Last year is a tough act to follow. Sharyn Prime built on the momentum created by Bob Braun and made our 50th year as a chapter a great success. As a result, it will be my pleasure to accept the Gold Circle of Excellence award on behalf of the Cincinnati Chapter in New Orleans this October.

Many of you have commented on some of the changes we've made and we intend to continue to adapt to what you feel you need from the chapter. Looking ahead into this year, we plan to make this year's new designee conferment an even bigger success than last year. We've made plans to improve educational seminars by teaming with other industry groups like the Risk Education Society. We'll also be holding the Greater Cincinnati Insurance Festival (it's no longer I-Day!) at Paul Brown Stadium again with a very interesting topic around cyber-terrorism.

The only way for us to continue to build on our success is by you letting us know how we can best help you. You may have noticed that our website has continued to expand in content but there's still plenty of room to grow. Feel free to give us your ideas and your feedback and please help support our chapter through attendance at the various meetings and seminars.

I can be reached at 513/870-2765 or by email at brian_wood@cinfin.com . Feel free to contact other board members: Julie Kadnar, President Elect; Steve Perry, Vice-President; Diane Richardson, Secretary; or Bernie Nachtrab, Treasurer. Their contact information along with a full listing of chapter contacts is available on the website. Just click on Leadership Contacts.

I'm looking forward to a great year!

Brian Wood, CPCU
President