The Excess/Surplus/Specialty Lines (ESSL) Interest Group was founded in 1985 by CPCUs who saw the value of an interest group that would focus on the professional needs and interests of individuals working in either the excess and surplus lines (E&S) market or the admitted specialty lines market. ESSL members include underwriters, agents, brokers, surplus lines brokers, underwriting managers, wholesalers, program managers, claims professionals, reinsurers, educators and loss control specialists involved with the E&S and admitted specialty markets. The ESSL Interest Group earned the CPCU Society's Platinum (highest) Circle of Excellence Award in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.