Message From The President (August 01, 2009)

As my term of office as president of the Canadian Independent Adjusters’ Association winds down, I can truly say the experience of serving our great organization in this capacity has been the ultimate highpoint of my 42-year career as an independent loss adjuster.

I had great expectations of accomplishing many of CIAA’s objectives and while we have achieved modest success, many initiatives and goals are ongoing. Member recruitment initiatives have resulted in the acquisition of several new member firms across the country and the increased numbers of adjusters on staff with current members has been very encouraging. CIAA disaster assistance programs in New Brunswick and Newfoundland have greatly benefited our members in those regions this past year and our emergency measures committee continues working in securing such programs in all regions. Additional opportunities to further develop reciprocal understanding between CIAA and CICMA have proven beneficial for all concerned and CIAA members are well represented on several industry related committees across the country. With the establishment of the industry liaison & promotion committee, CIAA is well positioned to promote the importance of independent adjusting in the delivery of the property and casualty claims service product in Canada. Our licensing committee has made significant advances in bringing us closer to common licensing rules and regulations across the country. When working with a group of such high caliber individuals, one prefers not to identify one above the rest, however Miles Barber has spent countless hours devoted to obtaining success in this area as well as a number of other related projects. With the increasing concerns regarding the declining numbers of independent adjusters, the creation of the career recruitment planning committee was key to facilitate promotion of independent loss adjusting as a career and supporting the training and recruitment of people entering the profession. A strategic planning exercise is underway and will include reviewing all activities and service offerings to ensure they are meaningful for members and reflect our organization’s objectives. The advancements made this year are the result of the efforts of many individuals. My sincere thanks and gratitude go out to the national executive, committee members and the regional president’s and their executives for their dedication and support. They are truly the people that make things happen across the country and whose integrity and ideals I admire and respect.

We value our members’ commitment and are continually looking to develop an even stronger, more dynamic association providing the benefits and services essential to enhancing and promoting the professionalism of the independent adjuster. CIAA members recognize group representation through their professional organization is the fundamental link to having their voices heard. I encourage all members to get involved and assist the Association within your region. Not only will you be working in advancing the interests of your chosen profession but also the unique opportunity to confer on mutual business challenges with your peers is invaluable.

Incoming president, Patti Kernaghan, brings substantial industry experience and immeasurable enthusiasm and energy and I have every confidence 2009 -2010 will be an exciting and successful year for CIAA under her leadership.