PHILADELPHIA  – Following the traditional “Ceremony of Flags” and the singing of the U.S. and Canadian national anthems, the 113th Annual Convention of the National Association of Mutual Insurance companies (NAMIC) began with Chairman John Bykowski, president/CEO of SECURA Insurance, A Mutual Company in Appleton, Wis., delivering the chairman's speech.

More than 1,700 insurance executives are gathered here for the annual event, which features keynote addresses by Ben Stein, New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

During his speech, Bykowski touched upon the tremendous challenges that faced the industry during the past year, including the soft market and overly aggressive regulators. He expressed his gratitude to the NAMIC membership for standing together in mutuality when facing these challenges head on.

He also spoke on the importance of this year's election cycle. "There are only five weeks to our national elections. Regardless of who wins, there will be a changing of the guard in the White House, and the stakes continue to be high," Bykowski told the crowd. "But rest assured that NAMIC continues to advocate on your behalf."

Bykowski reminded attendees that the "mutual insurance industry has worked long and hard to create a special relationship with the market – one that has withstood the test of time."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

© Copyright 2007, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC).