March Meeting
Date: March 18, 2:00 PM
Location: Zoom Meeting

Please join us for "Un-Civil Suits? Maintaining Civility from Underwriting Through Claims/Litigation" on March 18th, 2021 at 2:00 Central. Michael J. Weber, a litigation attorney specializing in fidelity/surety claims, will present on the ethics of parties involved in various types of insurance and surety bond claims.
To learn more about our speaker please visit: https://www.dinsmore.com/michael-j-weber/

Register Here
President's Message
Greetings from the Iowa CPCU Society!

I hope this letter finds you doing well and looking forward to spring. As a sports fan, I get excited in March for NCAA Championship tournaments. Whether you are a men’s basketball, women’s basketball, or wrestling fan, March Madness certainly is an exciting time for sports enthusiasts.

Our February chapter meeting was on the 18th and we had another great virtual turnout. Iowa insurance lobbyist, Mike St. Clair, had a very informative update with how processes at the Capitol have been adapted due to the pandemic and how the current legislative session may impact our industry. Attendees had some great questions for Mike and enjoyed the interactive format.

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for one of our chapter scholarships, I’d encourage you to check our website for more information and instructions on how to apply. We are planning to award up to 5 total scholarships this year which includes a new category for candidates that are working on obtaining their CPCU designation. The application deadline is March 12th. Our chapter values the importance of continuing education and helping the next generation learn about the numerous opportunities in our industry and the scholarship program is one way we support these initiatives. Thank you to our Engaging Future Leaders & Scholarships Chair, Morgan Regier, for her hard work!

We will also recognize Ethics Month as we traditionally do in March with our chapter meeting focused on the topic of ethics. Look for registration information located in the Chaptergram and on our website. I hope to see you there!

For fellow sports fans, enjoy the excitement March brings. For those of you that aren’t as interested in tournament action, I hope you enjoy the opportunity to get back outside for spring.

Brad Soma, President, Iowa CPCU Society Chapter
In Memory of Theodore D. "Ted" Lussem
Theodore D. “Ted” Lussem, age 83, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021. Services will be 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines with visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9th. Masks are required. Interment will be at Rising Sun Cemetery.

Ted was a member and past president of the Iowa Chapter of CPCU and our historian. In 1998, the Iowa Chapter of CPCU named an annual scholarship “The Theodore “Ted” Lussem Achievement Scholarship”. In 1999, he was named a “Standard Setter” by the national CPCU Society and in 2000 was inducted into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame. In 2009 the national CPCU Society honored him with the CPCU Excellence Award.

Ted's full obituary can be read here.
New Designee Spotlight
Veronica Anderson, MBA, CPCU, AIC
Director, Property Claims
Nationwide Insurance

Veronica has been with Nationwide Insurance for almost 22 years in various positions. Currently she is a property claims director leading a centralized property team. Veronica was military dependent, meaning she grew up all over the United States and overseas.

After obtaining her masters degree in 2018, Veronica decided to finally finish her CPCU designation which she had began back in 2008. Veronica used a variety of methods to obtain her designation including: The Institutes online learning classes and Big Daddy University’s online study program.

The knowledge gained from the CPCU program has given Veronica a more well-rounded understanding of the insurance industry. Now that Veronica is done studying for her designation she is considering writing a book or taking additional continuing education classes through The Institutes.
CPCU Society Mentoring
Are you a CPCU Society member who is interested in being mentored or serving as a mentor? Sign up today!

Find out more at the CPCU Mentor Match website located in the INteract community. Mentees will be able connect with a CPCU Society member who can provide guidance on leadership development, career growth and succeeding in the industry.

Become a Mentee to:
* Gain support and guidance from a CPCU
* Develop your knowledge and skills
* Expand your professional network
* Be inspired to grow your career
* Become more involved in the industry

Mentors don't have to be experts, just willing to help a fellow CPCU Society member. Mentees are looking for guidance, advice and discussion on a wide variety of career topics from members with diverse experiences.

Become a mentor to:
* Share your knowledge with eager colleagues
* Give back to the industry
* Develop your leadership skills
* Gain new perspectives and fresh ideas
* Shape the next generation of leaders
2021 Scholarship Applications
The CPCU Iowa Chapter Scholarships have been awarded to deserving applicants for many years. We will be offering a total of 5 scholarships this year!

Scholarships offered are:
  • One $2,000 graduate scholarship awarded to someone currently working in the insurance industry
  • Two $2,000 undergraduate scholarships awarded to students planning a career in insurance
  • NEW THIS YEAR: Two $250 scholarships to CPCU candidates to cover costs of obtaining the designation

To apply for any scholarship or find out more information, visit: https://iowa.cpcusociety.org/about/awards
Iowa CPCU Society Chapter | https://iowa.cpcusociety.org