ShareThisKentucky Mutual & Cooperative Fire Insurance Association – 100 Years and Counting
By Robert Applegate
The first time I attended the Kentucky Mutual & Cooperative Fire Insurance Association annual convention was 21 years ago. Not wanting to show my inexperience, I did little talking during the meetings, but I listened intently.
I was impressed with how well planned the convention was, and on the drive home, I was full of questions. The other directors from my company felt the same way as it was also their first time. Our company had just rejoined the association after a long dry spell.
Over the course of the next few years, I learned the answers to several questions, questions like, “How can 15 companies in the same industry have meetings, get along, and be best of friends?”
The Kentucky association motto says it all: “You Must Cooperate to Operate.”
If a member company had a problem, help was only a phone call away. We all knew that there was enough business for everyone. As time went on, I became more involved in the state association, and, eventually, became its vice president and then president for two-year terms.
During my tenure, I will never forget attending the NAMIC Convention in Phoenix. It was then-NAMIC chairman Wayne White and his wife Mary’s final reception. During the small party, someone looked at my name badge and said, “Bob Applegate – Kentucky. What’s the good news from your state?” I responded that in four weeks the Kentucky association was celebrating its 98th convention.
The fellow continued the conversation, asking what we had planned for our 100th anniversary. Unfortunately, I had to say that I hadn’t given it much thought. In a gentle manner, he reminded me that not many insurance associations have reached the centennial mark, and he advised me to use the next two years to plan a memorable event that will rightfully pay honor to the milestone.
That man was Wayne White.
As my wife and I flew home from Phoenix, we began talking about our association’s celebration. The conversation was so engrossing that the flight seemed much too short.
When I think back about the association in years past—like the time the state Legislature wanted a lot of new statistics on the mutual companies of Kentucky, and we all pulled together to work with the leaders in Frankfort—it is then I truly realize that we do have something to celebrate.
In October, the Kentucky Mutual & Cooperative Fire Insurance Association will be hosting its 100th Anniversary Celebration. We will have a commemorative book and an association medallion on hand. Books and pins will be awarded to each company, president and chairman of NAMIC, and other organizations that have helped the association. We will also present Kentucky state pins at the national and state conventions. We will have a special reception that will include historical items from each member company. And, upon request, we will also present the honor of Kentucky Colonel.
During the past 15 years, the Kentucky association and the Tennessee association have formed a special bond. Kentucky members have attended Tennessee’s annual conventions; and Tennessee members have attended Kentucky’s conventions. Out of this relationship, a continuing education program for licensed agents was created. Because of this unique relationship, Tennessee has been invited to join us in our celebration.
It has been an honor for me to serve as the association’s secretary/treasurer this year and also co-chairman of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Kentucky Mutual & Cooperative Fire Insurance Association.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you in October.
Posted: Thursday, August 23, 2007 12:00:00 AM. Modified: Thursday, August 23, 2007 12:49:35 PM.
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