February seems like it "should" be the tipping point from winter to the start of spring. Shouldn't it!??? I love the start of winter, the beauty of the snow, the anticipation of the holidays and the start of a new year. But in February it seems the days are gray, the snowfall, the ice, the slippery is getting old, and sweaters seem too heavy and winter coats, scarves and gloves – common already can winter just be done. Folks are growing increasingly cranky t our great Ohio weather. The warm weather seems far away.

The average maximum temperature is only 35.8 degrees – CAN IT BE… according the Akron – Canton data source this is the average we can expect.

If you look at February in history a lot of interesting historic events have started in February – so maybe there is hope after all

1878: Thomas Edison patents the phonograph
1904: Theodore Roosevelt, appoints 7 man committee to study Panama Canal
1906: William Kellogg founds his breakfast cereal company
1914 -Cub Scouts was founded in England
1922: The very first 'Readers Digest' appears on the shelves
1943: Battle of Stalingrad ends with final surrender of the German army, leaving 600,000 dead
1956: Pakistan becomes an Islamic republic
1962: John Glenn, the American astronaut, orbits the Earth three times
1970: Japan launches its first satellite into orbit
1990: After being in prison for 27 years, Nelson Mandela is freed

Obviously, I can't say that I remember each of these events but I do think it would be interesting to talk those that were around during some of these events. We can only imagine how different the world of these people would be to our daily lives. What do you think these folks would think about the world that we live in today – how interesting would that be.

During our January program we learned the realization that today's up-coming employees don't know or use the written press and literature that we grew up learning from. I talk to my aunts and mother that grew up during the depression and I am amazed that oranges were a great luxury – No wonder there are so many folks today that are taken aback to the technology that we all use without thought.

What will the next generation do, will we be as amazed and left in the dark.

Technology is growing all around us – with this we as agents and industry leaders must stay on top of our industry and what is happening in our world. As the weather breaks I hope all of you will take advantage of the many opportunities to broaden your horizons and industry knowledge.

Remember:

This year you must take your FLOOD INSURANCE class (by Dec 31st)
The Regional in Columbus is coming – make sure you get your registration in.

There are many local CE classes sponsored by many of our sponsors
The Ohio PIA is offering many continuing education classes
Insurance Women of Akron have MANY great programs planned.

Have a great February, keep those warm thoughts coming and think spring, think spring, think spring.



Joyce E Sigler, CISR, CPIW, CPIA, DAEsigler@jones-wenner.com