Message

From Robert C. Sichmeller, president of the Ventura County Association of Health Underwriters:

The landmark health-care reform bill signed into law last March was a dramatic overhaul of the nation’s health-care system, providing coverage to millions of people who previously didn’t have it. The new bill regulates insurance companies more closely, and represents a fundamental shift in the way we do business. This is a watershed moment, and our industry must be united, speaking with one voice is crucial during this time in history. Organizations such as the Ventura County Association of Health Underwriters are needed now more than ever.
.

2009-2010 VCAHU President, Cindy Jones

Please stay tuned...

Great Symposium...!!!

What do Guns-n-Roses, Air Suppy, and Health Insurance have in common....? Well, nothing until yesterday's VCAHU Sales Symposium...now, yes, it's true...Health insurance does "Rock". If you missed it, you really missed a great event. I want to thank everyone who made it an event to remember. John Lovell gave a spirited political commentary, and Craig Duswalt was very entertaining, not to mention inspiring. Thanks again to our sponsors, exhibitors, board members, and members for their participation. See you in March!

Wishing you all good health,

Chuck

VCAHU Is On The Map

Wow! We have started the year on a high note. Our first membership meeting was standing room only, then we followed up with Tony Strickland. Then it was off to the CAHU Sales Conference where our chapter earned the inaugural "Retention Cup" and Best Chapter Website. Just getting started as President, I am grateful to those who have helped lay a foundation that we can continue to build upon. The other important aspect I have learned to respect is letting my very adept board of directors do what they are charged with doing without getting in their way. We have a great board that has risen to the occasion to help us become a chapter others look to as an example of how a chapter should work. That being said, I need your help. We have almost 100 members, which is great; however, I know there are more than 100 health insurance agents in Ventura County. Now, perhaps they don't know about VCAHU? Maybe none of our members has ever mentioned to them the benefits of membership? Just in case our membership isn't aware of my goal as President, I want to grow our membership by 25% this year! It sounds like a lofty goal, doesn't it? Think about it though...how many of you have had to deliver rate increases in excess of 25% or more...I know we all have. So, if only 25 of us brings in 1 new member, we're there. No matter which way the election goes, we are going to need the support. A group, with one, united voice is much louder than a group with many individual voices. If we want to be heard, we need to band together...all of us. In the end, I am proud to be able to lead this chapter, and thank the members and sponsors for their support.

Wishing you all good health,

Chuck

Gearing up for a great year!

Hello Valued VCAHU Members,

Just to keep everyone in the loop...we recently had our strategic planning meeting and it was a creative success. Every attending board member, as well as PESC brought their own expertise and creativity to this important meeting. We did come to some important changes for the coming year. Probably the biggest of them is the venue for our monthly membership meetings. We have decided to move from the Courtyard by Marriott to Sunset Hills Country Club in Thousand Oaks. I realize change can be trying; however, as your President it is my job to be open to change when I feel it is in our members' best interests. This will save the association money, and give us a new feel for our meetings. I hope that everyone in the chapter will be open to this. Also, we are rewriting our mission statement and are in need of any suggestions and input you can give. We also readjusted the Sponsorship Packages for this coming year. If you are a continuing sponsor we thank you, if not please let me know and I will get you a package if you have not yet received one. Our first meeting is Tuesday, September 16th @ Sunset Hills CC. We are working to make it a great kickoff meeting for the coming year, so please put it on your calendars. There will be more information to follow. I want to thank everyone for their continued support of the Association and for helping me to make VCAHU the best it can be.

Welcome to VCAHU for 2008-2009

Hello Members and Guests,

Having just returned from the NAHU Convention in San Diego last week, I am reminded what a pivotal time this is for our industry, on both the State and National Stages. If ever there has been a time to become engaged, it is now. I just took over the reigns, and I already feel we're running out of time to reach our goals. This year we need to get involved in our communities and educate our clients, our family members, and our fellow colleagues about what a truly unique system we live in. Although there are improvements to be made, we in America still have the best healthcare system in the world. Unfortunately, or should I say fortunately, most people haven't gotten to experience other healthcare systems around the world (the grass is greener thing); however, we can educate them as an association. I am excited to be able to serve as your President for the next 12 months, and welcome any help or input any of you can offer. We are all in this together. I thank you in advance for all of your support, confidence, and time.

Respectfully,


Chuck