News Archive Home 

Call for Sessions: RIMS 2010 Annual Conference & Exhibition

7/10/2009

Spencer Educational Foundation 30th Anniversary Fundraising Gala September 10

7/10/2009

RIMS Expresses Disappointment in Response to Revised New York State Producer Compensation Regulation

7/9/2009

Florida RIMS Educational Conference to Address Recession

7/1/2009

Today’s economic challenges and leadership techniques are two of the topics to be addressed at the 34th annual Florida RIMS Educational Conference on July 28-August 1 in Naples. More than 500 risk management professionals are expected to attend. The conference is hosted by all seven RIMS Florida chapters. The deadline to register online is July 20.

RIMS Announces Northern Nevada Chapter

6/30/2009

Risk professionals in the Reno metropolitan area now have easy access to a RIMS chapter—RIMS Northern Nevada Chapter. With this new charter, the Society now has 81 chapters—69 in the United States, 10 in Canada, and one each in Japan and Mexico. The last chapter chartered was RIMS Mexico Chapter in 2004.

For more information about RIMS Northern Nevada Chapter, visit www.NorthernNevadaRIMS.org.

RIMS Supports Senate's Surplus Lines Bill

6/25/2009

RIMS announced today that it supports the efforts of Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, on reintroducing the Non-Admitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2009 to the U.S. Senate.

According to the legislation, in order for commercial insurance purchasers to gain expedited access to the non-admitted market, an insured must employ a "qualified risk manager" to work with a broker. Previously, RIMS lobbied members of the House Financial Services Committee to modify the original legislation to provide a broader definition of a "qualified risk manager". The Society is pleased that the Senate version now incorporates the RIMS-approved definition of a "qualified risk manager," and urges the Senate to pass the bill as soon as possible.

For more information on RIMS legislative activities, visit www.RIMS.org/LegislativeAction.

RIMS and IRMI Offer New Online Curriculum

6/22/2009

Risk managers who want to enhance their skills in D&O, EPL, fiduciary and other professional liability practices can take a new online course—the Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS™) program. RIMS and the International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI) have teamed up to offer program.

The MLIS™ program is divided into two parts. Part one includes three basic- to intermediate-level courses that cover the fundamentals of professional, errors and omissions (E&O), and D&O liability insurance. Part two includes four courses that focus on the specific nuances of D&O liability, EPL and fiduciary liability exposures and insurance. Participants can enroll in the online courses at any time and take the exams at their convenience.

The program is available at www.RIMS.org/MLIS for an introductory rate of $69 per course. RIMS members receive a 10 percent discount. More information and a complete list of RIMS online courses are available at www.RIMS.org/onlinecourses.

RIMS Offers Free 30-day Job Postings Through June

6/18/2009

Any employer or recruiter seeking risk practitioners for open positions can post one free 30-day job listing on RIMS Career Center until the end of June—a savings of $130. To take advantage of this special offer, companies can post an open position at www.RIMS.org/JobBank by using reference code JBP09.

For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/CareerCenter.

RIMS Benchmark Survey™ Book: Total Cost of Risk Plummets in 2008

6/18/2009

Lower average premiums in almost every line of business contributed to a 9.4 percent drop in average total cost of risk (TCOR) per $1,000 of revenue, according to the 2009 RIMS Benchmark Survey™ book. The book allows risk managers to compare their TCOR to similar organizations and benchmark insurance program limits and retentions based on data collected on more than 1,300 companies in the U.S. and Canada.

The 2009 RIMS Benchmark Survey™ book is available for a fee of $750 and the online program for a fee of $2,500. Purchase orders are available at www.RIMS.org/book. RIMS members and survey data contributors receive special discounts. For more information about the RIMS Benchmark Survey™, visit www.RIMS.org/benchmark.

RIMS on the Hill: The Lobbying Event of the Year!

6/17/2009

As the U.S. Administration and Congress were in the midst of deliberating the modernization of the financial regulatory system, more than 60 RIMS members gathered for the 11th annual RIMS on the Hill Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., on June 7-9.

On the first day of the program, RIMS legislative priorities were presented to attendees in preparation for lobbying members of Congress. This year's event focused on legislation affecting the price of commercial property casualty insurance, financial regulatory restructuring and the optional federal charter. During panel discussions, lobbyists from the American Bankers Insurance Association, Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers, Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, and Reinsurance Association of America spoke about regulatory modernization. In a separate session, Rep. Melissa L. Bean, D-Ill., discussed proposed legislation on greater federal regulation of insurance and the political climate surrounding the larger debate over federal financial modernization. Other highlights from the first day include:

• A Keynote Luncheon featuring Donna Brazile, nationally syndicated columnist and regular contributor to CNN, ABC News and National Public Radio, who discussed anecdotes about previous campaigns to reflections on New Orleans post-Katrina; and,
• A class covering lobbying techniques.

On day two, members took action on Capitol Hill. This year, more than 70 meetings were arranged for RIMS members to meet with their legislative representatives. In some cases, members were able to speak with the elected officials themselves.

For more details about the 11th annual RIMS on the Hill Legislative Conference, click here. Visit the RIMS on the Hill 2009 image gallery to browse through more photos. 

RIMS President Among 100 Most Influential People in Finance

6/15/2009

RIMS President Joseph A. Restoule, CIP, CRM, was named as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Finance by Treasury & Risk magazine. Also named was Peter D. Fahrenthold, CPA, CTP, CPCU, CEBS, vice chair of RIMS ERM Development Committee and managing director of risk management at Continental Airlines, Inc. Others on the list include President Barack Obama, Warren E. Buffett, Timothy F. Geithner, numerous CEOs and CFOs of major companies, and other business executives.

To read the article, click here.

More than 60 Risk Managers Attend RIMS on the Hill Legislative Conference

6/12/2009

The 11th annual RIMS on the Hill Legislative Conference was held June 7-9 in Washington D.C. This year, more than 60 RIMS members gathered to discuss RIMS agenda with more than 70 congressmen on legislation affecting the price of commercial property and casualty insurance, financial regulatory restructuring and the optional federal charter.

A complete recap of the event will be available next week, but, in the meantime, browse through the image gallery here.

Upcoming Marsh Webcast Features RIMS/Marsh Excellence in Risk Management VI Survey Findings

6/10/2009

Key findings from RIMS/Marsh Excellence in Risk Management VI survey will be discussed during an upcoming Marsh New Reality of Risk webcast. The session, "Excellence in Risk Management—Meeting Today's Extraordinary Challenges," will be held June 24 at 11:00 am EST. In the webinar, a panel of experts will share the survey results, address ways to foster deeper engagement between risk practitioners and the C-Suite, and present results from a comprehensive new survey of risk management in Europe. Scheduled panelists include:

• Richard J. Roberts, Jr., ALCM, ARM, CPCU, RF, member of RIMS board of directors and corporate risk manager at Ensign-Bickford Industries;
• Pamela G. Rogers, managing consultant with Marsh's Risk Consulting Practice;
• Brian C. Elowe, managing director with Marsh's Global Risk Management group; and,
• Mark Pollard, head of Marsh's Industry Practices, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

To register for this free webcast, click here. Questions or issues for the panel to address can be sent in advance to questions@marsh.com.

RIMS New Career Center Special: Free 30-day Job Postings

6/3/2009

Companies and recruiters can turn to the newly re-launched RIMS Career Center to fill open risk management positions. And, in an effort to assist companies during the recession, RIMS is touting a special offer for the month of June—companies can post one job listing in RIMS Career Center free for 30 days—a savings of $130. Companies can post an open position at www.RIMS.org/JobBank by using reference code JBP09.

RIMS Career Center offers employers and human resources professionals the ability to post jobs, search résumés of potential candidates and view sample risk management job descriptions. Employers can also access RIMS 2008 Risk Management Compensation Survey to compare their companies' compensation programs against other organizations.

Job seekers can:

• post or build résumés;
• view new career opportunities;
• seek training programs;
• use RIMS Risk Management Professional Growth Model to help design their careers;
• network with other professionals in the Career Management and Education eGroup;
• access executive recruiters who specialize in the risk management and insurance industries; and,
• receive career counseling via the International Coach Federation.

In the Resources and Services section of the Career Center, risk professionals will find information and valuable tips to help them shape career goals, find the right courses to learn new skills and risk management techniques, and even develop Enterprise Risk Management initiatives within their companies.

For students, RIMS Career Center now provides a dedicated Student Resource Center to make finding that first job or internship easier, including a link to the Spencer Educational Foundation Student Internship Program.

To access RIMS Career Center, visit www.RIMS.org/CareerCenter.

RIMS Buyer's Guide Connects Risk Professionals with Suppliers

6/1/2009

Risk professionals now have access to an extensive directory of industry-focused products and services in the newly re-launched RIMS Buyer's Guide™. The guide allows users to perform searches by keyword, category and geographic area to locate vendors in the areas of claims services, construction, consultants, document services, equipment, finance, human resources, insurance providers, legal services, software and underwriting services. It also allows users to limit searches to RIMS associate members (service providers) and exhibitors at RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition. In addition, visitors can download a free application to their computers. The guide includes a Request for Information (RFI) feature so that users can contact suppliers with the simple click of a mouse.

Service providers that are featured in RIMS Buyer's Guide™ can include their companies' logos and descriptions, contact information and links to websites and videos that spotlight their products. For pricing information and a complete description of listing options, click here.

The site was developed by MultiView, Inc., a leading publisher of Online Supplier Directories for associations.

To access RIMS Buyer's Guide™, visit www.RIMS.org/BuyersGuide.

Risk Management Magazine Focuses on the Issue of Water Scarcity

6/1/2009

The June issue of Risk Management magazine takes an in-depth look at water scarcity and how businesses are coping in a world with less water. Other weather-related features are included, along with articles spotlighting the optional federal charter, the future of banking with intangible assets and an interview with Swiss Re CRO Raj Singh, among others.

Read the June issue online at www.RMmagazine.com.

RIMS Hosts Webinar on How Risk Professionals Can Add Value to Their Organization

5/28/2009

RIMS Supports Surplus Lines Legislation

5/21/2009

RIMS looks forward to prompt passage of the Non-Admitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2009

RIMS issued its support today to Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kansas, and Rep. Scott Garrett, R-New Jersey, on reintroducing the Non-Admitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2009 to the U.S. House of Representatives. According to the legislation, in order for commercial insurance purchasers to gain expedited access to the non-admitted market, an insured must employ a "qualified risk manager" to work with a broker. RIMS is pleased that the current bill incorporates the RIMS-approved definition of a "qualified risk manager".

The Non-Admitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2009 would:

• Allow brokers representing large policy holders to go directly to the non-admitted market to purchase insurance;
• Require all surplus lines carriers to meet certain financial, capital and other criteria in order to be eligible to provide surplus lines insurance in states; and,
• Preempt state insurance regulators from interfering in reinsurance agreements of ceding insurers domiciled in other states.

"RIMS believes that the Non-Admitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2009 reduces the regulatory costs for insurers that are passed on to consumers and would make insurance more available and affordable," says Deborah M. Luthi, ARM, CCSA, member of RIMS board of directors and director of enterprise risk management services at Matheson. "RIMS urges the House of Representatives to once again pass this legislation and for the U.S. Senate to take it up as soon as possible."

For more information on RIMS legislative activities, visit www.RIMS.org/LegislativeAction.

Change is in the Air at RIMS on the Hill

5/18/2009

The 11th annual RIMS on the Hill Legislative Conference will be held on June 7-9 at The Madison, A Lowes Hotel in Washington D.C. The event will provide RIMS members the opportunity to meet with leading risk practitioners, learn lobbying strategies first-hand from government affairs experts and connect with policy makers to influence legislation in favor of risk management. Key issues to be discussed this year include legislation affecting the price of commercial property and casualty insurance, financial regulatory restructuring and the optional federal charter. Speakers include Donna Brazile, a nationally syndicated columnist and regular contributor to CNN, ABC News and NPR (National Public Radio), as well as industry lobbyists and congressional committee staff.

Members can participate for a fee of $100. Space is limited. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/Hill.

Risk Management Magazine Rolls Out New Blog

5/13/2009

All of the blog posts you've enjoyed at Risk Management magazine's website can now be found at Risk Management Monitor. Risk Management Monitor provides daily risk-related content in the form of original stories, live event updates, news commentary, interviews, podcasts and videos. Readers are encouraged to log on often to hear the latest perspectives from the editors of Risk Management magazine on everything from the traditional realms of risk avoidance and insurance to the advanced concepts of reputational risk and ERM. And, don't forget to bookmark the new site, subscribe to the RSS feed and visit regularly.

Read Risk Management Monitor online at www.RiskManagementMonitor.com.

RIMS Releases Second Influenza A(H1N1) Podcast

5/5/2009

Risk Management Magazine Features Demise of the Newspaper Industry

5/4/2009

Newspapers are the latest victim of the digital revolution, but their demise is a lesson for all companies about what can happen when an industry does not react to a rapidly changing market. In May, Risk Management features an essay by "Here Comes Everybody" author Clay Shirky on the industry's downfall. Also included are features covering business interruption, embezzlement and global risks for drug manufaturers, among others.

Read the May issue online at www.RMmagazine.com.

RIMS Issues Influenza A(H1N1) Virus Podcast Series

5/1/2009

To help risk practitioners during the Influenza A(H1N1) virus epidemic, RIMS has made available a free podcast series, Influenza A(H1N1) virus and Pandemic Plan of Action. In the first podcast, Fact vs. Fiction, Bill Coffin, publisher and editorial director of Risk Management magazine, gets the inside story from Michael Liebowitz, past president of RIMS and director of risk management and insurance at New York University. They will discuss how bad the Influenza A(H1N1) virus may become, what insurance implications will stem from it and what can be done to manage the risk the virus poses to companies large and small.

Check back next week for upcoming segments in the series. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/podcasts.

RIMS Endorses Brattle Group’s Report on Reinsurance Taxation

5/1/2009

RIMS issued its support today on findings of a Brattle Group report which reveals that reinsurance taxation legislation, similar to H.R. 6969 under consideration in the U.S. Congress, would have a devastating effect on the American insurance marketplace. The report, titled "The Impact on the U.S. Insurance Market of a Tax on Offshore Affiliate Reinsurance: An Economic Analysis," finds that legislation to increase tax on non-U.S. reinsurers would reduce the supply of reinsurance by 20 percent, cost insurance consumers more than $10 billion per year and be particularly onerous for disaster-prone states.

H.R. 6969, which was championed by Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., in the 110th Congress, would cap the deductibility of reinsurance premiums paid by U.S. insurers to their foreign affiliates. Current law allows domestic insurers to cede reinsurance to their foreign affiliates with no penalty or cap. A discussion draft of legislation similar to H.R. 6969 was circulated for comment by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., earlier this year. RIMS is opposed to both proposals.

"The report is a clarion call to members of Congress and the administration who might support such legislation under the guise of protecting American insurers," says Deborah M. Luthi, ARM, CCSA, member of RIMS board of directors and director of enterprise risk management services at Matheson. "RIMS believes that this report provides well-documented evidence of the detrimental impact to the global insurance market, domestic property and casualty insurance market, insurance consumers and several states that may be prone to one or more natural disasters."

The report is sponsored by the Coalition for Competitive Insurance Rates, an alliance of consumers, insurers and reinsurers. RIMS is a member of the coalition. To read the report, click here.

Influenza A(H1N1) Virus Update

5/1/2009

• The United States Government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death.
• The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (4), Israel (2), New Zealand (4), Spain (13), the United Kingdom (8), Switzerland (1) and the Netherlands (1).
• The state with the highest number of confirmed cases is New York with 50. California has reported 14 confirmed cases, Texas has reported 26 and South Carolina has reported 10. Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kansas, Arizona and Nevada are all reporting under 5 confirmed cases. This morning, state officials confirmed five in New Jersey and four in Delaware. 
• Total confirmed cases worldwide is 331, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Tips for Risk Managers

• A review of your firm's insurance program is needed at this point. Workers compensation as well as employee life and health are all on the front line when it comes to dealing with pandemics such as the Influenza A(H1N1) virus. 'In terms of workers comp, you'd have to demonstrate in satisfactory fashion that contracting the disease arose out of or in the course of employment,' said Dr. Steven Weisbart, senior vice president and chief economist of the Insurance Information Institute. 'I would think that that would be somewhat hard to prove unless maybe a cluster of employees at a given employer came down with it and then you could argue that they gave it to each other at the workplace. So I think it would be kind of a case by case thing.' 
• Though the Centers for Disease Control has not implemented restrictions on travel as of yet, it may be wise to devise alternative methods for business operations if your position requires travel to highly infected areas such as Mexico City, New York, Texas or California.
• Businesses should also prepare for the possibility of widespread employee absenteeism and possible disruptions to third-party deliveries of goods and services. For more information on business continuity, visit the RIMS website.

Influenza A(H1N1) virus Facts and Fiction

• There is no risk of infection from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. As with other types of influenza, Influenza A(H1N1) virus is thought to spread by sneezing and coughing, or by coming into contact with infected bodily fluids and touching them to one's own eyes or mouth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, cooking pork above 160 degrees will kill the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, rendering the meat safe for consumption.
• The current Influenza A(H1N1) virus is not a pandemic. The WHO has classified this situation as near pandemic status, meaning widespread human-to-human transmission in at least two countries has been confirmed. It is uncertain that the current Influenza A(H1N1) virus will become a true pandemic, as the WHO announced on Thursday, 4/30, that it had no immediate plans to raise the outbreak's pandemic status any further.
• Pandemics are not necessarily fatal. A pandemic indicates breadth of infection, rather than the severity of its effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control, many thousands of people may already have had Influenza A(H1N1) virus and recovered, or may have Influenza A(H1N1) virus yet exhibit relatively mild characteristics.
• As a perspective, the average flu kills tens of thousands of people in the U.S. and hundreds of thousands of people worldwide each year. Although numbers of infected patients could still rise dramatically, the current Influenza A(H1N1) virus epidemic pales in comparison to previous flu pandemics such as 1918, 1957 and 1976.
• The use of basic surgical masks to prevent the contraction of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus is not effective. 'The only masks that might be of some help are the N95 masks and the reason they might be of some help is because they are much finer in their ability to block out droplets that might contain the virus,' Weisbart said. 'Anything that is not as fine a filter as an N95 would probably be of no help at all.'  

Useful Websites
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control
Risk Management Monitor (with the complete Dr. Steven Weisbart interview)


Further Reading
The Wall St. Journal covers economist's reaction to the outbreak
The Los Angeles Times reports scientist's view of this 'mild' flu strain
WHO to change name of flu to protect pigs


Podcast Series
Influenza A(H1N1) Virus and Pandemic Plan of Action
Part 1: Fact vs. Fiction
As the Influenza A(H1N1) virus epidemic continues to dominate headlines worldwide, it is getting more difficult to separate facts from fear. Listen as Risk Management magazine's Bill Coffin gets the inside story from Michael Liebowitz, director of risk management and insurance at New York University and past president of RIMS. Check back for upcoming segments at: www.RIMS.org/podcasts.

more Resources for RIMS Members
RIMS understands that this can be an unsettling time for our members and their businesses. As such, we would like to provide additional resources where you can gain more information.

Check in with eGroups where you can post and answer questions with your peers.

Log on to the Resource Library to find more articles on this pandemic and other risks in the community.

Visit RIMS new Risk Management Monitor blog to find daily stories, commentary, interviews, podcasts and videos related to the world of risk management and insurance. 

Wall Street Journal Covers 'Perspectives on Managing Risk'

5/1/2009

A recent special ad section in the Wall Street Journal spotlights the need for organizations to adopt a more strategic approach to managing risk. The section, titled "Perspectives on Managing Risk," includes articles such as "Rising Trends in Risk Management," "ERM: Viewing Risk as Opportunity," "Minimizing Transportation Risk" and "Reducing Disruption in the Global Supply Chain." To read the Wall Street Journal special section, click here.

Influenza A(H1N1) Virus and Pandemics Plan of Action

4/29/2009

In response to the Influenza A(H1N1) virus incidents, RIMS would like to offer some tips to support your business operations. Here are some guidelines and suggestions, as well as links to resources on pandemic planning and pandemic risk management. 

• Travel: While the Centers for Disease Control have not advised against travel at this time, it may be prudent for companies to reconsider any non-essential business travel to known outbreak clusters of the disease, such as Mexico City. At the moment, cases of Influenza A(H1N1) virus have been confirmed in New York City, California, Texas, Kansas and Ohio. It has also been confirmed in Canada and Spain and suspected in the United Kingdom, France, Israel, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. Consult local or national boards of health for updates prior to travel.
• Business Continuity: If you have not already devised and rehearsed a business continuity plan, keep in mind the key elements of your daily operations that are most likely to be impacted by a widespread Influenza A(H1N1) virus outbreak. Consider widespread employee absenteeism, possible disruptions in third-party deliveries of goods and services, and also the inability to do business in flu-affected areas. For more information on business continuity and pandemics resources, visit RIMS website.
• Insurance: Review your firm's insurance programs to determine the degree of coverage offered and if any restrictions apply. Workers compensation as well as employee life and health policies are all on the front line when dealing with Influenza A(H1N1) virus. Contact your insurance carrier or broker with any questions you have regarding current coverage.
• Preventative Measures: At the moment, there is no vaccination for the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, so preventative measures will be helpful, especially for operations at risk, such as farms. Consider implementing a sick day policy if one is already not in place, as it can help keep ill employees from infecting the rest of the workforce. (People typically are infectious for three to seven days once infected.)  Stress the use of proper basic hygiene, such as avoiding hand-to-hand contact, washing hands, use of a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing and avoiding hand-face contact when prudent.
• Communication: Varying degrees of public emergency regarding Influenza A(H1N1) virusoutbreaks have been issued by various local, state, national and international government. Stay on top of news updates on this rapidly changing situation and be sure to communicate regularly within your own organization to keep personnel up to date on the facts. Rumor and wrong information can spread faster than any disease, and is as about as helpful.

Some links to additional resources:

P is for Pandemic  (4/25/09 post on the Risk Management Monitor)

Avian Flu: Bracing for a Pandemic  (Risk Management, July 2006)

Managing Influenza Pandemic Risk (Risk Management Solutions, Inc., 2007)

World Health Organization Influenza A(H1N1) virus updates

Centers for Disease Control Influenza A(H1N1) virus page

Public Health Agency of Canada

RIMS Thanks Ernst & Young for Platinum Sponsorship of RiskWire

4/22/2009

RIMS President Joseph A. Restoule, CIP, CRM, and RIMS Executive Director Mary Roth, ARM, thank Allen Melton of Ernst & Young for the platinum sponsorship of RiskWire during RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition.

RIMS and the Institutes Announce Advanced ERM Course

4/20/2009

The American Institute for CPCU/Insurance Institute of America (the Institutes), through its Center for the Advancement of Risk Management Education (CARME), have joined RIMS to develop a new course titled “Enterprise-wide Risk Management (ERM): Developing and Implementing.” Designed for practitioners with strong risk management and business backgrounds, this new advanced ERM curriculum focuses on how to optimize risk-taking to meet strategic goals and the practical steps to develop and implement an ERM program. Enrollees who have earned the ARM will be able to take the Institutes’ exam to earn the ARM-E designation. RIMS will start offering the course in 2010.

Topics addressed in the ERM course include “ERM, Strategy, and Exposure Spaces; Integrating Risk Management and Organizational Strategy” and “ERM as a Project—Building the Business Case”. The intensive three-day course, conducted by RIMS, gives participants the opportunity to work with trained instructors and fellow practitioners to learn how to best implement ERM within their organizations.  

More information is available at www.aicpcu.org.

Volunteers Give Back to Orlando During RIMS Third Annual Community Service Day

4/20/2009

Approximately 100 attendees and exhibitors at RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition volunteered to build a sensory garden, gazebo and park benches for Give Kids the World Village during the third annual Aon-supported RIMS Community Service Day, on Sunday, April 19. Give Kids the World Village is a 70-acre resort that fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at central Florida’s attractions.

In a separate event on April 17, RIMS presented a donation to the Russell Home, a private, non-profit facility for severely handicapped children in central Florida, on behalf of RIMS 350+ conference speakers.

“RIMS is pleased to make contributions to organizations such as Give Kids the World Village which, like other charitable organizations today, are feeling the impact of the recession,” says Joseph A. Restoule, CIP, CRM, RIMS president and leader of risk management at NOVA Chemicals Corporation.

More information is available online at www.RIMS.org/RIMS2009.  

First Quarter RIMS Benchmark Survey™ Shows Soft Landing

4/20/2009

Data shows hard market in financial institutions’ directors and officers; Rates flat or modestly down in other product lines

Amid an unprecedented economic crisis, insurance premiums for businesses continued to slide towards a “soft landing” rather than an abrupt reversal resulting in rate increases. While banks and other financial institutions bought directors and officers (D&O) insurance at substantially higher rates, the rest of the commercial insurance market in the first three months of 2009 saw a continuing trend of little or no change in rates, according to RIMS Benchmark Survey™.

For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/benchmark.

Carol Fox Receives RIMS Highest Honor at RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition

4/20/2009

Society recognizes outstanding achievements at Awards Luncheon

RIMS honored the industry’s shining stars at RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition Awards Luncheon. RIMS most prestigious award, the Harry and Dorothy Goodell Award, was presented to Carol A. Fox, ARM, senior director of risk management at Convergys Corporation. Named in honor of RIMS first president, Harry Goodell, the award pays tribute to an individual who has furthered the goals of the Society and the risk management discipline through outstanding service and achievement.

During RIMS 2009 Award Luncheon, the Society recognized other outstanding risk practitioners. The Richard W. Bland Memorial Award was presented to Robert Cartwright, Jr., CRM, member of RIMS board of directors and loss prevention manager at Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.

The Ron Judd “Heart of RIMS” Award was presented to Marley Drainville, CRM, risk manager at Enerplus Resources Fund; and Al Gorski, risk manager at the Orange County Transportation Authority.

The Arthur Quern Quality Award was presented to Lawyers Insurance Fund, the Law Society of British Columbia for its Beat the Clock publication.

The Cristy Award was presented to Lori Kahwache, ARM, corporate risk manager at BlueLinx Corporation.

RIMS and Business Insurance magazine presented the 2009 Risk Manager of the Year^® Award to Fred O. Pachón, ARM, CPDM, WCCP, vice president of risk management and insurance at Select Staffing. Also announced were members of the 2009 Risk Management Honor Roll^®:

• Raymond J. Alletto, ARM, CIC, vice president of risk management at United Rentals, Inc.
• Lori Jorgensen, senior director of finance/risk management at Microsoft Corp.
• Gary W. Langsdale, ARM, university risk officer at Pennsylvania State University

RIMS also recognized the exceptional work of some of its 80 Chapters for Outstanding Chapter Programming, Advancing the Risk Management Profession, Outstanding Member Services, Overall Chapter Excellence and the new Membership Growth Awards. A complete list of RIMS chapter award winners is available here.

Stay current with all the news on RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition online at www.RIMS.org/RIMS2009. 

Spencer Educational Foundation Awards Loss Prevention Education Grants

4/20/2009

Spencer Educational Foundation, Inc. has awarded the University of Hartford and Virginia Commonwealth University with $50,000 grants each for the development of loss prevention course curricula for students studying risk management and insurance. FM Global funded the grants to support the development of undergraduate course modules and a graduate loss prevention course curriculum.

The University of Hartford Barney School of Business will use the grant to develop three course modules that focus on the importance of loss prevention in reducing an organization’s total cost of risk.

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Business Risk and Insurance Studies Center will use the funds to create a graduate-level loss prevention course designed to train current and prospective business managers to plan, develop and implement risk analysis and loss prevention programs.

“Congratulations to these university programs that demonstrate superior risk management education,” says Donna L. Galer, chairwoman of Spencer Educational Foundation, Inc. “These grants will enable the University of Hartford and Virginia Commonwealth University to take a leading role in loss prevention advocacy and, in turn, add value to their collegiate programs.”

For more information, visit www.spencered.org.

RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition to Address Emerging Risks and Economic Challenges

4/14/2009

Emerging risks and the impact of the current economic situation will be two of the topics covered at RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida on April 19-23. Other topics at the week-long conference will include the latest enterprise risk management (ERM) tools and techniques, the top 10 litigation traps for risk professionals and insurance contract negotiation.

"RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition has more learning and networking opportunities than any other event for risk professionals," says Mary Roth, ARM, RIMS executive director. "With the business spotlight focused on risk management practices, this is the time for risk professionals to stretch their knowledge, expand their resources and develop strategies to further their organizations' strategic business goals."

Speakers
The conference features keynote presentations from some of the world's authorities on leadership and change including:

• Leadership consultant Dr. Dennis N.T. Perkins who will present strategies for success based on effective leadership in demanding environments;
• Harvard Business School professor John Kotter, change consultant and author who will share the secrets to aligning business goals and embracing effective change management; and,
• Financial journalist Roger Lowenstein who will discuss the downfall of the U.S. hedge fund company Long-Term Capital Management and the issues facing the current global credit crisis.

Educational Lineup
RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition boasts more than 350 expert speakers who will lead 120+ sessions on a variety of critical risk management issues. Hot Topic sessions include Navigating the Financial Tsunami, Five Questions to Ask Before Switching Insurance Companies, Insurance Coverage for Subprime Mortgage Lawsuits and D&O Insurance During the Economic Crisis. RIMS 2009 will also offer Strategic Partner Sessions from the nation's leading insurers and brokers covering topics that address the needs and concerns of the risk management and insurance community.

Networking Events
There will be a number of networking opportunities for risk practitioners during the conference, including RIMS third annual Community Service Day, Spencer Educational Foundation's annual golf and hockey tournament fundraisers, an internationally inspired Opening Reception at Walt Disney World's Epcot® Center and an Exhibit Hall wine and cheese reception, to name a few.

The Exhibit Hall will feature more than 400 companies offering the latest in products and services for the risk management profession. For the first time, RIMS popular online ERM Center of Excellence sets up shop in the Exhibit Hall. The booth will be staffed by risk managers, including members of RIMS ERM Development Committee. The booth is also the place to pick up a copy of Enterprise Risk Management for Dummies guide, RIMS State of ERM Report 2008 and other reports. For those interested in learning more about RIMS Risk Maturity Model for ERM, the booth will have a computer to check out this valuable online ERM tool.  Check out all of the Society's offerings at RIMS ERM Center of Excellence, located at booth No. 1129, right next to RIMS booth, No. 921.

Daily Blog and Twitter Provides Conference Highlights
RIMS is using technology to provide conference highlights for attendees and for risk practitioners who are unable to attend the conference. The editors of Risk Management magazine will be blogging every day, providing comments and critique of many of the 120+ sessions and other events. In addition, RIMS will be posting tidbits about the conference on Twitter, the popular micro-blogging site. Follow the action at http://twitter.com/RIMS2009.

More information on RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition is available at www.RIMS.org/RIMS2009.

RIMS Launches Online Networking Community

4/9/2009

RIMS has launched a new online networking platform for members. RIMS Community, which includes an enhanced member directory, allows members to blog, create peer networks and interest groups, share white papers and other documents and much more.

Highlights of new offerings from RIMS Community include:

• Member Directory for professional networking, finding peers and blogging on industry topics;
• eGroups for connecting and exchanging knowledge in 40+ topical discussion groups;
• Resource Library for sharing, viewing, rating, and commenting on files such as white papers, industry reports, risk management document templates, articles, videos and podcasts; and,
• Glossary, a wiki for searching and updating risk management terms.

For more information about RIMS Community, visit www.RIMS.org/Community.

RIMS Announces Location for 2012 Annual Conference & Exhibition

4/9/2009

Mark your calendars! The Society is excited to announce that RIMS 2012 Annual Conference & Exhibition will be held in Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love,” on April 15–19.

“RIMS is thrilled to bring the event back to Philadelphia,” says Mary Roth, ARM, RIMS executive director. “The city was the host for a very successful event in 2005 and we anticipate another highly attended conference in 2012.”

RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition takes place in Orlando on April 19-23. The event will be hosted in Boston in 2010 and Vancouver in 2011. For more information on future conferences, click here.

RIMS Applauds Push for Insurance Regulation Reform

4/3/2009

RIMS congratulates U.S. Reps. Melissa Bean, D-Ill., and Ed Royce, R-Calif., in introducing the National Insurance Consumer Protection Act (NICPA) yesterday. RIMS supports efforts to address the antiquated state system of insurance regulation, which increases costs to commercial insurance buyers—represented by RIMS and who are the primary purchasers of commercial insurance.

The Society is pleased to see that the NICPA authorizes the National Insurance Commissioner to issue charters for national insurers for both life and property and casualty insurance as well as reinsurance. The bill establishes federal regulatory framework which will be optional for certain insurers and mandatory for those deemed systemically important.

The new regulatory framework designed by this legislation balances two policy goals:

• It assures stronger and more comprehensive federal oversight; and
• It provides a more efficient delivery system of insurance products to consumers at potentially more affordable prices.

RIMS looks forward to working with Reps. Bean and Royce to pass this legislation.

Risk Management Magazine Highlights the New DNA of Risk

4/2/2009

Risk Management's April issue examines the building blocks of risk. As the financial crisis underscores the need for improved risk management, this issue takes a four-part look at ERM and the future of the chief risk officer. An in-depth look at rebuilding financial risk management, the current era of mega-catastrophes and the new difficulties in managing currency risk are also offered, along with numerous other risk and insurance related articles in our biggest issue of the year.

Read the April issue online at www.RMmagazine.com.

RIMS Welcomes CMS Extension of MSP Reporting Requirements

4/1/2009

RIMS announced its support for a federal extension of the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) reporting requirements for group health plans, liability insurers, self-insurers, no-fault insurers and workers' compensation claims. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it was extending implementation of the MSP reporting process by three months, until January 1, 2010, and that it would also impose an interim reporting threshold for liability claims of $5,000, which is phased down to $600 beginning January 2012.

To read RIMS statement, click here.

Risk Insights—Global Property and Business Interruption Claims: Think Locally to Act Globally

3/31/2009

RIMS and Ernst & Young present Risk Insights, a series of articles that provide insight into various risk management and insurance-related issues. The latest in this series, "Global Property and Business Interruption Claims: Think Locally to Act Globally," focuses on the challenges associated with global property and business interruption claims. The article will address: communication and coordination; identifying the right team; managing expectations; and claim measurement issues unique to global claims.

"Global Property and Business Interruption Claims: Think Locally to Act Globally" is available at no cost to RIMS members at www.RIMS.org/RiskInsights.

RIMS Members Receive Free Subscription to National Underwriter P&C

3/20/2009

For a limited time, RIMS members can sign up for a free subscription to National Underwriter P&C.

National Underwriter P&C is a weekly publication dedicated to the news and analysis of the property and casualty industry. And, the monthly Corporate Insurance Buyers/Risk Management Report supplies you with essential information about providers, services and alternative risk-financing options. Plus, sign up for National Underwriter P&C Daily e-newsletter and get the latest headlines and breaking news sent to your inbox free!

Click here to subscribe to National Underwriter P&C.

RIMS Hosts Webinar on Bundling RMIS and ERM

3/20/2009

RIMS will host a webinar, Risk Management on Steroids: Crossing the Chasm with Bundled RMIS and ERM, on Thursday, March 26, at 1:00-2:00 pm EST. Sponsored by Riskonnect, the webinar will discuss how risk professionals can lower Total Costs of Risk (TCOR) and improve the flow of communication from their department to the C-suite. Panelists include Derek Regier, vice president of Riskonnect; and Chris Duncan, advisor to Riskonnect. The webinar is free for RIMS members. All others may participate for a fee of $30. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/upcomingwebinars.

RIMS Executive Summary Provides Guidance on Enhancing ERM Programs

3/19/2009

RIMS released an executive report that provides insights to risk practitioners who are at the beginning and intermediate stages of adopting ERM, and are considering using technology solutions to implement a new or next phase in the process.

The report, titled "Enterprise Risk Management Technology Solutions," is based on results from two surveys—one to ERM practitioners and one to system providers. Data was collected in the summer of 2008 from 651 risk practitioners who identified more than 20 different technology solutions they are using, and the key functionality for their ERM programs.

"Enterprise Risk Management Technology Solutions" is available for free to everyone who registers at www.RIMS.org/ResourceLibrary.

Texas RIMS on the Hill Attracts 20 Practitioners to Lone Star State Capitol

3/13/2009

The inaugural Texas RIMS on the Hill Legislative Conference was held March 2-3 in Austin, Texas.  Twenty members—representing all four Texas chapters—united to discuss state policy issues affecting the risk management profession in the Lone Star State.

RIMS members interacted with state legislative representatives and senators to introduce the Society, provide education on the risk management profession and encourage legislative support for the contract certainty issue. 

"Representatives are now aware we represent a coalition of nearly 1,000 risk managers across Texas who purchase billions of dollars in coverage for our many organizations," says Charles "Buddy" Gillenwater, RIMS Dallas-Ft. Worth Chapter member and risk manager of the City of Mesquite, Texas. "Each attendee witnessed the impact that their presence in front of our representatives can have on the financial health of the insurance marketplace and state business climate. This legislative conference not only represents change we can believe in, it represents change we will benefit from with active participation in making our profession's concerns known to the elected and appointed officials within the state of Texas."  

Speakers at the event included Carol Cates, associate commissioner of government relations at the Texas Department of Insurance; Robert Stokes, attorney at Flahive, Ogden, and Latson; Darrell Wells, legislative liaison for the Texas Public Risk Management Association; and Lee Ann Alexander, assistant vice president of public affiars and senior legislative counsel at Liberty Mutual. 

Are you interested in holding a Legislative Conference in your state? Contact Nathan Bacchus, RIMS State and Regulatory Affairs Associate, at 212-655-6215 for more details.

IRMI Special Reports Available at No Charge

3/11/2009

International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI) has published two special reports, now available as e-books at no charge on IRMI.com.

When you sign up for IRMI Update you'll receive the special report 25 Risk-Conquering Ideas. IRMI Update is a free e-mail newsletter read by nearly 34,000 of your peers. It provides thought-provoking industry commentary every other week, with links to articles from industry experts. You will get two new, practical risk management tips every month, and be the first to receive important news regarding IRMI risk management conferences and insurance seminars. Information on new insurance continuing education programs, and news about other industry related products and services is also included. Sign up for IRMI Update and get 25 Risk-Conquering Ideas.

20 Ways To Improve Directors and Officers Liability Coverage or Practices is a special, 20-page report providing actionable suggestions for improving directors and officers liability insurance coverage or programs designed to manage D&O liability exposures. It also discusses important coverage issues to consider when buying, selling, or underwriting D&O insurance, with realistic suggestions for addressing each. The special report is free when you sign up for D&O Compass, a free, monthly e-mail newsletter from IRMI. Each issue of D&O Compass provides at least one new insurance or risk management tactic gleaned by the authors from their study and comparisons of D&O policy forms and legal cases interpreting D&O insurance coverage provisions. Sign up for D&O Compass and get 20 Ways To Improve Directors and Officers Liability Coverage or Practices.

RIMS Speaks Out on Producer Compensation Disclosure in NY Insurance Department Discussion

3/11/2009

On March 10, the New York State Insurance Department hosted a roundtable discussion between insurance carriers, brokers and commercial insurance buyers on the issue of producer compensation disclosure. During the discussion, the Society reiterated its position that all forms of broker compensation, both direct and indirect, should be disclosed in writing to the buyer. This will allow the buyer to evaluate all possible factors which may have influenced the broker’s recommendation. The Society will be providing formal comments on the Department’s proposed regulation by March 13.

Click here to read the complete draft of the proposed regulation. For more information on RIMS position on contract certainty, click here.

RIMS Publications Director Featured in Financier Worldwide

3/6/2009

RIMS Hosts Webinar Series on Financial Crisis

3/3/2009

RIMS will host a two-part webinar series, Operating in Today's Business Environment, on Thursday, March 5, and Friday, March 6, to help explain the potential impact the latest changes in the financial markets may have on risk managers.

In the first webinar, AIG Commercial Insurance: Latest Developments, on Thursday, March 5, from 2:00-3:00 pm EDT, senior executives from AIG Commercial Insurance will discuss the latest news at their company. Panelists include John Doyle, president and CEO of commercial insurance at AIG; and Robert S. Schimek, executive vice president and CFO of the property casualty group at AIG. The webinar is sponsored by RIMS Chicago Chapter.

In part two, Critical View on Today's Insurance Market, on Friday, March 6, from 2:00-3:00 pm EDT, leading financial analysts, market experts and economists will discuss the U.S. stimulus package, the recession and the opportunities that exist in today's business world. Panelists include Jay A. Cohen, equity research department managing director at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch; Keith Walsh, analyst at Citigroup Investment Research; and Dr. Robert P. Hartwig, CPCU, president of the Insurance Information Institute. The webinar is co-sponsored by RIMS Rocky Mountain and San Diego Chapters.

The series is free to RIMS members; non-members may participate for a fee of $30. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/upcomingwebinars.

Risk Management Spotlights the Financial Crisis

3/3/2009

RIMS Attends N.Y. Insurance Department Roundtable Discussion

2/24/2009

On February 20, the New York State Insurance Department hosted a roundtable discussion between insurance carriers, brokers and commercial insurance buyers on the issue of contract certainty. During the discussion, the Society advocated that a strict policy on contract certainty is necessary to ensure that the insurance consumer knows exactly what is in the policy they are purchasing. The Society looks forward to working further with the New York Insurance Department as well as other industry groups on this issue.

For more information on RIMS position on contract certainty, click here.

RIMS Offers New Online Accounting Course

2/19/2009

To have a successful career in risk management, practitioners need a solid understanding of accounting procedures. In an effort to help risk managers learn these skills, RIMS has partnered with Accounting In An Hour, LLC to add a new course online titled "Accounting In An Hour."

The 60-minute course explains financial statements and shows participants how organizations make and lose money. It teaches participants how to interpret accounting terminology, read reports and take part in financial discussions within the organization. Participants can measure their progress with pre- and post-course quizzes, and earn a certificate after finishing the course. The course costs $35.95 and RIMS members receive a 10 percent discount.

For more information and a complete list of RIMS online courses, visit www.RIMS.org/onlinecourses.

California 'RIMS on the Mall' a Tremendous Success

2/11/2009

The four RIMS Texas chapters will also host their first Texas Legislative Conference on March 2-3 in Austin. Session will focus on workers compensation concerns, Texas State Department of Insurance issues, and how to effectively communicate with legislators and their staff.

Are you interested in holding a Legislative Conference in your state? Contact Nathan Bacchus, RIMS State and Regulatory Affairs Associate, at 212-655-6215 for more details.

National Underwriter Seeks Entries for Excellence in Workers' Compensation Award

2/11/2009

National Underwriter P&C weekly news-magazine is seeking entries from risk managers for its Excellence in Workers' Compensation Risk Management award. The award recognizes companies that do an outstanding job managing their workers' compensation risks, in terms of both lowering loss costs and getting people healthy and back on the job as quickly as possible.

A representative from the risk management departments of three company finalists will win a trip to Orlando to attend the Workers' Compensation Educational Conference (WCEC) on August 16-19, where the 2009 champion will receive a trophy and the other two finalists will be given a plaque for an honorable mention. All three finalists will be profiled in the August 17 edition of National Underwriter.

Agents and brokers as well as insurance carriers are also welcome to nominate risk managers by April 7. Risk managers are invited to submit their own programs for consideration by May 11.

For more information about the National Underwriter Award for Excellence in Workers' Compensation Risk Management, click here.

RIMS Supports GAO Report on U.S. Financial Regulatory Framework

2/10/2009

From RIMS perspective, the report is notable for highlighting the trend toward increasing globalization of financial instruments. Just as important, the report identifies the current fragmented United States regulatory structure as both an impediment to coordinating with other regulators on an international scale as well as contributing to regulatory inefficiency and ineffectiveness domestically. These factors impact insurance affordability and availability and are important to risk managers as purchasers of commercial insurance.

In fact, RIMS believes a similar argument or application of the recommendation can be made to further advance legislation addressing the non-admitted market—or surplus lines—legislation which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives twice, but died again in the U.S. Senate last Congress. Legislation would rectify the current cumbersome regulatory scheme applicable to surplus lines insurers whereby insurers are subject to premium taxes not only in their home states but also in states where they place insurance. This is another example of how, quite often, duplicative regulations hamper the efficient delivery of insurance to purchasers and could be remedied by federal action.

RIMS calls upon Congress to also address these important reforms as they consider this much needed financial modernization and regulatory restructuring legislation.

Participate in RIMS/Marsh Excellence in Risk Management Survey

2/6/2009

Hurry! Survey closes February 12

RIMS and Marsh invite you to participate in the sixth annual Excellence in Risk Management Survey.

This year's survey focuses on the effects of the economic crisis on risk management practices, trends in risk management investment, and the alignment of risk management methods to a firm's strategic, operational and risk management objectives. The results of the survey will be presented during a session at RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition taking place in Orlando on Tuesday, April 21, from 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Survey participants will receive a free copy of the report after the conference.

Please click here to access the survey, which will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

RIMS Praises New York Insurance Department Broker Compensation Regulation

2/6/2009

The Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) commends the New York State Insurance Department for issuing a proposed regulation requiring complete written disclosure of compensation arrangements in the insurance purchasing transaction.

While the proposal falls short of a flat-out prohibition of contingent fees for all insurance producers and maintains the two-tier system, RIMS views the regulation as a step forward in ensuring complete transparency in the process. Complete disclosure of compensation arrangements goes a long way towards promoting transparency and re-establishing trust between the broker and consumer, while also providing the consumer with sufficient information to evaluate potential conflicts of interest in the placement of insurance policies.

However, RIMS believes that this is only a first step toward complete transparency as contingency fees continue to present an inherent conflict of interest between the broker and the insurance purchaser. RIMS reaffirms its position that contingency fees should be broadly prohibited. The Society looks forward to working with the New York Insurance Department on the issue going forward.

Just Announced: RIMS 2009 Hot Topic Sessions

2/5/2009

The Hot Topic sessions to be explored at RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition on April 19-23 in Orlando will help risk professionals address the impact of the financial crisis. Hot Topic sessions include:

• Navigating the Financial Tsunami will lead attendees through recommendations to help their organizations prepare for economic recovery.
• Five Questions to Ask Before Switching Insurance Companies will help attendees examine the effectiveness of their insurance portfolios.
• Insurance Coverage for Subprime Mortgage Lawsuits will educate attendees on how to defend their organizations against mortgage litigation.
• D&O Insurance During the Economic Crisis will show attendees how to stay a step ahead of the economic crisis.

"The financial industry fallout of 2008 has forced companies to rethink the importance of risk management as a strategic element of their business plans," says Mary Roth, RIMS executive director. "RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition provides an unmatched forum for the risk community to discuss strategies for assessing and managing risk in today's turbulent economy."

Take advantage of the best rates and register before the Early Bird discount expires on February 20. More information on RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition, travel arrangements and registration are available at www.RIMS.org/RIMS2009.

RIMS Announces New Member Discount

2/5/2009

As a RIMS member, you are now eligible to receive a 15 percent discount on all courses offered at the Duke University's Fuqua School of Business in Durham, NC. Duke University Executive Education offers a broad range of non-degree leadership and management development programs designed specifically for working professionals. The programs provide practical skills and knowledge which can be applied immediately. Top ranked programs include:

The Advanced Management Program
High Potential Executive Program
The Duke Leadership
Financial Analysis and Reporting
Dynamic Management
Fundamentals of Management

To learn more about this new member discount, click here.

World Economic Forum Report Highlights Risk Lessons of Financial Crisis

2/4/2009

The World Economic Forum's Global Risk Network's Global Risks 2009 report identifies a set of economic risks on the rise as a result of the financial crisis. Published in cooperation with Citigroup, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Swiss Re, the Wharton School Risk Center and Zurich Financial Services, the report is based on a qualitative assessment of global risks, workshops and input from business leaders and experts consulted throughout 2008.

Click here to read the report.

RIMS Executive Report Outlines Next Steps for ERM

1/26/2009

RIMS released today an executive report that explains how ERM could have helped to prevent last year's financial crisis. The report, titled "The 2008 Financial Crisis: A Wake-up Call for Enterprise Risk Management," also provides insight on how ERM can help to prevent future financial catastrophes.

In the report, RIMS contends that there were a number of behavioral breakdowns that contributed to the financial crisis. These failures include the over-use of financial models, the over-reliance on compliance and controls, the failure to understand risk tolerance and the failure to embed risk management within the organizations. Additionally, there was no governance failsafe built into risk management frameworks.

To read "The 2008 Financial Crisis: A Wake-up Call for Enterprise Risk Management", visit www.RIMS.org/ERMwhitepaper.  

RIMS President Featured in National Underwriter P&C

1/21/2009

The January 19 issue of National Underwriter P&C features and in-depth article about RIMS President Joseph Restoule, CIP, CRM. The article, titled "'Joe the Risk Manager' Restoule Sees Opportunities Despite Economic Threats" by Caroline McDonald, touches on Restoule's vision for the Society in 2009 and how he hopes to inspire his risk management colleagues to take a proactive—and creative—approach to their organizations risk program. To read the full story, click here.

RIMS Benchmark Survey™: Soft Market Losing Steam

1/20/2009

Insurance premiums for businesses continued a five-year trend of falling rates during the fourth quarter of 2008, but recent data suggest a reversal of this trend may soon be underway. Rates for property, general liability, and directors' and officers' (D&O) insurance premiums all decreased at a materially slower pace than in recent quarters, according to RIMS Benchmark Survey™. To read the complete release, click here.

RIMS State of ERM Report 2008 Webinar January 22

1/16/2009

RIMS will host a webinar on January 22 to review the findings of RIMS State of ERM Report 2008 and introduce the next steps for moving an ERM program forward. The groundbreaking report is based on data collected from 564 corporate risk practitioners who assessed their risk management strategies using RIMS Risk Maturity Model for ERM©.

Titled "Reducing Uncertainty in Volatile Times: RIMS State of ERM Report 2008," the one-hour session will be held between 1:00-2:00 pm EST. Panelists include Carol A. Fox, ARM, senior director of risk management at Convergys Corporation and immediate past chair of RIMS ERM Development Committee; Jeffrey Vernor, ARM, global risk manager at Russell Investment Group and chair of RIMS ERM Development Committee; and Steven Minsky, CEO of LogicManager and author and producer of the report.

The webinar fee is $30 for RIMS members. All others may participate for a fee of $75. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/stateoferm.

RIMS Calls for Regulation Governing Broker Compensation

1/15/2009

RIMS calls upon the New York State Attorney General's Office and the New York Insurance Department to issue new regulations to govern broker compensation.

Despite the efforts of some insurance trade groups to place the issues of broker compensation and contingent fees on the New York State legislative agenda, commercial insurance buyers-represented by RIMS and who are the primary purchasers of commercial insurance-argue that the series of hearings that took place last summer under the auspices of the state Attorney General and Insurance Department offices set the stage for developing new and critical regulations in respect to broker compensation and contingent fees.

RIMS reaffirms its position that contingent fees for insurance producers should be prohibited, and that in the absence of prohibition, all compensation arrangements should be fully disclosed to the client in writing. The acceptance of such fees in transactions that are made on behalf of the buyer represents an inherent conflict of interest. Furthermore, RIMS believes that all sources of compensation, direct or indirect, now or in the future, should be disclosed to the client whether or not it is requested.

RIMS looks forward to the release of the findings and policy recommendations made by the New York Insurance Department and Attorney General.

For details on legislation impacting the risk management community and more information on RIMS legislative activities, visit RIMS Legislative Action Center.

Risk Management Focuses on the Financial Sector in the Year’s First Issue

1/8/2009

In the first issue of 2009, Risk Management looks at the failure of certain organizations in the area of risk management and the obstacles those businesses face in the regrouping phase. The issue also focuses on how to improve the claims process, the importance of understanding the role of foreign insurers, follow form excess liability insurers and the risks associated with expanding business into emerging markets. The January/February 2009 issue also features the transcript of an exciting roundtable discussion with industry leaders in regards to managing risk in recessionary times. Read 2009’s first issue online at www.RMmagazine.com.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Requests Comments on PS-Prep

1/8/2009

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) invites risk professionals to provide comments on the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep) by January 23. PS-Prep will assess whether a private sector entity complies with one or more voluntary preparedness standards adopted by DHS. The program will raise the level of private sector preparedness through a number of means, including:

• establishing a system for DHS to adopt private sector preparedness standards; 
• encouraging creation of those standards; 
• developing a method for a private sector entity to obtain a certification of conformity with a particular DHS-adopted private sector standard, and encouraging such certification; and  
• making preparedness standards adopted by DHS more widely available.

Submissions may be made online at www.regulations.gov, using docket ID FEMA-2008-0017. For more information, click here. 

In Uncertain Times, Effective Risk Management is Key

1/5/2009

RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition unveils rich program outlining latest leadership strategies and techniques

Amidst the recent turmoil in the financial markets, the risk management industry has been placed into the spotlight and risk practitioners are being asked to re-evaluate their risks and exposures. RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition, taking place April 19-23 in Orlando, Florida will provide risk managers and other executives charged with risk management responsibilities with proven leadership strategies and techniques to successfully navigate this time of economic uncertainty, and the surfacing global threats.

"Risk professionals today face a very challenging economy with tough decisions to make for their organization. Now more than ever, it is vital that practitioners stay connected and informed," says Mary Roth, ARM, RIMS executive director. "What practitioners will learn, see and hear at RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition should not be missed. This is the conference for risk professionals to question industry partners about business tactics, learn from experts about the latest leadership strategies and hear how peers are addressing challenges in their own organization."

Speakers
The Keynote speaker at the conference General Session is Dr. Dennis N.T. Perkins, leadership consultant and author, who will present his 10 strategies for success based on effective leadership in demanding environments. Other speakers include Harvard Business School professor, change consultant and author John Kotter, who will share the secrets to aligning business goals and embracing effective change management; and financial journalist and author Roger Lowenstein, who will discuss the downfall of U.S. hedge fund company Long-Term Capital Management and the issues facing the current global credit crises.

Educational Lineup
RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition boasts more than 400 speakers who will lead some 120 workshops in the 10 category areas of claims management, employment risks, ERM, finance, industry, insurance, international, legal legislation, loss control and risk management. Sessions cover current issues such as tactics that will help to improve an organizations risk management approach, and how to address the risks involved in using products and materials from developing countries as well as traditional trading partners. "Hot Topic" sessions will be announced in January to offer attendees forward-looking content based on current events.

Networking Events
RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition will offer several opportunities for risk practitioners to meet with peers in a relaxed atmosphere. RIMS will host its third Community Service Day, once again supported by Aon, at Give Kids the World—a 70-acre resort that fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at central Florida's attractions. Other networking events include the Spencer Educational Foundation's annual golf and hockey tournament fundraisers, an internationally inspired Opening Reception held at Walt Disney World's Epcot® Center, a special Wednesday evening entertainment—SeaWorld Spectacular, and an Exhibit Hall wine and cheese reception.

RIMS Goes Green
RIMS will be working closely with the Orange County Convention Center to support and execute an environmentally-friendly event throughout the week. For example, to reduce energy consumption, the center's lights, heat and air conditioning will be turned off in rooms not in use. Also, many conference materials such as banners, carpeting, signage, badge holders, among others will use recyclable materials and soy-based inks.

The deadline for the Early Bird discount is February 20. More information on RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition, travel arrangements and registration are available at www.RIMS.org/RIMS2009.

Attention Universities: Spencer Educational Foundation Seeks Proposals for Loss Prevention Courses

12/19/2008

On Thursday, Spencer Education Foundation, Inc. announced it established two grants for universities and colleges with risk management programs seeking to create a loss prevention course curriculum.

The grants, funded by FM Global, are two awards of up to $50,000 each for the development of undergraduate course modules and graduate loss prevention course curricula for students studying risk management.

"Risk management programs have a growing need for current and more extensive loss prevention material at both the undergraduate and graduate levels," says Donna L. Galer, chairwoman at Spencer Educational Foundation, Inc.

"We hope that these educational grants will enable academic institutions with risk management programs to focus on the value of engineering in loss prevention and better prepare students to meet the challenges of the organizations they will one day represent," says Shivan S. Subramaniam, chairman and CEO at FM Global.

Grant applications are due by Jan. 30, and will be awarded March 2009. For more information, please contact Angela Sabatino, administrative manager at Spencer Educational Foundation, Inc., at (212) 655-6223 or asabatino@spencered.org.

RIMS Announces Board of Directors for 2009 Term

12/18/2008

RIMS Calls for United States Government Action on Terrorism Insurance Solutions for Nuclear, Biological, Chemical or Radiological Events

12/18/2008

The Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) commends the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for its report on the availability of insurance coverage caused by acts of terrorism involving nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological (NBCR) weapons. The GAO was tasked to undertake the study by Congress when it passed the "Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007" in December of last year.

RIMS has been actively involved in advocating for the availability of NBCR insurance and served as a resource to GAO when it conducted its study. RIMS applauds GAO for its comprehensive analysis of the extent to which NBCR is available; the difficulty in accurately predicting risk and damage associated with these events; and the consequent challenges with regard to insurance pricing. Despite concluding that insurance for NBCR is not widely available, the GAO stopped short of recommending specific policy solutions. RIMS maintains that the country's economic health and well being require a long-term solution that addresses both conventional and NBCR terrorism risks. The need for this solution was reinforced strongly in a recent study by the Commission on the Prevention of WMD Proliferation and Terrorism that declares that within the next five years it expects an NBCR-related attack to occur.

RIMS calls for a long-term solution that will assist organizations to manage NBCR risks by the creation of a separate federal insurance program, rather than a short-term solution requiring insurers to "make-available" insurance for these risks. Because NBCR exposure is not calculable for premium purposes—and is therefore an uninsurable risk—RIMS is concerned that smaller insurers may opt to exit the NBCR coverage market, leaving only larger insurers to offer minimum limits at a high price.  RIMS calls on the 111th Congress to revisit the issue of NBCR coverage in light of the GAO study findings.

Guilt Free Holiday Spending

12/15/2008

Give the gift of education this holiday season

If you’re in search of the perfect gift for the people on your list this holiday season, think of making a donation in their honor to the Spencer Educational Foundation. Your tax-deductible pledge will benefit gifted students pursuing a career in risk management or insurance.

“Spencer Educational Foundation takes much pride in the difference that we make in the lives of students and professionals in the risk management and insurance disciplines,” says Donna L. Galer, chair of Spencer Educational Foundation. “Without you, we couldn’t help as many talented risk practitioners and promising students as we do each year.”

Students like Aelon Porat, a student at Temple University who received the September 11 Memorial Scholarship in 2007, and Ashley A. Murphy, a student at the University of Louisiana at Monroe who received the XL Ian R. Heap Memorial Scholarship in 2008, have benefited from the donations from risk practitioners.

“I highly doubt that I could be where I am now without the support of Spencer Educational Foundation,” says Aelon. “Not only has the Foundation provided me with crucial financial aid, but it has given me an incentive to push my limits and excel academically.”

Ashley agrees. “I find it very encouraging to see a prestigious Foundation taking an interest and investing in the future of students across the country,” she says.

To make a donation, or learn more about Spencer Educational Foundation, visit www.spencered.org.

RIMS Supports NAIC Reinsurance Regulatory Modernization Framework Proposal

12/10/2008

The Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS) is encouraged that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has approved the Reinsurance Regulatory Modernization Framework Proposal at its recent Winter National meeting.

NAIC's adoption of the Framework is a small step forward in the process of developing a new regulatory regime for reinsurance; however, many details remain to be worked out.

The NAIC reinsurance task force proposal creates two classes of reinsurers in the United States. One class is for reinsurers domiciled in the United States and the second is for non-United States based port of entry (POE) reinsurers. Features of the new framework include modified collateral requirements for eligible entities, new state-based reinsurance regulations based on supervisory recognition, single-state licensure for United States reinsurers and single-state certification for non-United States reinsurers from approved jurisdictions.

RIMS is hopeful that this modified regulatory framework, when fully implemented, will result in additional capacity and the equitable and efficient regulation of the reinsurance industry in a manner that meets the needs of commercial policyholders.

Top Reasons to Submit Data to RIMS Benchmark Survey

12/10/2008

Risk practitioners who submit data before December 31 will receive a complimentary copy of the 2009 edition of RIMS Benchmark Survey book after it is published in May 2009. And, as an added benefit, participants will also receive a complimentary subscription to the professional edition of Advisen's Front Page News.

RIMS Benchmark Survey™ is the leading source of market intelligence for risk management decisions, with industry data from nearly one third of the Fortune 500 companies and across 70 industry categories. The survey captures information on the state of the insurance marketplace and provides the only independent fact-based review of the cost of risk to insurance purchasers-unbiased by brokers or insurers involved.

Visit www.RIMS.org/Benchmark to submit data online. Or simply complete the broker authorization form and we'll contact your broker for the information.

RIMS Chicago Chapter Pledges $100,000 to Spencer Educational Foundation

12/8/2008

Spencer Educational Foundation has received a $100,000 commitment from RIMS Chicago Chapter. The scholarship will be awarded annually to risk management or insurance students at colleges and universities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. The first recipient will be announced in March of 2009.

"RIMS Chicago Chapter has always supported the goals of Spencer Educational Foundation, but this gift is its most generous to date," says Donna L. Galer, chairwoman of Spencer Educational Foundation, Inc. "The Foundation is proud to receive the support of one of the largest RIMS chapters. The donation is evidence of the chapter's profound dedication to the future of the risk management and insurance profession."

For more information on Spencer Educational Foundation, or to donate, visit www.spencered.org.

Nominations for 2009 Risk Manager of the Year Award Due December 15!

12/5/2008

Nominations for 2009 Risk Manager of the Year award have been extended to December 15. RIMS and Business Insurance magazine announced in October that they would collaborate on the award and the Risk Management Honor Roll. RIMS current president will join an independent panel of judges who select the winner, and RIMS and BI will jointly present the award at RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition in Orlando on April 19-23.

For more information, or to submit a nomination, visit www.BusinessInsurance.com/RMOY.

RIMS Board of Directors Approves Five Percent Dues Increase

12/1/2008

Some years ago, in order to avoid dramatic dues increases that could impact member budgets, RIMS board of directors determined that small dues increases every-other-year would be more acceptable to members while keeping the Society fiscally sound. The last dues increase went into effect on January 1, 2007.

At its October meeting, RIMS board of directors approved a five percent dues increase for corporate, associate and additional deputy dues effective January 1, 2009. Corporate membership, covering up to two deputy members, will increase to $490 while additional deputy dues will increase to $160.  Associate dues, which are individual, will increase to $500. All other dues categories—affiliate, retired, educational and student—will remain at the 2008 levels.

For more information, contact Jill Levy, RIMS director of membership and chapter services, through RIMS online contact form, or 212-655-6030.

Risk Management Magazine Reviews Risk in 2008

12/1/2008

This month, Risk Management looks back at 2008—the year in risk. From the financial crisis and energy pricing volatility to devastating natural disasters and historic food recalls, 2008 will go down as a year marked by the failure of risk management. And in addition to recapping the year's headline-grabbing events, we also look forward to analyze the lessons learned and ensure that 2009 will finally be the year risk management becomes paramount for every organization. Read the December issue online at www.RMmagazine.com.

RIMS President Presents Buyer's Perspective on Global Risk Management Stratgies at Reactions Conference

11/25/2008

RIMS President Janice Ochenkowski, ARM, presented "Global Risk and Capital Management Strategies--The Buyer's Perspective" at Reactions Magazine's launch conference, Risk and Capital Management in the International Insurance Industry, earlier this month in New York. Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman and CEO at CV Starr & Co Inc., provided a keynote presentation at the conference. Other speakers include senior executives from ACE, Aegon, AIG, Aon Capital Markets, Deutsche Insurance Asset Management, Goldman Sachs, Standard and Poor's, XL Insurance and Zurich Financial Services.

New RIMS Study Links ERM to Higher Credit Ratings

11/19/2008

RIMS and LogicManager have published the first in-depth study on ERM practices—RIMS State of ERM Report 2008. The report substantiates the value of ERM for organizations of all types and indicates that companies that have greater risk management and ERM maturity levels enjoy higher credit ratings. In addition to key findings, RIMS State of ERM Report 2008 uniquely outlines priorities for best practice criteria that organizations may use to improve ERM competency.

Conducted from December 2006 to January 2008, corporate risk practitioners from 564 organizations assessed their risk management strategy with RIMS Risk Maturity Model for ERM© (RMM).

Report Key Findings include:

• Organizations that have embraced ERM have realized a concrete advantage in their risk management competency. The study found that 93% of organizations with formalized ERM programs in place make better risk-informed decisions—a recognized competitive advantage over those that do not have an ERM program.
• Organizations that report they have an ERM program in place still fall significantly short of achieving managed or better risk maturity. The study demonstrates that, based on the ERM guidelines presented in RIMS Risk Maturity Model for ERM, only 4% of these companies have achieved a managed or better level of risk management competency in all risk competencies. This suggests that organizations may have a false sense about all that is required for an effective risk management program.
• Data from the study verifies that formalized infrastructures in well-managed ERM programs embody the 68 best practice guidelines for efficient and effective risk management programs as presented in RIMS Risk Maturity Model for ERM.
• The study links ERM to better business performance. There is a distinct correlation between companies that score higher on RIMS Risk Maturity assessment and companies that possess higher credit ratings. The same is true of low scoring companies that, typically, possess lower credit ratings. Hence, better managed companies in terms of ERM practices benefit from better business performance.

"In order for organizations to capitalize on the strategic and tactical value creation enabled by ERM, management--from the board room to the front line--must play an active role in the risk management process," says Carol A. Fox, ARM, senior director of risk management at Convergys Corporation and chair of RIMS ERM Development Committee whose members, risk practitioners, contributed to the report. "This report identifies fundamental requirements for management to build and maintain a resilient and sustainable organization."

For organizations that want to further develop their current ERM program, or learn how to implement one, RIMS recommends that an important first step is to understand where they stand. RIMS Risk Maturity Model for ERM and the free online Risk Maturity Assessment allows companies to assess their current practices against validated risk competencies and develop an action plan to take your risk management program to the next level. RIMS State of ERM Report 2008 is available for free to risk practitioners who complete an online Risk Maturity Assessment at: http://www.RIMS.org/RMM. Others may purchase the report online.

New Online Business Training Library Available

11/17/2008

RIMS has made available a new library of online courses to help enhance risk practitioner business management and leadership skills. The 50-course collection, developed by Winchester Center for Management Development, a subsidiary of MindEdge, Inc., provides a collection of courses such as communications, finance, leadership, management and strategy, among others. Sessions include interactive exercises, case studies, assessments and focused readings. Completion of select courses earns participants a half continuing education unit for those who require annual or bi-annual continuing education hours and a program certification. Risk practitioners can enroll in the courses at any time in the convenience of their home or office. Fees for many of the courses range between $79 to $95 and can be completed in three to six hours.

"A successful career as a risk management professional requires continuous learning in many disciplines to enhance both technical and soft skills," says Janet Barnes, ARM, member of RIMS board of directors and risk manager for Snohomish County Public Utility District No.1. "MindEdge's online programs offer professionals an easy, convenient and affordable way to further develop the critical skills they need to become successful managers and leaders within their organizations."

For more information about the Winchester Center for Management Development online courses, visit www.RIMS.org/WinchesterCenter.

RIMS Releases On Demand Webinar: ERM Boot Camp

11/14/2008

RIMS releases its first pre-recorded webinar, ERM Boot Camp, hosted by RIMS ERM Development Committee. In this 45-minute webinar, speakers will provide a practical and hands-on approach to ERM with practical examples for implementation from their own organizations. Panelists include Julie Pemberton, manager of enterprise risk management at Chiquita Brands International, Inc.; and Ruth Unks, risk manager at Maricopa County Community College District.

The webinar is $30 for RIMS members; non-members may participate for a fee of $75. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/ermbootcampwebinar.

Need Help Identifying Inadequately Addressed Risks and Opportunities?

11/10/2008

RIMS ERM Development Committee vice chair to speak at upcoming ERM for the Re/Insurance Industry Conference

Jeffrey Vernor, RIMS ERM Development Committee vice chair and global risk manager at Russell Investment Group, will present "Utilizing the Risk Maturity Model to Benchmark an ERM Program and its Progress" at the ERM for the Re/Insurance Industry Conference taking place December 8-9 in Chicago. In this session, Vernor will discuss how risk practitioners can assess their company's ERM maturity with proven attributes defined in RIMS Risk Maturity Model (RMM), identify inadequately addressed risks and opportunities as well as provide steps boards and CEOs can take to advance ERM throughout their organization.

Other speakers include senior executives from A.M. Best Co., Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, Conseco Inc., Fitch Insurance Ratings Group, Platinum Re, Travelers Companies Inc., Ultimate Risk Solutions LLC, White Mountains Re Bermuda Ltd., among others.

For more information, visit www.marcusevansbb.com/InsuranceERM.

November Issue of Risk Management Examines Race

11/7/2008

In November, Risk Management examines the racial makeup of the risk and insurance industries and the challenges they face in diversifying their workforces. Read the November issue online at www.RMmagazine.com.

Two Days Remain to Register for RiskLive!

11/6/2008

Society leverages 3-D technology for optimal conference experience!

RIMS announces a new learning forum for risk practitioners—the first-ever RiskLive! RIMS Virtual Conference & Expo taking place November 12-13 in cyberspace. The conference will be hosted in a cutting-edge 3-D technology world that simulates a real-life conference experience and facilitates advanced online networking. RiskLive! boasts 14 educational sessions on topics such as captives, claims management, ERM, insurance and loss control. Speakers include risk practitioners from leading companies such as Burger King^®, Computer Associates, Harrah's Entertainment, The Home Depot^®, Michelin North America Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Sessions include “Indemnify This! The Art and Science of Contractual Risk Transfer,” “Upstream/Downstream: Negotiating Contractual Insurance Requirements” and “Reducing Costs through Early Resolution and Indemnity Clauses,” among others. The RiskLive! exhibit hall will feature some of the industry’s latest products and services.

Wall Street Journal Tackles IT Security and Risk Management

10/31/2008

A recent special ad section in the Wall Street Journal addresses the increasing concerns of risk practitioners in today's cyber-world. The section, titled "IT Security: Risk Management in the Digital Age", includes articles such as "Emerging Cyber Threats" and "Securing the Vault".

The article titled "Paid to Worry" touches on the discipline of risk management, first-hand views on what it's like to be a risk practitioner in today's global business environment and some of the key challenges facing risk professionals. Featured in the article are the perspectives of RIMS president Janice Ochenkowski, who heads up global risk management at real estate and financial services firm Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated; Wayne Salen, director of risk management at Labor Finders International and member of RIMS board of directors; Pete Fahrenthold, managing director of risk management at Continental Airlines; Deborah Luthi, director of ERM at Matheson Trucking and member of RIMS board of directors; and Nowell Seaman, manager of risk management and insurance services at the University of Saskatchewan and member of RIMS board of directors.

"Holding the Line Against Cyber Liability" was written by publisher and editorial director of RIMS monthly Risk Management magazine, Bill Coffin, and touches on IT and data breaches, as well as cyber liability insurance.

The Wall Street Journal special section will be available online for a limited time. Read the full content from the section online today at: http://online.wsj.com/ad/itsecurity

RIMS Members: Update Contact Information by November 10

10/31/2008

RIMS is dedicated to ensuring that our members receive the many valuable benefits of membership. To continue to deliver the services you expect, we ask that you review and update your contact information in RIMS database by Monday, November 10.

To do so, please visit the Membership and Chapter Services section of RIMS website and click on "My RIMS". In the next screen, please click on the "My Profile" tab to view your contact information. Even if you have no changes, please verify your information and then click on the orange SAVE button at the bottom of the screen to record that your information is correct.

If you have any questions or difficulties updating the information, please contact RIMS member records department at 212-655-6002 or RIMS membership department at 212-655-6040.

RIMS and Ernst & Young Launch Risk Insights

10/28/2008

White paper series addresses current issues impacting the risk management profession

RIMS and Ernst & Young present Risk Insights, a series of articles that provide insight into various risk management and insurance-related issues. This first issue, "Proving Your Insurance Claim," focuses on the complexities of proving a company's claim from catastrophic loss. The article explores common elements of the process and offers suggestions for successfully proving claims and expediting the recovery process. Future white papers in the series will cover topics such as "Getting Out From Behind the Desk—The RIMS Professional Growth Model," "Global Property and Business Interruption Claims" and "Enterprise Risk Management—What 'They' Are Not Telling You," among others. The first issue of Risk Insights is available at no cost to RIMS members at www.RIMS.org/RiskInsights.

RIMS Webinar Series: Risk Management Strategies in an Unsettled Financial Market Part IV

10/23/2008

Did you miss the Risk Management Strategies in an Unsettled Financial Market Part Four: The Analyst's Perspective webinar? You can view the archived version online at www.RIMS.org/Webinars. The webinar is free to RIMS members; non-members may participate for a fee of $30.

Benchmark Survey: Soft Markert Continues Through Third Quarter

10/23/2008

Two major hurricanes and a global credit crunch were not enough to derail the relentless soft commercial insurance market in the third quarter, according to RIMS Benchmark Survey™. However, lower insurance industry net income may signal a coming turn in the insurance pricing cycle. To read the complete release, click here.

Risk Management Spotlights International Risk in Special Issue

10/22/2008

Risk Management recently published its Spotlight Issue on International Risk designed to provide subscribers a map to navigating the world of international risk. Globalization has connected business, politics and culture in ways never before imaginable. But as markets broaden and opportunities expand, so do risks. Read the special edition online at www.RMmagazine.com.

RIMS President to Speak at Reactions Insurance Conference 2008

10/21/2008

Janice Ochenkowski, ARM, RIMS president and managing director at Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, will be giving a presentation titled "Global Risk and Capital Management Strategies—The Buyer's Perspective" at Reactions Magazine's launch conference, Risk and Capital Management in the International Insurance Industry, taking place November 11-12 in New York.

The inaugural conference will bring leading insurance professionals together with capital providers, investors, bankers, lawyers and accountants to discuss effective risk and capital management strategies for the international insurance industry.

Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman and CEO at CV Starr & Co Inc., will be keynoting the conference. Other speakers include senior executives from ACE, Aegon, AIG, Aon Capital Markets, Deutsche Insurance Asset Management, Goldman Sachs, Standard and Poor's, XL Insurance and Zurich Financial Services. For more information, visit www.euromoneyseminars.com/insur-usa.

RIMS Endorses NY Insurance Superintendent's Policy on Contract Certainty

10/21/2008

RIMS encourages other states to follow New York's lead
The Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS) commends New York State Insurance Department Superintendent Eric Dinallo for asserting a strict policy on contract certainty for brokers and insurers operating in-state, calling for 90 percent of cases to achieve contract certainty within 30 days of inception and enforcing that service providers are in compliance within the next 12 months.

Contract certainty is an issue at the heart of customer service deficiencies on the part of brokers and insurers, according to the risk management community as represented by RIMS, the largest body of risk practitioners and commercial insurance buyers. RIMS is grateful to Superintendent Dinallo for taking the necessary steps to tackle the issue and hopes that providers will work speedily and aggressively to comply.

RIMS is eager to learn the next steps for the program, particularly how the New York Insurance Department intends to measure compliance and what penalties non-compliant companies can expect to face. RIMS expects that other state insurance offices will also take the initiative to reform the insurance placement process or, at the minimum, providers themselves will take steps to lead the process internally. The Society is prepared to offer guidance to those service providers seeking the buyer perspective as they are developing measures for meeting the contract certainty requirements. RIMS also urges an evaluation program whereby clients would provide feedback on whether providers meet, exceed or fall short of expectations.

RIMS Perspective: A History on Contract Certainty
For many years, risk professionals have voiced increasing concerns about the lack of responsiveness and quality of services offered by insurance providers. This prompted RIMS, in 2005, to develop a Quality Program to improve the service and delivery of insurance-related products to buyers.

Contract certainty is a core part of RIMS Quality Program. Among the tools developed to aid risk managers in the process are the Quality Guidelines for Performance Expectations—28 principles that focus on the main aspects of effective relationship—and insurance program-management. RIMS also launched a Quality Forum, an annual meeting convening risk practitioners and CEOs and other top executives from the largest brokers and insurers, to discuss quality improvement in the insurance placement process. Contract certainly has been at the forefront of the Forum's agenda for the past three years. The dialogue proved to advance providers' understanding of the issue from the buyer's perspective and even, in some cases, has allowed some companies to develop internal programs to expedite the insurance placement process. Currently, RIMS Quality Guidelines are being updated to a format that can be customized to each user's needs.

RIMS Quality Guidelines for Performance Expectations may be accessed at: http://www.rims.org/resources/QualityProgram/Documents/QIP_Guidelines_ONLINE.pdf. More information on RIMS Quality Program may be found at www.RIMS.org/Quality.

Upcoming D&O Conference Examines Global Executive Liability Insurance

10/16/2008

Come hear Bill Coffin, Risk Management publisher and editorial director, speak at the American Conference Institute’s upcoming conference in New York

Increased globalization, changing regulatory regimes and growing use of litigation have altered the playing field for corporate executives outside of the United States. To ensure your policies are keeping pace, the American Conference Institute will hold “Global Executive Liability Insurance”, November 12-13 at The Carlton Hotel in New York City. Gain expert analysis from around the world on issues affecting D&O insurance including indemnification, use of local/admitted policies and how various jurisdictions around the world differ. Speakers include Bill Coffin, Risk Management publisher and editorial director; Ann Longmore, executive vice president at Willis Executive Risks Practice; Fred Murnane, senior vice president at Zurich North America; among others.

RIMS members receive a $200 discount on registration. Enter “SP1” in the Priority Service Code to receive the discount. Spaces will go quickly for this event. Register now by calling (212) 352-3220 extension 227 or visiting www.americanconference.com/GlobalExec.

How Can RIMS Better Serve You?

10/16/2008

What can RIMS do to better address your needs as a risk manager or service provider to the risk management industry? Fill out RIMS 2008 RIMS Member Satisfaction Survey to let us know how we are doing!

The 2008 RIMS Member Satisfaction Survey is designed to get your feedback about what resources, technology and programs you need to enhance your risk program and career. Your response to the questionnaire is anonymous and confidential. Visit www.RIMS.org/MemberSurvey to fill out the survey. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, October 28.

RIMS Webinar: Insurance Coverage Issues for Data Security and Data Loss Liability

10/15/2008

Did you miss RIMS Insurance Coverage Issues for Data Security and Data Loss Liability webinar? You can view the archived version online at www.RIMS.org/Webinars. The webinar is free to RIMS members; non-members may participate for a fee of $30.

RIMS Webinar Explores AIG’s Latest Strategic Developments

10/15/2008

RIMS Partners with Business Insurance for Risk Manager of the Year Award

10/14/2008

RIMS and Business Insurance will collaborate on the 2009 Risk Manager of the Year award and Risk Management Honor Roll. RIMS current president will join the independent panel of judges who select the winner, and RIMS and BI will jointly present the award at RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition. For more information, click here.

To submit a nomination for the 2009 Risk Manager of the Year award, download a nomination form at www.BusinessInsurance.com/RMOY. The deadline for submitting nominations is Dec. 1.

Brokers Remain Confident in AIG

10/8/2008

According to a special report released October 7 by Advisen Ltd, brokers remain confident in the financial strength of American International Group Inc.'s insurance subsidiaries. Results from the survey, sponsored by Anderson Kill & Olick, show that 75 percent of the 611 respondents said they were "very confident" or "somewhat confident" in AIG security.  To read the report, click here.

Join RIMS for the Learning Event of the Year in Cyberspace!

10/6/2008

On November 12-13, the Society will host RiskLive!—RIMS first ever virtual conference & expo. This interactive event will offer everything found at a traditional conference—quality educational sessions, a bustling exhibit hall and networking events galore. Participants can attend workshops and ask questions, chat with exhibitors about new products and network with attendees. But the best part is that it is all available live on your desktop! And, RIMS members don’t have to pay to attend. Visit www.RIMS.org/RiskLive for more information.

The October Issue of Risk Management Examines the Perils and Promises in the World of Technology

10/3/2008

RIMS Webinar Explores Property and Business Interruption Loss and Hurricane Ike

9/30/2008

Did you miss the Property and Business Interruption Loss and Hurricane Ike webinar? You can view the archived version online at www.RIMS.org/Webinars.

RIMS Releases New Salary Survey

9/29/2008

This year, Risk Management Compensation Survey covers salary information for Chief Risk Officers

The average base salary for a chief risk officer/vice president, risk management, of a U.S.-based company is $170,683, according to RIMS 2008 Risk Management Compensation Survey. Salary information for this position as well as other senior risk management levels is included for the first time in the survey. To read the executive summary of the 2008 Risk Management Compensation Survey, click here.

RIMS members may order a PDF copy online at 2008 Compensation Survey for $250; nonmembers may purchase the report online for $750.

Society Announces Award Winners at RIMS Canada Conference in Toronto

9/22/2008

RIMS Ontario Chapter Presents Donald M. Stuart Award; Society honors recipients of Fred H. Bossons Award

RIMS Ontario Chapter earlier today presented the Donald M. Stuart Award to George Simpson, CRM, FCIP, at the 2008 RIMS Canada Conference in Toronto. Created by RIMS Ontario Chapter in 1979, the award is granted annually to a Canadian risk professional in recognition of one's outstanding contributions to the profession. The Donald M. Stuart Award is RIMS highest honor for risk management in Canada.

Also presented at the conference was the Fred H. Bossons Award, earned by Albert T. Ho, director of property risk management at ING Real Estate Canada; Anand V. Shastri, senior underwriter at Economical Mutual Insurance Group; and Cristian Zamrii, IT manager at CI Investments. The award acknowledges individuals who earn the highest marks on the three courses required to receive the Canadian Risk Management designation.

Click here to read more.

RIMS Opposes Legislation to Increase Tax on Non-U.S. Reinsurers

9/22/2008

RIMS announced today its opposition to H.R. 6969, legislation disallowing tax deductions for reinsurance premiums paid to foreign affiliates that exceed the industry average for each line of property and casualty insurance business. Under the current tax code, the law permits insurers to deduct reinsurance premiums paid to affiliate foreign reinsurers without any limitations. H.R. 6969 would place an artificial cap on the deduction, potentially causing market disruptions.

For more information, click here.

RIMS Webinar Series: Risk Management Strategies in an Unsettled Financial Market

9/22/2008

To help risk managers navigate these complex issues, RIMS has organized a series of webinars featuring thought leaders who will provide insight on various aspects of insurance and financial market changes. To view archived versions of Risk Management Strategies in an Unsettled Financial Market Part One: The Insurer’s Perspective, Part Two: The Broker’s Perspective, Part Three: The Risk Manager's Perspective and Part Four: The Analyst's Perspective visit www.RIMS.org/Webinars. The webinars are free to RIMS members; non-members may participate for a fee of $30.

Message from RIMS Executive Director

9/18/2008

I would like to take this opportunity express my deepest concern to RIMS members and their families who have been affected by Hurricane Ike and other recent storms, particularly those in the Gulf region. Please know that you and your families are in our thoughts and that we are all hoping for a speedy recovery from this tragedy.

On the topic of responding to catastrophic loss, we're pleased to offer a FREE webinar for RIMS members, "Property and Business Interruption Loss and Hurricane Ike," on October 2 at 1:00 pm EST. This webinar will explore the challenges that many risk managers experience when faced with a complex loss that may have directly or indirectly impacted their operations. Complete details on the webinar are at www.RIMS.org/hurricanewebinar.

Request Congress to review legislation that will affect your business environment

9/8/2008

Today, we are asking that members send an e-mail through RIMS Legislative Action Center to their member on the Senate Banking Committee urging them to mark up the legislation. We need members in the following states to help:

Alabama – Sen. Richard C. Shelby (Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member)
Colorado – Sen. Wayne Allard
Connecticut – Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (Senate Banking Committee Chairman)
Delaware – Sen. Tom Carper
Florida – Sen. Mel Martinez
Hawaii – Sen. Daniel K. Akaka
Idaho – Sen. Mike Crapo
Indiana – Sen. Evan Bayh
Kentucky – Sen. Jim Burning
Montana – Sen. Jon Tester
Nebraska – Sen. Chuck Hagel
New Jersey – Sen. Robert Menendez
New York – Sen. Charles E. Schumer
North Carolina – Sen. Elizabeth Dole
Ohio – Sen. Sherrod Brown
Pennsylvania – Sen. Robert P. Casey
Rhode Island – Sen. Jack Reed
South Dakota – Sen. Tim Johnson
Tennessee – Sen. Bob Corker
Utah – Sen. Robert F. Bennett
Wyoming – Sen. Michael B. Enzi

Please notify Kathy Doddridge, RIMS Government Affairs director, at kdoddridge@RIMS.org so that we can monitor our grassroots activities.

RIMS and Marsh Release Excellence in Risk Management V Report

9/8/2008

Nearly two in three executives with risk management responsibilities feel their organizations would benefit by taking a more strategic approach to risk, while fewer than one in five views their current risk program as strategic, according to RIMS/Marsh Excellence in Risk Management V: Viewing Risk Management Strategically. The report, released Sept. 4, expands on findings of an extensive survey of risk practitioners presented in April during a session at RIMS 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition in San Diego. Visit RIMS Resource Library to read the complete report. 

It’s back to school for the September issue of Risk Management as we look at some of the nation’s most prominent university risk management education programs

9/1/2008

The September issue of Risk Management takes readers back to school with a look at risk management education and some of the nation’s best programs. We also offer advice on how to prepare for an inevitable hard market and examine the parallels between the financial crisis of today and the spectacular demise the hedge fund Long-Term Capital Management some 10 years ago. And FM Global’s Shivan Subramaniam shares his thoughts on leadership and executive challenges in an exclusive interview. Read the September issue online at www.RMmagazine.com.

RIMS Canada Conference to attract more than 1,500 risk professionals for four days in Toronto

8/25/2008

The 33rd Annual RIMS Canada Conference will take place on September 21-24 in Toronto, Ontario, with more than 1,500 risk professionals and industry partners slated to attend. The conference is hosted by RIMS Ontario Chapter. This year's event boasts some 20 educational sessions, a record-setting 80+ exhibitors and networking events galore. Click here for detailed information on sessions and networking events at RIMS Canada Conference.

Online registration ends September 12. Complete details on RIMS Canada Conference are available at http://conference.RIMScanada.org.

Upcoming RIMS Webinar: FEMA and Disaster Aid to Public Entities

8/22/2008

In The August Issue Of RIMSCOPE, Read About Risklive!, Get Updates On RIMS Regional Conferences And Much More!

8/20/2008

In this month’s issue of RIMSCOPE, read about RiskLive! RIMS first-ever Virtual Conference & Expo taking place November 12-13 live on your desktop! Learn how to submit data for the 2009 RIMS Benchmark Survey™, the industry's leading survey on policy renewal prices; and get updates on RIMS Western Regional Conference and RIMS Canada Conference. The Society is also seeking volunteers for a new planning committee to organize some special activities for RIMS 60th anniversary in 2010! Click here to read the August 2008 issue of RIMSCOPE.

John Linear Report Features E-Discovery Rules and Risks

8/19/2008

REMINDER: Online Registration for RIMS Western Regional Conference Ends Friday, August 22!

8/18/2008

Online registration ends Friday, August 22 for RIMS Western Regional Conference on September 2-5 in San Francisco. Hosted by RIMS Golden Gate Chapter this year, the popular event features panel sessions comprised of risk managers and industry experts in order to provide a multi-faceted perspective on the issues. Topics include "The Changing Landscape of D&O Liability Insurance: Are you Prepared?"; "Catastrophic Risk Management-Going Beyond Insurance"; "The Ten Worst Mistakes on Property and Business Interruption Claims"; and "Fundamentals of a Successful TPA Claims Service Partnership". Complete details on RIMS Western Regional Conference are available at www.RIMS.org/wrc.

Spencer Educational Foundation Seeks Risk Managers for Program

8/11/2008

Spencer Educational Foundation is seeking resumes from risk professionals and grant proposals from universities and colleges in the United States and Canada for the Risk Manager in Residence program. Fellow resident professionals have hailed the program as an excellent opportunity for seasoned practitioners to give back to the profession and provide guidance to risk and insurance management students with practical views on practicing risk management.

If you are interested in participating in the Risk Manager in Residence program for the 2008-2009 academic year, applications will be accepted until October 1, 2008. Prospective risk managers must be a member of RIMS and have:

• 10 years risk management experience
• Communication skills
• Classroom experience
• CPCU or ARM teaching experience
• Ability to spend two or three days on a college or university campus

To get started, download an RMIR supplemental application form here. Qualified risk managers are asked to send a copy of an updated resume with a supplemental application form to:

Spencer Educational Foundation
Risk Manager in Residence Program
1065 Avenue of the Americas, 13th Floor
New York, NY 10018

For more information, contact Angela Sabatino, Spencer Educational Foundation administrative manager, at (212) 655-6223 or asabatino@spencered.org.

RIMS Benchmark Survey: Premium Price Drops Continue

8/5/2008

Average premiums fell for all major commercial line insurance in the second quarter of 2008, according to RIMS Benchmark Survey™, the industry's leading survey of policy renewal prices as reported by North American corporate risk managers.

Click here for more information about RIMS Benchmark Survey™.

Call for Data: 2009 RIMS Benchmark Survey™

8/4/2008

Check out the August issue of Risk Management for an in-depth, four-part look at the captive insurance industry

8/4/2008

RIMS Testifies at Broker Compensation Hearings

7/25/2008

RIMS called upon the insurance industry to eliminate certain broker compensation arrangements at a public hearing in New York City on July 25. RIMS President Janice Ochenkowski, ARM, testified to New York Superintendent of Insurance Eric Dinallo and New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

“RIMS has for some time maintained that the relationship between brokers and insurance consumers should be governed by the principle of complete transparency,” said Ms. Ochenkowski during her testimony. “We believe that a contingent fee system creates an inherent conflict of interest. The best way to level the playing field is to eliminate such compensation arrangements.”

In her testimony, Ms. Ochenkowski stressed that RIMS position is a broad prohibition on contingent fees for insurance producers. However, should the New York Department of Insurance and Attorney General choose not to endorse this approach, the Society believes that all compensation arrangements should be fully disclosed in writing. “The relationship between the broker and the commercial consumer must be based on a foundation of trust, truth and honesty. Complete disclosure of all compensation arrangements is not the perfect solution, but it will go a long way to promoting transparency, reestablishing the trust between the broker and the customer, and providing customers with sufficient information to evaluate any potential conflicts of interest in the placement of insurance policies,” stated Ms. Ochenkowski.

Read Ms. Ochenkowski’s complete testimony here.

In the July 2008 issue of RIMSCOPE, read about new Business Continuity Planning workshops, get updates on RIMS legislative affairs and much more!

7/16/2008

RIMS supports legislation mark up by House subcommittee to promote insurance accessibility and affordability

7/9/2008

RIMS endorses the legislation marked up and favorably reported by the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises. The Insurance Information Act and the Increasing Insurance Coverage Options for Consumers Act were hot topics at RIMS on the Hill legislative conference where RIMS members met with members of Congress and staff to lobby for both bills in June 2008. The two bills are legislative priorities for insurance buyers and risk managers.

RIMS commends subcommittee chair Paul Kanjorski, D-Penn.; ranking member Deborah Pryce, R-Ohio; Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kansas; and Rep. Tom Campbell, R-Calif., for their efforts to successfully move the legislation that would better facilitate access to affordable insurance for commercial consumers.

For more information, click here.

ERM webinar explores what top management wants in an ERM program

7/3/2008

RIMS has paired with Stanford Center for Professional Development and Strategic Decisions Group to host "Enterprise Risk Management: What Top Management Wants from its ERM Program". Two C-suite advisors will take risk professionals through a case study of one company that views risk as an opportunity and competitive advantage. Participants will take away steps to successfully implement a value-driven ERM approach. The webinar is free to all participants.

For more information and to register for "Enterprise Risk Management: What Top Management Wants from its ERM Program", visit www.RIMS.org/ERMwebinar.

Check out the July issue of Risk Management for a mid-year update on the property/casualty market and an interview with former FEMA Director James Lee Witt

7/1/2008

As we come to the halfway point of 2008, the July issue of Risk Management looks at the property/casualty insurance market to see if the current soft market is showing any signs of abating. We also speak to James Lee Witt, former director for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to get his unique perspective on disaster preparedness. Other features examine the effect climate change is having on the insurance market, the risk faced by the railroad industry, the benefits of Sarbanes-Oxley implementation and how predictive modeling technology can be used to improve claims management. And don’t miss our expanded Details section featuring monthly columns by Risk Management editors.

Read the July issue of online at www.RMmagazine.com.

In the June 2008 issue of RIMSCOPE, read about the “Heart of RIMS”, new online course offerings and much more!

6/24/2008

In June, Risk Management examines the subprime meltdown and offers strategies on how companies can avoid the next financial crisis.

6/1/2008

The June issue of Risk Management delves into the subprime meltdown with a two-part look at the insurance coverage battles ahead and how the crisis demonstrates how ERM and IT investment could help prevent a similar catastrophe in the future. We also examine the impact of data security breaches, the value of smoothing cash flows, the importance of board-level risk management committees and how developing proper product safety warnings can keep you out of court. And don’t miss out expanded Forefront and Details sections for the latest news and views that affect the risk management world.

To read the June issue of Risk Management, visit www.RMmagzine.com.

Dare to Make a Difference!

5/12/2008

Dare to make a difference! RIMS on the Hill will take place June 8-10 at the Marriott at Metro Center in Washington, D.C. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to shape policy on the issues that affect your business most.

Submit a RIMS 2009 Program Suggestion Form by July 22!

5/9/2008

Share your expertise, gain visibility, network, enhance your professional growth and promote your organization by submitting a Program Suggestion for RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida on April 19-23. Help shape the educational content that will influence more than 5,000 risk managers at the premier risk management event. Deadline for submissions has been extended to Tuesday, July 22!

Read about S&P's Enterprise Risk Analysis to Corporate Ratings

5/7/2008

Standard & Poor's Issues plans to apply Enterprise Risk Analysis to Corporate Ratings. Find out what your business needs to know here.

Change the Way You Talk About Risk!

5/5/2008

RIMS 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition in San Diego introduced new ways to talk about risk. Dynamize. Gung-ho. Razzle-Dazzle. Do these words spark your creativity? Submit your own word here.

RIMS 2008 Conference Coverage

5/2/2008

RIMS 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition in San Diego had it all--dazzling special events, inspiring keynote presentations, mind-blowing educational sessions, and an Exhibit Hall filled with tons of ideas--to help you change the way you talk about risk. If you weren't able to attend, or even if you were, read all about the premier risk management event online at RIMS 2008 Conference Coverage!

RIMS Launches Professional Growth Model

4/29/2008

RIMS launches Risk Management Professional Growth Model. New career tool provides risk practitioners with a roadmap to assess various experience levels and corresponding skill sets, and to be used as a guide in professional development. Access the model at www.RIMS.org/Quality.

Former RIMS President gives advice on pandemics

3/3/2008

Former RIMS President Michael Liebowitz, director of risk management and insurance at New York University, gives advice on how you can minimize potential risks from a H5N1 pandemic simulation. Click here to view the interview on "Risk Television".

Note: You must subscribe to "Risk Television" to view the video.

Homeland Security Legislation Response

1/18/2008

Access the Risk Maturity Model guidelines and best practices

1/1/2008