T H U R S D A Y ,   A U G U S T   2 1 ,   2 0 0 8

Industry News

IIABA News
Urgent! Survey Responses Still Needed

Last week, Big “I” members received an invitation via e-mail to participate in a survey evaluating the national Big “I” with the subject line: “National Big “I” voice of the member study: Your invitation.” To those who have already responded and completed the survey --- thank you! For those who have not, please take a few minutes to do so --- your feedback is crucial in improving the Big “I.” Let us know what benefits you value most and what else the association can do to better serve you and your agency. This is the first time in more than a decade the national association has done a comprehensive member survey, so don’t miss this opportunity to make your suggestions heard! The association has hired Vincent Mcabe, a third-party research firm, to ensure all results are confidential. Plus, for every survey response received, Trusted Choice^® will donate $10 to the association’s Disaster Relief Fund, which provides assistance to those who have suffered losses due to natural or man-made disasters. If you have questions regarding the survey, contact Katie Butler at 800-221-7917; katie.butler@iiaba.net.

Trusted Choice^®
Grinnell Mutual Contributes $100,000 to Trusted Choice^® Disaster Relief Fund

The President’s Club of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company has contributed $100,000 to the Trusted Choice^® Disaster Relief Fund, specifically designated for victims of the storms and floods throughout the Midwest in Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota.

The President’s Club consists of Grinnell Mutual’s top 50 agencies for outstanding production and profitability over a five-year period.

“We have heard from many President’s Club agents about the work that needs to be done to help restore communities and families affected by these storms,” says Dan Agnew, president & CEO of Grinnell Mutual. “Neighbor helping neighbor is a way of life in the farm mutual industry. We want to show support for these recovery efforts because this is what we do.”

The Trusted Choice^® Disaster Relief Fund was established by the IIAA Educational Foundation of the Big “I” to assist others who have suffered losses due to natural or man-made disasters. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity and all contributions are tax deductible.

“As an agent who saw first-hand the devastation of the Midwestern flooding this summer, I appreciate Grinnell Mutual’s generous contribution to the Trusted Choice^® Disaster Relief Fund,” says Bob Fulwider, chairman of the Big “I” and principal and executive vice president of the Ray Wuestenberg Agency, Inc., in West Liberty, Iowa and the Fulwider Agency, Inc., in West Branch, Iowa. “The Trusted Choice^® Disaster Relief Fund is a great way to assist disaster victims, including independent agents and industry colleagues, during their greatest time of need.”

The fund makes cash grants to those in the insurance industry, including Big “I” members and their agency staffs, and others to pay for immediate or ongoing financial needs when other funding sources (such as insurance and other grants) are not available, to fill the gap until other funding sources can be accessed and to provide insurance agents with supplies and resources to assist with disaster relief efforts to aid victims and surviving family members in their communities.

“We commend Grinnell Mutual for stepping up to support those affected by disasters,” says Bob Rusbuldt, president & CEO of the Big “I.” “The company is a strong partner for independent agents and a great example of the insurance industry doing what it does best—supporting people through difficult times.”

To make a tax-deductible contribution, go to www.independentagent.com and click on “About Us” and then “Trusted Choice^® Disaster Relief Fund.” To contribute via check, send a check payable to “Trusted Choice^® Disaster Relief Fund” to:

Attn: Lillian Carter
Trusted Choice^® Disaster Relief Fund
127 S. Peyton St
Alexandria, VA 22314

InVEST
Donate Auction Items to Benefit Student Scholarships

InVEST is calling all Big “I” members to support the next generation of decision makers pursuing insurance related academics or certifications.

The InVEST Board of Directors is once again hosting the successful InVEST Silent Auction during the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention. This highly-regarded insurance industry event will take place April 31-May 1, 2009 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Contribute an item to the InVEST Silent Auction and support the program’s annual scholarships awarded to graduates of InVEST pursuing higher education with an emphasis on insurance, or going straight from the classroom to career and taking professional certifications in insurance.

As a contributor, you will receive spotlight visibility in our auction program distributed to more than 2,300 convention attendees, on the Big “I” and InVEST Web sites and event signage for each auction item.

All of the proceeds generated from the auction are used to fund the scholarships awarded to InVEST students each year. Convention attendees will have the opportunity to bid on sporting event tickets, golf clubs, electronics, gadgets, trips and more. Items are donated by insurance carriers, agents and brokers, IIABA and its state affiliates, other professional organizations and individuals.

Last year, InVEST raised more than $60,000 for scholarships awarded to 52 students across the nation.

The deadline for InVEST Silent Auction donations is Feb. 13, 2009. Not sure what to donate? Give the InVEST staff a call and they will assist you in finding a creative and memorable item to grab attendees’ attention. For more information, contact Jennifer Robinson, InVEST program manager, at 703-706-5437; jennifer.robinson@iiaba.net.


Young Agents
Don’t Miss the 2008 YA Leadership Institute’s Technology Forum

The 2008 Young Agents Leadership Institute will be held Sept. 12-13 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The Young Agents Leadership Institute includes a full program of speakers, panel discussions and networking events. 

Attend the Technology Forum on Sept. 12 (2:30 – 4:45 p.m.) and gain insight into the latest technology trends. Join Steve Anderson, president of The Anderson Network, for a future-oriented discussion on the perspective of how your customers’ expectations are changing and how agencies are going to have to change as a result. New communication tools will be shared and Anderson will probe your prospective on how to use technology in the selling process.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – visit www.independentagent.com and click on Events for updates on the event and for online registration. For more information, contact Katie Cosgrove at 800-221-7917; katie.cosgrove@iiaba.net. 


Virtual University
The Answer You Need…Just When You Need It

No great university is complete without a great library and the Big “I” Virtual University is no different. Students deserve the opportunity to get the information they need, when they need it and on their own terms. That’s why the Big “I” has poured its resources into creating the VU Research Library, the most comprehensive source of information the industry has ever seen. The library is broken down into the following main sections: 

Insurance Information
Here you’ll find all of the major ISO policy forms and endorsements, along with those from other vendors (all for educational purposes only). There’s also an extensive body of expert-written articles and advice, including coverage analyses and sales tips. 

Business Information
Everything you need to know to operate your business in the most successful, effective way possible can be found here. Organized under three main headings—Agency Management, Business Skills and Professional Skills—this section has articles on running your business, making the most out of your sales and marketing efforts and keeping your customer service efforts in tip-top shape.

Technology Information
Technology is complex and it changes fast. It’s also one of the most important tools to master in order to run a successful business. Use this section to keep up with the latest information on agency management systems, general automation issues, the Internet and other tech-related matters.

The VU is constantly updating and adding to the Research Library with the goal of making it the best it can possibly be. All Big “I” members are invited and encouraged to take advantage of this industry-leading educational resource that is available at no cost. Visit the Big “I” VU at www.iiaba.net/VU.


Big “I” Markets
Student Housing Apartment Program Available

Student housing has traditionally been a difficult class to place in the standard market. The behaviors of young people, living on their own for the first time can lead to frequent and serious loss. Alcohol-related deaths and injuries are a concern and young people may also be a target for assault. Risks can range from privately owned apartment buildings, to older converted dwellings with a minimum of five rental units. Our target market, whether it’s located in an urban, rural or coastal location, is an account that is well-managed, well-maintained and controlled by experienced owners and management personnel. Any property age with updates in the last 30 years is eligible.

The property owner/manager must have a minimum five years experience in renting to students and should be located in close proximity to the property. Property owners and management personnel should exercise a high level of supervision and security to provide students a safe place to live. The depth of the property owner’s management skills and experience is reflected in the pricing of the overall risk. 

Security is one of the most important issues in student housing. All exterior doors must be locked, as well as the individual unit. The immediate grounds should contain adequate lighting inside and outside of the building to minimize the potential of criminal behavior and unnecessary loitering. Experienced property owners will not allow roof access by students and will visit the property regularly to monitor daily activity.

Student occupancy has a higher rate of building vandalism and “hard living” damage to structures they reside in. We require a separate $2,500 tenant vandalism deductible to limit our participation in a loss situation involving tenant vandalism. We restrict our business owners liability limit to $1,000,000/$2,000,000.

Restrictions:
* No porches or balconies more than 20 feet from ground.
* No fraternities or sororities.
* No roof access by students.
* Must have locked exterior and interior doors.
* No working fireplaces or wood burning stoves.
* Must be well-lit inside and outside.

To access the Student Housing Apartment Program log in to www.bigimarkets.com. Please contact Aimee Fawns at aimee.fawns@iiaba.net with any questions.