For skiers and outdoor winter enthusiasts, the northeast 2011-12 winter was not much of an event, so it is with great pleasure I remark on the spectacular formal educational and networking events the APIW Board has sponsored throughout the winter months.  The APIW is well known for its monthly industry topical luncheons, keynoted by exciting and qualified industry professionals, sharing their knowledge and expertise.  These monthly luncheons, together with our member only events, are wonderful networking, educational and marketing tools.  Please refer to the APIW calendar for upcoming events and registration materials. 

In spite of the quiet northeast winter, it may come as a surprise to some that 2011 was a record year for natural disasters in the United States.  We have only to take a look at pictures of the devastation in communities such as Joplin, Missouri which took a direct hit from a late May tornado in 2011 to understand how quickly disasters can strike, and how quickly the losses can mount.  According to the Insurance Information Institute (the “I.I.I.”), insurance companies will pay close to $32 billion in claims to help people rebuild homes and businesses damaged or destroyed by natural disasters in 2011.  Dr. Robert P. Hartwig, President of the I.I.I., shared his insights of the insurance industry at a recent APIW luncheon leaving luncheon guests with a more comprehensive understanding of the insurance industry and the impact of the 2011 U.S. disasters. 

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