e-Insight - February 2024 - NM by Big I Illinois

INSIGHT Competitive Advantage. What makes us different?

Workers Compensation Insurance Coverage in: AZ • CA • CT • GA • IL • NC • NE • NJ • NY • PA • SC

844-761-8400 • omahanational.com

ILLINOIS

February 2024

Just about everything. We do everything in-house to make sure you and your customers receive the highest level of service and satisfaction. Experience the Omaha National advantage: • Competitive commissions • No volume or premium commitments • Simplified annual audits • Dedicated sales representative • Attentive customer service from a real person

Send us a submission and let us prove it. 844-761-8400 omahanational.com

Omaha National Underwriters, LLC is an MGA licensed to do business in the state of California. License No. 078229. “A-” (Excellent) rated coverage through Omaha National Insurance Company, Omaha National Casualty Company, Preferred Professional Insurance Company, and/or Palomar Specialty Insurance Company.

INSIGHT

ILLINOIS

February 2024

Relationships Market Access Contract Contra ct Reviews

- Building Relationships with Carriers - Your Market Access Opportunities - Producer and Carrier Contracts Review & Tips

DEDICATED TO GREAT SERVICE At Grinnell Mutual, we’re here providing great customer service and experienced claims handling for your customers whenever they need us, and your dedicated underwriter can help with complex coverages for your specialized business customers. Trust in Tomorrow.® Talk to us today.

PERSONAL | BUSINESS | REINSURANCE

grinnellmutual.com

“Trust in Tomorrow.” and “Grinnell Mutual” are registered trademarks of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2024.

INSIGHT Features 10

Honoring Their Legacy Through Scholarships - 125th Anniversary Celebration

Producer and Carrier Contracts: An Agent’s Lifeblood, But Will Your Contracts Save You?

ILLINOIS

February 2024

Table of Contents

By Chris Burand

9 Considerations for Agency-Company Appointment Contracts By Scott Kneeland and Eric Lipton

Your Agency’s Market Access Opportunities

Steps to Build a Strong Carrier-Broker Relationship

Significantly Increase Sales by Practicing

By Daniel Smith

By Danielle Laffey and Michelle Dennis

By John Chapin

In This Issue

Trusted Choice

Brett’s 5 Sense

Agency Member News

Associate Member News

Association Staff Update

Big I Illinois News

Classifieds

info@ilbigi.org | www.ilbigi.org | (217) 793-6660 Insight is the official publication of Big I Illinois. The magazine is published monthly for the members of the state association, with the office located at 4360 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62711-7009; Consumer Website: www.ChooseIndependent.com. Big I Illinois 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@ilbigi.org. For advertising information, contact Tami Hubbell at thubbell@ilbigi.org.

14-Time Winner

Advertisers ILLINOIS

Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairman of the Board - Kevin Lesch klesch@arachasgroup.com President - Allyson Padilla allyson@blanksinsurance.com President-Elect - Patrick Taphorn, CIC, CSRM ptaphorn@unland.com

Applied Underwriters

Berkshire Hathaway Guard Ins. Group

Envision Healthcare

Grinnell Mutual

Cover Tip

Omaha National

West Bend Insurance Company

Vice President - Thomas Evans, Jr. tom.evans@assuredpartners.com Secretary/Treasurer - Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR cjackman@arlingtonroe.com IIABA National Director - George Daly george.daly@thehortongroup.com

Directors Mohammed Ali - mali@aliminsurance.com Amiri Curry - acurry@assuranceagency.com Charles Hruska - chas@hruskains.com David Jenk, Esq. - djenk@nwibrokers.com Jeff McMillan - jeff@mcmillanins.com Patrick Muldowney - patrick.muldowney@alliant.com Lindsey Polzin - lpolzin@presidiogrp.com Ray Roentz - ray.roentz@hwcrins.com James Sager - james@sagerins.com Luke Sandrock, CIC - lsandrock@2cornerstone.com Noele Tatlock - ntatlock@unland.com

Committee Chairs Budget & Finance | Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR cjackman@arlingtonroe.com Education | Lisa Lukens salibainsurance@gmail.com Farm Agents Council | Steve Foster s.foster@ciagonline.com Government Relations | Dustin Peterson dustin@peterson.insurance Planning & Coordination | Nick Gunn, CIC nickgunn@nixonagency.com Technology | Brian Ogden brian@ogdeninsurance.com Young Agents | Renee Crissie renee@crissieins.com

Big I Illinois Staff Director of Information and Technology

Shannon Churchill (217) 321-3004 - schurchill@ilbigi.org

Director of Education and Agency Resources

Brett Gerger, CIC (217) 321-3006 - bgerger@ilbigi.org

Accounting & Admin Services

Tami Hubbell, CIC (217) 321-3016 - thubbell@ilbigi.org

Director of Human Resources, Board Admin

Jennifer Jacobs, SHRM-CP (217) 321-3013 - jjacobs@ilbigi.org

Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

Mark Kuchar (217) 321-3015 - mkuchar@ilbigi.org

Chief Executive Officer

Phil Lackman, IOM (217) 321-3005 - plackman@ilbigi.org

Director of Membership Services

Lori Mahorney, CISR Elite (217) 415-7550 - lmahorney@ilbigi.org

Director of Government Relations

Evan Manning (217) 321-3002 - emanning@ilbigi.org

Office Administrator

Kristi Osmond, CISR (217) 321-3007 - kosmond@ilbigi.org

Director of Communications

Rachel Romines (217) 321-3024 - rromines@ilbigi.org

Marketing Representative Director of Professional Liability & Insurance Products

Tom Ross, CRIS, CPIA (217) 321-3003 - tross@ilbigi.org Carol Wilson, CPIA (217) 321-3011 - cwilson@ilbigi.org

Help Save Your Clients’ Healthcare Dollars You Can Pair An Envision HRA With Any Carriers’ Group Health Plan Envision Healthcare is the only HRA Plan Provider to protect your employee’s healthcare dollars by paying the provider directly. Clients save an average of 40% in annual premium while still allowing employees to have a benefit rich healthcare plan.

How Does It Work? n Envision’s proprietary system enables

brokers to present unique benefit programs not available through any insurance company

PROVIDER RECAPTURES Total Refund $336,235.39

n Envision’s professional, easy enrollment

40000

and customer service team delivers seamless processing for your customers.

35000 30000

n Envision’s innovative reporting capability

20000

is designed to enable management to make informed decisions concerning their employees’ healthcare costs

15000

$35,603.76

$36,710.59 $32,092.85

$27,822.06 $23,620.65

25000

$32,130.18

$30,552.71

$31,062.00

$28,910.73

$23,206.05 $18,273.58

$16,250.23

10000 5000 0

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

Adding an HRA Plan Saves Your Clients Money and Improves Your Agency’s Retention “Their claims system is the most flexible one we’ve found in the marketplace. They offer excellent customer service and they pay the medical provider directly. – Augie Hirt, CFO Best of all, we get a live person every time we call!”

We Help You Increase Your Business While Your Clients Save Healthcare Dollars!

To Learn More About Our Services, Call Us Today At 866-672-7526 Or Visit Us At www.EnvisionHealthcare.com

DEC

Finding the right technology solution is something to get excited about Connect with top vendors serving the insurance industry and simplify your workflow.

Check out TechCompare today! SEO | Digital Marketing | Social Media | Websites | and more! www.TechCompare.IndependentAgent.com Looking for marketing or technology partners for your agency? Browse service providers that have experience with the independent agency channel. These tools are focused on sales/marketing, operations, and customer experience to increase efficiency and help your agency grow. Look for vendors with the ‘MRP’ tag to see where you can spend your Trusted Choice Marketing Reimbursement Program Dollars!! You can also browse for the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology partners (ACT).

5 2 1 Honoring Their Legacy Through Scholarships Over the years Big I Illinois has honored the legacy of those who served this industry with several scholarships to assist individuals interested in a career in the industry and to those currently working in the industry, looking to enhance their knowledge through a designation program. Ron Allen Scholarship Award For High School Seniors

Will Cook Memorial Scholarship For High School Seniors

Farm Agentsa division Council of Big I Illinois

This scholarship was introduced in 2022 to honor Will Cook, who served as a Marketing Representative with Frontier-Mt Carroll Mutual. Will’s father Larry Cook, CEO of Frontier-Mt. Carroll Mutual, is actively involved and a great supporter of Big I Illinois and the Farm Agents Council. This scholarship is awarded annually to an Illinois High School Senior pursuing career in the agricultural field such as farm/ranch management, farm science, agriculture sales, insurance, and more and provides $1,000 to the recipient. Deadline to Apply: March 1

Apply at ILFarmAgents.com

Ron Allen, founder and past president of the A. Allen Insurance Agency in Chicago, was a trailblazer in the insurance industry as one of the first African American’s to excel as an agent. Ron was instrumental in growing the Chicago Chapter of the National African American Insurance Association, with which Big I Illinois has had a long and productive relationship. He was a Silver Lifetime member of the NAACP and was awarded the 2009 “50 Men of Excellence” Award by the Chicago Defender Newspaper. Ron served as the 2009-2010 Chairman of the National African American Insurance Association, was awarded the NAAIA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 and also accepted as a Fellow by the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance in 2011. To support the next generation of industry talent, NAAIA Chicago’s Ron Allen Scholarship is open to high school seniors in the Chicagoland area and provides $2,500 to the recipient. Deadline to Apply: March 15 Apply at naaiachicago.org/scholarships

Insight

Gene Sberna CIC Scholarship For Member Agency Personnel

In remembrance of Big I Illinois Past President and education advocate, Eugene Sberna, Big I Illinois offer scholarships for employees of member agencies who are willing to take the necessary commitment of time, hard work and dedication to earn the CIC designation. Gene earned his CIC in 1986 and was a volunteer for the North Suburban Association of Insurance Agents in the 90s. He served as President of Big I Illinois during the 1999-2000 fiscal year. Covers the cost of one two-day Big I Illinois hosted CIC seminar. Apply at ilbigi.org/education

February 2024

Roy and Harriett Robinson Scholarship

Established upon the retirement of Roy Robinson, who served as Education Director of the association and then for 18 years as Executive Director until his retirement in 1990. This scholarship provided $500 per semester for a junior or senior in college who was enrolled in a business program with an interest in insurance. Roy and Harriett delighted in attending the convention to personally present the scholarships to students until 2009 when the scholarships were paused due to a lack of applicants.

Named in honor of Big I Illinois Secretary Treasurer Keith “Butch” Payne, who died in 1993. This scholarship was presented annually to a student who was a junior or senior in college and enrolled in a business program with an interest in insurance. This scholarship was last awarded in 2011 due to declining interest by applicants.

5 2 Photos here appeared in prior association magazines. For more association history, request a copy of March of the Acronyms: The Rise of Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, by Jack Payan, CPCU.

To order a free copy, send an email request to Jennifer Jacobs at jjacobs@ilbigi.org.

ILLINOIS

Insurance Careers

Keith Payne Memorial Scholarship

New ip! h s r a l o h Sc

Big I Illinois is proud to introduce a new scholarship developed to assist students in exploring college studies that could lead to a career in insurance! Funds from the Roy and Harriett Robinson Scholarship and the Keith Payne Scholarship have been preserved in interest-bearing accounts and will now be made available to the next generation of students.

The Insurance Careers Scholarship will be open to high school seniors in good academic standing who plan to enroll in business, marketing, entrepreneurship, or other degrees with an interest in careers within the insurance industry. Annually, two students will be selected for a one-time scholarship payment of $2,000 to be used towards their tuition. Look for details to be released soon.

February 2024

insight

Your Agency’s Market Access Opportunities By Daniel Smith In today’s world – even with a hard market – insurance agencies have a plethora of options on how to access carriers for placing business. The traditional model of direct appointments has been skewed by the prevalence of market access programs and wholesale brokers. But is this a bad thing? That all depends on how your agency leverages its opportunities. The following are some of the ways your agency can or may already access markets.

Big I Markets

Wholesale Brokers

Independent Market Solutions (IMS) Markets

Wholesale Brokers, Managing General Agents, E&S Brokers, and other insurance intermediary partners can provide access to carriers for business that is specialized, hard to place, or in areas where your agency may not have as much expertise. It is very wise to have strong broker relationships, as these partners are often relied on in crucial market situations for clients.

Aggregators

Aggregators and market access groups have typically built a stable of carriers by gathering premium from dozens – if not hundreds – of agencies how may not write enough on their own to secure a direct contract. Often utilized by smaller or more rural agencies, the modern version of these partners includes agencies of all sizes.

Agency Networks

Networks are a massive piece of today’s independent agent landscape. Some estimates place national involvement in an aggregator or agency network as high as 70% of independent agencies! These partners often provide enhanced market access that may include dedicated underwriters, specialty markets, and differences in commission or contingencies. However, they vary greatly and often have extreme differences in membership contracts. February 2024

As a member of Big I Illinois, you have access to our national partnership with Big I Markets. Your agency is able to access markets for affluent personal lines, standard personal lines, bonds, cyber, flood, habitational, small commercial, and more through carriers including AIG, Chubb, Progressive, Safeco, Travelers, and more. Simply visit bigimarkets.com to get started! Our members also have access to IMS, a partnership we’ve helped develop with 14 other Big I states. This can give your agency access to markets for BOP, work comp, home, auto, GL, and more, through carriers including Attune, Branch, CNA, Travelers, UFG, and others. Get started now at tinyurl. com/BigI-Illinois-IMS.

Big I Illinois Markets

In addition to Big I Markets and IMS, our members can also write personal umbrella policies or home business insurance through RLI, flood insurance through Selective, workers’ comp through our administered program, and our specialty Mexico tourist auto program. Check them all out at ilbigi.org/ membership/agency-membership/resources. As you can see, your agency has a variety of options for market access. But choose your partnerships wisely! Be sure to review agreement language, confirm expiration ownership, and understand your options should direct appointment opportunities arise.

Daniel Smith is Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of Market Retrievers and also writes and collects content for Insight magazine. Find out more at marketretrievers.com.

insight

Agency Member News Big I Illinois Member Agency Celebrates 100 Years in Business

Mikkelsen, Kelly, & Kipp Insurance (MKK Insurance) in Alsip, IL will be celebrating their 100th year in business during 2024. Originally opened in 1924 as George P. O’Toole Insurance and later O’Toole & Houlihan Insurance, MKK has had three generations of family members work for the agency. Original owner George O’Toole is current President John Mikkelsen’s uncle. John’s son, Scott, is the current director of sales and third generation owner. The agency is also owned and operated by Vice President Carl Kipp who has been with MKK since 1984. “My uncle started this agency with the goal of protecting his clients and friends as best he could,” John Mikkelsen said. “He always felt that the best way to do this was to forge lifelong relationships not only with his clients, but also with the insurance carriers themselves. We hold this theory to be just as true today.” John is also celebrating a big anniversary this year, having been with MKK for 50 years. MKK Insurance has held contracts with some insurance carriers for as long as 100 years. They even have some customers that have been with the agency since the 1930’s. The agency has been honored with a number of company awards including the Safeco Award of Excellence, National Life President’s Club and EMC Premier Partner designation. “Reaching 100 years in today’s world says a lot and its something we are very proud of. Unfortunately, you don’t see many agencies reach this level of longevity. I think it’s a great testament to who we are at MKK and the loyal clientele we have been so lucky to work with over the years.” Scott Mikkelsen said. Mikkelsen, Kelly, & Kipp prides itself on the values set forth for the past 100 years. They feel that honesty, respect and loyalty are the best ways to service their clients. Congratulations to the team at Mikkelsen, Kelly, & Kipp Insurance!

In Memoriam Big I Illinois member Bill Leighman Ghent, Jr., 76, died on January 24, 2024, surrounded by several of his long-time friends and his beloved dog, Sully. He is survived by a son, Bill Leighman Ghent, III, of Washington, D.C., and was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, in 2017. Bill, known as “Willie” to his friends and family, was born on November 14, 1947, in Harrisburg, Illinois, to the late Bill, Sr., and Lorraine Ghent. A graduate of Harrisburg High School in 1965, Bill married Linda in 1967 before graduating from Parsons College in Iowa in 1969. After graduation, Bill first worked as a history teacher and later as a principal in Cairo schools before moving back to Harrisburg. After his father’s death in 1973, Bill took over the family’s insurance brokerage, Bill Ghent Inc. Almost $200,000 in debt at the time of his father’s passing, Bill worked to bring the agency into profitability and became one of the region’s most respected business leaders and insurance agents. One of his favorite insurance sayings was, “Don’t spend a cent until you see Bill Ghent,” and his red truck was always first on the scene after an accident to reassure his clients that they would be okay. His pride in and his devotion to Harrisburg was never more apparent than in 2012, when the city was hit by a devastating tornado. With several of his clients homeless or facing extensive repairs, Bill worked tirelessly to help his community and his friends rebuild. As he told the New York Times, “The truth is, we’re used to taking cover by now, one way or the other. What people don’t understand is you just make it out, just make it done.” The same could be said of Bill himself, who faced multiple health challenges throughout his life, especially after losing Linda in a fatal car crash in 2017. With the help of family and friends, Bill worked to put himself back together again, defying expectations just as he had done many times before. Bill served as Big I Illinois Region 1 Director in the late 80’s and early 90’s and remained an active member until his death. Big I Illinois staff and board members extend our sincere condolences to Bill’s friends, family, and co-workers.

February 2024

insight

Associate Member News Thank you to our Associate Members.

Diamond Level

Platinum Level

Gold Level

Arlington/Roe Blue Cross/Blue Shield of IL Pekin Insurance

Progressive Surplus Line Association of Illinois

Silver Level Imperial PFS IMT Insurance Keystone Insurance Group, Inc. SECURA Insurance

Bronze Level A. J. Wayne & Associates AAA Insurance AMERISAFE AmTrust North America Auto-Owners Insurance Co. Berkley Aspire Berkley Management Protection Berkley Small Business Solutions Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Companies BluSky Restoration Contractors BriteCo Jewelry & Watch Insurance Central Illinois Mutual Insurance Company Chubb Columbia Insurance Group Continental Western Group Cornerstone National Insurance Company Cowbell Cyber Donald Gaddis Company, Inc. Donegal Insurance Group EMC Insurance Encova Insurance Erie Insurance Group Foremost Choice Property & Casualty Forreston Mutual Insurance Company Frankenmuth Insurance Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company IA Valuations Illinois Mine Subsidence Ins. Fund Illinois Public Risk Fund Indiana Farmers Insurance 22

Insight

Insurance Program Managers Group J M Wilson Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance Madison Mutual Insurance Company Main Street America Insurance Maximum Independent Brokerage, LLC Mercury Insurance Group Method Workers Comp Midwest Insurance Company Nationwide NHRMA Mutual Workers’ Compensation Novatae Risk Group Pinnacle Minds, Inc. Previsor Insurance & Missouri Employers Mutual PuroClean Disaster Services Rhodian Group Rockford Mutual Insurance Company ServiceMaster DSI SERVPRO of Gurnee Society Insurance SPRISKA - Specialty Risk of America Steadily Travelers UFG Insurance Universal Property & Casualty Utica National Insurance Group W. A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc./Interstate Risk Placement West Bend Insurance Company Western National Insurance Westfield February 2024

Associate Member News SECURA Insurance Named Great Place to Work

SECURA Insurance is proud to be certified by Great Place to Work® for the eighth year in a row. This certification is based entirely on what employees say about their experience working at SECURA, which is collected through an anonymous survey. This year, 91% of employees said it is a great place to work – 34 points higher than the average U.S. company. “We are proud to be named a Great Place to Work certified company for the eighth consecutive year,” said Sarah Krause, SECURA Vice President - Human Resources. “This certification highlights our employees’ genuine feedback about working at SECURA, and the results show our employees are having consistently positive experiences in a variety of areas.” SECURA’s Great Place to Work survey results ranked the company’s strengths and evaluated employee feedback on areas of leadership, fairness, rewards, and career opportunities. The results showed 97% of employees say when joining the company employees are made to feel welcome, 96% say SECURA’s facilities contribute to a good working environment, and 95% say they are able to take time off from work when they think it’s necessary.

In 2023, SECURA was ranked number 29 on the Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance for large companies list, number 36 on the Best Workplaces for Women for large companies list, and number 85 on the Best Workplaces for Millennials for large companies list. A summary of SECURA’s Great Place to Work ratings can be found at https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certifiedcompany/5003080.

West Bend Mutual Holding Company Plan Passes

West Bend held a special Meeting of Members to consider a plan to convert to a mutual holding company. The plan passed on December 8, 2023, with over 90% of the votes cast in favor of conversion. Effective January 1, 2024, the company officially became West Bend Insurance Company and now operates as a stock insurance company under West Bend Mutual Holding Company. West Bend Mutual Holding Company is still owned and governed by its shareholders.

This certification qualifies SECURA to be named on other Great Place to Work and Fortune Best Workplaces lists.

Small Business Insurance The traditional coverage your clients need. The customized options your clients desire. The affordable price your clients deserve. We’ve been successfully protecting small businesses since 1983.

Browse all of our products at www.guard.com. February 2024

insight

Association Staff Update

ILLINOIS Big I Marketing Summit

Lori Mahorney and Rachel Romines attended the Big I Marketing Summit in January where their counterparts from over 20 other Big I State association spent two days collaborating and learning from some of the best in marketing and communications.

Big I Winter Meeting

At the January IIABA Winter Board Meeting, Big I Board of Directors voted to adopt a policy statement on agent compensation and appointments in the current hard insurance market. The statement is intended for all insurance industry stakeholders and emphasizes the critical and unique role that independent agents and brokers play in the insurance marketplace. It details the services they provide for both consumers and carriers and expresses concern about recent carrier reductions in agent commissions and inappropriate agency terminations. Go to www.independentagent.com or scan the code to DOI CE learn more.

Advisory Council

Big I Illinois Sponsors ISU Professional Sales Institute Big I Illinois has signed on as a sponsor of the Illinois State University Professional Sales Institute for the 2024 and 2025 school years. This partnership will support association efforts to promote careers in insurance. Big I Illinois members can benefit directly through taking advantage of opportunities to participate in the Redbird National Sales Competition, the Spring Sales Career Job Fair and other networking events, giving agencies access to students who will become the sales professionals of the future. Additionally, students will learn about the Big I Illinois job board at www.ilbigi.org/careers where agencies can post open internships and entry-level job opportunities. For more information or to get involved in the Big I Illinois talent Associate initiatives, contact Member Virtual Visits Jennifer Jacobs at Led by Lori Mahorney, Director of jjacobs@ilbigi.org Membership, several staff members or (217) 321-3013. participated in Associate Member virtual visits and will continue to do so throughout 2024. The purpose of visiting is to connect with our valued partners, enabling us to share association updates, advocate for our member agencies, and gain insights into their current initiatives.

Shannon Churchill is a member of the Illinois Department of Insurance’s Continuing Education Advisory Council. The newly formed council will meet twice monthly through April for the purpose of amending the CE and provider responsibilities.

Big I Illinois staff has been hosting monthly virtual town meetings over the past few months. Topics have included Navigating the Hard Market, Market Access options, the state of the industry, agency marketing made easy and resources to hire, retain, and compensate your staff. Sessions were recorded and are available in CONNECT. The next meeting will be Monday, February 26 at 2:00 pm with Evan Manning, Government Relations Director. He will present, “Navigating Illinois Politics and Policies: Why Attending Insurance Industry Legislative Day Matters.” Visit CONNECT for details and to sign up for these free sessions (connect.ilbigi.org).

Local Legislative Events

Local legislative events were held on January 26 in Vernon Hills and Wheaton. Several staff members attended and provided information about issues facing the insurance and financial industry. Local legislators were also in attendance. 24

Insight

March 13 - Springfield Education: 2:00 - 5:00 pm Reception: 5:30 - 7:30 pm

www.insurancelegislativeday.org February 2024

Big I Illinois News

February 14-15 Virtual Class

16 hours of IL CE credit CE Available in other States, contact IIA of IL for details Topics include Commercial Property Coverage Forms & Endorsements, Commercial Property Causes of Loss & Endorsements, Time Element Coverages & Endorsements

ilbigi.org/education

Illinois

Insurance Pre-Licensing Program

Upcoming Property & Casualty KE

LET TA

A COFFE

SPEND AN HOUR UPGRADING YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH A

WEBINAR

ilbigi.org/education

February 2024

March 5-6 - Virtual April 2-3 - Virtual & In-Person (Springfield) May 7-8 - Virtual

Upcoming Life & Health February 21-22 - Virtual April 16-17 - Virtual

ILPrelicensing.com insight

Classifieds INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCIES WANTED

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 strictly looking for Personal Lines and Small Commercial accounts with preferred companies.

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

LOOKING FOR AN EXIT STRATEGY?

23. Are you looking for an exit strategy while still continuing to produce for a few years or are you ready to sell now? Paczolt Insurance would like to talk with you! We are an independent agency dating back to the 1970s that is located in the western suburbs. Our focus is on mid-to-small commercial accounts and personal lines. Our companies include EMC, Badger Mutual, Safeco, Progressive, and Travelers. We have the flexibility and capital to get a deal done. Contact:

Susan Troppito Paczolt Insurance susan@piaigroup.com (708) 215-5202

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.

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, Buy-Sell 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 howwe 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

The next step in your

insurance career is a few clicks away.

INDUSTRY JOB BOARD LISTING ilbigi.org/careers 26

Insight

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

February 2024

Everything. Lots of companies make promises about how much your client can save if they switch their business insurance. Well, here’s our promise – they can save everything. Every memory. Every detail. Everything they’ve worked hard to build. Protect what’s important for your client with a policy from an insurance company you can trust.

The worst brings out our best.®

Risk is everywhere. In everything. With Applied Underwriters by your side, the gears of commerce, innovation, and exploration keep turning. Experience the unrivaled heart and unwavering service that only Applied delivers. Learn more at auw.com or call (877) 234-4450.