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May Promotional Campaign Rolls On  |   2005 Young Agents Sales & Leadership Conference  |   Do You Caliper?  |  Cover Gifts for Grad  |  High School Students Meet President at NLC  |  Industry News

T R U S T E D   C H O I C E ®
May Promotional Campaign Rolls On

As part of Trusted Choice® Month promotional activities, the May issue of Independent Agent magazine includes an article that highlights several agency success stories. The feature-length article explores how agencies are capitalizing on their participation in the brand program. Read the story to glean ideas you can use to increase local consumer awareness of your agency’s affiliation with Trusted Choice®.

For example, read how Julie Turner of The Turner Agency in Greenville, S.C. uses the public relations resources provided by the brand program at www.TrustedChoice.com to generate publicity for her agency. Turner and the staff put together a 12-month calendar of press pitches and a list of local newspaper, magazine, radio and television outlets. The first release, which was distributed before Valentine’s Day, focused on jewelry insurance—and it hit big.

Local CBS station WSPA interviewed Ross Turner, Julie’s husband, in the agency’s new offices on Feb. 14, and the story was all over the television news that night. The reporter was so pleased with the Turners’ expertise that she returned shortly thereafter for a story on health savings accounts.

"We’re really developing a relationship with that reporter," Julie Turner says. "There are insurance agencies on every corner of Greenville. This gives us credibility."

The Turners also have developed a quarterly client newsletter, which also uses the press release template materials, and are beginning to use the new Trusted Choice® radio spot titled "26 Flavors."

Other success stories look at radio advertising and referrals to another Trusted Choice® agency, and the story includes a sidebar article on ways to leverage the brand in an agency.

The centerpiece of the Trusted Choice® Month promotional campaign is the national, two-week advertising flight that began this past Monday and runs through May 22. Nearly 100 ads will be seen by millions of consumers on Fox News, Turner Network Television, Home & Garden Television and The History Channel. Click here to see the complete ad schedule.

In addition, Trusted Choice® will launch a major public relations campaign on small business insurance issues next Monday to national media and send a drop-in release that can be customized for local use to all Trusted Choice® agencies. Use these materials to create publicity for your agency. For more information about the brand program, contact Jeff Myers at 800-221-7917; jeff.myers@iiaba.net.  T O P

Y O U N G   A G E N T S
2005 Young Agents Sales & Leadership Conference

The rising stars of the insurance industry will take over New York City at this year’s Young Agents Sales & Leadership Conference. The ultimate experience for the next generation of industry leaders, this event brings together young agents and brokers from across the country to network with peers and company partners, develop sales and leadership skills and learn about the latest industry trends and technology. Whether you’re new to the industry or already in a leadership role in your agency or association, this event benefits all young agents and brokers regardless of experience and helps create a solid foundation for long-term success. As an added benefit, when you register for the Sales & Leadership Conference, you are automatically registered for the Big "I" Convention at no additional cost. Being committed means being involved. Attend the New York Sales & Leadership Conference and gain invaluable career experience. Click here to register online and make hotel reservations. For more information, contact Leslie Mularski, National Young Agents Program Director, at 703- 706-5459; leslie.mularski@iiaba.net.  T O P

B I G   " I "   M A R K E T S
Do You Caliper?

Big "I" members enjoy exclusive discounted pricing from Caliper, a premier human resources consulting and personality testing company. Whether you are searching for the ideal fit for a job opening or would like to better manage and develop the skills of your existing employees, Caliper can give you the upper hand through a detailed screening process that has proven itself time and again. 

Caliper’s First Step for Sales and First Step for Service tests provide an affordable way for you to learn more about potential hires. Define your needs and start boosting productivity with Caliper today. To learn more about Caliper’s offerings, click here. To take advantage of the Big "I" Caliper discount, contact Cynthia Schmidt, Caliper's IIABA Association Accounts Manager, at 609-524-1344.  T O P

Cover Gifts for Grads

Cars are always a popular graduation gift item, especially for the new college graduate. Not only do cars need auto insurance, but an auto warranty to go with it is a wise investment. The auto warranty program available on Big "I" Markets is offered by AON Warranty Group. It features one plan with four levels of coverage ranging from Platinum, which is a named exclusion coverage (if it’s not listed, it is covered) to Bronze, a named component coverage offering protection for seven major assemblies and designed for older, higher-mileage vehicles. All plans cover seals and gaskets, offer 24-hour roadside assistance and the contract charge can be financed. Log on here and go to "Product Resources" to review the details of the four coverage options to determine the one that best suits the needs of your clients. For more information about other available products or to register, click here.  T O P

I N V E S T
High School Students Meet President at NLC

Students from T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va., attended last month’s National Legislative Conference. The highlight of the event was hearing President Bush express his vision for Social Security reform and discuss insurance issues.

The students, who currently are studying compound interest, found the president’s remarks regarding this subject of particular interest.

"I love the concept of spreading ownership throughout America," Bush said. "And I know we’ve got to give younger Americans the opportunity to tap into the power of compound interest so they have a chance to get a higher rate of return on their own money, on their own assets than the current system allows."

After hearing his speech, students had a chance to shake hands and have their pictures taken with the president. One student described this experience as a once in a lifetime opportunity and something she will remember forever.

T.C. Williams is working to implement InVEST, a program that provides a well-rounded insurance education, to students enrolled in the school’s Academy of Finance. The field trip to the Big "I" legislative event was hosted by staff and industry professionals with InVEST and the Big "I."

The new partnership began in March when the students had the opportunity to hear local independent agent David Wysong, with Acordia of Virginia, discuss the important role insurance plays in their lives and the many career possibilities available in the industry as a whole. InVEST has the opportunity to work with T.C. Williams through generous donations from several industry partners. To learn about starting a local program, visit InVESTprogram.org or contact Sandra Skipper at 703-706-5437; sandra.skipper@iiaba.net.  T O P