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T H U R S D A Y , M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 0 9 Industry News
IIABA News
Rusbuldt Named One of Washington’s Top CEOs
The Hill newspaper, a leading Capitol Hill publication, has named Big “I” President & CEO Bob Rusbuldt among trade association CEOs with the most clout in Washington. Rusbuldt has appeared on this list numerous times and has long been hailed as one of Washington’s most effective leaders.
The Big “I” was the only agent trade association and one of a handful of insurance-related groups named among the organizations honored this year. The roll also includes several former members of Congress who are now trade association CEOs, such as former Rep. Richard Baker (R-La.) who now heads the Managed Funds Association and former Rep. Dan Mica (D-Fla.) who now leads the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). Other well-known associations on the list included the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The paper noted that there are “…few people who are good at finding consensus among their members and then communicating their message on Capitol Hill.” Rusbuldt’s access and reputation are valuable assets for the Big “I” and its members in advancing important legislation in Congress and advocating for the interests of independent agents and brokers in the nation’s capital. Click here to read the entire article.
IIABA News
Big “I” Spokespeople Discuss Agent and Consumer Issues
The Big “I” has been grabbing headlines in the national media recently on a variety of topics important to independent agents and consumers. Last week, Big “I” President & CEO Bob Rusbuldt appeared on PBS' Nightly Business Report in a story on how President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plan will impact small businesses. (Click here to view that report.) Rusbuldt also recently conducted a two-part interview with Insurance Journal’s Andy Simpson on politics, the implications of health care reform for independent agents, the questions surrounding regulatory reform and other industry issues. To view both segments, visit www.insurancejournal.tv and click on Rusbuldt’s photo. In consumer news, Gary Heiligman, associate vice president of Big I AdvantageSM, is featured in a personal finance segment running on more than 70 local TV station newscasts across the country. He discusses steps that consumers should take or avoid with regard to altering their personal insurance coverage in the dismal economy. Beginning May 29, American Public Media’s Marketplace, national radio program reports on homeowners in Gulf Coast states going without insurance because of high premiums. Past Big “I” Chairman Alex Soto lends his expertise and experience in an interview for this story. Check your local radio listings for Marketplace or visit the Marketplace Money section at www.marketplace.org. For more information on these stories, contact Sue Nester, Big “I” broadcast media director, at 703-706-5448; susan.nester@iiaba.net.
Trusted Choice®
New Jersey Agency Awarded Trusted Choice® Agency of the Year
The Ronan Agency in Brick and New Egypt, N.J. has been named the 2008-2009 Trusted Choice® Agency of the Year by Trusted Choice®. “The knowledgeable and professional team at the Ronan Agency in New Jersey continues to exemplify the Trusted Choice® Pledge of Performance,” says Dave Evans, Trusted Choice® executive director. “They are well-deserving of the inaugural Trusted Choice® Agency of the Year Award.” The Ronan Agency was named the first Trusted Choice® Agency of the Month in May 2008 and is hailed for incorporating the Trusted Choice® brand into all its agency functions. “It is important for all staff to understand the benefits of being involved in their trade association and the Trusted Choice® brand, and how these benefits continually provide opportunities for new or enhanced company-agent relations, firsthand knowledge of industry changes and the strong relationships built both professionally and personally,” says Denise Clayton, Ronan Agency’s senior vice president. The Ronan Agency has been serving New Jersey residents and businesses since 1970, specializing in comprehensive insurance programs and risk management services. Its staff members have more than 300 years combined insurance experience and hold more than 20 insurance and management designations. The Trusted Choice® Agency of the Month and Agency of the Year program recognizes those Trusted Choice® agencies that are going above and beyond in living the tenets of the Trusted Choice® Pledge of Performance and in communicating the benefits of their services to consumers. Trusted Choice® agencies agree to adhere to a written pledge that states they will work with their customers to identify the insurance and financial services right for them, their families or their businesses, and use their access to multiple companies to deliver those products. It also states that agents will guide consumers through the claims process and help them solve problems related to their coverage or account, among other things. For more information about Trusted Choice®, visit www.TrustedChoice.com.
Virtual University
"Ask an Expert" Mini-Seminars Now Available Online
At the 2009 Big "I" Legislative Conference and Convention, the Virtual University (VU) presented 22 "Ask an Expert" mini-seminars during the trade show. Five VU faculty members and two guest speakers spoke about a different topic every 20 minutes. Subjects ranged from coverage gaps to agency management issues to technology tips. The following are two examples of the numerous programs available online: Catastrophic Homeowner Coverage Gap: Where You Reside
Do you ever have insureds who go into nursing homes and not come out? Who unexpectedly relocate, move out in the night during a foreclosure, temporarily rent their homes, buy homes for their parents/children, allow a home purchaser to move in before the closing or renovate a newly purchased home before moving in---often without your knowledge? Did you know that all of these insureds may have no coverage on their dwellings? Producer Compensation to Sponsor Growth
Many agencies have not addressed what happens when a producer reaches his/her "comfort zone" and is no longer seeking new business to the same degree as before. A growth-loaded producer compensation program is designed to challenge producers and keep them going after new business, incenting producers to grow according to the agency's needs, not their personal agendas. To access the audio and PowerPoint files for these two mini-seminars, visit www.independentagent.com/vu. The full audio and PowerPoint slides for all 22 programs are available exclusively to Big “I” members and paid VU subscribers, so you will need to log in to access them. If you do not know your login, e-mail logon@iiaba.net.
Legislative Conference & Convention
Save the Date – March 3-5, 2010
The 2009 Big "I" Legislative Conference & Convention was an overwhelming success and we look forward to welcoming Big "I" members back to Washington, D.C. for the 2010 Big "I" Legislative Conference & Convention, March 3-5 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. With 99.5% of 2009 attendees surveyed concerned about federal regulation of the insurance industry and issues such as health care reform, agent licensing reform, crop insurance and NFIP, it’s imperative that the independent agency system have a strong presence on Capitol Hill. The Big "I" made the strategic decision to host the event earlier than originally slated and we hope you will join us in 2010. For those who attended the 2009 event, please complete this brief survey by May 29 and to be entered to win an iPod Touch.
Big “I” Markets
Real Estate Agents E&O Market Available
Did you know you have access to the Travelers 1st ChoiceSM product for real estate agents E&O through Big “I” Markets? Here are some great examples of real estate agent claims you can use to help realtors understand the need for E&O coverage. Visit www.bigimarkets.com to access this product.
InsurBanc
FDIC Expands $250,000 Insurance Coverage
InsurBanc’s Web site reflects the most recent changes in limits of Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) coverage. In September 2008, limits on standard insurance increased from $100,000 to $250,000 through Dec. 31. Those higher limits were recently extended until Dec. 31, 2013. InsurBanc has developed a Web site that captures all the information agents should be aware of to help keep their business and personal deposits safe. You can access this information at any time at www.InsurBanc.com/fdic.php. “All banking customers are wise to take a second look at the basics of safety and soundness of banks and also get an update on the expanded safety net of federal deposit insurance,” says Mary Grazen, InsurBanc executive vice president and chief operating officer. The Web site includes important updates to insurance coverage, answers to frequently asked questions, links to key FDIC information, the “EDIE the Estimator” and an FDIC tool that calculates deposit insurance coverage. For more information, contact InsurBanc at 866-467-2262 or visit www.insurbanc.com.
Events & Conferences
Mark Your Calendars for the Big "I" Fall Leadership Conference
Join your colleagues in New Orleans for the Big "I" Fall Leadership Conference. Industry and state leaders, Young Agents, ACT participants and state education staff will be visiting the ”Big Easy” Sept. 8-13. Activities include the Big "I" installation of officers, the Young Agents Leadership Institute and the Education Convocation. ACT will also host a special seminar for all attendees on the best practices of agency workflows to grow productivity and sales. Registration and hotel reservations will open the week of June 8. For a sneak peek at the schedule of events, click here.
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