President's Message

Hello:

If we have not met, let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Cindy Cunningham-Gipp and I am your 2010/11 President. Please take a moment and take a look at everyone on our board. We have a great team (and are still looking for a few more great board members). We are working hard to coordinate dynamic membership meetings, which will give you opportunities to network, get some education and have a little fun.

My goal over the next few months is to get to know all of our members and to let you know that we want your input. I will be reaching out to all of our prospective members as well. My goal is double our membership this year. There is no better time to be involved in an industry association.

We are living in a dynamic world. 2011 may be the year that has a dramatic change to our industry. Although we may often compete with each other, there is a call for all of us to band together and let our state and national representatives, as well as our communities, know the important role we play in our industry. The one thing I think everyone agrees on is that our health care system is complex. I believe our role as health agents is integral to the health care system. I know our health underwriter members work diligently to ensure we understand all facets of the health plans and all lines coverage we represent so we can help our clients make informed decisions.

So get the word out about the networking opportunities and resources that MAHU provides!! I am looking forward to getting to know you!

It has been an amazing year so far! We started this chapter at the beginning of the year and already we have 27 members. This is more members than some chapters that have been around for several years. I would love to see that number grow more over the coming year. I have heard various reasons why someone hasn’t yet joined. Some examples are: “I’m just starting out and it’s too expensive”, “My employer doesn’t pay for it”, “I’m too busy to attend the meetings so why join”. While all of you feel that you reasons are valid, please keep in mind that this is the industry that affords you with your livelihood, and for many who have been in the business a while, a very comfortable lifestyle. If you are unable to pay the annual fee all at one time, did you know that you can pay monthly by credit card for about $35 per month? Please contact Mary Bishop at mbishop@capax.com if you are not a member and are interested in joining. We would love to have you!

While we are gaining momentum and I have heard many great things about our chapter and how glad that everyone is that there is now a local chapter, we are still working some of the kinks out.

One of the biggest issues that we are having as a chapter is that we did not really get out and find sponsors in time to get included in everyone’s annual budget and monies are tight this year. We as a chapter have paid for the last couple of luncheons out of our budget, and we can not afford to continue to do this. We are in desperate need of meeting sponsors for the rest of the year and next year. If anyone is interested in being a meeting sponsor, please contact our President-Elect Cindy Gipp at cgipp@capax.com and she will be happy to get you any information that you might need.

We have some great ideas for events for the next year, and if all goes well, we will be able to raise money for our budget so that this chapter can continue to provide benefits to the local community. We are planning on having a golf tournament in the spring as well as a CE day and a movie/family night in the near future. If anyone is interested in participating on the committees for any of these events please contact me at rrantz@dibu.com and I will get you in contact with the correct committee chair. We would love to have the help of as many people as possible.

I have really enjoyed this year so far and look forward to the rest of my term being just as great!