Board of Directors Profiles

Greg Sandrock IIABA National Director The Cornerstone Agency Inc., Deer Grove, IL President, Producer, Janitor if need be, etc.

Number of Years with Agency: 40

Year You Started in Insurance: 1979

Education: Associate Degree in Ag Business, Oh and graduate from Hahnaman Grade School, class of 5... they also made me attend Jr High, and High School... and I passed.

Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: - IIABA National Director - Chair of Big I Crop Task Force - IIA of IL Past Chairman, President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer - IIA of IL Regional Director

In a rural community you simply pitch in: Church Council, School Committees, Local Chamber of Commerce, Mental Health Care Boards.

What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today? It is tough finding time to dedicate outside of our work and family. Technology is awesome but pushes all of us to feel the need to respond immediately to everything. We get weighed down with daily tasks, and it is difficult to allocate extra time to any association, because we are driven to do more things in a smaller window of time. What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges? Throw away all cell phones, and portable devices. :) Seriously, we need to prioritize and carve out time to be involved and get others involved in this organization which helps us in so many ways.

What do you see at the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership? Besides the obvious Government Relations, I feel networking and the ability to reach out among peers for ideas, help, or anything is very beneficial.

What advice do you have to share with someone considering a volunteer position with the IIA of IL? Jump in with both feet and get involved! Just ask - What can I do, you won’t regret it.

Tess Fleming Education Chair Leffelman & Associates, Sublette, IL Producer

Number of Years with Agency: 12

Year You Started in Insurance: 2005 (in college)

Education: Bachelors of Science in Marketing from Bradley University

Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: - IIA of IL Regional Director

I am currently involved in the Dixon Public Schools, Dixon Public Library, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and Sauk Valley Community Yoga as well as a coach for youth soccer at YMCA.

What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today? Involvement. Everyone becomes busier and busier every year between work demands (higher productions) and family/personal life demands. It is difficult to be away from the desk and family to attend insurance association events.

What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges? Easier locations and times. We try to have regional events and classes. EDGE and CONVO are always at convenient locations and days where one can receive an abundant amount of education and networking. With the average producer age around 55, we need to show the value of these events to our younger producers.

Board of Directors Profiles

Ryan Hite At-Large Board Member Eagle Rock Insurance Services, Peoria, IL Owner

Number of Years with Agency: Seven

Year You Started in Insurance: 1999

Education: BS Business Management - Greenville College

Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: - IIA of IL Past Chairman, President, President-Elect, Vice President - IIA of IL Regional Director - Neighborhood House of Peoria - Board of Directors 2016-2019, Personnel Committee Chair - Rotary Club of Peoria North, 2017-Current - Juvenile Diabetic Research Foundation Fundraising Team Captain 2010-Current - Peoria-Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership School Graduate - 2009

What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today? We continue to need more youth and diversity inside the IA channel. And I think technology changes will be huge in the next few years and member agencies will need guidance and research from our Association to help us navigate through them.

What do you see at the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership? The greatest direct benefit to each member may vary, but it’s hard to put a value on what the Association does from a political advocacy standpoint. What we were able to

What do you see as the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership? Education. There are so many classes for designations, webinars, ethics, sales and now pre-licensing.

What advice do you have to share with someone considering a volunteer position with the IIA of IL? Your opinion and voice matters - and needs to be shared. I love people who see the world in a different view than I do. Without diversity, we would not be able to grow. accomplish this past year on federal tax reform helps put some real dollars in our pockets, but almost every year since I’ve been involved we’ve fought off several Statewide bills from becoming law that would have been very detrimental to us and our clients. Offense and Defense are equally important!

What advice do you have to share with someone considering a volunteer position with the IIA of IL? It will probably be one of the best decisions you could make. You give a little and receive a lot. You get to know agents and carriers throughout the State and sometimes Nationally. And make friends/relationships within the industry that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. It really helps you become a better agent for your agency and your clients because you’re better informed and connected. Do it!