Insurance Education Group’s 2nd Annual State Champion’s Workshop Proved to Be Another Success

ALEXANDRIA, VA-07.12.08- InVEST, a leader in promoting insurance education across the nation, held its second annual State Champion’s Workshop in Westfield, Ohio from June 30-July 2. The workshop is one way InVEST is encouraging insurance agents and teachers to educate the millennial generation about the crowd of promising careers available in the industry.

Attendees arrived Monday, July 30th for a brief introduction to InVEST and what it affords educators, agents and students. After the hour presentation, the mix of agents, association staff and educators attended a cook out style dinner where they networked while grilling their own steaks, chicken or fish.

The next day, outstanding presentations included the “War for Talent” by InVEST leaders, a briefing on resources available, including the new InVEST website, updates from states with successful InVEST programs and breakout sessions dedicated to student internships. Later that evening, attendees were encouraged to attend a networking happy hour where they could exchange ideas and questions with fellow attendees, and later treated to a more formal sit down dinner.

To give time for travel, the last day of the workshop ended at noon, but with enough time for two more informative sessions on the millennial generation and what makes them different and also an educator’s panel where high school and community college teachers discussed their classes and answered questions attendees had before adjourning.

“With 60% of the insurance industries employees over the age of 45, the lack for new talent will soon become apparent as baby boomers retire,” said Bill Pierson, executive director of InVEST.  “InVEST is determined to increase awareness of the insurance industry in the millennial generation and will continue to hold to workshops like the State Champions to assist our mission.”

Early feedback from attendees has been exceptional. All those in attendance left with many ideas and new resources to begin forming committees or expanding their already active InVEST programs.

InVEST, a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational trust, is dedicated to improving insurance literacy and attracting new talent to the industry. Targeting high schools and community colleges, InVEST puts insurance programs in schools to train and educate students about insurance industry careers. Currently, InVEST has over 65 active programs in 22 states with hopes of beginning another 50 programs over the next five years. For more information, visit their website at www.investprogram.org or contact Jennifer Robinson, program manager, at Jennifer.robinson@iiaba.net or 703-706-5437.