Maine Council of NAIW

Association of Choice - Represented by Diversified Professionals

Maine Council History

REMEMBER THE MAGIC?    

 

Twenty five years ago, women from across the State of Maine gathered to form a group composed of representatives of NAIW members of the various associations within the state.  The purpose was to foster better communication between the members of those associations given the size of the state, provide support to the local associations, and to keep members informed of what was happening on the regional and national levels.  There were six local associations at the time:  Andy Valley, Aroostook, Central Maine, Down East, Eastern Maine, and Greater Portland.

 

Minutes from those early meetings could not be located so details of the first few meetings are sketchy.  We do know that Judith Plummer of NAIW Central Maine served as State Director for two terms, 1981-82 and 1982-83.  The state meetings were held in Rockport and Bangor respectively, but were not officially recognized as annual meetings as we know them, because the group was not yet sanctioned by NAIW National.

            

Lynn (McKeen) Lombard, NAIW of Aroostook, served the following two terms: 1983-84 and 1984-85.  Her assistant was Barbara (Libby) Wing.  State meeting in 1984 was held in Portland and consisted of a Friday afternoon seminar, a speaker on career development, and a LACE (Let’s All Speak Effectively, a precursor to CWC) speakoff Saturday morning.  The winner was Marney (Kennedy) Brewer of NAIW Aroostook.  The first Insurance Woman of the Year was Mary Karatsanos, named at the 1984 annual meeting.  At the December 1984 meeting, it was suggested the Council approach the Governor of Maine for a signed proclamation for Insurance Women’s Week.

            

State Weekend 1985 was held at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston, hosted by Andy Valley.  Friday activities were canceled due to Hurricane Gloria. Insurance Woman of the Year was Marie Connolly.

 

State Director for the 1985-86 term was Prudy Wiggins.  An NAIW informational booth was manned by State Council members at the Agents’ Association mid-year meeting.  State Weekend was held in Presque Isle and Judith Plummer was named Insurance Woman of the Year.

            

In 1986-87, Betty Welch of NAIW Andy Valley served as State Director.  During this term, National first recognized State Committees and began to set up standing rules to govern them.  State Weekend was held at Rockland and Betty Welch was named Insurance Woman of the Year.

            

Candy Case, NAIW of Aroostook was State Director 1987-88.  The annual meeting was held in Bar Harbor.  Pamela (Gioux) Rogers was recognized as Insurance Woman of the Year.

            

State Director 1988-89 was Carolyn (Rowe) McAuslin of NAIW Central Maine and her assistant was Barbara Koster.  It was announced that only State speakoff winners will be allowed to compete regionally, effective 1990.  At the July 15, 1989 council meeting, it was noted that NAIW National had 21,350 members.  State Weekend was held October 7th at the Ramada Inn in Bangor with 61 in attendance.  Jolene (Kidd) Holland was named Insurance Woman of the Year.  During this term was the first mention of a state newsletter.  

            

Jolene (Kidd) Holland of NAIW Andy Valley was State Director during the 1989-90 term.  State Weekend was held in Kennebunkport with Greater Portland hosting.  A CWC speakoff was held with Glynn Patrick of NAIW Central Maine the winner.  Carol Aigner of Greater Portland was named as Insurance Woman of the Year.

            

The State Director for 1990-91 was Carol Aigner of Greater Portland.  First mention of a state mini-board for September 1991 in Bangor.  The Insurance Association of Greater Houlton was chartered in 1991.  State Weekend was hosted by Andy Valley and held at the Ramada in Lewiston with 62 in attendance.  Diane (Swiesz) Toussaint of Greater Portland was named Insurance Woman of the Year.  Pam Rogers of NAIW Central Maine won the CWC speakoff.

            

1991-93 State Director was Barbara Koster, NAIW Central Maine.  She served an extended period because this was when National created the State Director-Elect position.  The 1992 State Weekend was held in Presque Isle October 10-11, with 57 members in attendance.  At the Saturday speakoff, Pam Rogers of NAIW Central Maine, was the winner for the second year in a row.  Barbara Koster was named Insurance Woman of the Year.  NAIW Central Maine hosted a state mini-board in the fall of 1992.  National membership 1992 = 15,225.

            

Susan Hathorne, Insurance Women of Eastern Maine, served as State Director for the term 1993-94.  Kathleen Goodwin was her assistant.  During 1993 our State Insurance Woman of the Year award was renamed the Elizabeth M. Welch Insurance Woman of the Year Award, in honor of the late Betty Welch.  State Weekend was held in Boothbay Harbor and hosted by NAIW Central Maine.  Lorna Frost won the CWC Speakoff.  Cathy MonteCalvo of Greater Portland was named the first Maine State AAMGA Award winner.  Insurance Woman of the Year was Susan Hathorne. 

            

State Director for 1994-95 was Nicki Griffin of Greater Portland.  State Weekend was held in Ellsworth and Brenda Foster of Central Maine was named Insurance Woman of the Year.  At the January meeting it was decided that there should be written reports from the presidents of the 7 associations in the state in the quarterly newsletters.  An awards committee was also created and Claims Professional and Rookie awards would be presented added to AAMGA, Insurance Woman of the Year and membership retention. 

 

Marie Connolly served as State Director during the 1995-96 term and State Weekend was hosted by Insurance Women of Eastern Maine in Bangor.  State Awards were as follows:  Membership Retention:  Greater Portland; CWC: Jeannie Grant of Greater Portland; Rookie of the Year:  Terri Pierce of Central Maine; Claims Professional: Marney (Kennedy) Brewer of NAIW Aroostook; Insurance Woman of the Year: Nancy Storer of Andy Valley.  A State mini-board was planned for 9-14-96 in Augusta.  A new banner was made by Barbara Koster to be presented to the council at State Weekend 1996.  An eighth association was chartered and known as Insurance Women of Kennebec Valley.

            

1996-97 State Director was Brenda Foster of Central Maine.  State Weekend 1996 was hosted by the Insurance Association of Greater Houlton with 72 in attendance.  This year, state candidates were interviewed by the Nominating Committee using the same procedures as on the regional and national levels.  Award winners were:  Membership Retention:  Down East Maine; Rookie of the Year: Linda Nielsen of Greater Portland; Claims Professional: Janice Plunkett of Greater Portland; AAMGA Award: Prudy Wiggins of Greater Portland; CWC Impromptu Winner: Robin Spencer of Down East Maine; Insurance Woman of the Year: Carol Hall of Central Maine.  43 members attended State mini-board on 9-14-06.        

            

Camilla “Kim” Coombs served as State Director for the 1997-98 term.  NAIW Greater Portland hosted State Weekend in October ‘97 in Portland.  83 members were in attendance, 28 of whom were first timers.  The following were award winners:  Membership Retention:  Insurance Women of Eastern Maine; Rookie of the Year: Veronica Munsey, NAIW Greater Portland; Claims Professional: Veronica Munsey, NAIW Greater Portland; AAMGA Award:  Martha Davis, NAIW Greater Portland; CWC: Tammy Ellis, NAIW Central Maine; Insurance Woman of the Year: Jeannie Grant, NAIW Greater Portland.  An NAIW Maine State Council brochure was created this year. 

 

Jeannie Grant of NAIW of Greater Portland served as State Director for the term 1998-99.  State Weekend was held in Lewiston and hosted by NAIW Androscoggin Valley.  At the directive of National, all states voted on continuance of the state councils.  It was a unanimous vote to continue NAIW Maine State Council.  Awards were as follows:  Membership Retention: Insurance Association of Greater Houlton; Rookie: Heather Halstead of NAIW Greater Portland; Claim Professional: Susan Smith of NAIW Central Maine; AAMGA: Marilyn Sinski, Insurance Women of Kennebec Valley; CWC: Nannette Wirth, NAIW of Greater Portland; Insurance Woman of the Year; Kim Coombs of Androscoggin Valley.  Jeannie’s message to local associations was on recruitment and retention with NAIW Now!

 

State Director 1999-2000 was Nancy Storer of NAIW Androscoggin Valley.  NAIW Aroostook hosted State Weekend which was held in Caribou.  Nancy’s theme for the year was recruitment and retention.  Awards were presented as follows:  Membership Retention: Insurance Women of Down East Maine; Rookie of the Year:  Theresa Dyer, NAIW of Greater Portland; Claims Professional:  Cheryl Russell of Insurance Women of Eastern Maine; AAMGA: Stacey Stubinski of NAIW Greater Portland; CWC: Linda Nielsen of NAIW Greater Portland; Insurance Woman of the Year: Robin Spencer, NAIW of Eastern Maine. 

 

Robin Spencer of Insurance Women of Eastern Maine served as State Director for the term 2000-01.  State Weekend was held in Augusta with over 80 members registered.  Award winners:  Membership Retention: NAIW Central Maine; CWC:  Patti Gagne of Andy Valley; Rookie of the Year: Michelle Belanger of Greater Portland; Claims Professional: Wendy Clark of Greater Portland; AAMGA: Jeannie Grant of Greater Portland; and Insurance Woman of the Year: Kim Rabesa of Greater Portland.  Robin’s message/mission during her term was to obtain a written Horizon Plan from each association.

 

State Director for the 2001-02 term was Kimberly Rabesa of NAIW of Greater Portland; Linda Nielsen of Greater Portland served as her assistant.  Maine State Council became a member of the Silver Founders Club of the Education Foundation.  State Weekend was held in Ellsworth, celebrating the twentieth anniversary as a state council, with 74 members in attendance.  Past State Directors were invited with 8 present.  Kim’s theme for State Weekend was “Remember the Magic” – her focus for her term was the importance of leadership training and keeping all members well informed.  Plans were formulated to present a bid at the April 2002 Regional Conference for all Maine associations to host the 2006 Regional Conference.  Kim Rabesa and Linda Nielsen served as co-chairmen.  State Award winners were:  Insurance Professional of the Year: Linda Nielsen of Greater Portland; Rookie of the Year: Heidi Villacci of Greater Portland; AAMGA: Cecille York of Eastern Maine; Communicate With Confidence: Heidi Villacci of Greater Portland.  In June a very successful State Mini-Board was held with six workshops and 24 members in attendance.

 

Susan K. Hathorne of NAIW of Greater Portland served as State Director for the term 2002-03 with Stephanie Abbott-Davis of Greater Portland as her assistant.  Sue’s theme for State Weekend, which was held in Bangor in October, was “United We Stand.”  There were 75 members in attendance, 14 of those were First Timers.  Award winners:  Insurance Professional of the Year: Stephanie Abbott-Davis, Greater Portland; Claims Professional of the Year: Tami Krallman of NAIW Central Maine; Rookie of the Year: Raina Bartlett of Greater Portland; AAMGA: Susan Nason of Greater Portland; Communicate With Confidence: Patti Gagne of Andy Valley; Scholarship winners: Robin Spencer and Cheryl Russell of Eastern Maine.  NAIW Maine State Council pins were purchased – a dark green background with the outline of the state and the NAIW logo inside the outline.  Sue worked tirelessly during her term to establish a successful on-going State scholarship fund.  At Regional Conference in the spring, Raina Bartlett of Greater Portland was named Region I Rookie of the Year.  Insurance Women of Kennebec Valley disbanded 7-1-03 after seven years. 

 

State Director for the term 2003-04 was Deborah Hamilton of NAIW Central Maine; Mary Caswell of Central Maine served as her assistant.  State Weekend in October was hosted by Insurance Professionals of Greater Houlton and held in Millinocket.  It was voted for State Council to sponsor a registration for a First Timer in attendance and the first winner was Christine Logan of NAIW of Greater Portland.  Deb’s theme for the year was “Light the Way.”  Award winners:  Insurance Professional of the Year: Cheryl Russell of Eastern Maine; Rookie of the Year: Robin Franklin of Greater Portland; Claims Professional of the Year: Heather Rondeau of Greater Portland; AAMGA, Kimberly Rabesa of Greater Portland; Membership Retention: a tie between Central Maine and Greater Houlton.  At the January 2004 State Council Meeting it was announced that Maine associations had acquired 27 new members.  A committee was formed to pursue corporate partnering.

 

Cheryl Russell of Insurance Women of Eastern Maine served as State Director for the term 2004-05 with Robin Spencer of Eastern Maine as her assistant.  Cheryl’s theme was “Plant and Restore the NAIW Garden” and her goals for her term were retention, corporate partnering, mentoring, literacy, and the updating of the Horizon Plan.  State Weekend was hosted by the Maine State Council and held in Bethel with 67 members attending.  The first NAIW Maine golf tournament was held.   Cheryl organized yellow ribbons for the troops with the seven local associations.  State award winners:  Insurance Professional of the Year: Deborah Hamilton of Central Maine; Rookie of the Year: Elizabeth Clark of Greater Portland; Claims Professional of the Year: Colleen Rioux of Andy Valley; AAMGA: Kathy Cote of Central Maine; Communicate With Confidence: Patti Gagne of Andy Valley; runner-up Deborah Wentworth of Greater Portland.  State scholarship winners were Kathy Cote and Brenda Foster of Central Maine and Rena Legasse of Greater Houlton.  Membership Retention winner was Insurance Women of Eastern Maine.  At Region I Conference in the spring, the following awards were announced:  Region I Rookie of the Year: Elizabeth Clark of Greater Portland; Region I Claims Professional of the Year: Janice Plunkett of Greater Portland; Region I AAMGA: Robin Spencer of Eastern Maine; Education Scholarships were won by Brenda Foster and Kathy Cote of Central Maine; Greater Portland was runner-up for the Association Public Relations Award; Association Membership Award was won by NAIW of Aroostook and the runner-up was Insurance Women of Down East Maine.  The Pinnacle Award for associations with 26-50 members was won by NAIW Central Maine.  NAIW of Aroostook disbanded after 54 years.  Insurance Women of Eastern Maine became Insurance Professionals of Eastern Maine and NAIW of Greater Portland became Insurance Professionals of Greater Portland. 

 

State Director for the term 2005-06 was Stephanie Abbot Davis of Insurance Professionals of Greater Portland; Raina Bartlett of Greater Portland served as her assistant.  State Weekend was held in South Portland and Steph’s theme was “Belong, Be Involved, Become = Just Be.”  Award winners:  Insurance Professional of the Year: Kathy Cote of Central Maine; CWC: Deborah Wentworth of Greater Portland; Rookie of the Year: Jennifer Keane of Andy Valley; AAMGA: Sarah Giffin of Andy Valley.  Karen Mann of Central Maine won the First Timers Award.  Membership Retention:  Insurance Women of Down East Maine.  Laurel Wentworth of Eastern Maine and Liz Clark of Greater Portland were scholarship winners.  Steph announced 195 members in the State of Maine.  Triumph Auto Glass committed to become a State level corporate partner.  Region I Conference was held in Portland, hosted by the 6 associations of Maine.  Deborah Wentworth of Greater Portland was the Communicate With Confidence winner; Greater Portland won the Newsletter Award for its association category and the Pinnacle Award for associations with 26-50 members.  In June, National Convention was held in Orlando FL and Deborah Wentworth of Greater Portland was the National Communicate With Conference winner.

 

Updated September 2006 – Jeannie Grant