On April 30th, 2009, the Markel Lexington office attended the Winners Circle luncheon as presenting sponsor. Along with our Lexington team, we were delighted to be joined by Jeremy Chappell from our London office, and four representatives of Muirfield Insurance agency who joined us as our guests.

The theme of the NAWBO luncheon and awards was “Women Mean Business”, and this was certainly epitomized by the fact that the Winners Circle Award recipient was Mrs. Deirdre Lyons of Alltech.

With Mrs. Lyons as the honored guest, it made a great deal of sense (“horse sense”, to appropriately use the Markel slogan) for our office to be presenting sponsor. Alltech, a leading company in equine health and nutrition, are the title sponsor of the 2010 World Equestrian Games taking place in Lexington, Kentucky.

As presenting sponsor, it was an honor to be introduced to an audience of approximately 300 people as the representative of Markel Insurance Company. In a five minute speech, I had time to give recognition to Mrs. Lyons, Alltech, and the women of the equine industry.

The main message that I wished to convey was that the majority of licensed agents in the Equine Insurance Industry are women. Although the majority of agencies are owned and operated by men, it would seem that it is only a matter of time before that changes. A phrase used in several speeches at the luncheon was “women breaking through the glass ceiling”, and it would seem that this is beginning to happen in our industry.

It was also important to note the investment that Alltech are making to the Central Kentucky community. Alltech have paid a large sum for title sponsorship of the Games, and in turn the Games will bring a great financial boost to Lexington and the surrounding area, which is so important in our current economic slump. Alltech are also great supporters of the local community, they volunteer aid in times of international crisis, and deserve recognition for the wonderful work they do for charity.

As part of my article written on April 20th, 2009, announcing that Markel were to be title sponsor of the NAWBO Winners Circle Award, I had noted that my sister-in-law Adrienne Grizzell had been instrumental in our Company signing up for this role. It was therefore an added bonus that Adrienne was announced 2009 NAWBO Woman Business Owner of the year. Adrienne owns an organization called Management Inc., a business that serves non-profit organizations by providing administration, fundraising, financial management, meeting planning and board development.

I can certainly say that it was an honor to have been a part of the awards and the luncheon. It was a pleasure to meet Mrs. Lyons, and it was certainly valuable for our office to be presenting sponsor at an event that recognizes the success of businesses based here in Lexington.

If you wish to learn more about NAWBO, please visit their website: http://www.lexnawbo.org.