T H U R S D A Y ,   J U L Y   1 6 ,   2 0 0 9

 Industry News

Big “I” Markets
Big “I” Markets Reduces Minimum Homeowners Values

Agents accessing Big “I’ Markets for the 12 classes of non-standard homeowner business can now write homes with coverage A values starting at $200,000 in most states. Previously, the minimum value was $300,000 with some variation by state. Click here to see what the minimum value is in your state. Click here for a closer look at the 12 classes of non-standard homeowners business accessible through Big “I” Markets.


Big I Advantage^®
MMAC Co-Op Marketing Offer

The Member Marketing Activity Center (MMAC) is the new game-changing marketing tool for Big “I” members. The MMAC’s mission is to provide Big “I” members with valuable marketing tools and services to help you  grow your business in innovative ways. Big "I" Markets partner, MiddleOak, will refund the  first year annual fee for MMAC ($18.96) and 50% of the first 100 habitational postcards ordered for any agent who signs up and orders postcards in the next 60 days. Agents who want to order more than 100 postcards can contact Rob Keller at MiddleOak at rob.keller@middleoak.com to discuss a specific co-op. Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to take advantage of this offer.

The co-op offer is currently available in the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.


Big I Advantage^®
Newsletter Reprints Available

The Big “I” has received some agent requests for additional copies of the summer edition of the Big I Advantage^® Newsletter. Big I Advantage^® is happy to supply any member agency with additional copies to distribute to agency staff. To request additional copies, please send an e-mail with your agency’s name, contact information and the quantity needed to Elif Wisecup at elif.wisecup@iiaba.net. The newsletter may also be downloaded by clicking here.


Big “I” Flood Program 
NOAA Issues Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, Encourages Preparedness

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters say a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely this year. However, as during any season, the need to prepare for the possibility of a storm is essential.

"Today, more than 35 million Americans live in regions most threatened by Atlantic hurricanes," says U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. "Timely and accurate warnings of severe weather help save lives and property. Public awareness and public preparedness are the best defenses against a hurricane."

Click here to learn more about hurricane awareness. More information about preparedness can also be found at www.ready.gov.

The Big “I” Flood Program recently released talking points for discussing flood insurance with clients and eight critical marketing ideas for marketing flood insurance. To learn more about the Big “I” flood program, visit www.independentagent.com/flood or contact Linda Mackey at linda.mackey@iiaba.net.


Young Agents
Don’t Miss the 2009 Young Agents Leadership Institute

Join fellow Young Agents at the 2009 Young Agents Leadership Institute, Sept. 11-12 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans. This exciting event will feature:

Friday, Sept. 11:
- ACT special joint event – “Best Practices Workflows to Enhance Agency Productivity & Sales”
- Big “I” leadership community project
- Young Agents awards reception with Big “I” leadership
- Young Agents welcome reception

Saturday, Sept. 12:
- Young Agents breakfast and motivational keynotes speaker
- Young Agents speed session
- Big “I” installation of officers luncheon
- Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana dessert reception in honor of David Daniel
- The Magnificent Seven
- Young Agents New Orleans dinner cruise

The feature segment of this event is the Magnificent Seven, an interactive panel featuring the 2009 YAC award winners. Attendees will learn from Young Agents who will offer insight into how they achieved award-winning results.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – visit www.independentagent.com/events for more details. For more information, contact Katie Cosgrove at 800-221-7917; katie.cosgrove@iiaba.net.