T H U R S D A Y ,   O C T O B E R  2 6 ,   2 0 0 6

Industry News

 IIABA News
Big “I” Leads NYT Roundtable

When the New York Times wants to talk insurance trends, it turns to the Big “I”. Last week, the Big “I” and the New York Times jointly sponsored a second insurance roundtable discussion as part of a continuing partnership between the two organizations. Big “I” CEO Bob Rusbuldt moderated the discussion, which focused on the theme of “underinsured consumers.” Other participants included Cynthia Young, president of Encompass Insurance, and Dan Carmichael, CEO of Ohio Casualty Group, and independent agents from New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Florida. Participants shared their perspectives on industry issues with NYT reporter Joseph Treaster as well NYT special section editorial staff. (The first Big “I”/NYT roundtable was covered in the Sept. 25 NYT special section on insurance). Look for more coverage on the roundtable in upcoming issues of IN&V and IA magazine.

BIG “I” MARKETS SM
Covering Snowbirds

Winter is almost here and the snowbirds will soon migrate south, many in recreational vehicles. Did you know that you have the ability to adequately cover your clients who double as snowbirds? The RV program on Big “I” Markets offers coverages specifically designed for individuals that reside in their RV more than five months of the year called full-timer’s personal liability and full-timer’s medical payments. Learn more about this product, available through Big "I" Markets with no access fees and no volume commitments, at www.bigimarkets.com.

YOUNG AGENTS
New Booklet Explores Generational Differences

The National Young Agents Committee recently released “Beyond the Boomers: Targeting the Incoming Generations,” a booklet offering an overview of the characteristics of the four current generational categories: seniors, baby boomers, generation Xers and millenials. More importantly, it encourages agency principals to look beyond their own category for both customers and employees.

The booklet provides fresh insight about generational bias and triggers discussions about how agencies can better attract and retain quality professionals of all ages. To download a PDF of the brochure, click here. For more information, contact Katie Cosgrove (katie.cosgrove@iiaba.net) at 800-221-7917.

IA Magazine
Sneak a Peak at November Issue

The November issue of Independent Agent magazine will hit the streets in a matter of days. Can't wait? Here's a glimpse at its offerings: "Creating Connections" profiles Big "I" President Alex Soto's journey from Cuban childhood to president of a successful Miami independent agency; "Hitting the Panic Button" traces how the market of last resort is becoming the only resort in some areas; "Extra-Strength Customer Relations" details how to bond your agency and clients with the personal touch; "Needle in a Haystack" unearths some gems buried in new tax legislation; and more! And don’t forget to visit IAmagazine.com to access the month’s Online Extras, PID and archived articles.

TRUSTED CHOICE®
New Customizable Ads Available

Trusted Choice® is now providing your agency more choices. Three new prints ads and three new billboard ads are now available online in the advertising section of the agents/brokers area at www.TrustedChoice.com. You can preview and download these new ads from the Web site and then e-mail them to your local marketing contact. The ads provide generous space for your agency info—name, address, phone number(s), Web address and logo.

To view the print ads,   click here. You will need your Trusted Choice® login information to access this password-protected area. If you do not have this login info, e-mail Trusted.Choice@iiaba.net to request it.

The new creative material emphasizes the importance of having “protection that fits” and instructs consumers to consult a Trusted Choice® agency for their insurance needs. The ads grab the reader’s attention and deliver a message with impact while using a humorous approach. All of the new print ads are available in magazine and newspaper formats. You also can choose between color or black-and-white versions.

New customizable radio ads also are on the way, so be on the lookout for those as well. For more information, contact Jenner Gohr at 800-221-7917 or jenner.gohr@iiaba.net.

Are You Using Correct Logo?

We are not going to be upset with anyone for using the Trusted Choice® logo – in fact, we encourage it. However, all agents and brokers should check to make sure they are using the correct logo. The Trusted Choice® logo is federally trademarked, so the correct registration symbol is ®. If your agency is still using the old logo with the SM registration symbol, please update it.

To download current logos,  click here. You will need your Trusted Choice® login information to access this password-protected area. If you do not have this login info, e-mail Trusted.Choice@iiaba.net to request it. Thank you for your help. For more information, contact Jenner Gohr at 800-221-7917 or jenner.gohr@iiaba.net.