IT’S TIME TO SPEAK UP… AND LOUDLY

There is no shortage of people taking potshots at our industry and our product—whether they are proposing an alternative, such as subcontractor default insurance, or some new “prequalification” program, or they are legislators and others talking about raising thresholds or even waiving bonds all together. For way too long we have been a quiet industry which does its job and most times is never noticed much because it does it well. Unfortunately, that allows our detractors to try and convince others that we are not needed or that we serve as nothing more than a barrier to entry. This is the same thinking that would lead your city or town to close the fire department, because there have been no major fires. We all know better, but we have to speak up. NASBP and our industry are involved in these types of fights all across this country, and if it has not come to your town yet, get ready, because it is only a matter of time.

IT’S TIME TO GET LOUD… We all need to be proactive and show our value before it “hits the fan.” NASBP continues the fight with lobbying and with new tools, such as Surety Bond Quarterly, designed to get information to others outside the surety industry. We are engaging in state fights more and more, but nothing works like each of us telling our story. It is remarkable that contractors and owners focus so strongly on loss prevention in the safety and insurance arena, yet never realize that A SURETY BOND IS THE BEST LOSS PREVENTION TOOL AROUND. Yes, we do pay claims, but IT IS ALSO ABOUT THE CLAIMS THAT NEVER HAPPEN, BECAUSE WE ARE BEHIND THE SCENES DOING OUR JOBS. I know that I am not telling you anything you don’t know, but are you telling others? If not, you need to. This is hand-to-hand combat, and we each need to engage every chance we get.

Lastly, and I really do mean lastly, at least as President of NASBP, I want to say thanks again for everything this year. There are so many people, starting with our incredible staff, to the volunteer (or voluntold) leadership and too many more to mention that have made this a great year for Kimberly and me. Whether it was seeing old friends in familiar places, such as Colorado and Arizona, or in places we had never been, such as Charleston and Puerto Rico, everyone was wonderful to us; and the times with all of you will be the best memories of this year.

We hope to see you all in San Diego, but we know that not everyone can make it. So please accept this as our sincere thanks for everything, and we look forward to seeing you all at events for many years to come. The honor and pleasure of serving as your President were all mine. Keep fighting the good fight, and remember, MAKE A DIFFERENCE every day.

Thomas M. Padilla is Senior Vice President of HUB International Insurance Services, Albuquerque, NM. He can be reached at Tom.Padilla@hubinternational.com.