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S P E C I A L   R E P O R T :   H U R R I C A N E   K A T R I N A
Big “I” Establishes Katrina Relief Fund
Fund will aid independent agents, families, industry colleagues

The Big “I” has established the Big “I” Katrina Relief Fund in order to assist those whose lives have been tragically altered by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

“We are trying to do all that we can to help our colleagues, friends and their families who have been affected by this terrible catastrophe,” Big "I" CEO Bob Rusbuldt says. “In times of such hardship, it is important that we band together as an industry, but more importantly, as Americans. We have received overwhelming inquiries from our members and state associations across the country looking for ways to help. These tax-deductible charitable contributions will allow independent agents in these devastated communities to pick up the pieces and start helping their neighbors and customers.”

All donations received will assist insurance industry colleagues, including independent agents, brokers, their employees and their families in the impacted areas.

“We are proud to make the first donation to this fund in the amount of $10,000,” says Big “I” President Thomas Grau, CPCU. “Our contributions are not limited to dollar amounts, however. We have sent hundreds of catastrophe packs to our member agencies that include the basics for agents to work and serve their clients. We have offered to send national staff to the devastated region to assist our member agencies, and we are working on several different methods to help our members handle claims as efficiently and as quickly as possible.”

Checks should be made payable to “Big ‘I’ Katrina Relief Fund” and mailed to:

Big “I” Katrina Relief Fund
c/o InsurBanc
10 Executive Drive
Farmington, CT  06032

If you prefer to contribute via credit card, please go to the Big “I” Katrina Relief Fund site on the InsurBanc Web site at https://insurbanc.com/vsitemanager/smartforms/default.asp.

All funds contributed to the Big “I” Katrina Relief Fund are tax deductible as charitable contributions.

Agent Relief: GE Insurance Solutions (Westport) and General Electric

On Sept. 1, IIABA and the Big “I” state associations in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were informed that the Big “I” Professional Liability Program provided by GE Insurance Solutions (GEIS) and underwritten by Westport Insurance Corporation suspended all cancellations and non-renewals on insurance agency professional liability policies issued after Aug. 19. The moratorium will stay in effect until Oct. 31.

This means no Big “I” member participating in the program underwritten by GEIS will have their policy lapse until at least Nov. 1. Premium charges for policy extensions will be on a pro rata basis. All state laws will be followed and each policyholder will receive appropriate notice with specifics directly from the writing insurance company, Westport Insurance Corporation.

In addition, GEIS parent General Electric donated $1 million to relief efforts through the Red Cross. The Big “I” family extends a special thanks to GEIS agency E&O partners and especially Mark Male and Sabrena Sally for the thoughtful accommodations in support of our member agents affected by Hurricane Katrina.

If you have any questions, contact your Big “I” state association or David Hulcher ( david.hulcher@iiaba.net; 800-221-7917) or Paul Buse ( paul.buse@iiaba.net; 800-221-7917) at the national office in Alexandria, Va.