The results of the most recent Lawsuit Climate Survey conducted for the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform were just released and Vermont gets another set of high marks. The poll explored how fair and reasonable the states’ liability systems are perceived to be by U.S. businesses. These perceptions matter because they can be influential in business decisions about where to conduct, expand, and constrict business operations or sales.

Vermont ranked #2 in the 2017 Lawsuit Climate Survey: Ranking the States, staying consistent with the 2015 Survey. The state came in first in the key element categories of scientific and technical evidence and judges’ impartiality.  I think this is just another example of the high standards we set for ourselves and our industries here in Vermont; standards that are also reflected in the recognized Gold Standard status of our captive insurance industry and regulation.

I will be out in Seattle next week for one of our world famous Captive Road Shows! Featuring the Risk Managers from Microsoft Corporation and Starbucks Coffee Company, attendees will learn the why’s and how’s of captive insurance, as well as hear their experiences in forming and operating and all about the captive climate and regulatory requirements in Vermont. Go to www.vcia.com/Events to see more. I hope you will join us if you can!

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Rich Smith
VCIA President