Beacon News

Earlier this month, this year's ABA Fidelity & Surety Law (FSLC) "Midwinter Meeting" was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Nashville, TN. Because of Covid-19, the FSLC's midwinter meeting was postponed until August this year. Beacon's team was very active at this year's meeting. Dennis O'Neill was a featured speaker on a panel discussion entitled "Investigation / Completion Options: Completion Agreement—Technical, Engineering, Legal." The panel focused on the many challenges associated with investigating and finishing up troubled construction projects where the surety company (and its construction consultants) must step in to ensure a project's completion. In particular, the panel discussed some of the practical solutions and success stories related to negotiating terms of Completion Agreements with Contractors. Other participants on the panel included surety claims experts Sam Barker (Liberty Mutual), David Bresel (Zurich North America), and attorney Amanda Miceli (Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC).

Beacon Project Manager Elizabeth Paquet was a featured speaker on the panel "Intercreditor Agreements / Equipment Utilization." The presentation explored options for a surety when there is a fight over the money and how such disputes can be solved through the use of intercreditor agreements. The other moderator on the panel was Brandon Bains (Langley Bains LLP). Beacon Vice President Jim Bruno was also in attendance at this year's FSLC meeting.

On August 18th, Beacon was a co-sponsor of two very fun networking events held in conjunction with the FSLC meeting. Beacon co-hosted a luncheon at the Oak Steakhouse, a great location and ranked among the top steakhouses in the U.S. In the evening, Beacon co-hosted a unique night of food and music at the Johnny Cash Bar & Restaurant's "Club ONE21" and the adjoining Johnny Cash Museum. This event was a lot of fun and a perfect spot for celebrating in "Music City." If you are a fan of "The Man In Black" the 18,000-square-foot museum is a must see when in Nashville. Beacon also co-sponsored a networking event on Weds evening, August 17th at "Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Rock ‘n’ Roll Steakhouse" (which is a place as fun as the name sounds!).

Overall, this summer's "Midwinter Meeting" was a big success. It was great seeing all of our clients, friends, and partners in Nashville. We look forward to seeing everyone again in a few short months. The next FSLC Midwinter meeting will be held January 19 -20, 2023 in Washington, D.C.