Spotlight On...

Long Term Care Insurance

Rep: Joan Saucerman, Broker

Being somewhat of an entrepreneur and with a newly emptied nest, I found myself ready for a career change in 1994.   What to do?   At this stage in my life, I wanted something that was challenging, but also would somehow make a difference in people’s lives.  

When I investigated an intriguing opportunity with General Electric Capital Assurance (yes, part of the big GE), I had no idea what long-term care insurance was.   After some initial hesitation, it was full steam ahead.   I studied and got the appropriate licenses and then went to “basic training” with GE.   The training was excellent, although intensive, and extensive ongoing training.  

Four years ago, I changed from a career agent with GE to a broker.   Now I can do the “shopping” for my clients and recommend the best company and plan for their individual needs and situation.   It has also allowed me to expand the products I offer beyond long-term care insurance.   I am licensed in 10 states serving clients throughout the US through client referrals and partnering with professionals in the financial industry.

The problem   -- If you are like many people, you may not have saved for your long-term care.   The costs can be staggering.   A year in a nursing home now averages more than $60,000 nationally, and can exceed $160,000 in some parts of the country. Round-the-clock home health care is generally even more expensive.   Assets that took a lifetime to accumulate can disappear quickly.

The solution   -- A comprehensive and flexible long-term care insurance plan designed around your unique needs and preferences.   It can help you maintain your lifestyle, and protect your assets and savings.

The facts   -- It won’t happen to me!   Americans, 65 and older, face over a 43% chance of needing nursing home care, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.   (Women are even higher.)   It is estimated that seven in ten people over 65 will use home care.   As of the 2000 census, there were 35 million people 65 and older, and the first of 76 million baby boomers will turn 65 in just eight years.

The timing   -- Get approved for a plan the day before you need it!?!?   Well, if your crystal ball is a little cloudy, I recommend investigation by anyone 35 and older.   The younger you are when you purchase protection, the longer you may pay premiums, but you will pay much less than if you wait.   Health can change at any time.   Look at Christopher Reeve and Michael J. Fox.

Choice, control, independence and dignity   -- Would you rather go to a place like Sunrise Assisted Living with your policy in hand or worry about searching for a place based on cost?   Your family will appreciate your planning.   They can then choose how they will be involved and not be burdened.

Navigating the maze   -- What company?   What plan?   What benefits?   Lifetime unlimited or a limited time?   Elimination period?   Price?   Inflation protection?   The small print!   Purchasing long term care insurance can be a complicated decision.   That’s why it’s important to talk with someone who has extensive training and knowledge and who specializes in long term care.   This is a growing market and many who do not fully understand it are selling these products.

If I can assist you in solving this problem, or you just have questions, please call me at 598-1118.   I will do my very best to serve you, as the client always comes first!

A First-Timer's View of LCAM by Kathy Wallace

After being an EWI member for about 15 years, I attended my first EWI conference and leadership training in New Orleans last week.   WOW!   What was I waiting for?   I should have done this years ago!!!   It was fun, educational and a worthwhile experience.   The conference sessions were among the best I have seen in my corporate America experiences.   The entertainment was legendary (Pete Fountain and his jazz clarinet, for example).   And who could top a location like New Orleans, city of great music and great cuisine?   So I encourage all of you to make it to one (or more) of these conferences in the future.   THANKS to our chapter for allowing me to represent you as a delegate!   It was a conference to remember!

President's Message   New Orlean's LCAM by Linda Williamson

Returning from the Executive Women International Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting (LCAM), in what is known as Nawlins, LA, I was reminded that I belong to a dynamic group of women in motion.   EWI has 4,000 plus partners internationally with a mission to "forge and cultivate mutual business and professional goals through personal association and interchange".

This conference was powerfully packed with speakers like Marilyn Carlson, CEO of Carlson Company, Anne Thompson, NBC News Correspondence and Patrick F. Taylor, CEO of Taylor Energy Company.   Marilyn Carlson is CEO of one of the largest privately held companies in the world, which includes the Radisson Hotels, Wagonlit Travel and TGI-Friday's.   Anne Thompson was the only female correspondent to make the list of the top ten most visible correspondents.  Patrick F. Taylor, a billionaire on the Forbes list, spearheaded the "Taylor Plan" (now called TOPS) where Louisiana pays the college tuition for all academically qualified students.  I am amazed by the caliber of speakers and the recognition of EWI.

Corporate awarded 12 ASIST Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each, of which two recipients were from Colorado.   There were 8 EWISP scholarships, with first place receiving   $10,000, 2 nd place $6,000, 3 rd place   $4,000, and five finalists received $2,000 each.   The total Corporate scholarship amount awarded was $60,000.   An additional $50,000+ was awarded at the Chapter level.   In 2004, over $110,000 in EWI scholarships were awarded.

Upon my return I met Kathryn Flobeck's husband, Jack, who congratulated me as the CEO of our chapter.   It was then I realized the awesome opportunity I have to partner with movers and shakers of our community.   I began to think of Barb Winters, Liz Youngquist, Sharon Berthrong, Mary Ellen McNally, Wanda Reaves, and Sally Seidlitz, to name just a few.   My immediate thought was "I don't come close to what these women have done and I had better resign"; but then I remembered the character of so many of you who have encouraged me to step up to the plate.

I would especially like to thank Marti Hartman and Jane Marshall for the little push.   Marti, your leadership skills are going to challenge me to "be all over it".

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in a leadership and professional role.

News!

Please send submissions
for the Chapter Pulse to:

Beth Alexander

Phone: 593-9458

E-mail: beth@cachetbasket.com

Next Deadline: October 15

Please email as
MSWord attachment.

Thank you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Installation of 2004-05 Officers by Kathy Kelly

The September meeting was installation of the 2004-05 officers.   Marti Hartman, Woodford Manufacturing, 2003-04 President, thanked her Board members for their service and introduced Linda Williamson, The Broadmoor Hotel, as the new president.   Linda introduced her Board members and thanked them for their commitment to EWI.  It was announced that the Colorado Springs delegates for the EWI Leadership Convention and Annual Meeting (LCAM) are: Marti Hartman, Linda Williamson, and Kathleen O'Leary.  Alternate delegates are: Kathy Wallace, Kathryn Flobeck, and Susan Wood-Ellis.  Attending as Corporate Membership Advisor is Jane Marshall.

The EWI Board is quite the group -- offering each other support and understanding at every turn - both professionally and personally; supporting numerous and varied events in our community; forging friendships, laughter and fun!   I have heard members say what a "HIGH" they are on after our monthly meetings, board meetings, and committee meetings.   We encourage all members, especially those new to EWI, to get involved on the committees --that is the most effective way to connect with members and their company!

Do You Know Our

ASIST Scholarship Winner?

by Michelle Vandepas

This person traveled through Europe by herself at the age of 16.  She speaks fluent German.  After graduating from high school, she attended Biola University (eighteen years ago) and studied journalism, theater, and psychology.   She married and produced two lovely children in 1987 and 1989.  While working as a supervisor and bartender at the Ritz Grill, she is pursuing a degree at UCCS where she will graduate with a major in English.  She plans to continue her education by seeking a Master's degree in writing and rhetoric at Denver University.  Now divorced, she spends all her free time working and studying.  After graduation she hopes to get back to her hobbies of skiing, snowmobiles and hiking 14rs.  One day she hopes to change careers and become an English professor at the college level.  

The Colorado Springs EWI Chapter has awarded her several ASIST scholarships as she pursues her degree.  In September, at the New Orleans EWI convention, it was announced that she had won an additional $2,500 ASIST scholarship at the Corporate level.  Congratulations to our scholarly person who is pursuing her dream…

Rebecca Tonn
ASIST Scholarship Winner
photo contributed by member firm
Blue Fox Photography

October
Chapter Meeting

THE COLORADO SPRINGS PIONEER MUSEUM

215 SOUTH TEJON

Date:  Wednesday, October 13, 2004
RSVP Below by October 4, 2004

5:30 PM Registration/Social
6:00 Dinner
7:00  Program

PROGRAM

POLITICAL FORUM

Learn more about important local
and state ballot issues in the upcoming November election

COST:  $30  - includes wine

MENU

Heavy Hors D'oeuvres

RSVP by October 4th!
Click Here to RSVP

Notes of Appreciation

Thanks to all of you wonderful women who thought of me during the period of my husband's death.   The cards, the calls and the fantastic comfort basket - it was just that - a comfort.   You are truly fantastic people, and I send love.    -- Sharon Berthrong

To Jerry Joe Shires, Program Co-Chair:   We can hardly wait for you to be back in the groove of things.   Do what the doctors say and come back soon.   We greatly appreciate all your work from your day couch, despite all you have been through. We're thinking of you!    -- The EWIes  

Middle Woman by Jane Marshall

This past year it was my pleasure to serve as Corporate Membership Advisor (MA) to the Denver, Phoenix and San Diego Chapters.   My role was to be the "middle woman" between the Chapter Presidents and Corporate Officers; support the EWI mission statement and by-laws; to provide assistance to the Chapters, as needed; review their Chapter Pulse and minutes; and to remind the Chapters of due dates for Corporate reports.   Last year, at the Denver convention, what started as a dinner meeting with the three strangers, has culminated with true friendships in New Orleans.   These ladies are now part of my network and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know them and their Vice Presidents.   If a Corporate Officer calls you, please say "yes" and serve on a committee.

Minutes

E X E C U T I V E
W O M E N
I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Corporate Office Contact Information

515 South 700 East, Suite 2A

Salt Lake City, UT 84102-2801

Phone (801) 355-2800

Fax (801) 355-2852

Website:www.executivewomen.org

Email:ewi@executivewomen.org

P R I N C I P L E S

• To bring together key individuals from member firms of EWI to achieve world-class status as an organization through applied standards of excellence.

• Forge and cultivate mutual business and professional goals through personal association and interchange.

• Afford the opportunities and structure for leadership and professional development.

• Provide a wide scope of community, educational, and philanthropic services and contributions.

• Encourage flexibility and adaptability in a membership as diverse in its demographics as in its interest, needs, and staying power