Tis the Season

Okay, it was tough, but I waited until after Thanksgiving to unveil my newest Real Time Eddie Series comic strip. I don’t know if you realize how difficult this was. After all, I’m less than five years old, and you know how impulsive we kids can be. And of course, I’m superfast and efficient. So I might have been able to share the ad before it was even created.

 

Either way, the new ad is out and it features some other well-known characters—including jolly old Saint Nick himself! Check it out at http://www.getrealtime.org/active/eddie.asp (and while you’re on my page on the Real Time site, you can learn more about moi!)

 

This is second in a series of a half-dozen or so creations that will be appearing in trade publications, online and elsewhere over the next few months. If you work for a carrier, vendor, users group or trade association and are able to publish the comic strip in one of your publications or on the web, that would please me to no end! Just drop me an email.

 

My agent (talent agent, not insurance agent) has been hard at work and has already gotten me a sequel. Following closely on the heels of my speed campaign, I will be featured as a superhero fighting villains of agency and brokerage productivity. I know one nemesis already: FaxMan. There will be more. And guess what, that’s where you can help!

 

As volunteer leaders and other creative folks behind the Real Time/Download Campaign start putting pen to paper for the villains series, they are looking for your ideas. What enemies exist in your office that I fight? As I said, FaxMan is one. But what else does Real Time help you do better? Drop us an email. And look for (and use) my speed comics over the next couple of months.

 

 

 

Vertafore’s Alexanderson Wins Special ACORD Volunteer Awardcaleen

Volunteerism is the fuel that associations like ACORD and NetVU run on; dedicated volunteers allow those organizations to be great, achieve their goals and serve their members effectively. ACORD, the standards development organization, has a history of attracting just such people and recognizes their commitment.

 

This year, ACORD honored several members for their outstanding dedication to ACORD and their work as volunteers in specific areas. Among the recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer Award was Caleen Alexanderson, senior business analyst, Vertafore.

 

Joyce Sigler, CISR, CPIA, CPIW, Jones-Wenner Insurance Agency, said “This award is a well deserved physical symbol of the customer advocacy that Caleen provides in both working with carriers and working for the Vertafore customers.

 

“Caleen always goes above and beyond the normal expectations to make the download the absolute best it can be from a carrier or customer perspective. I applaud her diligence and knowledge in work in this industry,” she added.

 

"Volunteers are what make ACORD great. They help shape our events. They develop and advocate for the Standards. They implement. They help with ACE education and testing. They contribute their time, effort, and expertise. Now, we want to ensure they receive the recognition for their efforts they truly deserve," said Tanya Krochta, vice president and chief administrative officer, ACORD.

 

Caleen also received her ACORD ACE certification, the first one for Vertafore.  The ACORD Certified Expert (ACE) program (started in late 2010) is a designation showing ACORD Standards implementation proficiency. To receive this designation you need to pass 3 tests: ACORD information, standards knowledge and insurance knowledge.  In order for Caleen to keep her certification she will be required to fulfill continuing education requirements.

 

NetVU, as well, relies on volunteers for its success; both at the national and local levels. If you have ever thought of giving back to your user group but didn’t know where to go, check in with your local Chapter or get in touch with Sara Krueger at sara@netvu.org to get plugged in. We can promise you you’ll get back more than you give. 

 

 

   

Vertafore Wins Two ACORD Awardsvertafore

At last month’s ACORD Implementation Forum, Vertafore was recognized as the Property & Casualty Most Actively Involved with ACORD recipient. This award recognizes organizations that support ACORD in many areas including implementation and certifications of ACORD Standards.

 

In addition, it received the Early Adopter Award: Specialty Lines. This award recognizes Vertafore for having implemented one or more of the new, or updated, ACORD standard Specialty Lines forms or messages.

 

Accepting the award for Vertafore was Patrick M. McCall, vice president, Sales. 

 

 

 

NetVU Certifications

Set yourself and your agency apart by becoming NetVU Certified.  Certifications show your commitment to your industry, your knowledge and willingness to learn.  NetVU currently offers three distinct certifications for the insurance industry professional, and more are coming.  Don’t get left behind.

 

What’s New? 

 

What started in early 2011, with a NetVU certification for Sagitta System Administrators (SSA), has expanded to include two new programs for the coming year — one in Sagitta Accounting and one for Account Managers using AMS360. 

 

Select the certification you are interested in for more details: 

 

Sagitta System Admin (SSA) 

Sagitta Accounting 

Account Manager Certification - AMS360 

 

Set Yourself Apart  

 

Not only will you be known as a leader in the industry, but NetVU certified members will be recognized at the NetVU Conference. You will also be part of a private community available to certified members, and will be given special consideration when contacting Vertafore Support.

 

Set Your Agency Apart  

 

Principals, having NetVU certified team members will allow your agency to maximize your investment in Vertafore. You will also develop a more knowledgeable team, and create prestige for your agency, giving you a competitive edge in the industry.

 

What’s Next? 

 

Over the next few years, NetVU will design certifications based on job titles of agency employees such as IT, Accounting, Customer Service and Benefits, these will also include multi tiers, such as Expert and Master in addition to the administrator that is currently available. Each program is designed with a team of Volunteer Subject Matter Experts (SME's), NetVU staff and Vertafore. 

 

What others are saying about the NetVU certification program… 

"The certification will give you the education you need to take care of the day to day operations of the system.  I always enjoy networking with the people that are in the same shoes I am on a day-to-day basis, and hear what they go through and how they resolve issues. So I think the discussions on the materials helped me out more than anything." 

Kaye Ladd, SSA

The Crichton Group 

 

"If you want to know the most about the system, and get the little behind the scenes knowledge of the system, I would say they really need to take the class." 

Stella Mintz, SSA

AVI Risk Management