LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Annual Meeting Attendee:

Thank you for registering to attend our virtual annual meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. I appreciate your commitment to our association and the strong, growing California surplus line industry we represent.

The Surplus Line Association’s highest purpose is to foster a healthy, fair and competitive surplus lines marketplace in California. We also serve as the bridge between our members—more than 6,000 California-licensed brokers—and the California Department of Insurance (CDI). Our role, as that bridge, is to assist the CDI by processing policies, analyzing markets, and monitoring the marketplace. It is also to help our members remain compliant and thus in good standing with the regulators who oversee our industry. We also work to ensure that the proper balance is maintained with the admitted insurance sector, in compliance with state law.

In 2020, we met the challenges of a worldwide pandemic by being prepared. Because we and our Board of Directors had foreseen the possibility of having our more than 110 employees working remotely due to wildfires or other catastrophes, we were ready when we got the order to shut down our offices. We met the needs of our members without missing a beat, and I very much appreciate the leadership and support of our board in making that possible.

At our Annual Meeting, you will learn about what we did to keep providing top-notch service, and what we will do going forward. Thank you again for setting aside the time to join us. Your involvement in your association is vital and we are truly grateful for your support.

Sincerely,

Benjamin J. McKay, J.D., M.P.A.
CEO and Executive Director
Surplus Line Association of California