Views (June 01, 2004)

More than 125 industry veterans were present for the 45th Annual Reception of the Quarter Century Club, held May 6th at the Hilton International Toronto. Emcee John Cherrie, welcomed this “International Order of Old Farts”, and thanked sponsors Cunningham Lindsey, Winmar and McLarens Canada. The reception featured a “roast” of legendary Douglas Cutbush, who started in insurance at the age of 16. Cutbush was described by speakers as “a solutions man, who saw through and who coined the phrase thinking outside the box”, and “an innovative, creative and solutions-oriented pioneer in claims/dispute resolution”.

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The Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association (OIAA) welcomed guests to picturesque Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ontario for its annual “Out of Town” meeting. The two-day event featured a trade show and seminars. Guests also made the trek to Creemore Springs Brewery or took a horse and buggy tour of the village. The conference wrapped up with dinner at Monterra Dome followed by a live band and dancing.

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Swiss Reinsurance Company of Canada hosted more than 250 industry high-stakes rollers at its 19th Annual Monte Carlo Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. At top, Swiss Re Canada president and CEO Brian Gray (left) and Glenn McGillivray (right) welcome guests to the event which features dinner, a charity casino, and other entertainment. In total $43,250 was raised for the Evergreen Centre for Street Youth.

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The Ontario Risk and Insurance Management Society (ORIMS) held its annual general meeting at Schmooze in Toronto recently. Assuming the president’s role for 2004-2005 is April Savchuk, senior manager of insurance/claims for Hudson’s Bay Co. The evening included cocktails and dancing, with a portion of proceeds going to the McGannon Foundation for Advanced Risk Management.

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The 3rd Annual CCR Blues Night brought guests to RD’s Ribs in Toronto for an evening of food and music featuring guest performer Mark “Bird” Stafford. Highlighting the evening was an appearance by CCR Canada senior vice president Andre Fredette taking a turn on the blues harp.

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The Insurance Brokers of Toronto Region (IBTR) welcomed hundreds of industry guests to their annual “Friendship Night” at Spirelli in May. The event brought out brokers and their partners – insurers and vendors – for a night of networking, refreshments and prizes.

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A.M. Best has released its Best’s Statement File – Canada, as well as an expanded version of its Best’s Insurance Reports – Non-U.S. Edition. The statement files, formerly known as WinTRAC Pro, include executive summary reports on each company, with 290 p&c insurers represented. Current year data is contained on 143 of these companies in the first release of the product.