Wednesday of this week featured an outstanding series of VCIA events in a blustery and damp Burlington. It brought together the many-faceted folks who play different roles in the Vermont captive industry and illustrated that indeed, we’re better when we’re together. We started with a VCIA Board meeting and then had the Vermont Captive Team available to give an update and take questions from our members. From then on it was time to relax with a spring cocktail and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being a VCIA Member.

The outstanding VCIA Board met in the morning for the regular spring meeting. In addition to their usual Board business of reviewing reports and plans there was also a preliminary strategic planning exercise to help guide the process that we will undertake going forwards.  To take a page out of VCIA Board Chair Tracy Hassett’s book, we were definitely aiming for the big blue sky in our strategic planning exercises. This is just the beginning and I look forward to providing more SP updates as we officially get underway at the start of 2024.

In addition there were also two open access sessions – firstly for members to question the Board about their meeting and the direction of the VCIA.  Then, the DFR’s Leadership team took the stage for a Q & A about the health of the industry and Vermont as a domicile, the changes to Vermont captive legislation and the actions of entities such as the IRS and the NAIC.  Despite the depth of the subject matter, the usually approachability and cooperative nature of the DFR team was very much in evidence. Check out the video below to hear about the positive direction the Vermont Captive team heads in.

Then it was on to the most important business of the day – the Spring Mixer!  Being indoors as a result of the aforementioned blustery and damp weather did not detract from the conversations among over 60 professionals – some of which were not Vermont-based.  A huge thanks to all that made the journey (long or short) for your support of the VCIA and our activities.

A BIG Thank You to 3 Outgoing VCIA Board Members

Poignantly, the Board and staff also said farewell to three outstanding Board members and long-term friends of the VCIA.  The Board recognized the insight, diligence and camaraderie that Stephanie Mapes, Dennis Silvia and Anne Marie Towle have provided to the VCIA and the broader captive industry.

President of Paul Frank + Collins Stephanie Mapes is not only stepping down from the VCIA Board, but she’s also retiring! She’s been a true pillar in the legal sector of the captive industry and was an integral part to VCIA’s legislative intelligence and operations. She brought us a great attention to detail, hard hitting questions, and a knack for finding solutions. On top of it all, Stephanie truly spearheaded our efforts to have a distinguished Strategic Planning process with the SOAR approach. VCIA is grateful how you are leaving us and extra appreciative for your strategic planning expertise and input.

Davies Captive Management expert Dennis Silvia brought a panoramic view of how VCIA fits and stands out in the captive landscape. His insights to the VCIA Conference Task Force and played a big role in why our conference educational offerings are top notch. He was committed to the nth degree – even phoning in from Hawaii in the early morning hours to make a Board meeting! Thank you Dennis for bringing perceptive suggestions – and actions to how VCIA functions and excels.

Last but not least, Hylant’s Anne Marie Towle. Hearing from her fellow Board members as well as staff, one attribute rises to the top – Anne Marie’s energy. She gave so much to VCIA as a Board member, thanks to her robust captive professional network and her own nonstop professional education. Whether it was bringing sponsors in to the conference, or building attendance for a roadshow in Indianapolis, Anne Marie really “connected the dots” as a VCIA Board member and expanded our reach and impact. Thank you, Anne Marie!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to you all out there. Enjoy the long rest, and then let’s get back as our conference planning revs on for #VCIA2023!