* FCSR Inaugural Event *

Tom Gallagher, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer
was the guest of honor at FCSR’s inaugural dinner in the last quarter of 2004.

Earlier this month, Mr. Gallagher announced his bid to become Governor of Florida. You can read about this at: www.sptimes.com

Mr. Gallagher began his talk by explaining his office’s response to the devastating series of hurricanes that had hit Florida over the summer months. The issues of insurance complexities and how citizens were rebuilding were explained in great detail.

As the state’s chief financial officer, Mr. Gallagher also took numerous proactive steps to protect Floridians coping with Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne, including a moratorium on insurance companies canceling or non-renewing homeowners during hurricane season or because consumers filed storm claims. Mr. Gallagher also offered free mediation for consumers involved in disputes over the fair resolution of storm claims.

Mr. Gallagher then spoke on another subject near and dear to the hearts of the more than 80 FCSR members in attendance, that being education. He described his own involvement in various education initiatives and stressed that, no matter what programs were in place, the single most important end products was that a child can actually learn and get a good education.

With issues such as violence and drug use in schools, it was refreshing to hear Mr. Gallagher talk about the importance he will be putting on the educational system.

The inaugural dinner was hosted by Darrell and Julie Malick who are members of FCSR’s executive committee and on the Council of Governors. Because of the size of the event and the fact that it might be difficult to squeeze in all of the attendees at a sit down dinner, the Malick’s added an entire “temporary” add-on room, including temporary air-conditioning.

The event was a sit down dinner and exquisitely served.