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Industry News

IIABA NEWS
Rusbuldt Named to Influential Lobbyists List

The Hill newspaper, a must-read publication for members of Congress and their staffs, recently named Big “I” President & CEO Bob Rusbuldt to its annual list of “The Best Lobbyists in the Business for the Business Sector.” The paper noted that, “Rusbuldt represents the ‘Big I,’ a major player on insurance issues on Capitol Hill.” For more information, click here.


ACT
ACT Executive Director Receives Top Honor

Earlier this week, Jeff Yates, executive director of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT), was honored with the ACORD Rainmaker Award at the ACORD Board/Act and AUGIE dinner. The award is presented to individuals who support the implementation of ACORD standards and it is only given in years when there is a deserving recipient. Yates has been an long-time advocate of ACORD, a nonprofit association whose mission is to facilitate the development and use of standards for the insurance, reinsurance and related financial services industries and ACT, the partnership of independent agents, companies, technology vendors, user groups and associations dedicated to enhancing the use of technology and improved work flows within the independent agency system.


TRUSTED CHOICE^®
Trusted Choice^® Agency-of-the-Month

Do you know an agency truly committed to Living the Brand? If so, don’t forget to nominate it for the Trusted Choice^® Agency-of-the-Month Recognition Program. One of this year’s monthly winners will be chosen as the Trusted Choice^® Agency-of-the-Year. Trusted Choice^® will accept nominations from Trusted Choice^® state chairs, state association staff members and Trusted Choice^® company partner employees, as well as Trusted Choice^® agencies themselves. Click here for the guidelines and nomination form. For more information, Joanne Buckley at 800- 221-7917; joanne.buckley@iiaba.net.


VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY
VU--A Member “Free-for-All”

It’s so hard to find a bargain these days --- a real bargain, where you get great value for little or no cost. But the Big “I” offers just that to members: free access to Virtual University (VU), an online gateway to insurance education and information.

Big “I” members can log on to the VU at www.iiaba.net/VU and learn while they earn; find answers to vexing insurance questions and improve themselves and their agency. Take a moment to consider these VU’s benefits:

Research Library: The heart and soul of VU, the Research Library is growing into the industry’s most comprehensive reference source. If you’re looking for information on an insurance, business or technology topic, it’s likely you’ll find an article about it here.

Ask an Expert: Have a question that’s been bugging you? VU’s team of leading industry minds has answers. Submit your query through VU’s online form and you’ll typically get an answer within 48 hours. The service is a great time-saver and can help you avoid E&O hazards.

Internet Links: VU has the most complete Internet links section of any insurance Web site. Cyberspace is flush with insurance sites and other resources that can help your agency. Consider VU’s links section a helpful navigator through this information universe.

The VUpoint: A biweekly e-newsletter that’s free to Big “I” members, The VUpoint delivers timely content that’s tailored to independent agents. It’s a must-read for more than 25,000 industry subscribers.

And while they are not free, members have access to quality online education courses.  The VU offers Big “I” members discounted access to nearly 100 approved continuing education courses that cannot be found anywhere else --- including the highly-acclaimed ACSR designation courses. For those looking to brush up on business skills, VU provides a comprehensive curriculum of sales, customer service and agency management courses.

The Virtual University is a center of higher learning for insurance professionals, so what are you waiting for? Log on today at www.iiaba.net/VU.


IIABA NEWS
Check Your Local Listings for IIABA Personalities

Stay tuned to your local news and you just might catch a couple of familiar faces! IIABA’s own Dave Evans and Madelyn Flannagan are featured in a pair of personal finance stories that have been distributed to more than 70 local broadcast stations (mostly Fox and CBS affiliates) across the country for use over the next few weeks. Evans was interviewed for a piece on retirement plan contribution insurance in cases of disability and Flannagan’s story focuses on the ins and outs of filing insurance claims.


IIABA NEWS
Accredited Customer Service Representative Program Available Online

The Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) Program is a sound investment in the future of the independent agency system. The program is designed to benefit CSRs, as well as producers and agency managers who often find the well-organized curriculum of ACSR to be an excellent way to obtain continuing education credits and review key coverages. The program offers three tracks of study --- personal lines, commercial lines and life/health. Students may choose the track most appropriate for their needs or they may choose to complete all tracks. The tracks are available via online learning through the Virtual University. The ACSR online learning program brings educational opportunities right into the office or home providing students with the flexibility of learning at their own pace and at their convenience. Agencies recognize the importance of increased sales, customer satisfaction, reduced E&O exposures and account renewals is vital in today’s independent agency environment. Looking to enhance your agency’s value? Then consider the online ACSR program available 24/7. For additional information, visit www.independentagent.com/VU.