Winter Travel for Mariposa!
February 21, 2010
Doing business sometimes means leaving your comfort zone…in more ways than one! Now I am not talking about being nervous to attend conventions and meet with strangers. (those who know me have rarely seen a shy side of me) I’m talking about the weather here in SoCal versus what the weather was like in Jacksonville, FL when I went to Windstorm last month and then the weather again when I left 75 degrees to head to the OAMIC Convention in chilly, ok, freezing weather of Columbus, OH This is where dedication to my job comes in, that’s for sure! It’s been a very long time since I’ve felt was 15 degrees was like with the wind chill but I’ve got to say, the warmth we received inside the convention was a true pleasure and cold weather or not, am glad I was there.
The OAMIC is the Ohio Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and it was our first time exhibiting there. I learned a lot about the structures of mutual companies while I was there and met some great people. Also feel like we have some solid leads on potential new clients, especially for CAT work. Never have I felt so welcomed by a group of carrier representatives that were wanting to be sure that “we” were having a great time. Our Accounting Manager, Erin Chandler, whose real title should be Queen of Keeping Everyone Happy, was also there with me and I was happy about that. She doesn’t get out of the office much since we all keep her plenty busy but it was a joy having her there and I think she had a good time as well. Did I tell you it was really, really cold? So we attended the OAMIC with the plan of trying to do more with our backyard neighbor carriers right in the state of Ohio. As I suspected, not many had specifically heard of us but did like the idea of us being headquarted in Ohio. I think that triggered “their” comfort level. They also weren’t bothered one bit by the weather. Hmm…...numb to the numbness?
It was chilly, weather-wise at Windstorm in Florida as well, compared to home, but I also have to say that I felt the people there were also a bit chilly. Maybe it’s just me but there seemed to be too many public adjusters, loads of vendors and not a loads of carriers as compared to last year. While we certainly met some very nice people on an individual basis, it was a stark contrast to the warmth that everyone at OAMIC showed us. Just my opinion.
Clearly I think I’ve been spoiled now and am thinking Mariposa should attend the National Assoc of Mutual Insurance Companies that will be later in year. Am liking that warm and fuzzy feeling.
See you somewhere! 
Lorrie Burkes
Business Development Manager