2022 has been — without question — the busiest year in my five-plus years as CEO of the Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan (IBAS). Over the past 12 months, we celebrated our 70th anniversary, welcomed back in-person events with one of our best conventions ever, introduced exciting member programs such as the Commercial Broker Boot Camp, and advanced dozens of key advocacy files, including the ratification of a new strategic accord to enshrine brokerages as the primary distribution channel for SGI motor licence issuing products and services through the end of 2029.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the job, however, has been to witness first-hand how powerfully our industry comes together to support the communities in which our members live and work.
As you know, 2022 marked the second iteration of the annual IBAS #BrokersCare Campaign (presented in partnership with our good friends at Wawanesa Insurance). This year’s philanthropic focus was on advancing children’s causes that touched upon four priority areas: responding to the youth mental health crisis; enhancing equitable access to children’s learning and development opportunities; providing comfort, care, and hope to sick kids; and eliminating food insecurity for at-risk youth. The need was expansive, but you answered the call.
I am truly humbled and proud to share that, through the generous contributions of our members and partners, we have surpassed our goal of $70,000 to commemorate IBAS’s 70 years in business. And, with that tally, the #BrokersCare Campaign has now exceeded $150,000 in donations in only two years. Thank you isn’t enough.
Whether you purchased a campaign t-shirt (which sold out — twice, actually — for the second straight year), bid in a fundraising auction, sponsored a prize, or participated in some other way, your dollars led to real, meaningful impact right across Saskatchewan. Funding recipients ranged from well-known charities such as the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and KidSport, to small, grassroots organizations like Sask Girls United, SCEP Centre, and the Heart Linked Community Services Co-operative.
As we approach the holidays, I have found myself reflecting on how fortunate we all are to be part of a network of professionals and businesses that step up so readily to help others in their time of need. And it fills me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This province we call home is a special place — and insurance brokers, and their industry partners, are a very special community.
On behalf of our entire team at IBAS, please accept my deep appreciation for your engagement and support over the past year, as well as my warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I look forward to seeing you again in 2023!
Best regards,
Derek Lothian, ICD.D
President & CEO
Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan
Please note the IBAS office will be closed for the holidays beginning at 12 p.m. on Friday, December 23. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 3. If you need immediate assistance during this time, please e-mail community@ibas.ca.
