|
T H U R S D A Y , M A R C H 1 2 , 2 0 0 9 Industry News
IIABA News
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Larson to Address Big “I” Large Agent/Broker/CEO Dinner
Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Caucus, will address the Big “I” Large Agent/Broker and CEO dinner on April 30 during the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention.
The Big “I” Large Agent and Broker Roundtable, a group which advises the Big “I” Board of Directors on topics important to large agents and brokers, hosts the annual dinner. The group has recently been working on issues such as agent licensing reform, technology and workflow efficiency, and industry workforce recruitment. Large agents and brokers from around the country, as well as regional and national carrier CEOs, will be in attendance. “The Big ‘I’ Large Agent and Broker Roundtable is honored that Rep. Larson will be addressing our annual event,” says John Murray, chairman of the Big “I” Large Agent and Broker Roundtable, and CEO, president and director of Rose & Kiernan, Inc. headquartered in East Greenbush, N.Y. “As a former agency owner himself, Rep. Larson understands the challenges our industry is facing and we look forward to hearing his perspective.” Larson was recently elected by his fellow Democrats to lead them as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. In addition to his powerful political role, he serves on the Ways and Means Committee and is the former owner of Larson & Lysik Insurance Company. Larson represents Connecticut’s second congressional district, which is comprised of 27 cities and towns from Hartford, Litchfield and Middlesex counties, including the capital city of Hartford. “The Big ‘I’ is honored that Rep. Larson, one of the most influential members of Congress, will participate in our annual legislative conference and convention by addressing the Large Agent and Broker and CEO dinner,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “As a Congressional Leader and Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, John is crucial in determining policy on all issues before Congress. We know this influential group of insurance industry leaders will greatly benefit from his perspectives and insight.” The Big “I” Legislative Conference is the insurance industry’s best-attended, most effective legislative meeting. This year’s event will take place April 29 - May 1 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. “Rep. Larson is a true expert and player on business and insurance issues that directly impact independent insurance agents and brokers and companies,” says Charles Symington, Jr., Big “I” senior vice president for government affairs. “As Congress considers major issues such as financial services regulatory restructuring and health care reform this year, it’s encouraging to know that House Democratic Caucus Chairman Larson understands the important role independent agents and brokers play in the marketplace.” Additional highlights of the Big “I” Legislative Conference include: in-depth issues briefing sessions, a panel discussion with top insurance carrier CEOs, a state of the association address by Big “I” Chairman Brett Nilsson, a speech by Freakonomics author Stephen Dubner, appearances by numerous high-profile industry speakers and hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between Big “I” agents and brokers and their elected representatives in the Congress. For registration and hotel information, go to www.independentagent.com and select the “Events and Conferences” link.
InVEST
Last Chance to Donate to InVEST’s Silent Auction
InVEST is issuing its final call for donations for its annual silent auction, held during the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention. Items will be accepted until the auction date; however, any items received after March 22 will not be included in the auction catalog. Send your donation in now and gain all the exposure offered to donors! InVEST’s silent auction supports annual scholarships awarded to program graduates pursuing higher education with an emphasis on insurance or professional certifications. As a contributor, you will receive spotlight visibility by being listed in the auction program distributed to more than 2,300 convention attendees, on the Big “I” and InVEST Web sites and on event signage. All proceeds generated from the silent auction are awarded as scholarships to InVEST students each year. Legislative Conference & Convention attendees will have the opportunity to bid on sporting event tickets, electronics, gadgets, trips and more. Items are donated by insurance carriers, agents and brokers, the Big “I” and its state affiliates, other professional organizations and individuals. Last year, InVEST raised more than $60,000 for scholarships awarded to 52 students across the nation. Not sure what to donate? Give InVEST staff a call and they can assist you in finding a creative and memorable item to grab attendees’ attention. For more information, contact Jennifer Robinson, InVEST program manager, at 703-706-5437; jennifer.robinson@iiaba.net.
Young Agents
Young Agents Committee Announces Presidents’ Panel
The National Young Agents Committee is offering events geared specifically for up-and-coming leaders at the 2009 Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention. Special sessions include a first-timers reception, the Young Agents and InsurPac state chairs luncheon, two hospitality events, a tour of Washington, D.C. and the always popular Presidents’ Panel breakfast with Big “I” leadership. Joining Big “I” Chairman Brett Nilsson on the Presidents’ Panel will be: Jim Clay, president, Westfield Insurance Scott Goodby, president of Regional Companies Group, Liberty Mutual Agency Markets John Hennessy, senior vice president of distribution management, CNA Harold Morrison, executive vice president and chief global field officer, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies The Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington D.C., April 29 – May 1. For more information, contact Katie Cosgrove, Young Agents program manager, at 800-221-7917; Katie.Cosgrove@iiaba.net.
Best Practices
Learn How Your Agency can Be a Best Practices Agency
The annual Best Practices Study originated in 1993 as an initiative to help independent agents build the value of their most important asset, their agency. By studying the leading agencies and brokers in the country, the Big "I" hoped to provide member agents with meaningful performance benchmarks and business strategies that could be adopted or adapted for use in improving agency performance, thus enhancing agency value. Research on the leading agencies and brokers is released on an annual basis through the Best Practices Study and the agencies the study is based on are awarded Best Practices Agency status. Agency principals often ask how an agency is selected to participate in the annual study and become a Best Practices Agency. The Big "I" and Reagan Consulting will begin actively seeking nominations in early 2010. To learn how the process works, how your agency can be prepared to participate and learn about the benefits of being a Best Practices Agency, make plans to attend the “How To Become A Best Practices Agency” webinar hosted by Shirley Lukens from Reagan Consulting on July 14 from 2-3 p.m. EST. Big “I” state association and company partners are also welcome to participate. To register for the webinar, click here. To learn more about the Best Practices resources, click here or e-mail BestPractices@iiaba.net.
Trusted Choice®
Don’t Break the Bank Marketing Your Agency- Get Your $500 Trusted Choice® Reimbursement
Trusted Choice® has a new marketing reimbursement program for members. Agencies that use the Trusted Choice® logo on their business cards, brochures, Web site and other collateral in 2009 are eligible for up to $500 to offset the cost. Apply for your reimbursement today and reap the benefits of “living the brand.” Why use your Trusted Choice® marketing dollars? Your brand is an experience representing what consumers feel, think or remember about their relationship with you and your agency. As a Trusted Choice® member, you have the opportunity to enhance your clients’ experience by implementing the one-of-a-kind independent insurance agency brand that’s more than 10,000 agencies strong. By living the brand, committing to the pledge of performance and including the consumer-approved logo on collateral, agencies around the nation are creating a network of millions of consumer impressions. Add to that a mix of national, state and regional radio, television and print spots and you have one powerful brand. Apply for Trusted Choice® marketing reimbursement dollars and boost your brand---it’s on us. Visit www.TrustedChoice.com/MRP to get started.
Best Practices
Get Instant Delivery, Save Money, Go Easy on the Environment
In today’s “must have this instant” society, waiting for the mail to arrive, even for a day, can seem like a lifetime. Big “I” members can now obtain many of the most popular Best Practices resources via e-book delivery. Choose from “Top Producers: Discover, Train, Reward,” “Customer Service Made Simple,” the 2007 Best Practices Study, the 2008 Best Practices Study Update and more. E-books offer the agency management information you need, when you need it, through delivery, download and review right to your computer. As an added bonus, e-books are available at reduced rates due to the elimination of printing and mailing costs. Most e-books are delivered in PDF format and take no trees to produce. To find out more information about e-books and other Best Practices tools, click here or e-mail BestPractices@iiaba.net.
Best Practices
Workflow Levels Explained through Webinar
The four progressive levels of technology and workflow implementation explained in the Best Practice Guide to Agency Business Process and Information Management are: 1) manually automated environment; 2) process environment; 3) service environment; and 4) client environment. The manually automated environment either has no computer or the computer is used primarily for accounting. Paper files are maintained and referred to frequently. Procedures may be in place; however, the procedures support both a manual and an automated environment. There is a lot of redundancy, and workflows vary from desktop to desktop. In the process environment, the computer features are implemented at a very basic level. Paper files are maintained; however, they only contain items not stored on the computer. The staff is trained on the computer features. As the vendor releases new features, they are implemented and staff is trained on them. There is a lot of focus on internal agency processes. In the service environment, the computer features are well implemented. Workflows are in place integrating the features and the insurance workflows. Supporting documentation is maintained, but not in the traditional paper file. Scanning has been implemented, and procedures are in place supporting an automated environment. Focus shifts from internal processes to value-added client contacts, service and sales. The client environment is the optimum level. Routine processes are automated, significantly reduced and clients increasingly avail themselves to self-service options on the agency Web site or by phone. Clients (or vendors) obtain proof of insurance coverage and auto ID cards online. Changes are requested via the Internet. Agency or carrier process centers are available for routine transactions. The agency role is relationship-driven and consultative. All staff members in the agency are focused on client service and sales. To learn more about how your agency can advance to the next workflow level, click here and attend the Best Practices webinar series. For more information and to register, click here.
ACT
Register for Real Time / Download Webinar
Independent agencies are deriving major benefits from implementing Real Time, as well as commercial and personal lines Download, and members are encouraged to attend a special one-hour webinar by the Real Time/Download Campaign April 1 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. EST and May 6 at the same time. The webinar, entitled “Real Time: The Next Major Advance in Agency Workflow,” will be led by Lisa Parry Becker and Cyndy Smith, both highly knowledgeable agents about these new workflows and co-chairs of the Real Time/Download Campaign. In this webinar, Real Time will be explained, demonstrated and the benefits of using Real Time at your agency will be discussed. The increasing importance of Download in a Real Time world will also be highlighted. Cal Durland of AUGIE and Jeff Yates of ACT will also participate.
There is no charge for agents or others to attend these webinars. After you log on to the Internet session, you will be able to listen to the audio through your computer. If you would prefer, you will also be provided with a toll-free number so you can call to listen to the audio. Please register for the April 1 session by clicking here, and register for the May 6 session by clicking here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the webinar.
Big “I” Flood Program
National Flood Safety Awareness Week Approaches; Spring Outreach Encouraged
Flooding captured the nation’s attention when waters devastated parts of the Midwest during spring 2008. But Midwestern states were not the only ones hit hard. From mudflows in Oregon to hurricanes in Texas to the heavy rains and snowmelt in Illinois and Iowa, flooding brought significant personal and financial hardship to areas across the country. As part of Flood Safety Awareness Week 2009 (March 15-21), the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have partnered to illustrate flood risks throughout the United States, taking steps to educate consumers on their flood risk and what can be done to lessen the impact of flooding, including the purchase of flood insurance. Information on topics such as rainfall, weather patterns and historical flood events are a part of this outreach project. A special focus has been placed on the Midwest region where the NFIP coordinated with state and local officials, the insurance industry and FEMA regional staff in kicking off Flood Safety Awareness week. Flood awareness will ensure residents are prepared for the severe flooding predicted when the significant snowpack accrued this winter starts to melt. FloodSmart.gov is hosting a Flood Safety Awareness Week Web site with information and materials about the week and the flood risk with NFIP and NWS tools for consumers and links to related sites. The cornerstone of the landing page is an interactive map showing the scope and magnitude of flooding in the U.S. The map highlights major flooding events and their causes – from hurricanes and mudflows to spring snow melt and flash floods. As part of this outreach, the NFIP and its partners will approach consumers and trade media in select markets, as well as national media, to bring attention to the dangers and consequences of flooding. Local stakeholders, NFIP state coordinators, insurance commissioners and others are encouraged to promote this effort by highlighting issues and forwarding press materials to local residents. The Big “I” encourages members to become involved in this important initiative, and to review the documents “Top 10 Things to Know About Flood Insurance,” here and "Agent Talking Points,” here. For more information on the Big “I” Flood Program, contact Program Manager Linda Mackey at 800-221-7917, ext. 5380; linda.mackey@iiaba.net.
Big I AdvantageSM
RLI Personal Umbrella: Do Your Clients Have Umbrella Coverage?
Consider the following claims scenario from RLI:
The 76-year-old insured pulled forward out of her driveway to make a left turn into the path of a motorcycle approaching from her left, which was coming out of a curve. The operator of the motorcycle applied his brakes and “laid it down,” but struck the quarter panel of the insured’s vehicle. The insured was cited for traffic violations. The motorcycle passenger (wife of the motorcycle operator) died at the scene. The motorcycle operator suffered a fractured finger and abrasions and had a valid “bystander’s claim” under state law. The RLI Personal Umbrella policy contributed $640,000 in addition to the primary policies. This unfortunate story is just one example where regular auto policy limits would have left a motorist underinsured and liable for a huge sum. Educate your clients on the need for umbrella coverage. As a Big “I” member, you have access to a standalone PUP from RLI. Learn more and learn how to contact your state administrator at www.independentagent.com/RLI.
Big I AdvantageSM
Free Caliper Webinar Available
Caliper’s latest webinar, “Invest in Your Best in This Tough Economy,” is now available online here in flash format, with a PDF file of the presentation slides. The webinar is free, and lasts approximately one hour. For more than 30 years, Caliper has helped Big “I” members match people goals to business goals. Their proven approach has helped more than 25,000 companies worldwide define the skills, competencies and strategies necessary for achieving corporate goals and objectives. Big “I” members enjoy exclusive discounted pricing on all Caliper products. Learn more about Caliper and how to take advantage of your Big “I” discount at www.independentagent.com/Caliper.
Big “I” Markets
Event Liability Market Available
Event liability is something you may not think about every day, but you may have customers who need access to this coverage. If you are not sure what types of events lend themselves to event liability coverage, click here to see a list. And don’t forget you have access to an “A” rated admitted carrier (Philadelphia) via Big “I” Markets. Visit www.bigimarkets.com to submit a quote.
Big I AdvantageSM
Big “I” Members Save with FedEx
The Big “I” and FedEx now work together to bring you special FedEx discounts. Save up to 26% on select FedEx Express® shipping services and up to 12% on select FedEx Ground® services - no enrollment fees or minimum shipping quotas apply. Current FedEx customers may also take advantage of this offer. Call 1-800-MEMBERS and identify yourself as a Big “I” member to enroll today.
Big “I” Markets
Ask the Expert: Student, Senior and Affordable Housing Segments with MiddleOak Specialty
Interested in the Big “I” Markets habitational program, but want to know more? Unsure of what the company is looking for? How about a focus on classes of business that not every company and agent are chasing? Need a better understanding of their specialty coverages? Click here to read detailed information on student, senior and affordable housing coverage available through Big "I" Markets.
Come spend some time at a roundtable with our experts Rob Keller and Diana Dylan at MiddleOak Specialty to discuss the specialty segments. The format is casual and open for general questions. Please join us for a conference call on March 19 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Dial 866-583-9943 and enter conference code 7413545.
|
