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Ghostbuster
476 Posts |
 Posted - 05/07/2003 : 21:37:12
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Jim and Mark, you're right, the basic elements are already here. What's missing is the 'glue' of an organization to hold it all together and present a finished package that is palatable to the carriers and, thus, the vendors. That finished package, of course, is a group of credentialed and disciplined members of whatever this association will wind up being called.
Ya see...it's the organized group itself that has the strength. There is power in numbers. As it is, here in the CADO playhouse, our influence on these forums from disjointed voices spread across the map, already has become the conscience of the industry. We are an influence, we make a difference. To congeal from this loose mixture of voices into a united group that is there for the common good of the trade and not another party boat called the S.S. NACA, should be our goal.
P.S. At the big confab, whenever it is held, just so you recognize me, the sack over my face will be blue Walmart bag with the smiley face on it. Jim Flynt will be wearing a Winn-Dixie sack, Clayton will be in his Red Green Show suspenders and Possum Lodge T-shirt, while Linda, Jennifer, and Cecelia will be standing there looking aghast at it all. Will all the other attendees please notify us of your intended wardrobe choice in advance? Rumor has it that Older Then Dirt will be doing his rendition of Lady Godiva, but this has not been confirmed. |
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2003 : 22:58:12
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Well, we have 9 participants so far in this thread. I think 8 generally or strongly believe "something needs to be done or could be done", regarding our "professionalism". I think that includes Jenn, and I do believe that Jim in the big picture and notwithstanding his questions, is of similar conviction. Houtz is out regarding the concept, and I see no place on CADO for the nature of his concluding remarks. Aside from the sufficient message of his thoughts as noted in the first 4 words of his post; the remainder is what disunites and blemishes the rest of us.
What can we learn from these other professional organizations?
Can we see the benefit of what a group formation has done for their niche?
We first have to agree in sufficient numbers that there is a 'need'.
Recognizing a 'need', that 'need' should be defined or given parameters.
Jim's thoughts are valid, but is there not a more basic starting point, then a plateau that is on much higher ground than we now stand?
I see it as 'professional standards', more than a 'certification'.
I think it is way too early to be concerned about who or how any granting or revoking of authority will rest.
I really can't think of much more to say on the subject than what I've harped on in other threads over the last 6 months or more.
However, first there must be sufficient interest in the 'need'. What is the measurement of sufficient interest? Then, that need should be defined or given a framework.
Then, we can focus on the next element of the puzzle.
Can we hear from 8 or 9, or 20 more people? |
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tomgriffin56
USA
88 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2003 : 02:21:45
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| I also agree that something needs to be done. Count me in Mr. Carr. |
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catmanager
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2003 : 19:15:26
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I agree Clayton, ( if I may call you that)....certification as I implied earlier is not the answer, and I personally also do not see any real benefit from the most recognizable association related to our field (let me know if I'm missing something)....
AIC, CPCU, all are excellent, widely respected designations within the industry, and are good places for the individual. I really haven't the knowledge or expertise to comment on where we can all go from here, but I think it is great that we at least, as a community, have a forum to explore bettering our collective image somehow.... |
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2003 : 20:30:10
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Marc, I'm not a "Mr." kind of guy, and I have been called a lot worse than just my first name.
I agree with your comments, in general.
Perhaps from your perspective in the insurance industry, you could comment on why you think there is a "need", and in general 'how far' or 'how much' is required to "stanardize" our services, and in so doing what "labels" or "categories" (if any) could you see evolving? |
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Jim Lakes
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - 05/09/2003 : 14:36:01
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TO All:
I think you are on the right track. I however, believe that the best and most attainable certification for the general “Cat Adjuster” is the RPA. I of course am biased because as Ghostbuster would say, I are one.
I do not have a college degree; I do not have a CPCU. As Jim F. stated any of these designations are good and as Jim can tell you, none are easy to obtain. You must however take classes, study, and/or correspondence courses to obtain these. Anything worth getting is worth working for.
Now the next question is, how hard do you want to work for it and what are the advantages of such a designation? The first part of the answer has to be an individual circumstance. The second should be obvious to all without an explanation. I have personally received many benefits for having the RPA designation. I have been appointed an umpire on appraisal cases, received personal benefits from companies, and overall received positive responses from many sources when it is known.
The RPA organization has three key words in its motto; they are Professionalism, Integrity, and Education. These words are written on our lapel pens that we wear. I believe that everyone should work toward obtaining some such designation. This lets everyone know that you have worked hard to learn your profession to the best of your ability. I feel that of the three mentioned, the RPA designation best represents what everyone seems to be wanting to obtain.
If anyone should want to discuss this further feel free to call me at any time.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jim Lakes, RPA
VP RAC Catastrophe Services, Inc.
866.241.6574
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