|
|
|
Record turn out for SC “Friendly Society” breakfast meeting February 13, 2008 Charleston, SC--If there was any doubt that, after eight years, enthusiasm for the Captive and ARTS industry in SC may have waned a bit, it was dispelled on Friday morning, February 8 as a record crowd attended the breakfast marking the eighth anniversary of the founding of The Friendly Society Restored. The Friendly Society Restored is the networking group of the South Carolina captive insurance and ARTS industry. Formed shortly after the SC captive laws were passed in 2000, the friendly Society originally boasted, “no rules, no dues, no bylaws.” Since then, the loose aggregation of local insurance industry professionals, accountants, attorneys, regulators and students has grown into a fully functioning ARTS market advocate; sponsoring seminars, fielding speaker and instructors and recruiting new talent to the ever growing SC industry. Though 50, 60 and even 100 attendees has been the norm over the life of the group, the occasion of the eighth anniversary meeting brought out a record of 114 regular and new members. Dubbed “The Director’s Meeting” the featured speaker, Director of Insurance Scott Richardson, celebrated the history of the industry, the accomplishments of the past year and the challenges that lay ahead. Mostly, though, he focused on opportunity for South Carolina. According to the Director, while many domestic domiciles are experiencing a change in leadership, SC remains fairly stable. SC is still a world leader in captive formation and has lead in innovation and deep understanding of the potential of new markets and financial tools. The director also congratulated and thanked The Friendly Society volunteers for the work they do in fostering unity in the industry and promoting education. To emphasize the latter point he presented certificates to members who completed a recent day-long educational seminar, sponsored and taught by members of The Friendly Society Restored. The highlight of the event came with a surprise birthday celebration for Friendly Society founder John O’Brien. Complete with cakes, balloons, singing and gifts, O’Brien was celebrated not only for his contributions to the industry but his unconditional friendship and support for everyone who looks to make a place for themselves in South Carolina’s insurance marketplace. -Clayton Ingram
|
|