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 Industry News

I I A B A   N E W S
Big "I" Launches New Grassroots Web site

With all the insurance legislation currently in Congress, the Big "I" federal government affairs team is pleased to introduce its new grassroots Web site, http://iiaba.aristotle.com. This new program, powered by Aristotle International, will make contacting federal legislators easier than ever and strengthen the already powerful voice of the Big "I" on Capitol Hill.

On July 6, the Big "I" launched its first Action Alert campaign using the new technology. The alert came in anticipation of a Senate Banking Committee hearing on S. 2509, the National Insurance Act. The act would create an optional federal charter for insurance and calls for the unprecedented establishment of full-blown federal regulation for the insurance industry. An OFC would harm insurance consumers and burden agents and brokers. Big "I" agents in those 20 states with senators on the committee were asked to contact their senators to voice opposition to the bill. With the help of the new grassroots Web site, Big "I" agents sent thousands of e-mails and faxes to the senators urging them to oppose a federal regulator for insurance.

Action Alert letters, faxes and phone calls from agents to their federal legislators back up the efforts of the Big "I" Capitol Hill staff to protect the livelihoods of Big "I" members. Your participation in such Action Alert campaigns is crucial. Visit http://iiaba.aristotle.com/ to learn about legislative issues important to independent insurance agents and brokers and to see how you can take part. We are excited about the possibilities with our new grassroots program and look forward to your active participation in IIABA's grassroots activities.

Direct questions or comments to IIABAGrassroots@iiaba.net.

IIABA Partners with Habitat for Humanity to Help Rebuild New Orleans

Don’t forget to pack your work boots and tool belt for the Big "I" 2006 Leadership Convention Community Project on Sept. 8, 2006. While progress has been made in New Orleans, more work remains to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. Habitat for Humanity, with the help of more than 30,000 volunteers, hopes to build 1,000 homes by mid-2007.

You can be part of this monumental movement and make a difference in the lives of many New Orleans residents. The Big "I" is coordinating two building shifts in partnership with Habitat for Humanity on Sept. 8, one from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and the second from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Volunteer opportunities are limited to the first 300 registrants, so sign up early.

Not sure about your construction skills? No problem! Volunteers at all levels of construction experience, from first-time builders to experienced professionals are welcome. For more information contact Madelyn Flannagan at 800-221-7917; madelyn.flannagan@iiaba.net.

Communications Department Adds to Team

The Big "I" National communications department recently added two new employees: Paul Wilt, senior designer/print production manager, and Susan Bonner, non-profit marketing manager. Wilt comes to us from the Ferree Family Businesses near Pittsburgh where he was the senior graphic/Web designer. He is a graduate of La Roche College in Pittsburgh with a degree in graphic and communication design. Bonner’s new role will include creating and implementing marketing plans for the Big "I" non-profit programs, as well as working with our state associations to get the word out about non-profit programs. Bonner joins the Big "I" from the Prince William Association of Realtors, in Prince William County, Va., where she served as marketing director. She previously worked at the Society of American Small Businesses. Bonner graduated from Radford University with a major in media studies. Contact Wilt at 800-221-7917; paul.wilt@iiaba.net. Contact Bonner at 800-221-7917; susan.bonner@iiaba.net.

I N S U R B A N C
InsurBanc Targets Independent Agents

Just in time for the summer, InsurBanc, the only bank dedicated to the insurance business, is making it even easier and more affordable to bank with them. Organized in 2001 by the Big "I" specifically to serve independent insurance agents, InsurBanc is the only bank with a full-time focus on the insurance industry. InsurBanc specializes in agency financing, including perpetuation/acquisition loans and cash management services that meet independent insurance agents’ unique business needs. It also offers a full range of consumer banking products such as residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit, Certificates of Deposit and free checking accounts, which are available to state associations, independent agents and their employees. To get you started, InsurBanc offers completely free personal checking with no monthly service charge, no ATM fees and no per-check charge.

You’ve built a terrific business. But does your bank truly understand the insurance business---and make banking easy and affordable? To open an InsurBanc account, contact InsurBanc at 866-467-2262 or visit www.insurbanc.com. The bank is a Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

Y O U N G   A G E N T S
Mark Your Calendar for the Young Agents Leadership Institute

The 2006 Young Agents Leadership Institute will be held Sept. 8 through 10 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. On Friday, Sept. 8, Young Agents will have the chance to participate in the Big "I" Leadership Convention Community Project, volunteering their time and skills to assist with a Habitat for Humanity homebuilding project that gives back to Hurricane Katrina victims. Spaces are limited. Click here to register. The 2006 Young Agents Leadership Institute also features breakout sessions, keynote speakers, Young Agent Committee Awards and Young Agent event on Bourbon Street. Click here for updates and to register online. For more information, contact Katie Cosgrove at; 800-221-7917; katie.cosgrove@iiaba.net.

T R U S T E D  C H O I C E®
Ads Now Appearing on CNN

Check out CNN and CNN Headline News July 10 through July 30 to see the Trusted Choice® ads. Additionally, watch The Weather Channel to prepare for your vacation Aug. 7 through 27. Millions of consumers will see the Trusted Choice® brand and its more than 6,200 participating agencies. In all, more than 350 spots will air coast to coast during the summer. See the ad schedule, and check out when the ads will air on programs such as "Anderson Cooper 360," "Nancy Grace" and "Larry King Live." A complementary, 45-day Internet ad campaign also will appear on www.AOL.com, www.MSN.com and www.Yahoo.com July 17 through Aug. 31. Trusted Choice® banner ads will be featured in high-traffic areas, including the e-mail, home, real estate, career and finance pages.

This advertising campaign is a great opportunity for Trusted Choice® agencies to leverage the brand to increase local awareness. All Trusted Choice® agencies should run tie-in ads in their communities to establish themselves as the consumer’s smart choice for insurance and financial services. No matter what type of advertising you chose to run, your agency will gain significantly more exposure since consumers will associate the national TV ads with their local Trusted Choice® agency. Trusted Choice® makes it easy for your agency to advertise by providing several customizable ads in radio, television and print format that you can add your agency name and contact info and run in your local market. We also provide helpful guides on buying print and broadcast media. Invest a little time and a little money into a tie-in advertising campaign and raise the profile of your Trusted Choice® agency with local consumers. Don’t miss your chance to capitalize on the national ad campaign! Not yet part of Trusted Choice®? Join the consumer brand movement! For more information, contact Jenner Gohr at 800-221-7917; jenner.gohr@iiaba.net.