[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 146 (Tuesday, November 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          GUAM INSURANCE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2000

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, the governor of Guam has designated the 
week of November 12-18, 2000 as ``Insurance Week.'' The focus of this 
proclamation is the Guam Association of Life Underwriters (GALU), a 
territorial chapter of the National Association of Insurance and 
Financial Advisors (NAIFA).
  Chartered in 1972, the GALU is currently comprised of licensed 
general agents and subagents of the life insurance industry on the 
island of Guam. At the very onset of its inception, GALU worked toward 
bringing the industry together in order to improve the quality of 
products and services to the people of Guam. Between 1972 until 1990, 
GALU leaders David Cassidy, Carl Peterson, Charles Paulino, Frank Cruz 
and Evelyn Blas set the course which the association was to take. Under 
their leadership and guidance, GALU survived periods of economic 
slumps.
  In the 1990's, past presidents Ben Toves, Frank B. Salas, Jess M. 
Dela Cruz, and Robert L. Wade Sr., worked toward providing continuing 
education for licensed agents. Together with the Guam Insurance 
Commissioner and the University of Guam, GALU made it possible for LUTC 
life insurance courses to be offered to agents on Guam. LUTC, the 
premier provider of sales skills training for the life and health 
insurance industry, enables local agents to achieve their highest 
potential through professional skills and leadership development 
training.
  GALU's efforts toward the passage of Guam Public Law 25-134 further 
ensured the promotion of professionalism within the island's insurance 
industry. The law which requires 15 classroom hours per year for 
license renewal ensures that members remain in compliance with the 
rules and regulations of the insurance industry. In addition, personal 
enrichment among agents is also fostered by these annual sessions.
  ``Insurance Week'' culminates with an induction ball to be held on 
November 17. At this point, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate GALU's 2000-2001 Executive Officers: Fred Magdalera, 
President; Bobby Shringi, Vice President; Lourdes CN Ada, Secretary; 
Danilo S. Cruz, Treasurer; and the Board of Directors: Mercy Alegre, 
Jess Dela Cruz, Thad Jones, James Moylan, Patrick Matanane, John Baza 
and Roger Surban. I am sure that these officers will more than meet the 
challenge of operating in a rapidly changing environment. As they take 
upon the responsibilities of their respective posts, I wish these 
individuals the best for their ensuing terms. As we celebrate 
``Insurance Week,'' I commend the Guam Association of Life Underwriters 
for the excellent service it has provided the island and people of 
Guam.

                          ____________________