More than 60 insurance licensees and industry representatives attended DISB’s second annual Insurance Open House on September 27 at its offices at 810 First Street, NE. The daylong event provided updates on the agency’s insurance regulatory requirements and procedures, as well as its overall work in financial regulation and protection.

Attendees are quizzed during a market conduct presentation.

Attendees signed up for sessions on fraud compliance, legal updates and market analysis, as well as one-one-one sessions on consumer complaints, form filing and company and producer licensing. Many attendees were glowing in their assessment of the event, saying that staff was “very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.”

“DISB presents a great image by opening its doors to industry members,” said one attendee. “It shows that DISB wants to work with the industry and create relationships. I appreciated the friendliness, hospitality and information-sharing.”

“This is my first time here,” echoed another. “I’m impressed with your friendly staff and accessibility for meetings like this.”

Many walked away with a sense that DISB is working toward more openness in government, one where both consumers and businesses will find information directed at their needs. Each attendee received a comprehensive booklet of information that offered various filing procedures, division information, and notices of fraud and legislative updates. Participants also enjoyed a guided tour of the main office where they met various staff.

To kick off the program, DISB Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton welcomed participants, assuring the industry that as government regulators, DISB believes in transparency, which is critical to sound and effective regulation. However, he highlighted the agency’s equally important focus on consumer protection, a critical aspect of the current administration under Mayor Adrian M. Fenty.

A highlight of the open house was having National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) president and Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Insurance Walter A. Bell deliver the keynote address on A Regulator’s View of Regulation. In town for the NAIC’s 2007 Fall Meeting, Bell touched on hot topics such as flood insurance, terrorism insurance, universal health care, consumer assistance and education and more. He also talked about being born in Alabama and becoming the insurance commissioner of that state. Many open house attendees appreciated the opportunity to interact directly with the NAIC president.

This year, the open house was chaired by Market Conduct Insurance Examiner Janet LeGore,  who said she enjoyed the experience working with each unit in the Insurance Bureau.

The open house was spearheaded in 2006 by Insurance Examiner Manager, Forms Analysis Branch, Jamai Fontaine who set a standard for excellence, which was followed by this year’s organizing committee.