By Kevin O'Brien, IMUA President & CEO

IMUA is a volunteer based organization.  We rely on our industry professionals to serve on our regional and/or technical committees.  Their inland marine insurance expertise and network of colleagues is vital to continuing our mission—“to champion the interests of the inland marine industry and foster the education and development of our industry professionals”.   Our technical committees are integral to developing papers and professional development opportunities.  As a national association, our regional advisory committees enable us to reach members around the country with education and networking events.  Being “engaged” on a committee no doubt requires a commitment of time and effort and that's difficult in the era of “do more with less.” 

So, what's in it for you?

Committee service offers a number of ways to further your professional development—from being proactively involved in planning, organizing and executing regional seminars to sharpening your presentation skills through various speaking opportunities  such as webinars and course instruction.  Committees in essence are teams, providing an opportunity to work together with your peers, or step up and lead as chairperson.  All in all, it's a win-win!