Breakout Workshops
Friday, November 13, 2009
11:30am-12:30pm

Workshop 4: Conducting Business in Bad Economic Conditions: 100 Action Thought Starters for Survival in a Severe Market Downturn (Part 1)
2009 has been a tough year in all areas of the economy - but as we all know the insurance industry has been particularly hard hit. This session will provide suggestions and ideas for strategies that can help your agency survive these tough times. You will leave this session with an actual list of (over) 100 specific action items business owners and managers can use to help maintain and grow their business during a down economy.

Speaker: Joe Schmieder, Family Business Consulting Group
Joe Schmieder is a senior associate of the Family Business Consulting Group, Inc. with expertise in the areas of sibling groups, strategy and growth. Mr. Schmieder assists family-owned or closely-held organizations increase their value through the continuous creation of successful new business opportunities. In collaboration with a network of experienced professionals who teach and apply pragmatic knowledge, Joe's focus tends to revolve around business improvements and the execution of strategic growth initiatives.
Most recently Joe has served as Chief Operating Officer for Custer Workplace Interiors, an office furniture dealer with exclusive territory rights for Steelcase products. Joe successfully guided the dealership through the industry's most severe downturn, adjusting the organization and diversifying product & service offerings to remain profitable and rebound with 20 percent growth. Prior to joining FBCG, Joe served as Divisional President at Oliver Products Company, a 114-year-old family business serving the medical, food, and graphics markets. Joe was responsible for the performance of the Converting Business Unit--from developing and manufacturing the products to marketing and selling worldwide. Along with a variety of other positions during 19 years at Oliver, Joe was able to achieve significant results in both operational improvements and profitable business growth.

Sponsored by

Workshop 5: RAF Presents: Dr. Murray Todd on Alzheimer’s
This session will begin with the definition of the dementia condition in general. This will be followed by a definition for Alzheimer’s disease and how this disorder fits into the general dementia definition. An explanation of potential risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease will be discussed. In hopes of delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or perhaps even preventing the onset, suggestions for modifying these risk factors will be presented. Present treatments are limited and only marginally effective, although these treatments may slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The session will end with a discussion of what is on the horizon for Alzheimer’s disease treatment and diagnosis.

Speaker: Dr. H. Murray Todd
Dr. H. Murray Todd received his medical degree and completed his neurology residence at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He is board certified with the National Board of Medical Examiners, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and the American Society of Neuro-Imaging and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Todd served as a U.S. Navy General Medical Officer and obtained the rank of Lt. Commander during his five years of service. Dr. Todd is Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Clinical College of Asst. Professor of Neurology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, and Chairman and professor of Neurology at the NOVA Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is resently the medical director of the Neurological Institute and Memory Center at North Broward Medical Center in Deerfield Beach, FL.  He is a member of the Department of Elder Affairs, Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative Advisory Committee. Dr. Todd is a senior’s advocate and was induced into the Broward County Area Agency on Aging Hall of Fame in 2002.

Workshop 6: BGA Contracts: Protecting Yourself and Your Agency
Contracts are an everyday part of the life insurance industry, but what used to be routine agreements are increasingly putting BGA’s at risk in a variety of ways. From being held financially responsible for the fault or negligence of producers, liability for broker commissions, charge backs, collections.. and more, BGA’s must be increasingly vigilant regarding the terms of the carrier contracts they are a party to. This workshop will help you understand what you need to look for in your contracts; how to assess the risks; and help you understand your options in contract negotiation.

Speakers:
Brian Casey, Esq., Locke, Lord, and Bissell, Atlanta, GA
Steven John Fellman, GKG Law, PC, Washington, DC