4 In 1914, leaders from seven jurisdictions met in Lansing, Michigan to discuss best practices in the regulation and administration of workers’ compensation systems. It was at this first gathering that the National Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions1 was born. The founding seven jurisdictions were: Wisconsin, Washington, Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts, Indiana, and Iowa. Reflecting on the event, an attendee commented: “To point out the good which may proceed out of this conference, would, of course be a mere prophecy at this time. Yet, to one who sat through all the deliberations of the conference, there came the absolute conviction that these earnest men would profit greatly by the interchange of experience and opinion.” 1The 2nd Annual Convention was held in Seattle, Washington, September 30-October 2, 1915. At this meeting, the Province of Ontario, Canada, was received as a member, and the name of the association was changed to the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC). The Beginning

5 The Beginning