President’s Message: “Thinking Big” Drives Positive Change

By Jim Keal

As I look back on the first half of my tenure as IASA President I’m reminded of a quote from George Will, “The future has a way of arriving unannounced.” The potential sea change in the health care industry, economic and regulatory changes and change in the volatility of the investment markets have placed our industry in a very interesting place to say the least. These same forces have also placed IASA in a unique position to provide a knowledge source and ways for our members to navigate the change we have seen and are likely to see.

During the last six months the association has focused on the IASA mission, “Progress through Sharing Knowledge,” and how to drive value for members amidst times of great change. Other areas of recent focus are chapters, and creating new and innovative educational content for IASA members through new products and events like the new IASA Health Accounting Textbook and IASA Executive EDGE Conference. The first half of this year has also seen tremendous groundwork completed for, what I believe, will be one of our best annual conferences.

The educational sessions and knowledge experts presenting at the 2010 IASA Annual Educational Conference & Business Show will be second to none. The IASA Management Team, members and volunteers have pulled together an educational program that should address many of the most important issues facing the industry in the areas of technology, finance, risk, accounting and career skills development.  Combined with one of the industry’s largest business shows and array of exceptional keynote speakers, this program will provide IASA members with a very valuable tool to help facilitate change in their organizations.

As you may know by now, the theme for this year’s annual conference is “Think Big.” Based on the change the insurance industry is facing, “thinking big” is essential in order to succeed. That’s why it was so critical for IASA to provide keynote speakers that fit this mold. All of the conference speakers should provide a context for looking at our own organizations and ourselves in a different light. Personally, I’m particularly excited to hear Malcolm Gladwell and his thoughts on social phenomenon, how we make decisions and how those relate to business and our lives.  Through his many best-selling books, like “Blink,” “Tipping Point” and several others, he has changed the way we see the world and even ourselves.

I look forward to what 2010 has to offer and embrace the fact that change will occur. We believe that this year’s annual conference will allow all our members to think about and deal with change more effectively. Coupled with our new tiered pricing structure for the conference, IASA is driving unparalleled value for our members. Think Big.

Jim Keal is the vice president of finance and administration for Accident Fund Group in Wisconsin and this year’s IASA President.  He can be reached via email at: jim.keal@unitedheartland.biz.