From
March 27th-30th, I attended the 2008 NAIW Region IV Conference.
Thursday was mostly travel time, but I had been asked
to serve as a teller so I attended the teller meeting
at 7:30. It appeared that most of the tellers were new
to the position, so I didn't feel totally overwhelmed.
When I left the meeting, the Welcome Party was in full
gear.
Friday morning started with the First Timers briefing.
We were given a sheet of descriptions of “people
to find” so I spent some time on Friday and Saturday
tracking them down. Everyone was helpful in steering first
timers to members who fit the descriptions. After breakfast,
I attended the well-done Customer Service continuing education
class. Then it was time for the First Timers Luncheon
(which oddly enough is not just for First Timers!).
The first Business Meeting was held after lunch. As a
teller, I sat in a special area, but there wasn't a vote
on Friday. The meeting was multi-faceted and included
the presentation of colors, keynote speaker, Communicate
With Confidence Speak-off (go Kathy!), and much, much
more. After the Business Meeting, the Delegates Briefing
was held. Not being a delegate, I didn't stay. I learned
later that all were invited. I hear there was a heated
discussion on the increase in national (or is that international?)
dues.
Saturday began with the Recognition Breakfast, and then
on to the second Business Meeting. I fulfilled my duties
as a teller during the standing vote, and of course, there
was much more. The awards luncheon was great—while
I did not win Rookie of the Year, I couldn’t argue
with the qualifications of the candidate who did! Other
GRIP members were recognized, but that is their story
to tell...
From then on, for me anyway, it was mostly fun and food--the
banquet Saturday evening including an excellent speaker
and marvelous comedy, breakfast Sunday morning, and then
traveling home.
I didn’t know what to expect when I sent in my reservation.
What I found was a new understanding of the organization;
wonderful, friendly people; and a refreshed desire to
be involved.
Maggie Schoenwandt, API
Grand Rapids Insurance Professionals
