6750 Westown Parkway #200-322
West Des Moines, IA 50266
P: (515) 537-2080
F: (866) 373-2236
Welcome to the Mutual Insurance Association of Iowa
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Wayne Roush |
Message from MIAI President Wayne Roush:
It is exciting for me to be able to serve as President of this long standing Association. This year marks its 132st Annual Meeting & Convention. What is it that bonds the members to the Association that has created this longevity?
Henry Giese wrote in his 1955 book, Of Mutuals And Men, The Story Of The Rise Of Mutual Insurance In Iowa, that "The State Association has meant a great deal to the mutual people in Iowa. Not only has brought them closer together, enabling them to compare notes and find solutions to their problems, but it also has been a very important factor in increasing interest in this type of insurance."
Walter A. Rutledge, a staunch supporter of the State Association and an influence in the organization of the National Association wrote into his memories: "It is difficult to measure the value of State and National Associations meetings and we are apt to under rate the influence of a good Association. When men do attend association meetings, they admit the need of a better understanding and show a desire to improve their work. You seldom know when or where you get inspiration, but if you come with an open mind, you go home a better servant and officer that when you came." Yes, Mr. Rutledge did say, "When men do attend association meetings." As ladies did not begin attending until 1896.
However, I feel that the predominant reason for the longevity of this association is the success of its membership.
State Auditor, C.G. McCarthy speaking at the Annual Meeting in 1894 is reported to have stated, "I do not recall an instance where a mutual company has failed to make payment of a loss. I do hear many complaints from other companies failing. I concur in the idea that money should be kept at home. I believe that your institution has come to stay and fill a large field of usefulness."
Yes, Mr. McCarthy's prediction was correct. Today, the county and state mutual insurance companies that belong to this Association number 94, have 172,441 Policyholders, write 46,135,971,000 of Insurance In Force that generates 155,318,000 of Premiums Written. They have a Surplus of 359,988,000, Assets of 449,174,000 and paid losses last year totaling 163,071,000.
It is the mission of our Association, "to promote the mutual insurance philosophy and the perpetuation of Iowa's mutual insurance industry" and it is our purpose to provide quality education programs and networking opportunities to enhance our member companies' ability to serve their consumers and to advocate their interest before state and federal legislative and regulatory officials.
What makes our Association successful, its members, you people. Mutuality is all about coming together. We are a member driven organization and by each one of us becoming involved we help our Association spread its message and fight for what we believe. It doesn't matter how big or small your mutual is, it is just as important as all the others and when we pool all of our passion together, 94 companies make one very strong voice. With this in mind I have chosen for my theme a quote from Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President. It is both a privilege and an honor.