T H U R S D A Y ,   J U N E   5 ,   2 0 0 8

Industry News

TRUSTED CHOICE^®
You Need an Independent Insurance Agent™

As brands evolve, so do their taglines. This is also true for Trusted Choice^®. In the seven short years the brand has existed, there have been several taglines. Based on the most recent consumer research, all of the current national advertising and collateral material will use the tagline “You Need an Independent Insurance Agent™” in conjunction with the Trusted Choice^® logo. Trusted Choice^® does still own the rights for older taglines, such as “We Serve You First” and “The Smart Way to Buy Insurance,” however, for the sake of brand recognition and consistency it is recommended that all agents use the new tagline. For more information, contact Jenner Gohr at 800-221-7917; jenner.gohr@iiaba.net.


InVEST
InVEST State Champions Workshop Sneak Peak

Join other insurance industry leaders to learn all about InVEST and how it can promote workforce development for the insurance industry by attracting and training the next generation of insurance professionals. The workshop will explore all the tools, resources and programs that comprise InVEST at the high school and community college levels. Learn how to address the overall challenges to attract young people to this exciting industry. Workshop topics include: The War for Talent – Panel Discussion; InVEST’s Three-Year Strategic Plan; “Show and Tell” – a Showcase of Classroom Tools and Sharing of State Successes; Success Using “Extra-Curricular” Activities; Job Shadows & Field Trips; Let’s Talk About Internships – Models, Funding and Requirements; An Educator’s Perspective – Panel Discussion; Mock Classrooms – Why Are They So Effective?; and Evaluation & Charge.

To register for this three-day, comprehensive workshop, click here. The workshop will take place June 30 - July 2 at the Westfield Companies. For more information, visit www.investprogram.org.

In July 2007, InVEST held a similar three-day conference at the Westfield Companies in Westfield Center, Ohio. Approximately 100 insurance company representatives, agents, educators and state and national trade association staff from 22 states participated in a comprehensive program exploring how InVEST has been customized and successfully implemented throughout the country.

For more information about the InVEST State Champions Event, contact Bill Pierson, InVEST executive director, at 800-221-7917; bill.pierson@iiaba.net. 

A 501(c)3 educational trust, InVEST introduces high school and community college students to insurance and the more than 350 diverse careers available within the industry giving students a new outlook on the future. The program offers insurance agencies, brokers and carriers a diverse and talented group of entry-level recruits.


IIABA NEWS
ACSR^® Program Celebrates 20 Years with Free Anniversary Webinar Series

The Accredited Customer Service Representative^® (ACSR)  program is a national designation program developed by IIABA and enhanced by the partnership with AICPCU/IIA, a recognized leader in insurance training. The program is designed to support the professional development of insurance service staff and benefits customer service representatives, agents, employers and insurance companies. ACSRs gain increased product knowledge, improved selling and account rounding skills and higher levels of professionalism and customer service. Agencies and companies benefit from increased customer retention, reduced E&O exposures and lower staff turnover. On the forefront of insurance education, the ACSR^® program offers three flexible study options: classroom, self-study and online via the Big “I” Virtual University, as well as a choice of course of study with designations in personal lines, commercial lines and life-health. Established in 1988, the ACSR^® program has been committed to excellence in service to the industry and an agency’s clients for 20 years.

In recognition of this anniversary, ACSRs across the United States are invited to participate in a free webinar series designed to help participants stay on top of the latest industry trends, and further demonstrate their commitment to the industry and their clients.

Series I: Certificates of Insurance: Issues & Answers takes place at 2 p.m. EST, June 18. The session will be led by Bill Wilson and will include a 45-minute presentation and 15-minute question and answer session.

Series II: The Realities of “Real Time” takes place at 2 p.m. EST, July 9. The session will be led by Angelyn Treutel and will include a 45-minute presentation and 15-minute question and answer session.

To download the webinar descriptions, information on session leaders and to confirm your participation, click here. For more information, e-mail ACSR@iiaba.net.


YOUNG AGENTS
2008 YAC Award Submissions Requested

The Big “I” National Young Agents Committee (YAC) is seeking submissions for the 2008 YAC awards in the following categories: membership development, state committee project, communications, young agents meeting and political involvement. Outstanding Young Agents Committee-of-the-Year and first runner-up honors will also be awarded. Participating in the YAC awards program demonstrates the commitment state Young Agents committees have towards perpetuating the independent agency system and solidifies their presence as the driving force behind its future. YAC will present the 2008 awards at the Young Agents Leadership Institute, Sept. 12-13 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

The Magnificent Seven at the Young Agents Leadership Institute will feature YAC award winners. This unique event is an interactive panel discussion where attendees will learn from Young Agents offering insight into how they achieved award winning results.

Entries must be postmarked by July 1. Visit www.independentagent.com and click on Young Agents under the Member Resources tab and then click on Tools to download the 2008 YAC Awards Criteria. For questions, contact Katie Cosgrove, manager of the Big “I” National Young Agents Program, at 800-221-7917; Katie.Cosgrove@iiaba.net.


EDUCATION
The Practical Agency Planner --- Your Agency Management Resource

The Practical Agency Planner is a guide designed to provide agency principals, CPAs and lawyers with a better understanding of the key legal and tax issues surrounding independent agency management. The guide also offers information on the financial decisions that will have immediate, as well as long-range, impact on the success and profitability of an agency. How can agency principals be sure their agencies are working as hard as they are toward success and profitability? Find out with The Practical Agency Planner.

To purchase this great tool and other agency management resources for your library, click here. For more information, contact IIABA’s Education & Research Department at 800-221-7917; BestPractices@iiaba.net.