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Rusbuldt Named to ‘100 Most Powerful’ List |  VU Research Library is Always Open |  YAC’s New Events in 2006 |  Apply for a YAC Scholarship |  Elite Force Sales Training Class 2006 Schedule | Industry News

I I A B A   N E W S
Rusbuldt Named to ‘100 Most Powerful’ List

For the fifth consecutive year, Big "I" CEO Robert Rusbuldt has been named to the "Insurance Industry 100 Most Powerful (North America) List," published by Insurancebroadcasting.com. Rusbuldt has been named to the list every year it has been published.

"We understand the subjectivity of this type of ranking, but stand by our five-year premise," says Insurancebroadcasting.com CEO Walt Podgurski. "The people [listed] are the 100 we think who have the most resources available to them and who would have the most ability to successfully accomplish any goal or directive of the insurance industry. What better list of 100 people exists that could exert more collective influence over the insurance industry?"

Rusbuldt appears on the list with many of the leading movers and shakers in the insurance industry in the United States and Canada. Among others included are Warren E. Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (fourth appearance); Ramani Ayer, chairman and CEO of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (fifth appearance); Jay S. Fishman, chairman and CEO of St. Paul Travelers (fifth appearance); and Axel Lehmann, CEO of Zurich North America (first appearance).

Insurancebroadcasting.com says its ranking system is "not a list of the largest 100 insurance company CEOs, or designed to recognize past achievement, longevity, or decide who is the most effective businessperson, or determine who has been the most innovative or who is on the fast-track to the top. It is an attempt to express who controls the most insurance industry resources (people, capital, intellectual knowledge, technology, etc.) or has the most influence on those resources."

Including Rusbuldt, only 40 of the 100 executives on the list have appeared all five times, and Rusbuldt is one of only three honorees from the "Agent Organizations and Distribution" category to make a fifth appearance.

"Having Bob Rusbuldt on the list of the most powerful and influential leaders in the insurance industry recognizes what we already know at the Big "I,"  says Bill Stiglitz, Big "I" president. "He has received this recognition five years in a row, and our 300,000 members and their employees are proud of the leadership Bob provides for independent insurance agents and brokers across America,"

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V I R T U A L   U N I V E R S I T Y
VU Research Library is Always Open

Sometimes you need to squeeze in research late at night—after a long day at work. If you’re seeking a smart, efficient and well-organized information source, check out the VU Research Library. The VU online library is divided into three subject areas: insurance, business and technology. The insurance section contains selected sample forms, coverage analyses with expert interpretations and court cases, articles and practical information that will help you interpret challenging coverage issues. The business section contains articles and business tools, including information about the highly acclaimed Best Practices program, as well as critical professional skills to help your agency grow and prosper. The technology section provides expert information on hardware, software, the Internet, technological gadgets and programs that will make you more productive online.

The cutting-edge online services make it possible for today’s agencies to get the critical information they need, wherever and whenever they need it. This free Big "I" member benefit provides access to a unique combination of industry knowledge and experience available only at the Big "I" Virtual University! All agency employees can access the VU for free with their IDs and passwords. Click here to visit the VU. For more information, contact Madelyn Flannagan at madelyn.flannagan@iiaba.net.

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Y O U N G   A G E N T S
YAC’s New Events in 2006

The Big "I" National Young Agents Committee will host several exciting and informative seminars and events at the National Legislative Conference & Convention, April 23 through 29, and the new Young Agents Leadership Institute, Sept. 8 through 10.

At the Big "I" National Legislative Conference & Convention in Washington, D.C., the National YAC will host seminars geared specifically toward young agents, including a first-timers reception, the Young Agent Attendee & InsurPac Chairs Luncheon, two hospitality events and the President’s Panel Breakfast with Big "I" leadership. The committee is offering two $300 scholarships to each state to assist young agents who have not previously participated in the National Legislative Conference in attending the event.

The Young Agent Leadership Institute, held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, will feature two distinct tracks for leadership development – one for attendees with revitalizing young agents programs and one for those with established programs. Attendees will participate in training sessions about membership development, communications, projects/events and political involvement. Young agents also will gain insight into the latest technology trends and network with peers and Big "I" leaders to develop new ideas about agency management and personal development.

For more information about YAC activities, contact Leslie Mularski at 800-221-7917; leslie.mularski@iiaba.net.

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Apply for a YAC   Scholarship

The $1,000 Maurice Herndon Scholarship will be presented to one young agent who has not attended a National Legislative Conference in the past to help defray the costs of attending the Big "I" National Legislative Conference & Convention, held April 26 through 28 at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, D.C. The young agent recipient will receive his or her scholarship check in May 2006 after the Big "I" National Legislative Conference & Convention. To be eligible for the Herndon scholarship, you must be a young agent member (age 40 or younger) of the Big "I" who has not previously attended a Big "I" National Legislative Conference, compose a 250-to-500-word essay describing why you should be considered for the scholarship, and submit your essay and completed application form by March 1.  Click here for the application.

The Big "I" National Young Agents Committee is offering each state association two $300 scholarships to assist young agents who have not previously attended a National Legislative Conference in attending the 2006 Big "I" National Legislative Conference & Convention. Scholarship funds will be paid to the order of the state association in May 2006. Interested young agents should return a completed application form to their state association by March 1 to be considered for a scholarship. It is up to the discretion of the state association to determine the recipients of these scholarships.  Click here to download an application.

For more information, contact Leslie Mularski at 800-221-7917; leslie.mularski@iiaba.net.

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B E S T   P R A C T I C E S
Elite Force Sales Training Class 2006 Schedule

Get ready for the highly successful Elite Force Sales Training program’s 2006 schedule, with first-quarter course beginning March 7. For three days per quarter, through the end of 2006, highly motivated professionals can commit to become the very best in their craft—hence the name the ELITE Force.

During the first three days of the program, attendees will study planning, goal setting, time management, consultative relationships, customer personality types and more. Attendees will spend several hours laying out their goals for the year, working out reporting requirements and accountability groups. To earn the IIABA's national Associate in Insurance Production (AIP) designation, an Elite student must have perfect attendance and submit monthly reports.

Class size is limited to 15 due to the nature of the course and to track each student’s progress throughout the year. The Elite Force Sales Training class provides personal attention to training in that elusive but all-important skill: increasing production. A sale encompasses more than just good prospecting or closing skills. This in-depth, comprehensive insurance sales training course helps to develop a personal sales style, a successful way of thinking and good habits.

To view the 12 days of the Elite Force Sales Training program, click here. To download an application, click here. For more information, contact Jennifer Becker at 800-221-7917; jennifer.becker@iiaba.net.

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