RIMS Annual Conference and Exhibition

Risk professionals from around the world came to Vancouver between May 1 and 5 for the 2011 Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) Annual Conference and Exhibition. The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Advantage: RIMS.’ Conference speakers included Apolo Anton Ohno, olympic gold medalist and winner of Dancing with the Stars, Stephen Dubner, author of Freakonomics and Superfreakonomics, and Ron Holton, vice president of risk management and assurance services for the Vancouver Organizing Committee 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

During the opening general session on May 2, RIMS presented Glen Frederick, the director of risk management client services for the Government of British Columbia, with the prestigious Harry and Dorothy Goodell Award. The award is named in honour of the first RIMS president. It recognizes an individual who has furthered the goals of the society and the risk management discipline though outstanding service and achievement.

Also during the general session, the inaugural class of the Risk Management Hall of Fame was introduced.The Hall of Fame is a joint initiative between RIMS and Chartis Inc. It recognizes people who have made outstanding contributions to the field of risk management. Two Canadians were among the 2011 inductees: Douglas Barlow, the Toronto-based creator of the first global insurance and risk management program at Massey-Ferguson; and Donald Barrett, the former manager of corporate affairs and risk management for Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. The remaining inductees included Eldrich Carr, former manager of global risk management, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.; Cheri Hawkins, former assistant treasurer and director of insurance for Weyerhaeuser Co.; and John Pinner, former assistant treasurer of MattelInc.

Accolades for Canadians continued at the RIMS Award Luncheon on May 2.

Janice McGraw, associate director of risk management and insurance at McGill University, and a member of RIMS’ Quebec chapter, received the Ron Judd Heart of RIMS Award. The Heart of RIMS Award pays tribute to the legacy of Ron Judd, who served as RIMS executive director for 22 years. Individuals are nominated by chapters for outstanding performance in furthering risk management at the chapter level.

RIMS also paid tribute to its chapters that have grown their respective memberships during 2010. The Canadian ‘SuperStar’ Chapters,’ those who have achieved a growth of membership of 9% or more, included:* Northern Alberta;* Southern Alberta; and * British Columbia.Canadian ‘Star Chapters’ that received special recognition during the Awards Luncheon for increasing their membership between 6 and 9% include:* Quebec; and * Canadian Capital.ORIMS was presented with ‘Ontario Chapter Achivement Award – Organization Achievement – Social Events’.