■ Cover Story
Continued From Page 8 CIANJ ’ s programs — eliminating a major revenue source . The organization pivoted to virtual meetings and events as it fought to remain relevant .
Nine months later , Hanson recognizes it ’ s his job to keep CIANJ sustainable .
“ How we evolve running events is going to be a challenge we have to figure out ,” says Hanson . “ It has to make economic sense and it has to be of value to the membership .”
Hanson says he has a good relationship with many past chairs and will be tapping them as a resource .
Lou Weiss , a past chair and CEO of WFM Project & Construction Inc ., says while Hanson may seem quiet at first , it quickly becomes apparent that he is a hard-working , honest leader with a wealth of business knowledge that will benefit CIANJ .
Weiss also says that Hanson is well prepared to take over the reins at CIANJ since he served two stints as chairman of the Foundation For
Free Enterprise ( FFFE ), an educational affiliate of CIANJ that offers schools programs based on free market principles .
For no less than 40 years Weiss has been a CIANJ member and he believes the organization fills a critical need in the community . “ It offers you the ability to make personal connections in your industry ,” but Zoom virtual events cannot compare to in-person meetings , he explains .
This year , the FFFE is experimenting with a small in-person outdoor event for its annual luncheon . Hanson will be watching it carefully . “ We all want events to be in person , but we also have to take the virus seriously ,” says Hanson . “ Then I think we ’ ll be okay and , eventually , go back to business as usual .”
At NAI James E . Hanson , the offices were shuttered for about six to eight weeks at the height of the pandemic , and then slowly reopened after Hanson imposed guidelines requiring masks and social distancing and staggered schedules to minimize the number of workers present each day .
“ I don ’ t think the end-story of COVID‐19 ’ s effects has been written yet ,” says Hanson . “ It ’ s going to have a major impact on every industry in ways we have not seen yet .”
While he is ready for the challenge , Hanson explains : “ You know that old Chinese proverb about living in interesting times ? Well , it could be a little less interesting .”
Bill Hanson on your appointment to Chairman of the Board of CIANJ .
Formed in 1999 , Axis Insurance Services , LLC is a nationwide leader in the professional and management liability insurance industry , developing innovative risk management solutions for today ’ s evolving businesses . We provide retail and wholesale coverage solutions for Cyber Liability , Errors and Omissions , Directors and Officers , Employment Practices Liability , Commercial Crime and Fiduciary coverage . We offer insurance programs to a broad array of professionals and industries , including insurance agents / brokers , attorneys , commercial real estate firms , technology , healthcare / medical , financial institutions , architects / engineers , consulting firms , media and many others .
Axis Insurance Services , LLC ♦ 795 Franklin Ave Suite 210 , Franklin Lakes , NJ 07417 201-847-9175 ♦ www . axisins . com