As noted in past editions and in the Chairman’s comments, MSO has spent the last year and a half working on finalizing a strategic plan. Under that plan, the board decided that MSO needs to maintain the high level of service our members have come to expect - Sustain. They also decided on a new direction for MSO with an emphasis on expansion - And Grow.

As we implement the Sustain and Grow strategy, there will be changes in what we do and where we operate. However the key principle of MSO, the high level of customer service, must remain. We don’t own a functioning crystal ball and the “magic 8 ball” only gives very limited predictions, so there are no guarantees of roaring success in everything we attempt but that won’t stop us from trying. Over the years we have accomplished a lot that some thought we could not do. Going forward we will be attempting more that I am sure some will doubt. However a lot gets accomplished by those who, based on accepted general knowledge, are not supposed to be able to do what they do. We are in a way like the bumble bee who in theory has a body mass too large for its small wings and therefore should not fly. However since nobody told the bumble bee, it flies anyway.

The past success of MSO is due to the dedication and loyalty of the MSO staff. Every employee has played an important part in the development of MSO over the years. The future success of MSO depends on the continued dedication of the entire staff and I know that we can count on everyone here to give their full support in the expansion efforts of MSO.

-- James Townley, CPCU; President/COO

First, let me say thank you for the hearty welcome I have received from everyone. Also thank you for your willingness to spend time with me on the phone and in person since my start date in December. I am delighted to join the MSO team.

For me joining MSO has two wonderful parts. The first is familiar ground - a return to property and casualty. My father was a P&C agent in Delaware, Ohio for 40 years. I remember well the inspection visits he did before sending in an insured's paperwork and the many late nights when he had to go out to meet with a family on a claims call. My father really believed in what he was doing. He always said that he was providing essential products and services to his customers. For many years he had a booth at the annual fall fair with a test brake simulator machine. The machine was a way for people to understand how long it took to stop the car once the brakes were applied and what this meant in an accident impact situation. His efforts were a public service to the community, particularly for new teen drivers. It is a wonderful feeling to be directly connected with this industry again and with the fine people who work at the various companies.

The second part is a new beginning. It is great to have the opportunity to work with the MSO member companies, the MSO Board, and the MSO staff to enhance existing services and to create new ones. To date I have met with several of the Member Company leadership teams. These meetings have been feedback and learning events for me. I can see how important MSO is to the day to day workings of your companies.  It is clear that MSO has something special in its people and in its unique offerings.

In 2008 the MSO team and I will be executing the sustain and grow strategy. We will reach out to all of you for feedback at the annual visits, through the annual survey, at one on one meetings, on conference calls and brainstorming sessions at your headquarters. We welcome your input and commentary on the work we do for you. In addition we look forward to utilizing your suggestions to enhance our working relationship. MSO will be looking at added services to help you meet your company goals. In the next issue of the newsletter we will update you on our specific activities for growth.

-- Jan Scites, J.D., CLU, ChFC; CEO