Katie School of Insurance Hosts Diversity Event

Katie School of Insurance Hosts Diversity Event By Phil Lackman

The Katie School of Insurance at Illinois State University hosted “The Power of an Inclusive Workforce” on campus Tuesday, March 3rd. The purpose of the event, open to all students at ISU, was to showcase the myriad employment opportunities open to college graduates in the industry and the efforts of the industry to implement programs hiring and retaining individuals with diverse backgrounds.

IIA of IL was a sponsor of the event and IIA of IL Secretary/ Treasurer and IIABA Diversity Council Chair, Bennie Jones, participated on a panel of industry representatives focusing on diversity and inclusion efforts within their companies to address the demographic changes nationwide which are driving changes with insurance consumers.

Jim Jones, Director of the Katie School, opened the event and highlighted the significant economic contributions the insurance industry makes in Illinois, highlighting the IIA of IL Economic Impact Study and the multitude of employment opportunities within the industry. Association members Jeremy Eden, owner of Eden Insurance and Financial Services in Bloomington, Kristin Peterson, an agent with Compass Insurance Partners in Gibson City, and Jennifer Jacobs, IIA of IL Director of Human Resources, represented the association during the industry networking event for students and spoke with dozens of students about careers within the independent agency system. The Horton Group, IIA of IL member, was also a sponsor, along with Associate Members CHUBB, Pekin Insurance, Selective Insurance and Travelers.

As a 1982 ISU graduate, I was impressed by the number of students in attendance and excited for the future of the industry.

Phil Lackman is the CEO of the IIA of IL and can be reached at plackman@iiaofil.org or (217) 321-3005.

Board of Directors Profiles

Randy Jacobs, CIC Farm Agents Council Chair Payne Insurance Agency, A Compass Insurance Partner Lexington, IL Producer Number of Years with Agency: 25

Year You Started in Insurance: 1995

Education: BS in Agricultural Economics University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign 1987

Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: Past: - Lexington Jaycees - Lexington Education Advancement Foundation - Lexington Community Center Board of Directors Present: - Smith Library Board

What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today? The major challenges facing the Association today are getting the membership fully engaged with all the Association has to offer and making everyone aware of the broad spectrum of services the Association provides. Also, the Association faces challenges in addressing agency perpetuation beyond M & A activity; e.g., recruiting young talent to the independent agency system, and collaboration with entities such as The Katie School of Insurance at ISU.

What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges? The Association’s staff does an incredible job making the membership aware of all the Association has to offer – it’s up to us to take advantage of all products and services that will benefit our agencies, whether it’s education or E&O coverage and other products and services. The Association should continue to explore ways to attract young talent to the independent agency system through avenues that young people use, such as through online events and sites,

Kevin Lesch, CBC Government Relations Committee Chair Árachas Group, LLC, Elgin, IL President

Number of Years with Agency: 20

Year You Started in Insurance: 2000

Education: University of Illinois at Chicago, Hartford School of Insurance

and continue to collaborate with colleges and universities to provide internship opportunities in the industry.

What do you see at the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership? Since 1995, the greatest benefit I have gotten from involvement with the IIA-IL and the Farm Agents group has been networking - getting to know fellow agents and company personnel on a personal basis. As an agent in a rural community, discussions with other agents facing similar challenges helps me remember that our agency isn’t out on an island dealing with these challenges.

Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: - Bartlett Chamber of Commerce – Treasurer - DuPage IIA – Treasurer - Chicagoland IIA - Board Member - Sockers Youth Foundation, LTD – President - IIA of IL - Past Region 10 Director - IL Young Agent of the Year

What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today? Continuing to provide our members benefits to help their agencies sustain growth and market share.

Board of Directors Profiles

Cindy Jackman, CISR, CIC Planning & Coordination Committee Chair Arlington/Roe, Carbondale, IL Marketing Manager for Central & Southern IL Number of Years with Agency: 2 Year You Started in Insurance: 1984 Education: John A Logan, SIU Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: - IIA of IL Past Chairman, President, President-Elect, Vice President, Regional Director - IIA of IL Past Young Agents Committee Member - IIA of IL Past Trusted Choice Committee Member - Board Member/Chairman, Southern Region Independent Insurance Agents IL - Board Member/Chairman, Southern IL Soccer League - Board Member, Giant City School Athletic Booster Club - Board Member, Crab Orchard Water Dist. - Board Member, Perry/Jackson County Child Advocacy Center Awards/Accreditations: - Accredited Customer Service Representative, National Alliance for Insurance - Certified Customer Service Representative, National Alliance for Insurance - Certified Insurance Counselor, National Alliance for Insurance - Regional Director of the Year, IIA of IL - 2012 Key Award Recipient – Pekin Life Insurance - Illinois Agent of the Year – Illinois 1752 Club - Charles M Cartwright Award – IIA of IL What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today? Mergers & Acquisitions Keeping up with the ever changing, fast paced Technology What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges? M&A: The agents sometimes don’t take the time to see what all they can gain from the resources at the Association. Using some of our services/ products may help align their agency for options other than merging/selling to a larger agency. We have improved on the delivery of our message to the agents by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. We need to keep marching on & spread the good word. Tech: We’re developing the Tech Committee/Task Force which will help keep us at the top of our tech game and relay the newest threats/opportunities for our members. What do you see at the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership? The Association’s got your back! If your agency needs legal advice - come to the Association. If you need resources for markets - come to the Assoc. If you need help finding your next employee - come to the Assoc. If you need prelicensing or CE - come to the Assoc. If you want to network with like-minded insurance people - come to the Assoc. If you need help understanding a company contract - come to the Assoc. The resources are unlimited and underused by many of our agents. The greatest benefit of IIA of IL membership is being able to call 1-800-628-6436 for answers. What advice do you have to share with someone considering a volunteer position with the IIA of IL? Don’t think twice - just do it. The rewards far outweigh the time commitment.

What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges? Continue to look into tech that can have a major impact on our membership.

What do you see at the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership? Advocacy, Education, Professionalism

What advice do you have to share with someone considering a volunteer position with the IIA of IL? If you ever have doubts about our industry or the people in our industry, you will find no greater solace then being involved and surrounding yourself with the brilliant people of the IIA who give of themselves and share their experiences to ensure our industry remains great.

West Bend Reports Outstanding Results for Eighth Consecutive Year Kevin Steiner, president and CEO of West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, recently reported the company ended 2019 with another year of outstanding financial results, making it the eighth consecutive year in which the company’s performance exceeded that of the insurance industry, as well as many of its competitors.

West Bend ended the year with a combined ratio of 93.0%, and despite a very competitive marketplace and decreasing workers’ compensation rates, grew by 7.2%. Total direct written premium at the end of 2019 was $1.359 billion, bringing West Bend’s five-year compound annual growth rate to 6.6%.

West Bend Mutual Insurance was recognized with several awards in 2019, including ranking number two in the large company category of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Top Workplaces in Southeast Wisconsin, being named a Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance by Fortune Magazine, being ranked fourth as a Best Place to Work in Insurance for the tenth consecutive year and for the seventh year overall for insurance providers, and receiving a Gold Workplace Health Achievement from the American Heart Association. West Bend is also included on the Ward Group’s list of the 50 top-performing property and casualty insurers domiciled in the U.S.

Nationwide Foundation Donates $5 Million to Combat COVID-19 The Nationwide Foundation has announced that it is making $5 million in contributions to local and national charities to support the coronavirus response. The foundation is a private non-profit to which Nationwide companies are donors.

“As communities experience impacts related to the pandemic, many non-profit organizations stand on the front lines, providing basic necessities, wellness services and support to those in need,” said Kirt Walker, CEO of Nationwide and chairman of the Nationwide Foundation. “Finances, staff, programs and resources are being stretched as these non-profits not only serve their communities but feel the impact themselves. During these challenging times, we each have a responsibility, when we can, to lift those around us.”

The Nationwide Foundation has approved $1 million each in national response grants to the American Red Cross, Feeding America and the United Way. It has also approved up to $2 million in grants to be distributed in communities where Nationwide companies operate. The grants will assist the communities in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information on the Nationwide Foundation, go to www.nationwide.com/about-us/nationwide-foundation.jsp.

Grinnell Mutual Recognizes Agents And Mutual Companies for Outstanding Achievement Grinnell Mutual recognized a group of 53 independent agents and 14 mutual insurance companies for outstanding achievement in the insurance profession and superior performance for Grinnell Mutual in 2019 by naming them to its 2020 President’s Club.

“Grinnell Mutual and its board of directors is happy to honor our top agents and mutual managers,” said Jeff Menary, Grinnell Mutual’s president and CEO. “We always look forward to getting reacquainted with old friends and making new ones. This year’s event in the Bahamas will be exciting and memorable and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone there.”

Congratulations to the following Illinois Agencies:

Central Illinois Agents Group Jacksonville

Compass Insurance Partners Cissna Park

Diamond Bros Insurance Paris

First Insurance Group Plano

Hanford Insurance Agency Geneseo

Hugh F. Miller Insurance Agency Rock Falls

Insurance Providers Group of Illinois Rantoul

Meyer-Jochums Agency Minonk

Tomco Insurance Agency Charleston

Congratulations to the following Mutual Companies:

Heartland Mutual Belleville, Ill.

La Prairie Mutual Henry, Ill.

Western Illinois Mutual Carthage, Ill.

Kenneth Eugene “Ken” Wagler, 79, of Peoria passed on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Apostolic Christian Skylines in Peoria. He was formerly of Washington.

Born May 27, 1940, in Peoria to Cletus E. and Dolores M. (Marchand) Wagler, he married Michele (Bishop) Paylor in Peoria. They later divorced. He then married Peggy L. Pieper on February 2, 1980, in Washington. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Teresa (William) Blackburn of Liberty Township, Ohio; one son, Brian (Candice) Wagler of Warrensburg, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Dalton and Dane Wagler, Taylor and Private William Kenneth Blackburn, Jessica M. Crook and Olivia, Allyson and Connor Morrissey; and one niece, Joy (Dave) French of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two stepdaughters, Lori Michelle Crook on December 3, 2018, and Lisa Renee Morrissey on October 28, 2016; and one sister, Phyllis Appell.

Ken graduated from Peoria Central High School in 1958. He later graduated from Wentworth Military Junior College with an associate’s degree in business and finished college at Bradley University.

He was a third-generation owner of Wagler Insurance Agency in Peoria, starting his career in 1960. He served as president for the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois in 2002 and later served on the Board of Directors.

Ken was a former member and past president of the Northside Optimists Club of Peoria. He was also the public announcer for the Peoria Blades Hockey Team for many years. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Ken was a caring person that had a sensitive side and offered wisdom and encouragement to everyone he came in contact with. He enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Canada, golfing, telling stories and being a jokester.

Ken was a very artistic person who enjoyed painting. He loved participating as Frosty the Snowman in the Peoria Santa Claus Parade and visiting area schools during the holidays.

The IIA of IL staff and Board of Directors are saddened by the loss of Ken and offer condolences to his family and friends.

R.J. was born Nov. 15, 1945, in Highland, son of Joseph and Kathryn (Shelby) Pohl. He married Sharon Wallace on Aug. 1, 1970, in Marine. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Sean Pohl of Dallas and Jason Pohl (Yardley) of San Francisco; and a daughter, Kendra Iffland (David) of Savoy. Five grandchildren also survive, Hazel and Everly Iffland and Selah Pohl, Tyler Pohl and Mason Pohl.

R.J. served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant and then worked as an independent insurance agent for over 30 years, finishing his career as the owner of Ring-Wil & Associates in Belleville. He was a strong supporter of the insurance industry and education for its agents. He was very active in the Illinois Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA), serving as President from 1990- 1991 and helped facilitate the merger of the PIA with the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois.

The IIA of IL staff and Board of Directors send their deepest condolences to the family and friends of R.J. Pohl.

Thomas K. Sprague, Jr., age 95, passed away December 13, 2019, surrounded by family. He was born March 22, 1924, in Joliet, IL to Martha (Streitz) and Thomas K. Sprague, Sr.

Tom is survived by his adoring wife, JoAnn (nee Fehrenbacher), married in 1950. Tom and JoAnn celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on October 14, 2019.

They made their home in Joliet where they raised their three children, Thomas K. III (Mary “Mimi” Minarich), Carlene (Charles) Kinzie and John; his children and six grandchildren were an immense source of pride; Jonathan Sprague, Griffin (Alexandra Michel) Kinzie, Trevor Kinzie, Spencer Kinzie, Charles Sprague and Elizabeth Sprague. Tom enjoyed frequent Sprague and Fehrenbacher family reunions with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1943 where he was a member of the ROTC, preparing him to enter the Army. Tom was proud of his military services. He was stationed in Cherbourg, France during WWII in 1944, returning after V-E Day to the Illinois Army National Guard 44th Division and later served during the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant, Infantry, until his honorable discharge in 1953.

Tom was mentored by his aunt, Mable Sprague Kase, in the insurance business after returning from WWII. He built his insurance business for over 40 years and was dedicated to serving his clients in the Will County area. He was an active member and past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois. He was awarded the C.M. Cartwright Merit Award for his excellence in the insurance industry.

PERSONAL LINES CSR - PART TIME. 28. Caro Insurance Services, Orland Park, IL is seeking a qualified Personal Lines CSR. The position requires an individual to have insurance - Personal Lines - experience, quoting, processing endorsements, excellent customer service and communication skills. Illinois P&C License is desired. Part-time, approximately 15-20 hours per week; salary $18-21 per hour.

Email resume to: bill.ntovas@caroinsurance.com

AGENCY/AGENTS/PRODUCERS WANTED. 02. Forest Park/Oak Park agency for over 60 years, will meet your needs by providing space, markets, marketing & sales support, automation, merging with or purchasing your agency. Perpetuation/ Succession Plans, BuySell Agreements also available. We have experienced, educated and dedicated staff for you and your clients. Have access to our numerous companies, office services and many other resources. Retain ownership in your book with contingency. Please look closely at us- we are an agency you want to do business with! We’ve done it before, we know how- we make it easy! Visit our website at forestagency.com/agents.html, or call for a confidential discussion and a list of Agency benefits.

Dan Browne will provide an agency evaluation/appraisal at little cost to you. Please call:

Dan Browne or Cathy Hall Forest Insurance (708) 383-9000 www.forestinsured.com/mergers-acquisitions

AGENCY WANTED. 20. Since 2004, Central Illinois Agents Group LLC has been providing independent agents with a variety of markets with contingency opportunities. Agents have availability to several markets that they may not be able to sustain or maintain on their own. We have markets for personal, commercial, agricultural and crop insurance lines. Let us help you get to the next level.

Visit www.ciagonline.com for contact information.

OPPORTUNITIES/SPACE AVAILABLE/RETAIN OWNERSHIP 13. We are a 100 year old Northbrook agency looking to discuss any mutually beneficial opportunity. Our producers, mergers, clusters and agency purchases receive 50% commissions on new and renewal business without any expenses. We can provide: office space, phones, agency management system, service renewals and changes. The companies we represent are: Badger Mutual, Employers Mutual, General Casualty, Guide One, Hartford, Kemper, Progressive, Rockford Mutual, Safeco, State Auto, Travelers and Met Life. Contact:

Nancy Solomon Martini, Miller & Schloss, Inc. (847) 291-1313 Ron@martini-miller.com

supports its agency partners in their industry endeavors. We encourage and help facilitate intellectual capital sharing among partners. One way we do this is with an agency-led group called Emerging Leaders. Their focus is progressive, innovative solutions in technology, perpetuation, and sales management. We pride ourselves on building a platform that will sustain independent insurance agencies over the long haul.

Because independence works better together.

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