History

A  History Of The Mid-Tennessee CPCU Society Chapter

By Billy L. Akin, CPCU, ARM

August 2009

Introduction

Being a member of the CPCU Society, and especially the Mid-TN chapter, for over forty seven years has been a distinct privilege and has provided a  constant professional cohesiveness.  In whatever section of the insurance business, company employee, managing general agent, local agent, or consultant/expert witness, this relationship for me has been enjoyable and useful.  Opportunities  to develop  business friendships, participate in “networking”  and experience the camaraderie developed at Chapter meetings and  related activities has been memorable. Here is some historical data that I have gathered, couched in a few personal recollections.  

The Beginning

The date of formation of the Chapter is somewhat a mystery.  There are records indicating that the Chapter was actually formed on November 25, 1951.  However, a January and March 1958 issue of the CPCU News announced the approval of the new Mid-Tennessee Chapter and information that announced its officers, including William E. Booth, CPCU, as the first president. No record of any activity during the 1951-1958 period is available.   It is speculated that chapter approval took several years after the application, that the chapter was originally a member of another chapter, or that older records are inaccurate.  Recognizing the need and opportunity for a local chapter of this professional organization, the Mid-Tennessee CPCU Society Chapter was formed and began operation by the following charter members:

• William E. Booth - Nashville

• James Haugen - Columbia

• C. M. Hunt, Jr. - Nashville

• Samuel Loventhal - Nashville

• Kenneth Roberdeau - Nashville

• Rufus Ross - Columbia

• William Ross - Mt. Pleasant

The Early Years

Early on members of the Chapter realized the importance of informing others about the CPCU Program and getting individuals involved in education leading to the CPCU designation.  For many years, examinations for the five national exams were given in June of each year. Education efforts in the early years were encouraged and supported by the University of Tennessee Extension School located in the old Hume Fogg High School building in Nashville.  Mr. J. B. Woods who was then director of the Extension School will always be appreciated by this Chapter.  He always went “all out” to help the education process to develop CPCUs. For several years, the Chapter was an all male organization.  The first and, for several years, the only lady in the Chapter was Ms. Clair Bourgeau of the Mills Mutual Company.  Later, Ms. Susan Jones was a lone female member of the chapter.  For the last several years the chapter has been delighted  to see growth to where ladies now compose about one third of the membership.

Past Presidents 

The office of chapter president has always been the source and motivation of much of the chapter activity. Through the years this office has been the responsibility and privilege for many CPCU’s. The earliest known living president of the Chapter is currently Billy L. Akin who served from 1972-1973. 

Other Offices And Chairpersons

Although certainly not always the case, the office of president has usually followed a “coming up through the chairs” of other offices.  The Board members have typically offered names for election of the President, the President Elect, the Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.   The president has normally appointed various chairpersons for special events.       Committee’s have usually included the following:  Education, Candidate Development, Hospitality, I-Day, Seminars/Workshops, Membership, New Designees, Public Relations, Research, Good Works and Section Liaison. Having held many of the offices and chair positions in the chapter, I realize that these duties can be both a pleasure and  problematic.  These duties usually expand one advantage of CPCU Society membership, that of the opportunity to become acquainted with other members of our profession, even business competitors.

Regular Meetings 

Through the years the regular Spring-Summer-Fall chapter meetings have typically been held on a monthly basis, alternating spasmodically between lunch and dinner meetings.  Meeting locations have rotated between country clubs, hotel meeting rooms, the University Club, corporate offices, and restaurants in the Nashville and Murfreesboro areas.  Programs at almost every meeting have included speakers, short seminars, or discussions of topics of special interest.

Related Activities 

Always interested in insurance education, and especially information needed for passing of the CPCU examinations, the chapter has sponsored many classes through the years.  Also, the chapter has regularly  made contributions to the Middle Tennessee State University Chair of Insurance, under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Holman. From time to time the chapter has contributed to various charities and other non-profit organizations, under the “Good Works” program. I think my most memorable “outside” activity of the chapter has been the (normally)  annual I-Day, bringing together representatives of all sections of the local insurance industry  to hear  specially selected leaders and motivators from the industry.  Local and national figures and political leaders have highlighted these programs. Socially, the chapter has had many events that usually involve family members and friends from outside the chapter. For several years, these included the popular “Summer Hummer”, outings to a lake or other public recreation spot.  When held, the Christmas party, later to become known as the Holiday party, allowed chapter members to have association outside the context of business.

Conclusion

Those of us that have been involved with the chapter for many years owe a debt of gratitude to those who have worked to make this association profitable and pleasant, while showing a respect for the CPCU  Canons and pledge.