparities in insurance pricing for home and auto insurance. Specifically, President Biden noted, “I don't know what home you live in, but if you go ahead and you want to get insurance, and you're in a Black neighborhood, you're going to pay more for the same insurance than I'm going to pay for the exact same home." “You never had an accident in your car. If you live in a Black neighborhood, you're going to pay a higher premium on your car—you're going to," he said. “There's so many things that are built in institutionally that disadvantage African Americans and Latinos." And in related news this week, Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-New Jersey), Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan) and Mark Takano (D-California) reintroduced H.R. 1270, the “Prohibit Auto Insurance Discrimination (PAID) Act." This legislation would prohibit automobile insurance companies from using education, occupation, employment status, credit scores, previous insurer information, zip codes, census tracts, or home ownership status in insurance rating or underwriting 16
decisions and give the Federal Trade Commission regulatory authority over some aspects of insurance underwriting. In March 2020, the U.S. House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance held a hearing entitled, “Drivers of Discrimination: An Examination of Unfair Premiums, Practices and Policies in the Auto Insurance Industry." The purpose of the hearing was to examine if various underwriting factors are discriminatory and disproportionately target lowerincome and minority consumers. For decades, the Big “I" has been a leading supporter of state insurance regulation and the association strongly opposes any form of federal insurance regulation. Consistent with the association's long-held support for state-based regulation of insurance, the Big “I" continues to oppose the PAID Act on the basis that it would preempt state insurance law and interfere with states' ability to exercise control over their respective insurance markets. President Biden's recent remarks will undoubtedly draw more attention to congressional efforts, such as the PAID Act, and will embolden its supporters and would-be supporters.
www.viaa.org
C E O & R O N ER
Spring Forward
Are your clients’ grown-up toys properly covered? By Caryn Mahoney Assistant Vice President, Claims Specialist with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions
When thoughts turn to spring and your clients take out the big boy and girl toys—motor homes, boats, jet skis, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs and golf carts—they need to make sure they have the proper insurance coverage. A client will often remove insurance or reduce the limits during the winter months. If an agent puts a note in the file to follow up and fails to do so, there could be an uncovered claim, possibly with catastrophic injuries, resulting in an errors & omissions claim against the agent. The client’s failure to call the agent before using the watercraft or jet ski would be a defense, but that would not eliminate the claim. Insurers will usually offer a reduced premium when a boat or jet ski is locked on a trailer during “lay up,” and carriers will usually deny claims for stolen equipment if it’s not properly locked away. Some policies require boats to be professionally winterized. Other policies require that the boat must be stored on dry land or tied to a dock that is connected to dry land during the lay-up period. Boat policies contain permitted navigational territories. Hurricane damage is often denied by carriers when the boats are stored south of a certain geographical point or state during the hurricane season. A navigational extension endorsement would provide for an increase in navigational miles. Most RV and motorcycle policies limit coverage to the U.S., its territories, Puerto Rico and Canada. If your client is planning to drive to Mexico, they likely need to purchase additional coverage. Homeowners policies only provide coverage for smaller watercraft that is not rented or raced. Some boat policies require a condition and value survey or an active monitoring account GPS. A carrier will likely deny coverage for a boat that capsizes if it is
20
overloaded due to policy weight limits. There may be limited or no coverage for fishing, scuba and waterskiing equipment, while arasailing or kite skiing is usually excluded. Additionally, a difference in the stated value and actual value could result in an E&O claim. A separate RV policy to include coverage for personal items inside is needed. Personal auto policies cover campers pulled by autos unless they are rented, but not content. A homeowners policy will typically only cover a golf cart if it is used solely to service the “insured’s residence” or is designed to assist the handicapped. It will usually provide liability coverage for accidents driving golf carts on golf courses. But separate golf cart coverage is usually required for clients who drive golf carts on public roads in vacation areas, as well as in mobile home and retirement communities. There are usually conditions and exclusions for non-licensed drivers, especially when being driven on roads. When your client’s thoughts turn to fun and games involving these grown-up toys, they need to think first about their insurance protection before heading out for fun. Caryn Mahoney is an assistant vice president, claims specialist with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions. This article is intended to be used for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Swiss Re shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained or referenced in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, accounting or professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice.
www.viaa.org
VIAA Education March
2021
Virtual Courses
Vermont CE Deadline is March 31, 2021 EMERGING PERSONAL LINES ISSUES
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM 3 CEUs - March 23, 2021
3 CEUS - March 9, 2021
ACSR #2 - PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
AAI 81 B - PERSONAL INSURANCE 8 CEUS - March 24, 2021
6 CEUS - March 10, 2021
EMERGING COMMERCIAL LINES ISSUES 3 CEUS - March 11, 2021
INSURING THE SHARING ECONOMY 3 CEUS - March 25, 2021
ETHICAL DECISION MAKING IN RISK AND INSURANCE 3 CEUS - March 18, 2021
Open
Register at VIAA.org www.viaa.org
21
Danger! Watch Out for Changing Entity Types
Coverfage
By Chris Boggs
22
Not long ago my wife and I attended a "training" session with an accountant who specializes in using tax laws/loopholes to help parents pay for college. Since we have a rising junior, we are very interested in anything we can do to save for and lower the cost of college. The session was geared towards small business owners and my wife owns her own business. We were hoping for some really good insight and ideas. As I expected, we were really attending a "sales" job. He gave us just enough to whet our appetite, but not enough to do much good. His goal was to get us to pay him big bucks to come to his office to get the useful details. Surprisingly, or maybe unsurprisingly, I was the only person asking questions. I think I annoyed him a bit; but I wanted more specifics. I learned one thing, this guy could have been in insurance education; his favorite answer was, "It depends."
www.viaa.org
During the session, the accountant brought up the advantages and disadvantages of the various entity types (though not in any real detail). He briefly introduced some of the advantages of LLCs, vs. S-Corps., vs. C-Corps, vs. LLPs, etc. But he never brought up sole proprietorships, so I asked him if he was against them. He said, "Not necessarily; it depends." Let me cut to the end. Ultimately the goal is to hide as much money from the government and the college as possible to increase the amount of financial aid available to the student (without having to take student loans). One of the success stories used to reel you in involved a husband who was a lawyer and a wife who was another highly-paid professional (I don't remember what she did) who was able to get their kid into Duke University for around $7,000 per year. The natural reaction of everyone who knows anything about what it costs to go to Duke was, "WOW!!!"
Danger! Watch Out for Changing Entity Types continued My follow-up question was, "In developing these college-focused plans, what has to be changed after all the kids are finished with college?" My point being, you've directed clients to move money around, set up various legal persons and put money in places where it is not necessarily liquid; what must be undone when you are through? His partner piped up to help answer the question. I won't bore you with the entire response. Basically she said, you've just got to trust us. Yeah, that's not the warm and fuzzy that motivates me. But this is not what really bothered me about his suggestions; what really concerned me is that he was oblivious or ambivalent to the insurance issues created when one person is "killed off" and a new person is "hatched" to take its place. He seems to have an incredible need to create one entity then kill it off in favor of another entity when the situation changed. And what's worse, at one point he even said something about setting up multiple entities to hide or move money. I think he saw my face turn red, but he never said anything. I certainly hope he has a lawyer and an insurance agent providing advice (but I doubt it). After the meeting, we spent the afternoon on the lake with friends who own a lake house, so I had time to calm down. Later that evening I tried to explain to my wife the insurance problems created when one entity ceases to exist and another entity magically appears in its place; or when multiple entities are created. She feigned interest, but she really just wanted to discuss whether we should pay the account's fees to have him advise us on how to send our daughters to school without going into incredible debt. Why do I tell this story? Because this is what agents fight against daily. Accountants and and maybe even lawyers who don't know anything about insurance, recommending your clients make changes or additions to their business entities.
Don't misunderstand, it's not that these issues cannot be adequately addressed (to some extent), the problem is that you have to know about the issues to do something about them. A few simple questions may keep your client, and you, out of the trouble: Is this still the correct entity name? Did the entity type change? Have any new business entities been created? Have any entities ceased to exist? These are just a few examples of the questions you need to ask at renewal to make sure your business clients have not made changes you know nothing about, but which could have major coverage implications. When you discover something has changed, you need to get all the necessary information. You can't assume everything is as it was. Oh, and this doesn't apply only when kids are getting ready to head off to college. Accounts and lawyers recommend these changes every day (without a thought to the consequences). Ask the questions. Whether or not we are going to enrich this account any further is still in question. Regardless, I'm definitely going to do my best to make sure anyone who takes this type of advice doesn't suffer an uncovered claim simply because they made seemingly innocuous changes that adversely affected their insurance protection. We can't have people who know nothing about insurance creating problems for our clients. Agents, keep up the good fight!!
24
www.viaa.org
Reviewing Contracts for Customers
William C. Wilson, Jr. CPCU, ARM, AIM, AMM is the founder of InsuranceCommentary.com. He retired from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America in December 2016 where he served as Assoc. VP of Education and Research and was the founder and Director of the Big "I" Virtual University for over 17 years. 28
www.viaa.org
I recently got this email from an Illinois agent: “I have some procedural concerns with a carrier’s directive requiring that in order for an entity to be named as an additional insured that there must be a written contract. The main question I have is, is it the responsibility of the agent to actually be presented with a copy of the written contract or the insurance requirement section from the contract? “My contention has been that this requires the agent to interpret contract language. And be held accountable if there are other conditions outside of the insurance section of the contract that might have an effect on the requirements within the section. “I believe that it is outside of an agent’s ‘expected’ expertise to also be a contract lawyer. I have always felt that if the terminology ‘required by written contract’ is conveyed to the insured and they state to us (and we document it) that there is a contract, that should be enough for us to issue a certificate.” The primary ISO AI endorsements that require a written contract are the CG 20 33 and CG 20 38, not the CG 20 10, CG 20 26, etc., though the carrier can require any condition they want for extending AI coverage. As for reviewing contracts like leases, loan agreements, and construction contracts, that’s an agency business decision. The “ivory tower” E&O caveat is don’t do it because, as you are aware, it quite possibly increases the agency’s E&O exposure. Ideally, a customer’s attorney reviews these things since that’s what they’re trained to do in contract law. Then they advise what the insurance requirements should be. But we know that the reality is that the vast majority of contractors, for example, don’t even read the contract, much less have an attorney review it. Many of them really don’t care what it says…they want the work regardless. Until they
find out they’ve agreed to indemnify for something they didn’t insure. The good side of reality is that no insurance program fully qualifies with the vast majority of indemnification agreements since so many require indemnity for any and all adverse events. So, the practical recommendation is to assist in contract analysis because, otherwise, how do you know what the insured’s exposures are and how they can best be insured or risk managed? Here is an article about the types of insurance- or indemnity-related provisions found in loan agreements (you will need to have access to the Big “I” Virtual University): “Insurance Requirements in Commercial Property Loan Agreements” The author has written about commercial leases he’s seen for tiny shopping center vendors where they incur six-figure liabilities in the lease that agents often overlook because they didn’t review the lease or didn’t review it beyond a single “insurance” paragraph, for example, examining the D&D (Damage and Destruction) clause. Clearly, reviewing contracts requires training, skill and experience…it is far from a clerical function. Take a look at this “Reviewing Contracts for Insureds” section of a white paper I wrote over 10 years ago which includes a sample disclaimer: “Certificates of Insurance Issues and Answers” (p. 15) I know agencies where skilled producers are better at reading and analyzing complex construction contracts than most attorneys. Being able to review contracts for customers gives you a clear competitive advantage but only if you know what you’re doing. If you don’t, then you are probably best advised, at least from an E&O standpoint, to avoid this practice and advise customers and prospects to “caveat emptor.” And, regardless of your level of expertise, if you perform contract review, use a disclaimer.
www.viaa.org
29
www.viaa.org
31
COMPANY & AGENCY NEWS 32
www.viaa.org
Union Mutual Partners with Flo Technologies for Smart Home Water Security Program to Prevent Water Damage Union Mutual and Flo Technologies, the leader in smart home water loss prevention recently announced a partnership to provide qualifying customers with a discounted Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff and professional installation by a verified Moen Plumbing Network professional. The Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff attaches to a home’s main water line to prevent water damage and water loss by proactively detecting micro-leaks and other vulnerabilities anywhere in a home’s water supply. When a homeowner has the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff installed in their home, the chances they will need to file a water damage claim with their insurance company significantly decrease. This new program provides customers with easy access to the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff and helps ensure neither customer nor insurance provider will have to file or pay out costly water damage claims. Flo Technologies’ partnership with Union Mutual is available to customers living in New England and New York. Click here to learn more about the partnership.
Union Mutual Hires Jennifer Hanus as Marketing Representative for Connecticut & Western Massachusetts Jennifer Hanus recently joined Union Mutual of Vermont Companies as a Marketing Representative responsible for the Southern New England writing territories of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, President and CEO Lisa L. Keysar announced. Jen brings more than 10 years of industry experience to her role with Union Mutual. She has previous experience as an agent, primarily in commercial lines, throughout southern New England and Long Island, New York. She has also worked on the carrier side, starting her career with Liberty Mutual. Jen holds a degree in Communication Studies from the University of Rhode Island as well as a State of Rhode Island Property & Casualty Insurance License. After a comprehensive training period, Jen will be introduced to agencies throughout the first quarter. She currently resides in Rhode Island, where she enjoys spending time with her family and is also a volunteer with her local sailing program. www.viaa.org
33
Union Mutual earns eighth consecutive Best Places to Work honor Union Mutual is proud to announce it was recently named one of the 2021 Best Places to Work in Vermont. This is the eighth consecutive year that the Company has received this award. The 15th annual list of the Best Places to Work in Vermont was created by Vermont Business Magazine, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Department of Economic Development, the Vermont Department of Labor, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – Vermont State Council and Best Companies Group. This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Vermont, benefiting the state's economy, its workforce and businesses. The 2021 Best Places to Work in Vermont list is made up of 51 companies. Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in Vermont. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Vermont and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final rankings.
Vermont Mutual Named as a ‘Best Place to Work’ for Six Consecutive Years Vermont Mutual Insurance Group® was again recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. This is the sixth year in a row Vermont Mutual has received the distinction since first entering the state survey and awards program back in 2016. Every year Vermont Business Magazine surveys companies to identify the best places to work in the state. They review company policies, systems, practices and demographics. Included in the assessment are anonymous survey responses from employees, which account for 75% of the total evaluation. Notably, Vermont Mutual had an impressive 88% survey participation, more than twice the required response rate for the survey. The awards program is presented in partnership with the Vermont State Council, Society for Human Resource Management, the Vermont Department of Labor, the Vermont Department of Economic Development, and Best Companies Group.
34
www.viaa.org
Vermont Mutual Rated A+ Superior by AM Best Company
For the seventh consecutive year, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group® has earned a Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) from AM Best, the premier global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. AM Best’s Financial Strength Rating is an independent appraisal of an insurer’s financial strength and their ability to meet policy and contract obligations. The internationally recognized rating is the result of a comprehensive examination of a company’s finances and operations. AM Best acknowledged Vermont Mutual’s very strong Balance Sheet, their strong Operating Performance, favorable Business Profile and appropriate Enterprise Risk Management in its assessment of the company’s operations and results.
JOB POSTINGS Pleasant Valley Insurance
The Richards Group
Customer Service Representative Part Time- 25-30 hours per week
Account Manager: Personal Lines Full-Time We are looking for an Account Manager to join our Personal Lines Team nearby to our Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Bennington, Manchester, Middlebury, Norwich, or Wilmington locations.
We are in search of a part-time, front office CSR for insurance office in Jeffersonville. Duties include working with clients, answering phones, familiar with automated agency management system preferred and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Must be an independent worker, professional, friendly, reliable and motivated. Please send resume to kate@pleasantvalleyins.com. Or for more information please call 802-644-9900.
Personal Lines Team Leader/Supervisor Full-Time In addition to Account Manager responsibilities, the Team Leader/Supervisor provides leadership, guidance, and motivation to a team of dedicated Account Managers and Assistants and is the key contact for all PL related inquiries within assigned Branch location(s). Please send resume to kdonath@therichardsgrp.com www.viaa.org
35
In Memory of George Chaffee, Jr.
Vermont Recognizes Pioneer of Captive Industry Former Commissioner George Chaffee Who Led the Effort in the Passage of Vermont’s Captive Law has Passed Away The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) today recognized George Chaffee after his passing on February 6, 2021. George became Deputy Commissioner of the then Banking and Insurance Department in 1977 and was appointed by Governor Richard Snelling as Commissioner of the department on March 21, 1980. While Commissioner, George introduced landmark legislation in 1981 that allowed for the creation of the captive insurance industry in Vermont by making the state a domicile option for companies around the world. “While I didn’t have the privilege of knowing him personally, by all accounts, George Chaffee was a tireless public servant and Vermonters will continue to benefit from his contributions to our state for decades to come. I join ACCD, DFR and many Vermonters honoring his service and memory.” said Governor Phil Scott. Since the passing of the captive insurance legislation 40 years ago, Vermont has become a prominent leader in the industry, ranked first nationally and third globally with over 1200 licensed captive insurance companies to date. The captive industry has directly created approximately 400 jobs in Vermont and contributed about $96 million to the State’s Gross Domestic Product. “Vermont is considered by the captive industry to be the ‘Gold Standard’ due to the expert regulatory staff, the vast infrastructure of service providers in Vermont, and the strong support of the legislature, all of which can be attributed to the work and vision of George Chaffee,” said Deputy Commissioner of Captive Insurance, David Provost. George Chaffee’s dedication to the captive industry went beyond his time in public service. George was also the former president and founding board member of the Vermont Insurance Institute at Champlain College, established to train accountants to work in the specialized field of insurance accounting. It is now known as the International Center for Captive Insurance Education at the University of Vermont and is the first educational initiative in the nation designed for captive insurance professionals. Additionally, George was the founding director of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association, today the world’s largest captive insurance association with 426 members. Jeff Johnson, former Commissioner of Banking, Insurance and Securities, today working in the captive industry as a lawyer and shareholder at Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC, worked with George often throughout his career. He said when reflecting on the formation of the industry, “George was dedicated to recruiting companies to Vermont to form a captive. He would take the time to show them around Montpelier and introduce them to the Governor. Prospective companies were impressed beyond words at the time and attention given to them. It set a tone that has distinguished Vermont apart from other domiciles from the very beginning.” George’s family has asked that donations be made in his name to the Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. 36
www.viaa.org
www.viaa.org
37