THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2010 

                                                Big “I” National News


 Big “I” Agent Development, Research and Education
2010 Future One Agency Universe Study Underway
Check your e-mail inbox for your invitation to participate.

The 2010 Agency Universe Study is underway, and your input is needed for this important research effort. The study will provide critical information for the independent agency system, the Big “I” and for insurance carriers. Future One, a cooperative effort of the Big “I” and more than 20 leading independent agency companies, has conducted this research since 1983. The Big “I” has retained TRC, an independent market research firm, to carry out the survey and ensure the quality and confidentiality of all participant data. Over the past 30 years, the study has gathered information and opinions from a wide variety of agency principals and managers nationwide and the information has helped our organization and our carrier partners better respond to the needs of the independent agency system. The 2010 Agency Universe Study will take a look at the role of social networking in agency operations, as well as a variety of other innovations and challenges affecting today’s business.

During the past week, your agency received an e-mail from the Big “I” inviting you to participate in this critical research. The e-mail contained a link to the website where you can complete the survey online. Please consider participating by clicking on the link to share your opinions. The survey will take less than 30 minutes to complete and your responses are completely confidential. The findings will help the Big “I” and your carriers provide the products and support you need the most to continue to succeed. If you have already completed the survey, thank you!

For more information or about the 2010 Agency Universe Study, contact Madelyn Flannagan (madelyn.flannagan@iiaba.net), Big “I” vice president of agent development, research and education.


Young Agents
What a Lineup!
Register now for the premiere event for young agents.

The Young Agents Leadership Institute is the place for young agents to gain valuable leadership and sales skills while networking with peers and industry leaders. This year, agents will gather Sept. 24-25 at the Fairmont San Francisco. Valuable take-aways are the name of the game as attendees will learn about workflow, marketing, social media and more. Keynote speaker Bodine Balasco will teach agents how to tap the power of the creative process and provide tools to help agents create better results in their agencies. Whether it’s increasing sales, marketing smarter or gaining a better understanding of the carrier perspective—this event will help you reach your goals. Register early to benefit from airfare savings.

Visit www.independentagent.com/events to check out the lineup, register for the event and make your hotel reservation. Don’t hesitate—click today!


Agents Council for Technology
Miss Recent Technology Webinars? Have No Fear
Tune in anytime for ACT sessions, including four new social media webinars.

Thousands of insurance professionals are tuning in to the Agents Council for Technology (ACT) webinars. Don’t miss out on what other agents and brokers are raving about! Download a variety of ACT webinars by clicking here. Recent additions come courtesy of the ACT Social Web Workgroup. This team of technology gurus has put together four webinars sure to provide you with a foundation for launching your own successful social media presence. Boost your brand and increase market share with a better understanding of how to effectively and safely use social media. Start the journey with an introduction to social media, then move on to E&O considerations and creating a policy and wrap things up with a webinar on today’s techniques and tools. Visit the ACT Website today.


Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference
Reserve Early for Conference and Hotel
Head to San Francisco Sept. 22-26.

Join us in San Francisco for the Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference Sept. 22-26. Enhance your leadership skills and network with your peers at this flagship event. The program also includes the VU User Group on Sept. 21, executive committee meeting on Sept. 22-23, InVEST Board meeting on Sept. 22-23, Education Convocation on Sept. 22-23, Young Agents Leadership Institute on Sept. 24-25 and the board of directors meeting on Sept. 25-26. You can now make hotel reservations and register for the event. Sign up early to ensure ample time to shop for discounted flights. Visit www.independentagent.com/events to register and check out the schedule of events. You don’t want to miss it!


 Big “I” News
New Big “I” and Trusted Choice® Disaster Readiness Survey Makes Headlines
Recent media hits include CNN and national print publications.

A recent national consumer survey conducted for the Big “I” and Trusted Choice® is putting independent agents in the news. The new research, released just before the official start of hurricane season June 1, has been featured on TV and radio news, and also in print. Big “I” Government Affairs Committee Chairman Spencer Houldin presented the survey results last weekend on CNN as a guest on the program “Your Bottom Line”; hediscussed what consumers need to do to better prepare themselves and their property for natural disasters. Trusted Choice® Executive Director Dave Evans conducted a live radio interview on the survey during Afternoon Drive Time on KFBK-AM, one of the largest radio stations in northern California. He offered tips for listeners on earthquake and flood coverage and readiness in an interview that replayed throughout the next morning as well. Government Technology magazine reported on the survey findings in an article about emergency preparedness, and similar articles also appeared in more than a dozen insurance and safety-oriented print and online publications.

For more information on any of these media hits, please contact Sue Nester (susan.nester@iiaba.net), Big “I” broadcast media director.


InVEST
New InVEST Student Website Highlights Hottest Insurance Career Traits
Site emphasizes variety of available insurance career paths with a student-centered tone.

InVEST has officially launched its first student focused website designed to encourage students to enroll in InVEST and consider insurance industry careers. Head to www.learninsurance.org and check it out.

The website features tabs labeled Be Yourself, Make a Difference, Opportunity and Flexibility, highlighting some of the best characteristics of insurance careers.

Be sure to browse through the pictures on the homepage and hover over the boxes to see the fun insurance facts hidden on each picture—like information on musician’s event insurance. Check back often as InVEST will be making additions and improvements to the site over the next several months.

InVEST, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to improving insurance literacy of students and attracting new talent to the industry. For more information or to get involved, go to www.investprogram.org or contact a national staff member at info@investprogram.org.