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Industry News

IIABA NEWS

Big “I” Web Site Gets a Makeover

The Big “I” Web site, www.independentagent.com, is new and improved with an updated look that includes new menus and layouts to allow for easier navigation. What do you think of the new look? E-mail feedback to Susie Bonner at susan.bonner@iiaba.net.


TRUSTED CHOICE^®

EMC Insurance Companies Joins Trusted Choice^®

EMC Insurance Companies, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is the newest independent agency system insurance company to join the Trusted Choice^® brand movement. EMC provides p-c insurance products and services throughout the United States through 21 branch and service offices strategically located throughout the country and writes reinsurance contracts worldwide.

“As long-term supporters of independent agents and the Big “I,” we listened when our agents and marketing staff advocated supporting the Trusted Choice^® brand,” says Bruce G. Kelley, CPCU, CLU, president and CEO of EMC Insurance Companies. “Joining Trusted Choice^® is consistent with our continuing commitment to the independent insurance agency system, our chosen and only distribution method. The Trusted Choice^® brand complements our Count on EMC brand, which denotes reliability, stability and excellent customer service.”

“We are excited to work with EMC,” says Dave Evans, executive director of Trusted Choice^®. “EMC’s well known and well deserved reputation for its commitment to technology and ease of doing business with independent agents affords Trusted Choice^® agents the opportunity to serve their customers’ needs. We will work together to continue promoting choice and customization.”

“By joining Trusted Choice^®, EMC is sending a great message to their agents and policyholders---that it believes in the independent agency system and the branding program that is helping make consumers aware of the benefits of using independent agents and brokers for their insurance decisions,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” CEO.

EMC began in 1911 as an association of business people providing workers’ compensation coverage to Iowa manufacturers. For nearly 100 years, policyholders, agents and employees have come to Count on EMC for comprehensive protection, superior service and financial stability. EMC has an A- “Excellent” rating from A.M. Best Company, which recognizes the value of EMC’s agency relationships and its well-balanced book of commercial and personal lines business. Approximately 80 percent of the company’s volume is commercial lines, with the remaining 20 percent in personal lines.

The Big “I” and several independent agency companies launched Trusted Choice^® in 2001 to highlight the benefits independent agencies and brokerage firms offer consumers: choice of companies, customization of policies and advocacy support.


EDUCATION

Enroll in the AIAO Training Program and Save

Enroll now in the AIAO training program and save 20% off registration. The class size is limited to 15 students, so sign up now to earn the designation. The curriculum is designed for agency owners, producers and managers seeking tools and strategies to position their agencies as attractive business partners for top national and regional agency carriers as well as continued growth and success. For more information, see the brochure and application or visit www.independentagent.com and click “Diversity.” 


BIG “I” MARKETS^SM

Big “I” Member Enjoys Tasty Commission

Eli Andriotis of Harbor Park Insurance Agency, Inc. in New York will be enjoying the taste of his next commission check that will include the seasonings of his recent restaurant package sale. Andriotis just wrote a $6,200 fine dining account with ProHost. 

“The process went really well and everyone at ProHost was very helpful. The underwriters were available to talk to and their program was extremely competitive. The service they provide helped sell the policy,” Andriotis says.

So what’s next for Andriotis? He is currently in the process of taking advantage of the recent expansion of the restaurant program by quoting a family-style restaurant. Remember, Big “I” members have access to both the fine dining (average menu price more than $15) and the family style (average menu price $8 to $15) packages via Big "I" Markets. Learn more at www.bigimarkets.com.


BIG “I” RETIREMENT SERVICES^SM

Plan Ahead for Retirement

As the baby boomer generation approaches their 60s, older Americans have become the fastest growing segment of society today. Currently, the world population age 65 and older is 495 million and projections indicate this number will increase to 997 million by 2030. There are also 5.1 million people age 85 and older in the United States as of July 1, 2005. An estimated 79,682 U.S. residents are 100 years old or older as of Nov. 1, 2006 and approximately 580,605 people will be age 100 or older in 2040.

As people live longer and the quality of life increases, there is a greater need to ensure people can sustain and support themselves in the years ahead. People need to realize the necessity of funding lengthy retirements and they cannot rely solely on Social Security, family or other loved ones to bear the brunt of that responsibility. As the older population grows, the country is evolving into a culture where individuals will become more accountable for securing their own retirement.

The best way to prepare for the future is to plan, invest and save for the days ahead. The Big “I” Retirement program and Big “I” Employee Benefits program are here to help. The programs offer retirement plans, short and long term disability, life insurance and dental programs. Visit www.independentagent.com or contact Christine Muñoz at christine.munoz@iiaba.net for more information.