Surety Association of Ohio
4th Quarter Meeting Minutes
December 6, 2005

The Surety Association of Ohio held its 2005 Holiday gathering at the Columbus Easton Hilton Hotel on December 6, 2005. No formal board meeting was held, but elections were held for current year officers. Following cocktails and dinner, Marc Oravecz, outgoing President, welcomed everyone and gave a high level summary of some of the successes enjoyed this year related to long-term warranties, subsurface waivers eliminated and dual obligee’s removed. In addition, Marc presented updates on the following:

• ODOT Warranties – the SAO sent a letter to Mark Kelsey, Director of Contracts for ODOT, stating the industry’s position.
• Trying to get ahead of a potential claim on a bond, Robert Kennedy, Chief of Wage & Hour Bureau, spoke w/ Marc stipulating it is his intent to file a claim on the bond even though he does not know the extent of liability, if any.
• The SAO should get the Gold Award from SAA again.
• Announced we will modify the SAO Scholarship to include business majors who are not just incoming freshman; it will be open to any student currently enrolled as well.

Marc then announced he would be stepping down and performed the election of the new board members naming Jack Kehl as President and James Pappas as Vice President. Both were unanimously approved. Marc then introduced the new board, including George Siegler, Secretary and Bill Wildenheim, Treasurer. Also introduced were following committee members:

Legislative Chair – Lou Colagrossi
Education Chair – Steve Sullivan
Social Chair – Gayle McClellan
Membership Chair – Jackie Christensen
Technology Chair – Troy Wolf

Marc then introduced the new president, Jack Kehl. Jack presented Marc with a small gift as a token of our appreciation for his efforts and long-time service to the industry.

The meeting was then adjourned at approximately 8:15. The next board meeting is planned for January 2006.