Almost exactly one year ago today, we began our celebration of Vermont Captive’s 40th anniversary. Over the past year, we celebrated in a number of ways, from an anniversary timeline, highlighting Vermont Captive’s achievements since 1981, to multiple videos, interviewing and getting to know some of the key players in Vermont’s captive industry. It’s been an exciting 365 days and in celebration of that, we’ve put together a list to mark some of the important (and not so important) things we’ve learned over the past 40 years. Check out our list of 40 lessons learned in 40 golden years.

1. Stay focused on the goal: Supporting Vermont captive insurance companies
2. Work as a team with the Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA)
3. Pass a captive bill every year, no matter how small, to improve our statutes
4. Always grab a meal on Church Street during the VCIA conference
5. If you become a regulator you just might stay for decades because you love it so much
6. Speak at events to improve the industry as a whole
7. The service providers are the glue that hold the industry together
8. Bring all the layers and make sure your ride has snow tires for the VCIA Legislative Day in January
9. Share success stories
10. Make room for new perspectives and industry leaders
11. Learning about how Risk Retention Groups are doing at the NRRA conference has been key for improving the industry
12. Join committees and task forces whenever possible to keep the industry thriving
13. Don’t ever forget to bring maple syrup to the World Captive Forum and CICA conferences
14. Grow our staff as needed over the years to meet the need of quality, consistent regulation
15. Uphold the “gold standard” of quality regulation, while adapting to meet the needs of the industry
16. Captive managers are not just the point of contact for regulators, but drive collaboration and innovation
17. Be an open door, ready for new questions and ideas
18. Rent a bike and ride on the Lake Champlain bike path during the VCIA conference
19. Never pass up on ice cream at the RIMS conference
20. A form, filing, and process can always be improved
21. Always practice your golf skills at the CICA conference’s golf event
22. Always help out a fellow captive regulator, even though it’s the competition, since it helps raise the industry standard
23. Make the effort to connect with the companies we regulate
24. Never pass up free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream
25. Say yes to as many industry articles and media opportunities as possible
26. Knowledge sharing is critical to success and happiness of our team
27. Foster an internal and external culture of curiosity and partnership
28. Insurance is NOT boring
29. The greatest leaders in this industry are inclusive, honest, and not afraid to roll up their sleeves when the real work needs to be done
30. The captive world is small so keep your friends close, and well, there’s really no need for enemies
31. Keep up on your ICCIE (International Center for Captive Insurance Education) course work
32. Just like the successful captives domiciled in Vermont, we are resilient
33. Best results = Collaboration + compromise
34. The Vermont Captive Insurance Industry embodies true VT values: solid work ethic, appreciation for community, and quiet strength of character
35. To see Vermont small government in action, with direct access to elected officials, attend ‘Legislative Day’ with VCIA in January each year
36. Integrity matters
37. Being an engaged member of industry associations benefits everyone
38. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
39. Give thanks, appreciation, and celebrate with captive industry peers any chance you get
40. Never rest on our laurels