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Industry News

InVEST
Register Now for the InVEST State Champions Workshop

Registration is now open for the next InVEST State Champions Workshop. To register for this three-day comprehensive workshop, click here. The workshop will take place June 30 to July 2 at the Westfield Companies in Westfield Center, Ohio. Join other insurance industry leaders in learning about InVEST and how the program can promote workforce development for the insurance industry by attracting and training the next generation of insurance professionals. The workshop will explore all the tools, resources and programs that comprise InVEST at the high school and community college levels. Learn how to address the overall challenges to attract young people to this exciting industry.  

In July 2007 InVEST held a three-day conference at the Westfield Companies in Westfield Center, Ohio. The event was attended by approximately 100 insurance company representatives, agents, educators and state and national trade association staff from 22 states. Attendees participated in a comprehensive program that explored all the myriad facets of InVEST and how it has been customized and successfully implemented throughout the country.

For more information about the InVEST State Champions Event contact Bill Pierson, InVEST executive director, at 800-221-7917; bill.pierson@iiaba.net.


VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY
Big “I” Virtual University Enhances Global Expertise

IIABA’s Virtual University is expanding its international resources with the addition of two global insurance specialists to its faculty. 

Lloyd Yavener and Chris Beck of Clements International, a leading Washington, D.C.-based broker, will contribute to the online learning center through articles, “Ask the Expert” feedback and periodic webinars offering training on global risks and issues.

Yavener, Clements vice president of marketing, is a seasoned veteran of the insurance industry with more than two decades of experience. He also holds a juris doctorate from the University of Baltimore and is a licensed attorney in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Prior to joining Clements, Yavener was president of Bankers Independent Insurance Company and he previously served as general counsel for American Independent Companies and Omni Insurance Group, as well as chairman of the Maryland Insurance Guarantee Board.

Beck, Clements senior vice president of insurance sales, has led the sales, underwriting and claims divisions of the company since 2000. With almost 20 years of insurance experience, Beck has been responsible for the design of key insurance coverages tailored to the unique needs of international organizations and the expatriate community. He has a bachelor of science in political science from the University of Maryland.

“Our members are increasingly faced with international exposures that are beyond their current experience,” says Madelyn Flannagan, IIABA vice president of education and research. “Having access to Chris and Lloyd’s global expertise will be of significant value to them and better enable them to succeed in this highly competitive marketplace.”

Big “I” Virtual University is a free service for all IIABA members and currently has 54 of the most recognized experts in the insurance industry available to answer questions on just about any insurance topic via the “Ask an Expert” service. Log on today at www.iiaba.net/VU.


BEST PRACTICES
What Tools Can You Use to Get Started?

Do you know about IIABA’s Best Practices Program? Ever wonder what all the fuss is about? If the answer is yes, consider reviewing the 2007 Best Practices Study by enrolling in an “Introduction to Best Practices” seminar or talking with an insurance carrier partner about this unique program based on the actual operations of more than 195 of the best agencies in the U.S. 

Then, to determine how your agency is doing in comparison to the BP agencies, purchase a copy of the “Automated Best Practices Self-Diagnostic Tool.” This program, using Microsoft Excel, will allow you to compare your agency’s year-end results with those of similar BP agencies and will help determine areas for improvement. It’s easy and can be financially rewarding.

• Will you (or someone you know) be retiring sometime in the future and would like to be sure the transition is handled successfully? Then try the “Best Practices in Business Perpetuation and Management Succession.”

• Do you want to be sure both you and your clients are ready for a disaster—either natural or man-made? Then choose the “Best Practices of Crisis Management – A Step By Step Business Recovery Planner.”

• Does your agency’s sales effort measure up to the best in the country? Then pick the “Best Practices of the Leading Sales Organizations in the United States.”

Do you need more information about Best Practices tools and seminars? Visit www.independentagent.com and select “Best Practices,” then “Best Practices Gateway.” There you will find order forms and more information about all the tools and even a guide to implementing Best Practices in your agency. Discover what the fuss is all about and improve your bottom line! For more information about Best Practices, e-mail BestPractices@iiaba.net.


InVEST
InVEST Spring Edition Newsletter Available

The spring edition of the InVEST newsletter is now available. The newsletter is intended to inform InVEST liaisons and teachers about the free products, services and publications available to InVEST program participants. The spring edition of the newsletter features scholarship and awards data as well as other exciting information about the InVEST program. To view the newsletter, visit www.investprogram.org. If you have any questions or story ideas, contact Amber Williamson at 800-221-7917; amber.williamson@iiaba.net.

A 501(c)3 educational trust, InVEST introduces high school and community college students to insurance and the more than 350 diverse careers available within the industry giving students a new outlook on the future. The program offers insurance agencies, brokers and carriers a diverse and talented group of entry-level recruits.


ACT
Promote Real Time with Eddie

The Agents Council for Technology (ACT) is now taking orders for merchandise that promotes the Real Time campaign and includes the campaign’s mascot, Eddie.

Eddie dolls, lapel pins and lanyards are all available for purchase by agencies to help spread the word about the initiative. Click here for a merchandise order form. For more information on Real Time, visit www.getrealtime.org. For more information on ACT, visit www.independentagent.com/act.