e-Insight - August 2022 - Non-Member by Big I Illinois

AUGUST 2022

INSIGHT October 4-6 • Crowne Plaza, Springfield, IL

Plus

Education & Training for Staff Retention Should We Reward Employees for Learning? Can Continuing Education Lead to More Sales? Investing in Your People Can Lead to Big Returns

INSURANCE PROGRAM MANAGERS GROUP CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

IN THE WORLD OF INSURANCE, CLAIMS DO HAPPEN. IPMG’s Claims Management Services division (CMS) is that partner. As a full-service claims management company, IPMG CMS accepts the responsibility and expects to be held accountable for the results we achieve on behalf of our clients.

SERVICES AND RESOURCES: » » » »

» » » » » » » » » »

Workers’ compensation claims management Property and liability claims management Auto liability and physical damage claims management Professional liability claims management » Strong emphasis on public entity and long-term care sectors Nurse case management Risk management/loss control Medical bill review Pharmacy benefit management Aggressive litigation management Utilization review Electronic claim reporting with immediate acknowledgment and adjuster assignment 4-hour assigned adjuster contact on every claim Online claim review including adjuster notes and financials Industry leading analytics with national database for benchmarking purposes

INTERNAL QUALITY CONTROL AND COST CONTAINMENT PRACTICES: » Adjuster book of business analysis – to ensure workload does not affect service levels » Closing ration analysis – a monthly review to ensure adjusters are achieving maximum production » Claims diary tracking » Formal litigation handling guidelines and practices » Comprehensive medical bill review – average 59% cost reduction » Pharmacy benefit program – average 35% cost reduction » ISO claims search » Medicare section 111 data reporting and compliance

For more information please contact:

MIKE CASTRO

BOB SPRING

Sr. VP, Claims Management Services Mike.Castro@ipmg.com 630.485.5895

VP, New Business Development Bob.Spring@ipmg.com 630.485.5885

Editor & Graphic Design - Rachel Romines

August 2022

Advertising - Tami Hubbell

CONTENTS 15 16 20 23 24

Using Knowledge as the Sword Against Price

27 30 25

Can Continuing Education Lead to More Sales?

By Kelly Donahue-Piro

Should we Reward Employees for Learning? By Christina Pavlou

CONVO 2022 - The Biggest Event of the Year! IIAPAC Mega Raffle - Win $10,000! Investing in Your Agency’s People Can Lead to Big Returns By Carey Wallace

By Daniel Smith

FAC Summer Meeting Wrap-Up By Shannon Churchill

New Event: Tech Expo

In This Issue

The Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIA of IL) has been providing members with a sustainable competitive advantage since 1899.

7 9 10 12 19

Brett’s 2 Sense Trusted Choice Industry Government

32 36 37 38

Associate News Agency/Agent Spotlight IIA of IL News Classifieds

e-Insight

info@iiaofil.org | www.iiaofil.org | (800) 628-6436 or (217) 793-6660 | Fax: (217) 793-6744 WINNER

2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2019 • 2020 • 2021

Insight is the official publication of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIA of IL). The magazine is published monthly for the members of the IIA of IL, with the office located at 4360 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62711-7009; Consumer Website: www.ChooseIndependent.com. The IIA of IL welcomes letters discussing concerns of the insurance industry, articles, editorials, other matters of interest to the membership. The editor reserves the right to edit and select submissions for publication. Address submissions for review to Rachel Romines at rromines@iiaofil.org. For advertising information, contact Tami Hubbell at thubbell@iiaofil.org.

ADVERTISERS

Board of Directors Executive Committee

APPLIED UNDERWRITERS

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY GUARD INS. COMPANIES

BIG ‘I’ PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

BIG ‘I’ VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY

CIC & CISR DESIGNATIONS

EBRM

GRINNELL MUTUAL

INDEPENDENT MARKET SOLUTIONS (IMS)

IPMG

Cover Tip

OMAHA NATIONAL

SOCIETY INSURANCE

UFG INSURANCE

WEST BEND MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.

IIA of Illinois Staff Director of Information and Technology Shannon Churchill - (217) 321-3004 - schurchill@iiaofil.org

Director of Government Relations Evan Manning - (217) 321-3002 - emanning@iiaofil.org

Director of Education and Agency Resources Brett Gerger, CIC - (217) 321-3006 - bgerger@iiaofil.org

Office Administrator Kristi Osmond, CISR - (217) 321-3007 - kosmond@iiaofil.org

Accounting & Admin Services Tami Hubbell, CIC - (217) 321-3016 - thubbell@iiaofil.org

Director of Communications Rachel Romines - (217) 321-3024 - rromines@iiaofil.org

Director of Human Resources, Board Admin Jennifer Jacobs, SHRM-CP Director of Membership Services Tom Ross, CRIS, CPIA - (217) 321-3013 - jjacobs@iiaofil.org - (217) 321-3003 - tross@iiaofil.org Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Mark Kuchar Products & Services Administrator Janet White, CISR - (217) 321-3015 - mkuchar@iiaofil.org - (217) 321-3010 - jwhite.indep12@insuremail.net Chief Executive Officer Phil Lackman, IOM Director of Prof. Liability & Ins. Products Carol Wilson, CPIA - (217) 321-3005 - plackman@iiaofil.org - (217) 321-3011 - cwilson.indep12@insuremail.net Central/Southern Marketing Representative Lori Mahorney, CISR Elite - (217) 415-7550 - lmahorney@iiaofil.org

Find us on Social Media

Independent, Authorized General Agent for

An Independent Licensee of the Blue Shield Association

grinnellmutual.com

TRUST US TO SERVE THEIR BUSINESS Our restaurant package has a menu of options from equipment breakdown to credit card forgery protection so restaurant owners can focus on their bread and butter — customers. Trust in Tomorrow.® Contact us today.

AUTO | HOME | FARM | BUSINESS

“Trust in Tomorrow.” and the “Grinnell Mutual” are registered trademarks of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2022.

It shouldn’t take walls collapsed by 140-mile-per-hour winds to find out who your customers can trust.

BUT SOMETIMES IT DOES. And that’s the Silver Lining®.

REAL QUESTIONS. REAL ANSWERS. YOUR INSURANCE TECHNICAL SOLUTION. Our experts explore and explain real issues and policy coverage questions in four areas: commercial lines, personal lines, life/health and agency management. Users can also access state speciﬁc information, dive into talent recruitment, get tips for starting an agency, coronavirus, and much more.

LIVE AND ON-DEMAND EDUCATION. YOUR AGENT TRAINING SOLUTION. The Big “I” Virtual University oﬀers a wide range of live and on-demand education developed speciﬁcally for independent agents. No matter what your need, time or level of experience, the VU has it covered.

LIVE WEBINARS

EXCEED LEARNING

Learn from diversiﬁed topics, with CE available in some states

Amazing, clear content and smartly explained modules

BASICS & BEYOND BASIC An excellent source for newer agents who want to expand knowledge

TRIPLE PLAY DAYS Earn up to 6 continuing education credits in just a day

RISK & REALITY REPORTS Read, print, highlight, and share to understand complex issues

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS Drill down in twelve diﬀerent subject matter areas

CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? ASK AN EXPERT AND GET AN ANSWER!

GET THE BIG I'S ONLY TECHNICAL COVERAGE PUBLICATION SUBSCRIBE TO INSURANCE ILLUSTRATED Delivered right to your inbox every Friday, Insurance Illustrated features multiple articles organized in speciﬁc categories to help you easily navigate to the content most important and relevant and stay on top of the latest news.

Find all this and more in the Big “I” Virtual University virtualuniversity@iiaba.net

If you can’t ﬁnd an answer to your insurance query in the more than 18,000 pages of content in our extensive online library, just use our MEMBERS ONLY “Ask an Expert” service. Our faculty, comprised of more than 50 industry experts, will review your query and respond with a personalized answer.

W W W. I N D E P E N D E N TAG E N T. C O M / V U

e INSIGHT -

online journal at www.iiaofil.org/Resources/Insight

AU GU ST 20

INSIGH T Octobe

r 4-6

• Cro wne Pla

za, Spri

ngfield,

Plus

Educa Staff R tion & Train etenti ing fo on r Should W

eR for Le ar ning ewar d Empl ? oyees Can C on ti nu Lead to in Mor e Sg Education ales? Invest Peopleing in Your to Big Can Lead Retur ns

How To Keep Employees Engaged With Continuing Education By Jeff Kauflin, Forbes In this month’s e-Insight. august 2022

insight

iia of il

October 4-6

Crowne Plaza, Springfield, IL Earn up to 12 hours of Illinois Continuing Education credit with industrydriven educational programming. You’ll hear about the latest topics and news that matter most to you from leading experts and your peers. But don’t take our word for it. Here is what past attendees are saying: CONVO is an investment in your industry and yourself. I have learned something and met so many people committed to this industry every time I have attended CONVO. The knowledge, comradery, contacts you gain by attending is well worth the time commitment. - George Daly CONVO is the single best annual event focused on what we do each day. We are pulled in many directions daily, but it is worth your time to come and experience what your association delivers at this one-of-a-kind event! - Greg Sandrock

Find Opportunities Together The Midwest’s largest industry tradeshow will be held on Wednesday, October 5 from 3:30 - 6:30 pm. This is your chance to see what’s new in the industry and meet with your carrier partners. You’ll be able to let the conversations flow during the three-hour tradeshow event. Explore new market opportunities featuring more than 120 top carriers, MGAs, and a variety of other vendors.

insight

august 2022

Schedule

Come Together (Subject to Change)

Tuesday, October 4 10:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Independent Agent Invitational Golf Outing The Independent Insurance Agents Golf Outing is the premier golf event of the IIA of IL. Join us at Piper Glen Golf Club in Springfield for a round of golf complete with food, beverages, and friendly competition.

Noon

CONVO Registration Desk Opens

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

E&O/Ethics Education Session (CE) Welcome Reception and Meet & Greet Kick off CONVO at the Welcome Reception. Enjoy a drink and hors d’ oeuvres before heading out to dinner.

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Dutch Dine Arounds/Company Dinners Head out for dinner with your Company Partners, old friends, or new acquaintances. Don’t have dinner plans? Sign up for the Dutch Dine Arounds with the IIA of IL staff. The IIA of IL has made reservations and travel arrangements. **Hence the name “Dutch,” each attendee is responsible for paying for their own dinner.

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Past President’s Dinner (Invite Only)

8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Casino Night Hosted by Young Agents, Benefitting Make-A-Wish Feeling lucky? Spin the wheel at roulette, try your hand at poker, blackjack, or one of the many other games. Turn in your chips to win one of many great prizes.

Wednesday, October 5 7:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast/CONVO Registration Desk Opens

8:00 a.m. – Noon

Keynote General Session (CE) - The Evolution of Insurance Steve Anderson, CEO of Catalyit, will lead us in a journey through “The Evolution of Insurance” using “where we have been” to understand what is coming next. Steve will lead a panel of insurance professionals who will share what their agencies have done to combat some of the challenges agencies are facing from technology to staffing to increasing competition. We will also recognize our award recipients including Agent of the Year, Agency of the Year, Young Agent of the Year and more.

Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Food Truck Lunch and Networking

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Concurrent Education Sessions (CE)

3:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Tradeshow

6:30 – 11:00 p.m.

Big Party with Dinner, Dancing, and Drinks In keeping with the evolution theme, join us for a celebration as we party through the decades. The evening will include food, drinks, friendships, music, and lots of fun! Attendees are encouraged to dressed in attire from your favorite decade, whether it is your favorite concert t-shirt or rocking the 50’s poodle skirt, your outfit is up to you!

Thursday, October 6 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.

Hot Breakfast

8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Forecast...Association Resources, Industry Insights & Election Analysis (CE) Going back to our advocacy roots, we will close out CONVO with an “Industry & Election Forecast... Association Resources, Industry Insights, & Election Analysis.” The session will feature three speakers including Illinois Director of Insurance Dana Popish Severinghaus, Hannah Meisel - NPR State Government and Political Editor, and Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the non-partisan Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.

august 2022

insight

iia of il

October 4-6, 2022

Education Sessions

Learn Together

CONVO 2022 offers a variety of education sessions! The schedule allows flexibility so you can customize your time to fit your needs.

CONCURRENT EDUCATION SESSIONS

Concurrent education sessions provide a little something for everyone in the agency. This year’s topics include: • E&O/Ethics • Sales • Legislative & Regulatory Update • Premium Fund Trust Accounts & Rebating Regulations • Cyber, Phishing, and More • Technology Solutions to Increase Efficiency • Agency Operations/Procedures • Industry Related Hot Topics • And so much more!

Grow Together

Networking and Social Events

CONVO 2022 offers several opportunities to grow your circle of knowledgable professionals, make new friends and contacts, and find out what your old friends and peers have been up to.

WELCOME RECEPTION - Tuesday DUTCH DINE AROUNDS - Tuesday CASINO NIGHT - Tuesday

FOOD TRUCK LUNCH - Wednesday BIG PARTY - Wednesday

Non-scheduled events offer just as much opportunity to chat: elevator rides, at the buffet tables, at the bar, in the lobby - the chances are endless!

Golf Outing

Tuesday, October 4 - Piper Glen Golf Club, Springfield

Join us for a round of golf complete with food and beverages, friendly competition, and a great opportunity to network with agents in advance of CONVO.

Shotgun Start: 11:00 am

$175 Per Golfer

Golf is a separate fee from CONVO registration.

This outing fills up quickly, so secure your spot early! 22

insight

august 2022

Exhibit

Company Opportunities

Your company should be a part of the Midwest’s largest industry tradeshow. Exhibit booths are on sale now. Secure your space right away as this event will sell out quickly!

Sponsor

Studies say it takes seven to 11 times for somebody to see your message and actually remember it. One of the best reasons to sponsor a portion of CONVO is the number of people (over 800!) that will have eyes on your brand. This is an opportunity for your business to solidify your presence in the industry. Plus, sponsoring is yet another way your company can build trust with current and potential agencies. And to top it off, you’ll be helping keep the costs down for agents to attend the event. Your contracted agencies will continue to attend to increase their knowledge, which in return, could affect your bottom line.

Advertise

Every person that attends CONVO will receive an event program. This is the guide to the entire event and will be referenced by attendees multiple times throughout the three days, and even after the event is over!

ILConvention.com

For more details and to register, visit the event website.

CONVO registration is required to access the room block at the Crowne Plaza. A link to reserve a room will be sent to you in your registration confirmation email.

MEGA RAFFLE

Win Big $10,000 GRAND PRIZE 2nd: $500 • 3rd: $250 4th: $100 • 5th: $50 $250 Early Bird Drawing September 1 Early Bird Winner is put back into the pot.

$20 each

Go to www.iiaofil.org/MegaRaffle or scan this code. august 2022

ise a r d Fun for

IIAPAC

Independent Insurance Agents Political Action Committee

insight

CIC

PROGRAM

Agency Management

Commercial Casualty

Insurance Company Operations

Commercial Multiline

Life and Health

Commercial Property

Personal Lines

Professional Education for a Thriving Career CIC and CISR courses are eligible for CE credits and are update options for Insurance and Risk Management professionals interested in emerging marketplace trends.

CISR

PROGRAM Agency Operations

Commercial Casualty I

Insuring Commercial Property

Commercial Casualty II

Insuring Personal Auto Exposures

Life & Health Essentials

Elements of Risk Management

Insuring Personal Residential Property

Personal Lines - Misc.

www.iiaoﬁl.org/education

Visit tinyurl.com/SwissReEO

12/2020

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES WEBINARS

The IIA of IL offers a variety of webinars/ webcasts that allow you to earn CE credit from your home, office, or wherever you have internet access. Including Ethics, E&O, Flood and so many more.

ETHICS UPDATE As an Illinois Licensed Producer, you are required by the Department of Insurance to take a 3 hour classroom or online live webinar Ethics course every renewal cycle.

E&O SEMINARS Examine E&O risk management from the agency perspective and address the fundamentals of reducing E&O exposures of today’s ever-changing agency operations.

SCHOLARSHIPS The Independent Insurance Agents of IL is proud to offer our members and their staff the opportunity to earn scholarships for all of our classroom education programs.

CIC DESIGNATION ON-BOARDING SOLUTIONS Online learing - ideal for new hires & job changers - on demand, interactive, cost-effective and measurable.

IN-HOUSE Save time, money, and travel. Bring our programs to your office. IIA of IL offers a curriculum that can be customized to fit your agency’s needs.

VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY Members have access to insurance, business and technology articles, many full sample ISO forms, white papers, and more.

CERTIFIED INSURANCE COUNSELOR The CIC Program is the industry’s premier, proven source for practical, real-world education. The CIC designation signifies a high level of professional education.

CISR DESIGNATION CERTIFIED INSURANCE SERVICE REP This nationally recognized program is perfect for newly licensed producers, customer service representatives, company personnel, and those looking to refresh their knowledge.

CISR ELITE It is now possible for CISR’s to keep their commitment to continuing education & earn the highest recognition - CISR Elite.

www.iiaofil.org/education august 2022

insight

Farm Agents Council a division of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois

Summer Meeting Wrap-Up – Another Hot and Fun Time With Colleagues By Shannon Churchill The Farm Agents Council (FAC) hosted their 92nd Annual Golf Outing and Meeting on June 16-17 in Bloomington, IL. Always a fun time, well at least when the weather cooperates, this outing brings agents and company representatives together for golf, industryspecific tradeshow, networking, and education. This year’s event was no exception. The golf outing, although it was a very hot day, welcomed over 110 people. For those participating in the outing, well they would probably add a couple of “hots” to that sentence since the event took place in the unseasonably warm week of June. However, the drinks were cold, and the company was good, and groups shot really well so I guess you can’t complain too much.

Congratulations to the first-place winners of the event, pictured below: Marc Musso Taten Musso Steve Foster Dustin Peterson

After the outing, everyone was glad to head back to the DoubleTree hotel for air-conditioning and the evening reception and tradeshow. Over 130 people and 22 exhibitors joined for the festivities. We awarded golf winners, and multiple prizes including our IIAPAC speaker raffle. Throughout the event money is raised to benefit the IIA of IL Political Action Committee (IIAPAC). You can still support IIAPAC by purchasing a Mega Raffle ticket - you could win $10,000! Find details on page 23. On Friday morning following breakfast, the FAC hosted their annual meeting where the Board was recognized. Visit www.ilfarmagents.com to view this year’s current members. After the annual meeting, the education topic was “Risk Management – Go DEEP” presented by Chris Barron of Ag View Solutions, LLC. He presented several factors for agents consider from a farmer’s perspective. He set the foundation of his presentation with beginning the discussion around multi-generational communication and important topics in the art of communicating. He then led attendees through a discussion of building a successful agency. Finally he led attendees through the numbers and went “deep” to help us understand the “WHY” behind decisions we make. He left the attendees wanting more, and we are looking at bringing him back to future sessions.

Congratulations to the second-place winners, pictured below: Ryan Miller Pete Wessler Adam Krultz Julius Dotzert

Overall the event was a great success and the FAC Board is looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Bloomington, IL on June 15-16, 2023. Mark your calendars now! Congratulations to the following winners from the event: Hole Contest Winners: Mark Miller Kevin Feeney Kyle Przykopanski Milan Miljevic Greg Sandrock

insight

august 2022

Thank you to our Sponsors of the 2022 Golf Outing & Annual Meeting

Harvesting Sponsors Illinois

Insurance Pre-Licensing Program

Cultivating Sponsors

Planting Sponsors ®

Save the Date FAC Mid-Winter Meeting February 2-3, 2023 Embassy Suites, East Peoria, IL

Stay Up-To-Date

Stay up to date with the Farm Agents Council on our website at www.ilfarmagents.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/FarmAgentsCouncil. Not a member of the FAC, but would like to find out more? Reach out to us at farmagents@iiaofil.org.

august 2022

insight

INSIGHT | associate news Thank you to our Associate Members.

Diamond Level

Platinum Level

Progressive Surplus Line Association of Illinois

Gold Level AAA Insurance Arlington/Roe BlueCross/Blue Shield of IL Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company Keystone Insurance Group, Inc. Pekin Insurance

Silver Level Imperial PFS IMT Insurance West Bend Mutual Insurance Co.

Bronze Level A. J. Wayne & Associates AMERISAFE AmTrust North America Auto-Owners Insurance Co. Badger Mutual Insurance Company Berkley Management Protection Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Companies BluSky Restoration Contractors Chubb ClickVSC Columbia Insurance Group Continental Western Group Cornerstone National Insurance Company Cowbell Cyber CRC Group CRDN of Chicago (formerly Restoronics) Donald Gaddis Company, Inc. Donegal Insurance Group EMC Insurance Encova Insurance Forreston Mutual Insurance Company Frankenmuth Insurance Grange Insurance Homeowners of America Insurance Company Illinois Mine Subsidence Ins. Fund Illinois Public Risk Fund Indiana Farmers Insurance 32

insight

Insurance Program Managers Group J M Wilson Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance Madison Mutual Insurance Company Marble Box Marsh, Berry & Company Maximum Independent Brokerage, LLC Mercury Insurance Group Midwest Insurance Company Nationwide Pouch Insurance Previsor Insurance & Missouri Employers Mutual PuroClean Emergency Restoration Services Rockford Mutual Insurance Company RT Specialty - Naperville Sensa, Inc. ServiceMaster DSI Society Insurance Specialty Risk of America Synergy Select The McGowan Companies Travelers UFG Insurance UIG - The Agent Agency Utica National Insurance Group W. A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc./Interstate Risk Placement Western National Insurance Westfield august 2022

associate news | INSIGHT West Bend Mutual Insurance Makes Ward’s 50 Ranking

West Bend Mutual Insurance Company has placed in the Ward’s 50 group of top-performing property and casualty insurers for 2022. The recently released list includes the best industry performers of nearly 3,000 U.S.-domiciled companies. West Bend is recognized for its outstanding financial results in the areas of safety, consistency, and performance over a five-year period (2017-2021). It is the eighth consecutive year the company has been included on this list. The Ward Group’s methodology evaluates key safety and consistency measurements and performance tests. Ward’s 50 identifies companies that pass financial stability requirements and measure their ability to grow while maintaining strong capital positions and underwriting results. To be awarded the designation on the 2022 list, insurance companies must pass minimum thresholds of performance. “Being included again in the Ward’s 50 list of top property and casualty insurers in the U.S. is a great honor for us,” stated Kevin Steiner, president and CEO. “I extend my thanks to our associates for their outstanding performance and to the independent agents who represent West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, who are why we’ve achieved this success.”

SECURA Insurance Named a Top 50 Carrier by Ward Group for Ninth Consecutive Year

SECURA Insurance has again earned a place among Ward Group’s 50 top-performing property and casualty insurers for its performance over a five-year period (2017-2021). This is the ninth consecutive year the company has been recognized on this list for superior financial strength. “We are honored to be named a Top 50 carrier by Ward Group once again,” said Garth Wicinsky, SECURA President & CEO. “This recognition speaks to the strength of relationships between our associates and our independent agency partners. Earning a place on Ward’s 50 shows our shared commitment to long-term financial stability and our ability to take care of our policyholders.” Ward Group is the leader in benchmarking and best practices services for the insurance industry. The company analyzes nearly 3,000 property-casualty insurance companies in the United States to identify top performers annually. In addition to being named to Ward’s Top 50, SECURA has an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, which affirms its solid financial results and ability to pay claims. SECURA is also certified as a Great Place to Work based on associate feedback about the company’s workplace culture, and was ranked number 11 on the Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance for small and medium companies, number 44 on the Fortune Best Medium Workplaces, and number 38 on Fortune Best Workplaces for Millennials for small and medium companies.

august 2022

Encova Insurance Wins Aite-Novarica Insurance Technology Impact Award

Encova Insurance was announced as a winner of the 2022 Aite-Novarica Insurance Technology Awards for their Personal Lines Transformation. With 65 technology project submissions, Encova was one of 12 winners, and one of three winners in the category of core systems: large property/casualty. “We are honored to receive this award that showcases the technology we have implemented in recent years,” Encova Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer John Kessler said. “The decision to move forward with personal lines and invest in Guidewire’s state-of-the-art technology did not come easy; but it was absolutely the right strategy. We are proud of our cross-functional internal team who implemented this new solution during a pandemic and the outstanding support we received from strategic partners such as PwC and Cognizant to see this through to fruition.” Encova’s Personal Lines Transformation consolidated six legacy systems to improve the online experience for policyholders and agents, using Guidewire’s InsuranceSuite and Digital Portals to create one system. Encova has implemented this project in 10 states so far, with plans to expand. New business counts in 2021 increased by 144% year-over-year, and straight-through processing for issued new business has risen from 0% to 56%. “This transformation reinvented who we are in regard to our personal lines offerings and has modernized our capabilities,” Encova Executive Vice President, Personal Lines, Matt Wilcox said. “Our new system provides our agents and policyholders with a best-in-class experience with state-of-the-art digital capabilities. I couldn’t be prouder of how far we have come and the coverages and digital experience we are now able to offer.” Through this technology, Encova has implemented paperless delivery and automated payments for policyholders, in addition to e-signature and API integration. “Core systems modernization efforts are among the most difficult projects insurer IT organizations can undertake, but they’re often vital for enterprise agility and risk reasons,” Aite-Novarica Group Head of CIO Research Harry Huberty said. “As Encova’s case study demonstrates, these projects can be massive and complex; coordinating mission-critical workstreams across hundreds of resources takes exceptional communication. When they are successful, they can create transformative impact for their organizations.” The success of this transformation was the result of a detailed strategy and plan, effective collaboration and defined goals amongst the team and partners.

insight

INSIGHT | agency members in the news Dan Passananti Wins Business Insurance Break Out Award

Dan Passananti of Assurance, a Unit of Marsh McLennan Agency LLC, is the recipient of the Business Insurance Break Out Award. The up-and-coming leaders honored in the Business Insurance 2022 Break Out Awards are thriving in one of the most dynamic insurance markets of the past few decades. Whether counseling clients on how to manage through such a tough and volatile environment or managing their own organizations as they rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, these young managers and executives are helping to shape the insurance and risk management sector as it enters a new, technology-driven era.

The 40 honorees selected for the awards program represent some of the most talented leaders emerging in the industry. To be eligible for the award, nominees must work in commercial insurance or related sectors and cannot have worked in the field for more than 15 years. To maintain diversity in geography and types of organization, the honorees are grouped in four regions of the United States: Northeast, South, Midwest and West. All of the nominations - which highlighted the nominees’ client-service skills, expertise and leadership qualities were reviewed by BI editors. To view all Break Out Award winners, visit www.businessinsurance.com/break-outawards. Congratulations, Dan!

Wondering what other agencies are doing for training? How do your peers handle employee rewards? What are other ways to invest in your employees?

Check out the new community - for members only! Here you can share, discuss, ask questions and more!

connect.iiaofil.org 34

insight

august 2022

TECH EXPO

Join IIA of IL and Chicagoland IIA for this technology vendor event.

Thursday, August 25 1:00 - 5:00 pm

Joe’s Live • Rosemont, IL

The IIA of IL Technology Committee & Chicagoland IIA have joined forces for an afternoon of learning & socializing. The event will feature exhibitors with live product demos, an education session on cryptocurrency including IL CE, and food and drinks during the networking reception. Stay for Chicagoland IIA’s

Party in the Park

Let Chicagoland IIA buy you a cold drink!

Attendees are invited to move next door after the Tech Event. Rosemont’s Party in the Park will feature Heartache Tonight, an Eagles Tribute Band and post-show fireworks. Reserve your spot today! Attendee Fee: $50 - IIA of IL Member/$75 - Non-Members Sponsors: $500 (includes 2 tickets to both events)

For details, scan this code or go to https://l.ead.me/TechExpo august 2022

insight

Recently, the IIA of IL asked our members to submit their community service information so that we can help celebrate! If you would like to see your agency highlighted in a future issue of Insight, fill out the short submission form at www.iiaofil.org/Agency-Spotlight.

AAdvantage Insurance Group Throughout the month of April, AAdvantage Insurance Group raised funds for low-income students in the area. Starting April 1, the agency started donating $5 to Veda’s Care Closet for every referral received.

“We are also really hoping to simply support and help fund this incredibly worthy cause,” Blanchette said. “Our CEO, Josh Kaburick, really has a strong sense of community service that he brings to AAdvantage.”

The business has also been collecting shelf stable foods, hygiene products and school supplies.

“We had just decided to start doing a monthly charity spotlight/charity referral program here at AAdvantage so I suggested we feature Veda’s as our first charitable organization,” Blanchette said. “Josh Kaburick and Andrea Wallace [Director and P&C-Operations], had both heard of Veda’s and loved their mission so they signed on to the idea right away.

Veda’s Care Closet was started by Edwardsville High School students Veda Kommineni and Caroline James. Their goal is to provide essentials to low-income students in District 7. The idea behind the organization is that if these students don’t have to worry about basic necessities, they can focus on growing and learning as students. The staff at AAdvantage raised $105 for Veda’s and was able to collect more than 50 items. “The entire team here at AAdvantage is really passionate about this fundraising effort,” said Amanda Blanchette, agency curator and engager of AAdvantage. “We hope that our effort brings awareness to Veda’s Care Closet and its mission to provide students in District 7 with basic necessities so that they can focus on growing as students and not spend time and energy worrying about how to obtain these items.

insight

In May, AAdvantage Insurance Group donated $5 for every referral to Goshen Market Foundation. Their mission is to provide healthy food to the community, educate about sustainable farming practices and agriculture, and practice sustainable agriculture. The agency had 39 referrals and were able to write a check to Goshen Market Foundation for $195. Great work AAdvantage Insurance Group!

august 2022

iia of il news | INSIGHT

IIA of IL Education Classes

september

august

2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 18 23 24 24 25 31

Pre-Licensing-Property & Casualty Virtual E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Ins Webinar CISR-Commercial Casualty 2 Virtual Flood Insurance, FEMA, and the NFIP Webinar E&O Roadmap To Cyber & Privacy Insurance Webinar CISR-Elements of Risk Management Virtual class Pre-Licensing-Life & Health Virtual E&O:Identity Theft, Red Flags, and Money Laundering Webinar E&O - Roadmap to Homeowners Endorsements Webinar Why Good People Do Bad Things: Ethics Deep Dive Webinar CISR-Insuring Commercial Property Virtual CIC-Personal Lines Virtual E&O - Roadmap to Policy Analysis Webinar E&O: Duties, Best Practices, Certificates and More Webinar CISR-Insuring Persoanl Auto Exposures Virtual

New Members bronze associate member Cornerstone National Insurance Company Columbia, MO

copper associate members IDIQ LLC Temecula, CA Michigan Commercial Insurance Mutual Sarasota, FL Smart Choice Agents of Illinois Chicago, IL august 2022

6 7 8 13 14 15 19 21 21 22 26 28

Pre-Licensing-Property & Casualty Virtual E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Ins Webinar Ethics: Essentials for the Insurance Producer Webinar CISR-Personal Residential Property In or Springfield or Virtual Class

Person Virtual!

E&O Roadmap To Cyber & Privacy Insurance Webinar CISR-Personal Lines Miscellaneous Virtual Class Pre-Licensing-Life & Health Virtual CIC-Commercial Multiline Springfield or Virtual Class

son In Petrual! ir or V

E&O:Identity Theft, Red Flags, and Money Laundering Webinar Agent’s E&O: Defenses and Preventions Webinar E&O-Roadmap to Homeowners Endorsements Webinar E&O - Roadmap to Policy Analysis Webinar

New Members member agency Boehler Insurance Springfield, IL D L R Insurance Agency Algonquin, IL Keystone II Insurance Agency, Inc Rockford, IL Partners Hometown Insurance Agency LLC Sparta, IL Titan Insurance Services Inc. Bloomingdale, IL Zanger Insurance Group, LLC Quincy, IL For information regarding IIA of IL membership or company sponsorship, contact Tom Ross, Director of Membership Services, at (217) 321-3003, tross@iiaofil.org. insight

INSIGHT | classifieds for the insurance professional by the insurance professional

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCIES WANTED

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.

17. We are an Independent family-owned agency located in the Chicago area. We are looking to expand through growth and acquisition. If you have a small to medium sized agency and are looking to sell, call or send us a message. We are looking for Personal and Commercial Lines accounts with preferred companies. We look forward to hearing from you.

GALO Insurance Agency, Inc (847) 832-0888 steve@galoagency.com

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

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:

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.

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

Visit www.ciagonline.com for contact information.

We Make Hiring Easier

CareerPlug’s hiring software helps agents attract more qualified candidates, identify the right candidates with confidence, and improve hiring results. CareerPlug will provide IIA of IL members access to a free account that can be used to post jobs, manage applicants, and improve the organizations’ employment brand. Association members can also access a “Pro” version of CareerPlug for a special rate to take hiring to the next level.

Learn more about CareerPlug and check out the brand new IIA of IL job board at

www.iiaofil.org

insight

august 2022

“Stone-age technology is the best.”

SAID NO AGENT EVER. There’s a better way to quote small business online with UFG Insurance.

Simple solutions for complex times

UFG’s new Pro-Quote online experience was built by agents for agents, getting you from zero to bind in mere minutes for most businessowners policies. But don’t take our word for it. Experience the fast Pro-Quote platform — and its efficient, continually improving perks — for yourself. Think UFG for your next small business need.

MORE IMAGINATION.

MORE TO LOVE FROM APPLIED.® Workers’ Compensation • Transportation – Liability & Physical Damage • Construction – Primary & Excess Liability Homeowners – Including California Wildfire & Gulf Region Hurricane • Fine Art & Collections • Structured Insurance Financial Lines • Aviation & Space • Environmental & Pollution Liability • Property • Warranty Fronting & Program Business • Reinsurance

...And More To Come.

It Pays To Get A Quote From Applied.® Learn more at auw.com/MoreToLove or call sales (877) 234-4450 ©2022 Applied Underwriters, Inc. Rated A (Excellent) by AM Best. Insurance plans protected U.S. Patent No. 7,908,157.