SLA is off to a great start. The first quarter 1998 was distinguished by several new developments. Our new executive director, Ted Pierce, assumed his position on January 26^th. Ted has done an excellent job of keeping the executive committee up-to-speed on the weekly operations of SLA. I�m confident that the Association�s governance and structure are in good hands

On March 10, the Department of Insurance (DOI) held a hearing on proposed revisions of Regulation 2174, which would increase the initial filing fee for surplus line carriers from $1,500 to $4,500 and increase annual renewal filing fees from $1,500 to $2,250. No objection was raised to the increased fees but SLA did submit written comments relating to two items in the DOI�s proposed revisions. The first being the need for a better definition and explanation of the relationship between document "submissions" and "filings" when non-admitted carriers submit documents to satisfy eligibility requirements. Our second comment suggested more specifics as to what documents should be filed in an annual renewal package and what documents should be filed as updates.

Late filings continue to be the number one reason for tag violations. A filing is considered late if a policy is not accompanied by the SL-1 and SL-2 forms and submitted to the Surplus Line Association (SLA) within 60 days of placing the insurance with a non-admitted carrier.

In 1979, when Lina first came to the SLA, there were only 12 employees. The office was located at 50 California, just down the street and many moves back. There were no computers, voice-mail, or many of the things we take for granted today. Lina started as a file clerk but was promoted to a Coder/Key Punch Operator within a year. She has always been a part of the Data Processing Department.