THE SURETY UNDERWRITERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RECEIVES SIO GOLD AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE MAY 10, 2007, WASHINGTON, DC - The Surety Information Office (SIO) has honored the Surety Underwriters Association of Southern California with a 2006 Gold Award for Excellence in Surety Bond Promotion for its yearlong commitment to education and outreach. The Gold Award was presented April 25, 2007, at the Annual Meeting of The National Association of Surety Bond Producers in Phoenix, AZ, and also was presented May 10, 2007, at The Surety & Fidelity Association of America's Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. "Please extend my sincere appreciation and congratulations to the members of the Surety Underwriters Association of Southern California for their hard work and dedication to promoting contract surety bonds. [The] association’s efforts made 2006 an outstanding year for promoting the surety industry," said Marla McIntyre, Executive Director of the SIO. SUASC members reached more than 100 students and over 200 general contractors in several presentations promoting the values of contract suretyship. In addition, members exhibited the benefits of suretyship to small contractors at an SBA boot camp, and promoted careers in the surety industry to more than 1,000 contractors at an AGC job fair. The Association’s $1,500.00 contribution to the Center for Insurance Studies at California State University at Fullerton will further a diligent student’s career in the field. The SIO acknowledges local surety associations conducting ten or more relevant public relations activities in a calendar year to promote the value and benefits of contract surety bonds. Throughout the United States, ten other surety associations received the prestigious recognition from the SIO. The association was recognized on behalf of the members for their active role as representatives of the surety industry, and for reaching out to numerous members in the local community to explain the importance of contract surety. The following Crystal Award recipients contributed to the SUASC’s achievement of the 2006 Gold Award for Excellence in Surety Bond Promotion: Ken Coate of Inland Surety (a division of Hub International) was extremely active with the California Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. In addition to serving as a member on the Legislative & Executive Committees, Ken also fulfilled roles on the State Board of Directors and the Provider’s Council. David Free of Singer, Lewak, Greenbaum & Goldstein, presented “From Bonding Headache to Business Opportunity” to an Associated Builders & Contractors Meeting. Frank Hertel of Travelers Bond, gave a presentation on the current state of the Surety Industry at a Construction Financial Management Association Meeting. Carl Hossli of PLC Consultants, introduced the primary concepts of corporate suretyship to several classes at the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture & Engineering. Erik Johansson of HCC Surety Group, presented and discussed the benefits of contract suretyship with students at the Center for Insurance Studies at the California State University at Fullerton. Eric Lowey of Pinnacle Surety & Insurance Services, Inc. presented a continuing education seminar on surety bonds to attorneys. Frank Morones of Contractors and Developers Bonding Agency, promoted careers in the surety industry by operating a booth at an American General Contractors’ Job Fair. Mark Richardson of Pinnacle Surety & Insurance Services, Inc. presented a continuing education seminar on surety bonds to attorneys. Paulette Williams of Merriweather & Williams Insurance Services, educated hundreds of contractors with the fundamental aspects of obtaining surety credit at the California Contractors Conference & Expo. Eugene Zondlo of Sullivan, Curtis, Monroe Insurance Services, LLC contributed to panel discussions, and gave an informative oration to contractors on how to successfully perform work for the Metropolitan Water District. “On behalf of our members, the officers would like to recognize and thank the individuals for their contribution to this esteemed achievement! Your dedication and commitment to our industry is greatly appreciated,” said Frank Hertel, President of the SUASC in 2006. SIO is the information source on contract surety bonds. For information on the benefits of surety bonds in construction, contact the Surety Information Office at 202-686-7463 or www.sio.org.