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National News
InVEST
Learn to Mold Young Minds at the InVEST Teacher Workshop The future of the insurance industry lies in the hands of today’s youth and independent agents have a unique opportunity to help form that future. All Big “I” members are invited to attend the National InVEST Teacher Workshop, being held March 4-5 in conjunction with the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C. While the workshop’s events during the day on March 4 are exclusively for InVEST classroom teachers, all Big “I” members may sign up to attend a dinner that evening as well as InVEST events following the convention’s general session on March 5. Agents who are curious about how InVEST works and are interested in becoming or advising classroom teachers in their communities can benefit from hearing guest speakers and a roundtable discussion beginning at 10 a.m. on March 5. Agents already registered for the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention may attend the March 4 dinner and the March 5 portion of the InVEST teacher workshop for an additional fee of just $100. Click here to sign up for this valuable opportunity and help the industry develop tomorrow’s leaders. Click here to register for the Legislative Conference. For more information, contact Jennifer Robinson at 800-221-7917; jennifer.robinson@iiaba.net.
Trusted Choice®
Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Special Fund Established to Help Haiti Relief Efforts
The Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund has created a matching fund for Big “I” employees and members who want to donate money dedicated exclusively to providing assistance to the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Members of the general public may also make donations.
“Although the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund historically has been used just for relief following domestic disasters, the tragic consequences and enormity of need due to the recent earthquake in Haiti has prompted an outpouring of interest in helping with the relief and recovery efforts in Haiti,” says Dave Evans, Trusted Choice® executive director. “To put the resources to the best and most efficient use, the money collected by our dedicated Haiti fund will be donated specifically to help the people of Haiti via recognized tax-exempt charitable organizations that are providing needed emergency services and resources in Haiti.”
Any funds donated to the dedicated Haiti fund under the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund in excess of the matched funds allocated will still go to benefit those in need in Haiti, just without a matching grant from the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund. “The Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund allows us to financially assist victims when and where a disaster strikes, rather than raising the funds after the fact when each second on the clock is so precious,” says Bob Rusbuldt Big “I” president & CEO. “Our disaster relief fund has distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars across the country in some of the most hard-hit areas, such as in the aftermath of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and other significant disasters. The extreme and heart-breaking need in Haiti prompted a new use for this fund and I’m proud of our staff for their generosity.”
The Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund was established by the Big “I” Educational Foundation to assist those 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.
To make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund or to apply for a grant, 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 the “Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund” to:
Attn: Lillian Carter
Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund
127 S. Peyton St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
IIABA News
Big “I” Arms Members With 2010 Legislative Priorities
In preparation for the annual Big "I" Legislative Conference & Convention, the government affairs team has released the following summary of legislative priorities for 2010. On March 4, more than one thousand agents will visit Capitol Hill offices to lobby members of the House, Senate and their staffs. This year, the meetings will focus on the following key issues: Health Care Reform: Over the past year, the Big “I” has encouraged Congress and the Administration to act in a bipartisan manner to implement real reform of the private market to address the serious problems confronting the health care system. The Big “I” believes that by instituting private insurance market reforms, Congress would be able to lower health care costs and expand quality care to millions of Americans. The Big “I” continues to work with policymakers to ensure that the valued role of independent agents and brokers is preserved in any reformed marketplace. The Big “I” opposes efforts to implement government-run enrollment programs that would cut agents out of the process of boosting enrollment. The centerpiece of many reform efforts is the creation of health insurance exchanges, and the Big “I” believes they should be state based rather than a one-size-fits-all national model. The Big “I” urges Congress to proceed cautiously in dictating medical loss ratios to the private market. The Big “I” is also fighting to make sure small employers are not faced with a competitive disadvantage under reform legislation and strongly opposes an unreasonable employer mandate as well as new taxes on small businesses. Finally, the Big “I” opposes the repeal of the anti-trust exemption for health and particularly medical malpractice insurers. Federal Insurance Regulation:
The Big “I” believes that the nation’s economic crisis has demonstrated the need for Congress to review the financial services regulatory system. There may be a need to have limited oversight for those entities that pose systemic risk to the financial markets. However, it is imperative that such oversight not displace or interfere with functional state insurance regulation, which has successfully protected insurance consumers during the financial crisis. The Big “I” supports a modernized state regulatory system and strongly opposes federal insurance regulation either via the so-called optional federal charter (OFC) or mandatory federal regulation.
Taxes:
With the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts set to expire at the end of this year, the Big “I” is urging the Obama Administration and Congress to extend the individual income tax rates and permanently reform the estate tax. Further, the Big “I” strongly opposes any efforts to raise taxes on individuals and small businesses.
Click here to download the complete summary sheet. Additional topics include: federal crop insurance, flood insurance reform and natural disaster risk.
Legislative Conference & Convention
Don’t Miss the Premier Event for Independent Agents – Register by Feb. 19
The Big "I" Legislative Conference & Convention is just around the corner, and we want to see you in Washington, D.C. Join us March 3-5 for the premier event for independent agents, offering attendees a one-of-a-kind opportunity to take part in the legislative process. Insurance regulation, the ongoing health care reform debate and taxes are all hot-button topics, and the Big "I" bipartisan lobbying Capitol Hill team is prepared to educate and update agents on issues important to their businesses. Before visiting Capitol Hill, attendees are invited to a listen and learn session at the legislative issues briefing. The Big “I” team will provide talking points and issue papers and will make presentations on the top legislative priorities about important discussion points. On March 4, agents hit the Hill to meet with their Congressional representatives to discuss issues important to the independent agency system. Also join us Thursday evening for the inaugural event, YAC Gives Back: A Fundraiser for InVEST Scholarships, which is home to the InVEST silent auction. The event concludes with the Friday morning general session, which includes a state of the association address by Big “I” Chairman J. David Daniel and the popular CEO panel discussion. This year’s panelists include Michael Hughes, president of Safeco; Michael LaRocco, president and CEO of Fireman’s Fund; Tom Motamed, chairman and CEO of CNA; Liam McGee, chairman and CEO of The Hartford and Big “I” President and CEO Bob Rusbuldt. The online registration deadline is Feb. 19. Visit the event Web site at www.independentagent.com/events for details. For more information, contact Lauren Batch at 800-221-7917; lauren.batch@iiaba.net.
Education
Best Practices Webinar Series Scheduled in February and March
The Big “I” Virtual University and Industry Expert Kel Plasket will present a series of Best Practices operation webinars in February and March. Plasket has been in the independent agency business for more than 20 years and his experience has given him a thorough working knowledge of all facets of agency operations. He has an extensive background in system conversion, workflow development, bank-owned agencies and change implementation that maximizes agency performance and efficiency while improving customer service. The first webinar, which will take place on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. EST, focuses on “How to Become a Top 25% Best Practices Agency” and will address the specific differentiators separating the average agency from those in the top 25%. The discussion will include executive-level, strategic concepts focused on successfully integrating and implementing all the moving operational parts of an organization. Learn how to evaluate your agency’s true operational effectiveness. Gain insight into proven methods to overcome the obstacles limiting enhanced productivity, agency culture and proactive client service. Begin building the operational platform required to compete with the top 25% of agencies in profit and growth, guaranteeing increased value and future success for the agency. The second webinar, scheduled for Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. EST, focuses on “How to Implement Profitable & Productive Commercial Account Marketing.” The third and final webinar in the series takes place on March 15 at 2 p.m. EST and covers how to “Increase Productivity & Service with Effective Information Management Techniques.” Click here to view full webinar descriptions and access registration links. For more information, e-mail BestPractices@iiaba.net. Registration closes the day before each webinar, so act now!
Big “I” Markets
Engineers’ Professional Liability Market Exclusively Available to BIM Agents Through ACEC
As the economy continues to struggle, one thing is certain: a resurgent construction industry will play a pivotal role in recovery. This means a lot of engineers will be on the job designing and overseeing a wide variety of projects. Every engineer and engineering firm has unique insurance exposures that may require coverage tailored to them. Big “I” Markets agents now have access to an exclusive product designed especially for engineers.
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the voice of America's engineering industry. Council members – numbering more than 5,500 firms throughout the country – are engaged in a wide range of engineering works that propel the nation's economy and enhance and safeguard Americans’ quality of life. The council's mission is to contribute to America's prosperity and welfare by advancing the business interests of member firms.
The ACEC business insurance program provides access to business insurance and professional liability insurance for ACEC members. The ACEC business insurance trust (ACEC BIT) is comprised of practicing engineers who provide strategic direction and insights for the engineering industry. The ACEC business insurance program is endorsed by the ACEC national organization, as well as by the 51 state and regional councils. Participation in the programs offered by the ACEC business insurance program is exclusive to ACEC members. The insurance professionals at Seabury and Smith are the only agents who can market the ACEC business insurance program to ACEC member firms. Thanks to an agreement with Big "I" Markets, BIM agents now have the ability to make this coverage available to engineers as well.
The ACEC Business Insurance Program is designed for engineers with input from engineers.
The ACEC Business Insurance Trust of practicing engineers provides input to the dedicated insurance professionals from Seabury & Smith, Inc., working together for ACEC member firms.
Seabury and Smith, the program administrator for the ACEC business insurance program, represents more than 26 years of experience in risk management and insurance brokering for the ACEC member firms. The Hartford has also been the underwriter for the ACEC business insurance program for more than 26 years. The coverages offered include: - Broad coverage for property, general liability, automobiles, workers' compensation and umbrella liability
- Features including identity theft protection, blanket additional insured coverage and a billable hours component for business interruption coverage. Agents do not need to have a comprehensive understanding of the needs of ACEC members or the coverages. Seabury & Smith underwriters on the BIT team in St. Louis are standing by to help with the submission process and will even help sell the product to ACEC members. Agents simply have to refer a lead. To learn more and access this market, log in to www.bigimarkets.com or contact bigimarkets@iiaba.net. Big “I” Markets is the association’s online market access program available exclusively to Big “I” members, featuring no fees, no minimums and no volume commitments.
ACT
Big “I” to Host Free Webinar on Agency E-Mail Security
The Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT) will host a free webinar titled “Protecting Independent Agent Clients with Secure E-mail Using TLS (Transport Layer Security),” on Feb. 25 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. EST. Jim Rogers, director of distribution technology at The Hartford, and Tim Woodcock, president of Courtesy computers, will serve as panelists while ACT Executive Director Jeff Yates will moderate the discussion.
“Agents have a genuine interest in protecting sensitive information transmitted by e-mail and our free webinars on TLS e-mail encryption are a resource to learn about a non-proprietary, user-friendly technology and how to get started,” says Yates. “Commercial lines applications and other documents containing sensitive client information need to be protected at all times, including when e-mailed to carriers.”
The first 45 minutes of this webinar is designed for agency business leaders and explains the risks of unsecured e-mail, the availability and handling of TLS on various types of servers (whether in-house or hosted), securing a security certificate, activating TLS with insurance carriers and detecting TLS encrypted emails. The final 15 minutes will be a more technical demonstration of TLS implementation using a 2007 Microsoft Exchange server as an example. Click here to register for the webinar.
“ACT does not promote any particular vendor, but endorses an industry standard approach to secure e-mail that is transparent to the end users,” Yates adds. “Many carriers are capable of receiving TLS encrypted e-mail from their agents and the use of TLS positions the agency to comply with the various federal and state privacy, security and data breach laws when the party receiving the e-mail is also TLS enabled.”
TLS is available on most up-to-date in-house e-mail servers (such as Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes) and on many hosted servers. It is not currently available on Hotmail or Yahoo hosted e-mail, but Google now provides a Gmail commercial package with TLS capability. Once implemented by the agency’s technology professional, TLS is transparent to the user and the primary cost is the security certificate. It provides a better agent workflow than proprietary e-mail solutions imposed by the carrier.
ACT has produced the article “Protect Your Clients with Secure E-mail using TLS,” as well as agents’ frequently asked questions about TLS, which can be found at www.independentagent.com/act at the “Security and Privacy” quick link. The Web page also includes a list of carriers enabled for TLS as well as a recording of previous webinars, covering TLS implementation on both 2003 and 2007 Microsoft exchange servers.
Big “I” Markets
Access Restaurant Markets with the BIM Hospitality Program
The restaurant industry is expected to show gradual improvement in 2010 as the economic downturn eases, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2010 Restaurant Industry Forecast. Now is the time to approach the owner of your favorite eatery or watering hole and offer the Big "I" Markets hospitality program that can insure a wide variety of establishments. Log on to www.bigimarkets.com to learn more.
Big I Advantage®
Hiring Resources Available from the Big “I”
Looking for top talent for your agency? Two valuable resources are available through the Big “I.” First, agencies can post open positions on the Big “I” job Web site as part of their talent search. Then, when a final candidate has been selected, Big “I” members can access discounted pricing on personality profiles from Caliper. Caliper testing can help measure a candidate’s sales or customer service ability before extending an offer. To learn more, visit www.iiaba.net/caliper.
ACT
Big “I” to Host Free Webinar on Social Media Policy Guidelines for Agencies Text hereSocial Media and Industry Experts to Discuss Social Web Strategy for Agencies
The Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT) will host a free webinar titled “"Formulating a Social Web Strategy & Policy for Your Agency” on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. EST. Panelists will include Cindy Adams, vice president of information technology at Holmes Murphy; Katie Herbst, senior marketing communications specialist at Westfield Insurance; Rick Morgan, ACT Social Web Work Group chairman and principal of Rick Morgan Consulting and Angelyn Treutel, ACT chair and vice president of Treutel Insurance Agency.
“This webinar is designed to assist independent agency managers formulate an appropriate strategy to take advantage of the social Web and write a social Web policy for their employees,” says Jeff Yates, ACT executive director. “It is the first in a series of webinars ACT will host this year on the social Web and it will address several of the most frequent questions we get from agents as they begin using social media.”
The webinar will discuss the management process that Treutel, Adams, and Herbst went through in determining an appropriate social Web strategy for their organizations, securing employee buy-in and creating an appropriate social Web policy for their firms. Click here to register.
The webinar will also reference ACT’s recently-released report, “Creating a Social Web Policy for Your Independent Agency.” The 12-page report contains a checklist of key steps for developing and implementing an agency social web policy, sample policies from some prominent companies, examples of possible provisions to include and suggestions for a social Web code of conduct for agency employees. Agents can also visit the ACT Web site to view actual policies that two independent agencies are using today. To download the report and access these additional resources, click here or go to www.independentagent.com/act and click on the “Web sites & Social Media” link.
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