New NOLHGA Web Site Design Debuts July 1

On July 1, 2004, NOLHGA will unveil a redesign of its Web site. The redesigned site retains the most successful aspects of the current design while incorporating a number of suggestions we've received from online user polls, participants in Web site seminars at various NOLHGA meetings, and frequent visitors to the site.

The changes basically address three main areas:

Readability: The new site uses a larger text size on the homepage and other pages. The larger text, along with changes to the structure of the site, will make it easier for users to read site content.

Ease of Use: The "window within the browser window" design has been replaced--in other words, there will no longer be two sets of scrollbars (one set within the scrollbars on your browser window). Users will sometimes have to scroll down in their browser window to see all the content offered on the site, but they will no longer have to scroll from side to side to find content that is cut off by their screens.

The log-in function has also been improved. It will be easier to locate on all site pages, and users will have the ability to change their passwords if they wish.

The new site also features an "Events" section in place of the Calendar section on the old site. The new section still provides a calendar of upcoming events but also includes links to past events for users who wish to download meeting materials or presentations. Please note that these materials are available only to certain user groups.

Navigation: Visitors to the site will find it much easier to move from section to section, especially on the password-protected extranet. They will also have access to a complete set of easy-to-read links on the left-hand side of the screen when they visit an interior page of the site (the previous design had smaller links and also placed these links in different locations). The links are organized into category headings--Member Resources, Public Content, etc.--that can collapse and expand with a click of the user's mouse.

We are eager for feedback on our redesign efforts. Once you have had a chance to use the new site, please send any comments or suggestions to Sean McKenna at [email protected].

  Staff Contact - Sean McKenna American Life Assurance Corporation (Ala.)

Court Grants Petition to Close Estate

The final hearing on the receiver's petition for approval of final settlement of claims and to close the estate took place on June 1, 2004. During the course of the proceedings, New South Investment Corporation (NSIC), ALAC's former 100 percent shareholder, pursued its objections to closing the estate and its proposal to reacquire the charter and assets of ALAC in exchange for forgoing a proposed distribution of $3,867 on an over-limits annuity policy owned by NSIC's president, R.K. Hunter. The proposal did not provide for payment of any portion of the guaranty association claims of approximately $6 million. NOLHGA briefed the issues in this case, pointing out to the court that any distribution of assets to shareholders, including ownership rights, is precluded by statute unless and until the guaranty associations are repaid in full for their claims against the estate.

At the close of the hearing, the judge took the matter under consideration and requested proposed orders from the parties. On June 18, the judge entered the receiver's order granting the petition approving the final distribution and authorizing the receiver to close the estate.

Based on the court-approved schedules, the task force expects the guaranty associations to receive a final distribution of $745,512. Upon receipt of these funds, the guaranty associations will have recovered 100 percent of their $725,076 expense claims and about $548,090 (about 10 percent) of their total $5.3 million policyholder-level claims.

Task Force Chair - Mike Marchman;   Staff Contact - Joni Forsythe

Rucksdashel Retiring

Neil Rucksdashel, executive director of the Washington Life & Disability Insurance Guaranty Association, will retire at the end of June. The new executive director of the Washington association will be Michael O'Day, and the association's contact information will be:

Washington Life & Disability Insurance Guaranty Association
P.O. Box 2292
Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: 360.426.6744
Fax: 360.426.2855
E-mail: [email protected]

Please join NOLHGA in congratulating Mr. O'Day on his new position and in thanking Neil for his many years of service to the guaranty association system.

  Staff Contact - De Gadd

NOLHGA Office Closed July 5

The NOLHGA office will close at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 2, and will be closed July 5 for Independence Day. The NOLHGA staff wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday.

  Staff Contact - Sean McKenna