Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays to all of the VCIA family! As we wind down another year here in Vermont and the captive insurance industry, I just want to take a little space to reflect on some of the happenings over the year.

Vermont is set to add another 20+ captives to its stable of over 1000 licenses by year’s end, notwithstanding the competition, due in large part to Dave Provost, Sandy Bigglestone and the whole team at DFR’s continued steadfast regulation, Ian Davis’ doggedness in pursuing captive leads, and the captive service providers who continue to recognize Vermont as the premier captive insurance domicile! Overall VCIA membership has increased 3% this year with 448 members thanks to Janice Valgoi and her steady efforts in connecting with new prospects.

I also want to say “thank you” to VCIA’s Board of Directors for all their support and guidance over the past year to the association. I want to especially thank Jan Klodowski for her contribution as board chair starting in October of 2017, and welcome Wilda Seymour as our new chair as of this past October. Wilda has already played a significant role on the board and I look forward to continuing our mission under her leadership. And on behalf of the staff, I would also like to welcome Derick White of SRS, Lawrence Cook of Yok Alternative Risk Solutions, Stephanie Mapes of Paul Frank + Collins, and Andrew Baillie of AES Global Insurance Company as our newest board members. 

We continue our focus on legislative and regulatory issues on behalf of our members. Many thanks to Jim McIntyre in DC and Jamie Feehan in Vermont for their wonderful service to VCIA.   And my great thanks to the VCIA staff! Without their hard work, smarts and enthusiasm, we would not be able to accomplish any of the wonderful things we do for our members.  Thank you to Diane Leach, Elizabeth Halpern, Peggy Companion, Janice Valgoi, Dave Rapuano and Megan Precourt – you are all terrific!

Thank you all for another great year and Happy New Year!