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Industry News

LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE & CONVENTION
Thank You to the 2008 Sponsors

After an exciting week in Washington, D.C., the Big “I” would like to thank the companies whose endless support of the association and independent agents made the 2008 Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention a success. The support of these companies helps the Big “I” provide quality events aiding in the growth and success of independent agents throughout the country.

2008 IIABA Legislative Conference & Convention Sponsors

Gold
Aflac
Allstate Insurance
American Express
Chubb Group of Insurance Companies
Encompass Insurance
Farmers and Foremost Insurance Group of Companies
The Hanover Insurance Group
The Hartford
PCI
Travelers
Zurich North America

Silver
AAMGA
Applied Underwriters
CNA
Coventry
Harleysville Insurance
Jackson National Life
Liberty Mutual Agency Markets
Markel Insurance
NAMIC
NAPSLO
Progressive
Safeco Insurance
Selective Insurance
Swiss Re
Trusted Choice^®

Bronze
Central Insurance Companies
Collectify
Fireman’s Fund
Hartford Steam Boiler
ISO, Inc.
The Main Street America Group
MetLife Auto & Home
The Mines Press, Inc.
RLI
Rain & Hail


LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE & CONVENTION
Legislative Conference & Convention Attendees --- The Big “I” Needs Your Opinion

Last week, agents united on Capitol Hill for the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention. Highlights from the event included an in-depth issues briefing session; appearances by numerous high profile speakers and hundreds of meetings on the Hill between Big “I” agents and brokers and their elected representatives in Congress. The Big “I” is now looking for attendee feedback. Please take a moment and complete a brief survey that will enable the Big “I” to make next year’s event even better. Those who submit their responses by April 22 at noon will be entered into a drawing for one of two ipod Touches. Complete the survey by  clicking here or contact Susan Bonner at susan.bonner@iiaba.net for more information.


InVEST
InVEST Raises More Than $61,000 in Scholarship Money

Attendees of the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention came out in force to support the 2008 InVEST Silent Auction. Items were donated by insurance carriers, independent agents and brokers, IIABA and its state affiliates and other professional organizations committed to preparing America’s young people for the future. The auction raised more than $34,000 to support the program’s annual scholarships awarded to graduates of InVEST pursuing higher education with an emphasis on insurance. Scholarships will be awarded to 2008 program graduates later this spring.

In addition, this was the second year for the InVEST Live Auction, held during the Large Agent/Broker & CEO Dinner. The donated item, courtesy of Allstate/Encompass, was a pair of tickets to the 2008 Allstate^® 400 at the Brickyard^® on July 27, 2008 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The luxury package includes admission to the Gasoline Alley VIP Suite, airfare and hotel accommodations, in addition to premier seats to enjoy this major NASCAR event. The live auction raised $11,500, which when added to the silent auction proceeds and $15,156 of direct general contributions raised earlier in the year, results in a grand total of more than $61,000 to be awarded as InVEST scholarships!

InVEST would like to thank all of the contributors, bidders and volunteers that made this event such a great success. 

A 501(c)3 educational trust, InVEST introduces high school and community college students to insurance and the diverse careers available within the industry giving students a new outlook on the future. The program also offers insurance agencies, brokers and carriers a diverse and talented group of entry-level recruits. Play an important roll in the future of InVEST’s brightest students by supporting this one-of-a-kind insurance education program. For more information, contact Sandra Skipper, InVEST program manager, at 703-706-5437; sandra.skipper@iiaba.net  or visit www.independentagent.com and click on InVEST.


TRUSTED CHOICE^®
AAA Minnesota/Iowa Becomes Trusted Choice^® Company Partner

AAA Minnesota/Iowa is the latest independent agency system insurance company to join the Trusted Choice^® brand movement.

“The independent agency channel is a very vital part of our marketing approach for AAA insurance and membership products. Partnering with Trusted Choice^® further underscores the value and professionalism our members and insureds obtain from their AAA policy and membership,” says Randy Williams, regional president of AAA Minnesota/Iowa.

The Minnesota State Automobile Association was founded in 1907 and the Motor Club of Iowa was founded in 1922. AAA Minnesota and AAA Iowa merged in 1997, and became AAA Minnesota/Iowa, making it the 14th largest AAA affiliate at that time. In 2002, AAA Minnesota/Iowa merged with the Auto Club Group.

AAA has 25 branch offices throughout Minnesota and Iowa (11-MN/14-IA), and one insurance/membership sales office in Iowa. AAA Minnesota/Iowa offers personal insurance protection for auto, home, life and a variety of other coverages. AAA insurance affiliates cover more than one million members across the Midwest and are rated “excellent” by A.M. Best, the insurance industry’s largest independent rating organization. For more information, go to www.autoclubgroup.com/mnia/.

“As the largest paid membership organization in North America with over 50 million members, AAA offers insurance products that provide safety and security to our members,” says Victoria Hanson, assistant vice president of AAA Minnesota/Iowa. “The membership also offers additional savings and coverage that are not available with most insurance products. The strength of our brand, coupled with the strength of Trusted Choice^®, will allow us to continue our success and strengthen our offering of excellent products to the public through Trusted Choice^® independent agents. We are very excited about the partnership.” 

Trusted Choice^® was launched in 2001 by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America and several independent agency companies to highlight the benefits independent agencies and brokerage firms offer consumers—choice of companies, customization of policies and advocacy support.

“AAA Minnesota/Iowa’s mission to provide high-quality insurance and financial services to their members while building on the trusting relationship they have with them clearly aligns with the Trusted Choice^® brand,” says Dave Evans, executive director of Trusted Choice^®. “We are pleased with their decision to join the program.”

“AAA Minnesota/Iowa has experienced continued growth by building on a long tradition of service,” says Dan Riley, executive vice president of the Minnesota Insurance Agents and Brokers. “By joining Trusted Choice^® they are well positioned for future growth.”

Trusted Choice^® is promoted through a combination of national, state-level and local-agency advertising, promotional and marketing activities, insurance company branding and public relations campaigns.

Trusted Choice^® educates consumers about the benefits of using independent agents and brokers for their insurance needs: choice of companies, customized policies and advocacy support. Trusted Choice^® is the consumer marketing identity for more than 10,000 independent insurance agencies, brokerage firms, their branch locations and 50 leading insurance companies, including AAA Minnesota/Iowa.


YOUNG AGENTS
Young Agents Gain Insights from Conference & Convention

Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.), spoke to members of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers last week during its Legislative Conference & Convention in Washington, D.C. Roskam’s address at the Young Agents/InsurPac luncheon on April 2 was one of several events geared toward Young Agents.

The National Young Agents Committee also offered special sessions including a first-timers reception, a hospitality event, private tour of the Newseum and the always-popular Presidents’ Panel breakfast with Big “I” leadership. Joining Big “I” Chair, Robert Fulwider on the Presidents’ Panel were John Barbagallo, president, commercial lines group, Progressive; Michael Browne, president and CEO, Harleysville Insurance; Neal Wolin, president and COO, property and casualty operations, The Hartford; and Cynthia Young, president, Encompass Insurance. For more information, contact Katie Cosgrove, Young Agents program manager at 800-221-7917;  Katie.Cosgrove@iiaba.net.


TRUSTED CHOICE^®
Updating Your Home….and Your Insurance

Consumers spend billions on their homes. Home improvement projects totaled a whopping $280 billion in 2005, according to research from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. The center forecasts that home renovations will grow at a steady 3.7% rate annually through 2015, after inflation.

What shouldn’t be lost in the excitement of adding a bedroom, finishing a basement or updating the kitchen is financial security. Let your customers know the risk management and insurance tools available through their Trusted Choice^® insurance agent are indispensable when they’re renovating.

Trusted Choice^® has an article that can be included on Web sites or sent to customers about insurance issues they need to remember when undertaking home renovations. To access this article, simply visit www.TrustedChoice.com, and log into the Agents/Brokers section. The article is titled “Home Renovations and Updating Your Insurance,” and can be found in the Public Relations section, under Public Relations Articles.

You will need your agency username and password to access these areas of the secured “Agents/Brokers” section of www.TrustedChoice.com. If you do not have this login information, send an e-mail to Trusted.Choice@iiaba.net to request it. For more information, contact Jenner Gohr at 800- 221-7917; jenner.gohr@iiaba.net.