As we build towards the 2024 conference, I want to highlight two related initiatives. As you know, the VCIA has been highly supportive of the Vermont Captive Insurance Emerging Leaders (VCIEL) group.  From the onset, this dynamic group was designed to be goal oriented, benchmarking real and clear outcomes that support the development of the industry and the healthy professional workforce right here in Vermont.

As further evidence of the desire that we all have to grow a skilled workforce, the VCIEL, as an affiliate to VCIA, is presenting student conference sponsorship opportunities to empower students to enter the captive space, learn about this booming industry, and participate in the 2024 Conference. The sponsorship serves both the company sponsoring, as it shows they are leading the march supporting the next generation of captive professionals; and the student, who will be paired with a VCIEL member, have a pre-event meeting, and receive tips on how to maximize their conference experience and start building out their professional network. VCIEL is still accepting student sponsorships, beginning at just $500, so if you’re organization is interested, please contact VCIA Director of Sponsorships Angie Armour.

And who’s leading the way this year? We thank The AES Corporation, Marsh and WTW for choosing the VCIEL Student Sponsorship.

VCIEL has carefully reviewed applicants and have identified three outstanding young individuals who will be joining us on scholarship. They are Jasper Gilbert, UVM ’26, who majors in accounting; Matthew Cleary, Champlain College ’25, accounting major; and Allison McDonald, who just graduated UVM this spring and will stay on there to pursue a master’s in accounting. Stay tuned to hear more from this talented bunch as we approach the conference.

Furthermore, VCIEL will soon announce its plans on its conference involvement…with a big surprise to be revealed next week! For now, I’d like to thank all of the hardworking VCIEL members, and shout out a few of them who will be on our conference sessions, including Amber Walsh, State of Vermont and Peter Dysart, Primmer, speaking at Captive Immersion. Also Heidi Rabtoy, State of Vermont, facilitating the discussion group “Attracting and Energizing New Leaders” and Sherri Stuebing who will be in the fun discussion group: “Live Toastmaster’s Meeting – Captive Insurance Theme.”

There’s basically one odd week left of early bird registrations, so get going on registering for America’s largest captive insurance gathering, if you haven’t yet!

Happy summer from all of us here in Vermont.