2010-11 has been a challenging year for our National and State Association as well as our Local Chapter. WPAHU has accomplished many things in the face of adversity. At a time when the health care industry was under attack, our area faced a13% unemployment, and our very careers were challenged, WPAHU maintained commitments to the local communities, the insurance industry and the clients we serve.
Our year was on track with Lori Alala, immediate past president, accepting the Pacesetter Award at National convention in Chicago, Illinois. This represented the receipt of our 5th Pacesetter Award that our chapter has been able to obtain. Due to the volunteering of time and selflessness of our members and strong leadership, I understand why our Chapter has been successful. As I assumed the role of President for 2010-11, I had an opportunity to work with an amazing board. 14 members of our Chapter have dedicated their time to serve either on the Board or on committees. Their dedication and passion, along with our membership’s drive to see Western Piedmont Chapter thrive, resulted in membership stability, donations to various non profit organizations, dedicated efforts to better educate the public and informational programs for our members. Please be sure to thank your Board Members for a job well done! It is with pride that I am able to share the accomplishments of our Board in the following areas:
Membership – Our membership has maintained since June of 2010 – thanks to our 2 Membership contests and direct phone calls from our Membership Chair and committee and our ongoing successful Mentoring Program. New Member Orientations were held following most of our Association meetings
Programs and Sponsors – WPAHU has hosted 12 monthly meetings over the last year. These meetings consisted of everything from Health Care Reform and Legislative Updates to Stress Relieving and BBQ’s. We are thankful to all of our Sponsors who contribute to the success of these meetings and to our Chapter.
Education – WPAHU hosted 1 hour of free CE to all members and also a seminar with 6 hours in December. All together, WPAHU offered an opportunity to earn 7 hours of CE. There were many promotions of the LPRT, Triple Crown, RHU and REBC designations throughout the year.
Health Insurance Awareness Week – WPAHU hosted a successful Health Insurance Awareness Week event. It consisted of 3 community events. The first event was on the WHKY Morning Talk Show with Hal Rowe. We spoke on importance of the agent’s role and being a member of NAHU/WPAHU while we also let the community know what options were available to them with Inclusive Health with the State and Federal Options. Lisa Gibson then came and gave our members an update of the Federal Option at our membership meeting. Members of our Association assisted the public at the Catawba Valley Medical Center facility in the Valley Hills Mall with any questions about insurance. Thanks to all who made these events possible. This success reflects the commitment of WPAHU members to educate and serve the public.
Federal and State Legislation – WPAHU was very busy this year meeting with state and federal legislators. WPAHU had great representation at Capitol Conference with Eddie Icard, Jeff Kristofak, Ellen Vickers and Lori Alala. They met with Congressmen Patrick McHenry and spoke with him regarding his thoughts on the direction Healthcare Reform was taking. Day on the Hill was followed up in Raleigh by Eddie Icard and Ellen Vickers. Both Ellen and Eddie met with Representative Mark Hollo with the 88th District.
WPAHU had many local Legislative events regarding both state and federal issues. WPAHU sponsored the Chamber Event with Peter Stein from NAHU Congressional Affairs, at the Salt Block for our Community regarding Healthcare Reform. Following our September meeting, Peter Stein, Vice President of Congressional Affairs, presented a special update on Healthcare Reform for our meeting. Our NC Commissioner Wayne Goodwin spoke at our November meeting.
We had several letters to federal legislators and letters to editors written. Jeff Kristofak gave monthly updates regarding the progression of Health Care Reform at both the Chapter Meetings and in the Newsletters.
Service - WPAHU exhibited such commitment to our local community this year. The “Backpacks for Kids” project help purchase 50 backpacks for needy children at 3 local middle schools and 1 elementary school. WPAHU held a golf tournament to help raise money for Family Guidance Center of Hickory. A donation of $3,000 was given to this organization from the proceeds. WPAHU donated items and $100 to Helping Hands of Caldwell County who administers medical needs for people that do not have insurance. WPAHU gave $200 to Veterans of America who have fought for our country and need medical attention. Our most recent service project helped buy can foods for Cooperative Christian Ministries in the amount of $100. All together, over $3,400 was given this year in donations.
Our active Under 40 Council hosted and/or attended 4- Under 40 Council events this year. WPAHU hosted a special event at the Hickory Community Theater this year “Charlie Cox Runs with Scissors”, a comedy. Under 40 Council also attended Under 40 event at the NCAHU Symposium. Under 40 event at Cap Conference in DC was attended also.
30 Minute Task Force – This group was new this year; however, performed well under pressure and was able to call businesses and get sponsors when called upon. Well done!
It is only through the hard work and efforts of so many of our members that these goals were achieved. This commitment to our Association and community resulted in a successful year of giving and educating. This demonstration of service was exhibited during a time of economic and political turmoil. Continue to endure the storms and let your light shine the way to safety – we are a guiding light.
“Guiding you through the storms of healthcare”
Angela B. Smith
President
2010-2011
Western Piedmont Association of Health Underwriters
Welcome to WPAHU!
The Western Piedmont chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters is a group of insurance brokers who specialize in various areas of insurance and seek to improve its members’ ability to meet the health insurance and other related needs of all Americans through education, advocacy and professional development.
Whether you are already a member or just considering membership, and regardless of the role you play (broker/agent, employees of insurance agencies and insurer) in the delivery of benefits, membership in WPAHU provides you with many rewards. Here are just a few:
You automatically receive membership in the North Carolina Association of Health Underwriters (NCAHU) and National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU). NAHU is the most effective voice in the health insurance industry. Legislators are now calling NAHU for advice on legislative issues.
NAHU spends over $1 million a year on YOUR behalf on legislative issues.
NAHU and The State Association keep you informed WEEKLY via email on legislative issues and updates.
Continuing Education – Our local association offers the highest quality education at the lowest price anywhere. We will help you maintain your license without breaking your budget.
The State representation guarantees you access to the most current information about the future of the health insurance professional. Visit the North Carolina Association of Health Underwriters web site - www.ncahu.org.
Networking – Monthly membership meetings provide you the opportunity to network with other health insurance and employee benefit professionals. Meetings cover various topics pertinent to our industry.
Industry Protection – The combined efforts of NAHU and NCAHU offer you incredibly strong representation at the state and national levels. The strength of 17,000 members nationally guarantees us access to Capitol Hill. We encourage you to get involved and stay involved.
If you are as concerned about the future of our industry as we are, please JOIN and help US make a difference!
