Dave Kaplan

WSIA Executive Director

May 2009

Thirty-seven years ago the Washington Self-Insurers Association was born.  Some 52 employers got together to build a future organization that would provide them with the representation and training they needed to ensure a sound, conservative system of self-insurance in Washington state.  Their vision and commitment is reflected in the services we provide our members today.

Back in 1972, they started with an Annual Conference and business meeting, plans for some periodic training programs, and a contract lobbyist.  Since then, our services have grown substantially.  Today, WSIA holds five conferences a year, provides over a dozen training programs (including webinars), has a contract lobbyist and Executive Director who lobby, and provides a liaison role with the Department of Labor & Industries.  Despite the efforts of other business Associations, WSIA has become THE resource for its expertise, knowledge, resources, and focus on workers’ compensation issues that others turn to.  You should all be proud of that.

As Executive Director for the past eight years, I’ve participated in addressing many of the changes and challenges we’ve faced.  The current economy will pose a new set of challenges, unlike anything we’ve seen since September 2001.  Whatever those challenges will be, it’s important to remember that we’re in it together.

You are blessed with an amazing professional staff.  I want to thank WSIA Training Coordinator Bonnie Prater and Administrative Assistant & Event Planner Kaye Thede for their heart, smarts and hard work in keeping our Association the best in the state.

In any association, there is strength in numbers.  We can’t let economic realities, bad legislative proposals, ridiculous court rulings and Department regulations overwhelm us or drag us down.  With a unified effort WSIA will continue to succeed in providing your organization the services it needs well into the future.

Until next time …

Dave Kaplan

WSIA Executive Director

dave.kaplan@wsiassn.org

Posted 5 May 2009

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