Chapter History

Welcome to the History section of the Cedar Valley Society of CPCU

CPCU was founded in 1942.   Two years later the CPCU Society was created.  The Eastern Iowa Chapter territory, consisting of Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Dewitt, was formed in 1960.

In 1961, the goals of the Chapter were to promote a professional approach to insurance business and to promote sponsorship of insurance education.  Primarily the Chapter members strive for continual self-improvement, to contribute to the industry and find ways which would be a benefit to the general insuring public.

A joint meeting with the Des Moines Chapter was held in 1964 to discuss holding an “I” Day and inviting agents within a 50 mile radius.  That same year the Eastern Iowa CPCU Chapter had 17 students and IIA had 23 students, which was the largest Educational program offered in Cedar Rapids.  The Eastern Iowa CPCU Chapter presented the first scholarships, CPCU for $50 and IIA for $20.

The late 1960’s experienced membership decline and discussion that Davenport (Quad Cities), wanted to form their own Chapter.  During this time CPCU and CLU had their first joint meeting.

In 1970, due to limited space at Kirkwood Community College, CPCU and IIA classes were moved to United Fire Group in downtown Cedar Rapids.  In 1973, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Iowa City became the Cedar Valley Chapter.  The Eastern Iowa Chapter dismantled.  Quad Cities and Dewitt have formed their own Chapter.

The first woman to be elected to the board was in 1979.  At that time, the CPCU 7 class had 35 students, INS 21 class had 66 students and INS 23 class had 28 students enrolled.  Student fees are $30 for IIA and $50 for CPCU course. 

• In 1989, the Cedar Valley CPCU Chapter had 84 members, of which 13 were women. 

• In 2014, the newly renamed Cedar Valley Society CPCU Chapter boasts membership of 101, of which 30 are women.

• In 2016, the Chapter gained 35 New Designees.

• In 2017, the Chapter gained 4 New Designees, with a total of 117 members.

• In 2018, the Chapter gained 10 New Designees, with a total of 115 members.