See Everyone in Nashville!

In February, the NASBP and the SFAA jointly held our Federal Legislative Fly-in with 136 registrants representing 33 states and 131 meetings with congressional offices. Members from across the country came to Washington, DC to educate Congress on the value of surety bonds and to advocate for key legislative priorities. During these joint meetings, industry leaders emphasized the critical role of surety bonding. Discussions included the importance of bonding requirements for WIFIA, ongoing P3 projects, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, and other initiatives supporting the nation’s infrastructure. These meetings with policymakers allow us to explain the economic benefits of surety bonds. A special thank you to those who took the time to “show up”—especially to those who participated in the Fly-in for the first time. Well done! To those unable to attend, please consider joining us in 2026! See photos from the Fly-in in a related article in this issue.

In 10 days, we will celebrate our industry at the 2025 NASBP Annual Meeting & Expo that will be held April 27 – 30 at the JW Marriott Nashville in downtown Nashville, TN. This is the first time “Music City” has hosted the NASBP Annual Meeting & Expo, and we are expecting a record turnout. While serving as President, my vision has been to foster collaboration and innovation. During the Annual Meeting, you will hear me talk about the NASBP strategic plan, NASBP Vision 2028, which includes the following platforms: advocacy, technology, membership, and education. All of which are the foundation of my theme, “Backing Our Future.”

The 2025 Annual Meeting Program Committee Co-Chairs Dedi Belis and Tyler McIntyre, along with the rest of the Committee members, have put together an event with valuable session content to keep you informed of what is in the present and future of the industry, as well as unique social events that will allow additional networking opportunities. For example, the Keynote will inspire you in how to embrace change. In addition, we will have an informative Q&A with panelists of the “BEAD Program: Surety Bonds and State Rollouts” session, and NASBP members on the “CSR To CEO: Success Stories in the Surety Industry” panel will share their success stories and suggestions how the industry can prepare the next generation for leadership roles. The surety executives participating in the “Reinsurance Trends” panel will discuss reinsurance trends and the undeniable impact reinsurance has on the surety and construction industries. Also, the talented winner of season 22 of “The Voice,” Country Music Artist Bryce Leatherwood will perform for us!

We will officially kick off the meeting on Sunday evening with an outdoor welcome reception at the JW Marriott Nashville. This year will continue the city location format of a Tuesday afternoon social event (in lieu of a golf event) where attendees can team up for a cornhole tournament. This tournament will be complimentary for all registered attendees and their registered spouses and guests and will feature refreshments and snacks, heated competition, and prizes. There are still spots left to play. Email bjones@nasbp.org for more information.

The Tuesday night final event will be hosted just off Nashville’s famous Broadway at the newly renovated honkytonk, “Category 10,” owned by country music star Luke Combs. This multi-level venue features a large, live music hall, quiet bourbon bar, state-of-the-art sports bar, and more. This event is not to be missed. Krista and I are looking forward to seeing you there! Find out what else is in store for you.

It is truly amazing how fast my year as NASBP President has passed. It seems like yesterday I was giving my acceptance speech in Austin, TX, and in less than two weeks the change of NASBP leadership will occur at our Annual Meeting. As I reflect on my tenure as President, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Serving this esteemed Association has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. I am proud of the collective efforts of our Executive Committee to develop NASBP Vision 2028. This blueprint provides NASBP Leadership with a path to the future.

As I move into the role of Past President, I look forward to continuing efforts associated with our initiative, the Make Surety A Career program. This program will plant the seeds to nourish and grow future generations of surety professionals. As I pass the baton to Robert Coon, I encourage all of you to remain engaged and proactive in NASBP, because what I have learned over the last four years is we are BETTER TOGETHER, whenever we have PASSION & PURPOSE, as we all go All IN, to BACKING OUR FUTURE!

If you have a thought, suggestion, or idea that relates to “Backing Our Future,” don’t hesitate to contact me at zach.mendelson@epicbrokers.com.

#BackingOurFuture

#MakingSuretyACareer 

#BondsForBEAD 

Zach Mendelson is Principal, Bonds/Insurance/Construction, EPIC/Edgewood Partners Insurance Center, Pittsburgh, PA. He can be reached at zach.mendelson@epicbrokers.com or 412.274.1707.