The NCCI Annual Issues Symposium just wrapped up in Orlando, Florida yesterday. This event is somewhat akin to drinking from a firehose, as the information flies in a fast and furious fashion.

There were two major points that were quite relevant to me. First, the industry has just concluded a terrific year, with a record Combined Ratio of 83, the lowest ratio in at least the last 75 years. There may be a lower record out there, but no one broke out the microfiche of the 1930’s to find out.

The second emphasis of this gathering, and for me the most important, was NCCI’s clear effort to put a human face to the data and remind the workers’ compensation industry that the human connection remains the most vital one we have.