Balanced Growth was privileged to attend and sponsor the ACLI Forum 500CEO Leadership Retreat event for the first time on May 6 to 8 at the majestic Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, California. The Forum 500 is a group of CEOs and senior executives of over 90 insurance companies that cover 33 states with over $100B in assets.
The event featured Governor Dirk Kempthorne, President of ACLI, who is the former Governor from Idaho, Senator from Idaho, and the 49thSecretary of the Interior. His outstanding leadership was on display throughout the conference as he provided clear vision for the future while creating an inspiring environment of fellowship and service. Governor Kempthorne focused on the importance of Forum 500 companies to meeting the needs of middle America, and the millions of American citizens who represent main street, not Wall Street in the heart of our nation. He emphasized the impending retirement crisis in the United States.
Cynthia Tidwell, the President of ACLI’sForum 500 and CEO of Royal Neighbors, led the three-day meeting. She spoke about the unique mission of fraternal benefit societies in providing insurancewhile making a difference in communities and the importance of meeting changing consumer expectations in the digital age.
Carlo Mondavi, the great grandson of Robert Mondavi, regaled the group with stories of great winemaking and introduced the group to the latest project with his brother, Dante, called RAEN. The winemakers of Opus One founded RAEN winery with the goal to produce world class Pinot Noir on the western hills of the Sonoma Coast using sustainable means.
Jeff Poulin, CEO of London Life Reinsurance, received the Forum 500 Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented annually to an individual whose work has greatly contributed to the life insurance industry, especially to the small- and medium-sized life insurance companies the Forum 500 represents.
According to Jason Bordui, “Balanced Growth was a first-time attendee of the Forum 500 event. The members are a unique group of business and civic leaders dedicated to meeting the protection and retirement needs of middle America. Balanced Growth was honored to be part of this event.”
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) advocates on behalf of approximately 290 member companies dedicated to providing products and services that contribute to consumers’ financial and retirement security. ACLI members represent 95 percent of industry assets, offering life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care, insurance disability income insurance, reinsurance, dental and vision and other supplemental benefits.
Founded in 2006 by Jason Bordui, Balanced Growth is a Chicago-based, innovation consultancy. Our mission is to create enduring value for our clients and their customers through strategic innovation and operational transformation. We focus on collaborating with clients in the Insurance, Financial Services, and Healthcare sectors to design, implement, and accelerate their Operational, Technology, and Innovation initiatives.