In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we discuss the ongoing changes in Canada's importing process with Sheila Thompson of Rosenberg & Parker of Canada and Cristina Hagivreta, Surety Manager at Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company. They delve into the new Canada Border Service Agency Assessment and Revenue Management System (CARM), a timely initiative that shifts Canada from a process focused on customs broker bonds to importer bonds. Our guests also discuss the implementation process of CARM, covering its electronic nuances and practical adjustments required by importers and surety companies as the changes are set to go into place on October 21, 2024. For more information and to stay up-to-date on these dynamic changes check out the Canada Border Service Agency's CARM resource page.

With special guests:

Sheila Thompson, President, Rosenberg & Parker of Canada, Inc. and Cristina Hagivreta, Manager, Surety, Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by EMC Bond!

In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we discuss the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the construction industry with guest Richard Volack, a partner at Peckar & Abramson. Richard highlights several factors that typically make construction companies more vulnerable to cyber attacks, such as slower technology adoption and the need for the exchange of sensitive data among parties. Volack also shares steps that can help mitigate cybersecurity risks like using multi-factor authentication and making regular firewall updates. Be sure to check out the NASBP Virtual seminar, AI in Construction Law: Managing Risks and Opportunities that is mentioned during this episode and search Cybersecurity on the SuretyLearn Catalog to dive in even deeper!

With special guest:

Richard Volack, Partner & Chair, Cyber Security & Data Privacy Practice, Peckar & Abramson

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by EMC Bond!

In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we hear from Will Kantlehner IV of Gallagher, and Nate Byerly from Gray Surety, as they share their journies to their surety careers and delve into the intriguing intersection of private equity and surety. They unpack how the introduction of a fourth party, the private equity company, adds additional nuances to the bonding processes though the principles stay the same. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities arising from private equity firms' involvement in construction companies, the varying levels of knowledge these firms may have about surety and bonding practices, and the overall complexity in understanding this fourth entity. Interested in learning more about Private Equity and Surety check out these great NASBP Virtual Seminars on the topic:

The State of Private Equity: Current Trends and Outlook
Private Equity’s Growing Interest in the Built Environment
Private Equity and Bonding Private Venture Owned Business
Private Equity for Surety Professionals: What You Need to Know

With special guests:

Will Kantlehner IV, CPCU, Area Vice President, Gallagher and Nate Byerly, CPCU, Bluegrass Regional Manager, Gray Surety

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by EMC Bond!

In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we are joined by construction financial accounting expert Todd Feuerman and construction tax expert Travis Klein, both of Ellin & Tucker. We explore the potential impact of the impending sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) on the economy, particularly the construction segment. These construction CPAs discuss the wider implications, such as the effect on sureties and construction lenders and on contractors undertaking succession and estate planning. They provide their expert insight into the opportunities and challenges arising from the upcoming changes. Tune in and learn how best to navigate the sunset of the TCJA.

With special guests:

Todd A. Feuerman, CPA, MBA, CCA, Director and Chair of Construction Services Group, Ellin & Tucker and Travis T. Klein, CPA, MBA, Director, Tax, Ellin & Tucker

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

Sponsored By EMC Bond!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a leader in the surety industry? NASBP is excited to continue the series of episodes exploring that question, titled “The Corner Office: Conversations with Surety Leaders.” In this episode, we are joined by surety industry leader Ryan Springer, VP/Bond at EMC Bond, who shares how he found his love for surety and his role in the industry due to an unexpected Powerball win. Ryan also delves into the culture of EMC Insurance, emphasizing the importance of continuity, stability, and staff retention, and shares insights into the company’s recent growth. Additionally, Ryan speaks to opportunities and challenges on the horizon concerning surety claims and the surety industry as a whole. You can check out the EY report prepared for SFAA, mentioned during this episode, titled The Economic Value of Surety Bonds and listen to past episodes in The Corner Office series!

With special guest:

Ryan Springer, Vice President/Bond, EMC Bond

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by EMC Bond!

In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, Kat Shamapande and co-host, Mark McCallum, have a discussion with legal and surety experts on the possible role bond producers can play in the contract bond claims process. Special guests are Jon Bondy of CSG Law, Robert Coon of Scott Insurance, and Marilyn Klinger of SMTD Law. Together, the hosts and guests explore how the bond producer, who often is not involved in the claims process, may, if involved, play a helpful role in heightening communications between and normalizing circumstances for both the principal and the surety when a claim arises.

With special guests:

Jonathan Bondy, Member Chair, Fidelity & Surety, CSG Law, Robert Coon, Vice President, Surety Advisor, Scott Insurance, and Marilyn Klinger, Managing Partner, SMTD Law LLP

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored By EMC Bond!

In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we chat with Neil Shah, CEO of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). Neil talks about his journey to becoming CEO of CFMA and highlights the organization's dedicated membership and its commitment to expanding the construction industry. His strategic goals focus on creating an inclusive community and advancing the industry through collaboration. Neil also emphasizes the importance of CFMA's CCIFP certification in building recognition and trust within the industry. Tune in to learn more about the future of CFMA and its impact on the built environment. You can also listen to episode "#108 Pursuing The CCIFP Credential" mentioned in this episode to learn more about the CCIFP.

With special guest:

Neil Shah, President & CEO, Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

The Tiger Trust Award, a prestigious recognition in the surety industry! In this episode of "Let's Get Surety® we are joined by Kevin Garrity, Vice President, Surety & Construction Services of NFP, who was awarded the 2024 Tiger Trust Award as he shares his recent experience in successfully convincing a private college to require a surety bond for a substantial construction project, landing him the award. Kevin emphasized the importance of the protections offered by the surety product to project owners. Find out more about NASBP's Tiger Trust Award and the application process that opens in the fall each year and how you too can submit an application, and check out the resources comparing the surety product and SDI that Kevin shared with the local college leading to his Tiger Trust Award!

With special guest:

Kevin J. Garrity, Vice President, Surety & Construction Services, NFP

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!