Southern Loss Association News

President’s Message

Dear Southern Loss Association Members,

As we move further into spring, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who came out and helped make the Larry Hart Memorial Spring Golf, Cornhole, and Pickleball Outing at Château Élan such a tremendous success. The turnout was outstanding, and it was great to see so many familiar faces along with several new members joining us for the day. Events like this continue to remind me why the Southern Loss Association is such a strong and respected organization within our industry.

From the golf course to the pickleball courts and cornhole games, the energy and camaraderie throughout the event were second to none. More importantly, it gave all of us an opportunity to reconnect, build relationships, and spend time with others who understand the challenges and pace of the claims industry. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and helped organize the event. It truly would not happen without the support of our members and industry partners.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue building momentum with our upcoming monthly meeting series. Our next meeting will feature a presentation titled “Get it Made: Understanding Manufacturing Equipment and Damage Related to a Loss Event.” The presentation will qualify for one hour of CE credit in Georgia, Texas, and Florida and should provide valuable insight into a specialized area of claims handling that many of us encounter in the field. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to YA Group for graciously sponsoring lunch for the meeting. We appreciate their continued support of the SLA and our members.

We’re also continuing preparations for our upcoming C/E Seminar scheduled for August 13, 2026, at Andretti’s in Marietta. We’re looking forward to another great educational event with valuable discussion topics and strong industry participation. More information will be coming soon, so keep an eye out for registration details.

Across the industry, claim volume has continued to increase in several areas following recent severe weather activity, and many carriers remain focused on efficiency, accuracy, and cost management. At the same time, technology continues to reshape the claims process, from AI-assisted estimating to expanded virtual handling capabilities. While the tools may change, the importance of relationships, professionalism, and experience remains constant—and that’s exactly what organizations like the Southern Loss Association continue to provide.

Thank you again for your continued support and involvement in the SLA. I encourage everyone to stay engaged, attend upcoming meetings, and continue helping us grow this organization and the relationships that make it successful.

I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Best Regards,
Stephen Philips
President
Southern Loss Association