Guns & Hoses 2008

On September 21-23, 2008, Trustees from across the United States gathered for the 16th Annual Guns & Hoses Fire and Police Public Pension Fund Forum.  Speakers, delegates and VIPs from 26 States and Canada gathered to exchange ideas about the rapidly changing economy, current issues facing trustees and new opportunities presented to Pensions by these changes.  Focused on educating Trustees in their fiduciary responsibilities as well as provide a platform to address current challenges and threats to Public Pensions; by all accounts, the conference succeeded in its goal and is on track to build on this success for 2009.

Our keynote speaker, Dr. William FREUND, The New York Stock Exchange, places a pin on our map to mark his hometown, New York.

Hear what just a few of our Speakers, Delegates and VIP’s had to say about the event:

“With uncertainty in the financial markets, Guns & Hoses provides comprehensive answers to major questions of Fire & Police Pension Plans.  I highly recommend attending this conference.”
    - Andy Provencio, TRUSTEE, Anchorage Police and Fire Retirement (ALASKA)

“When I come to a conference, I look to take one or two pieces of information that I can use back home.  This year, I am going home with the idea of a PROP instead of a DROP which I am very interested in implementing.  I am also interested in developing a policies and procedures manual so that each board member can pass it on to new Trustees.  I am actually already in contact with two guys I met here, one from Colorado and one from Iowa so that I can customize their templates to my Fund.”
    - Michael Hirth, TRUSTEE, City of Hallandale Beach, FLORIDA

“This conference provides Trustees a lot of information on critical issues such as compliance and their fiduciary responsibility.”
    – Jim Bradshaw, ADMINISTRATOR, City of Little Rock, ARKANSAS

“Great conference, very well attended”
    – David Atkins, DEPFA

“This was my first conference, I learned a lot.  The conference was well organized, the location was great.  The speakers were well informed and did a great job.  They changed their presentations based on our conversations and the economy."
    – TRUSTEE, OKLAHOMA Firefighters Pension Retirement

KNOWLEDGE

Trustees and thought leaders from across the United States shared their ideas and knowledge of Public Pensions.  On day one of the conference, Trustees Bill BLYTHE, National Society of Institutional Investment Professionals (TEXAS), Ralph JOHNSON, El Paso Fire & Policemen Pension (TEXAS), David LANG, Professional Fire Fighters of NEW HAMPSHIRE, Bill RUBIN, City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions (PENNSYLVANIA) and Moderated by Gerald GARRETT, OKLAHOMA Firefighters Pension provided a lively debate on how to influence the legislative process.  Many trustees agree that the most important fiduciary responsibility of the trustee is protecting benefits.  The panelists discussed ways in which they could affect change.

Day Two focused largely on innovative investment strategies to enable Pensions to meet their required rate of return.  Speakers on the cutting edge of investment products discussed ways current market conditions would influence fund decisions.  From Marty POTTEBAUM’s, Municipal Fire & Police Pension Fund of IOWA, discussion of “How Weather Resistant is your Portfolio” to Joe ALEJANDRO’s, New York Police Department (NEW YORK) discussion of alpha enhancing Alternative Investment Strategies, Trustees gathered timely investment ideas.

The final day of the conference centered on Trustee Benefits, providing additional benefits to members without being burdened by additional costs.  In the final session of the day Trustees from TEXAS, FLORIDA and GEORGIA headed up a lively conversation, “TRUSTEES SPEAK OUT” where results from the first ever interactive survey were announced.  Trustees from all states expressed their concerns on market conditions and how the economy would affect their plan.

NETWORKING

Trustees had more opportunities than ever to network with peers this year.  From our highly successful beer round tables to our second annual bike build and networking cocktail, trustees spoke head to head to discuss changes taking place within their funds.

“The beer round tables were a great addition” Jim MALONEY Policemen’s Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago (ILLINOIS)

“There was a good balance of meetings and networking with unique networking opportunities like the Big Build Charity Event” Catherine Haggerty TRUSTEE Austin Police Retirement (GEORGIA)

Our Chairmen, Robbie Robertson, Professional Firefighters of Georgia (Retired) and Ed Lujan, Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (Retired)

“I came to network with other trustees, so I have people that I can call to discuss issues specific to my plan. It is REALLY HELPFUL!!!" Jim Sklenar Chairman Omaha Police and Fire (NEBRASKA)

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ON GUNS & HOSES 2009

We will have focused breakouts on Funding Issues, Healthcare, Actuarial Assumptions, Plan Enhancements, Disability and more!

The Guns & Hoses team thanks every one for joining us for a successful 2008 and looks forward to welcoming everyone back in 2009! Kind regards, Julia Wilson Event Director