e-Insight - June 2023 - NM

THE BEST TECHNOLOGY IS THE TECHNOLOGY

YOU USE

Plus

Leaning on Technology to Increase Client Retention

Survey Reports from ACORD and Catalyit

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Chairman of the Board | Jay Peterson, AFIS, LUTCF (217) 935-6605 | jay@peterson.insurance

President | Kevin Lesch (630) 830-3232 | klesch@arachasgroup.com

President-Elect | Allyson Padilla (618) 393-2195 | allyson@blanksinsurance.com

Vice President | Patrick Taphorn, CIC, CSRM (309) 347-2177 | ptaphorn@unland.com

Secretary/Treasurer | Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR (800)878-9891 x8745 | cjackman@arlingtonroe.com

IIABA National Director | George Daly (708)845-3311 | george.daly@thehortongroup.com

Regional Directors

Region 1 | James Sager (618)322-9891 | james@sagerins.com

Region 2 | Ray Roentz (618)639-2244 | ray.roentz@hwcrins.com

Region 3 | Christopher Leming (217)321-3185 | cleming@troxellins.com

Region 4 | Bart Hartauer, CIC (815)223-1795 | hartauer@hartauer.com

Region 5 | Noele Tatlock (309)642-6855 | ntatlock@unland.com

Region 6 | Thomas Evans, Jr. (779)220-6564 | tevans@crumhalsted.com

Region 7 | David Jenk, Esq. (312)239-2717 | djenk@nwibrokers.com

Region 8 | Charles Hruska (708)798-5700 | chas@hruskains.com

Region 9 | Lindsey Polzin (630)513-6600 | lpolzin@presidiogrp.com

Region 10 | Mohammed Ali CS (847)847-2126 | mali@aliminsurance.com

At-Large Director | Amiri Curry (847)797-5700 | acurry@assuranceagency.com

At-Large Director | Jeff McMillan (815)265-4037 | jeff@mcmillanins.com

At-Large Director | Patrick Muldowney (312)595-7192 | patrick.muldowney@alliant.com

At-Large Director | Luke Sandrock, CIC (815)772-2793 | lsandrock@2cornerstone.com

Committee Chairs

Budget & Finance | Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR (800)878-9891 x8745 | cjackman@arlingtonroe.com

Education | Lisa Lukens (618)942-2556 | salibainsurance@gmail.com

Farm Agents Council | Steve Foster (217)965-4663 | s.foster@ciagonline.com

Government Relations | Dustin Peterson (217)935-6605 | dustin@peterson.insurance

Planning & Coordination | Nick Gunn, CIC (309)691-1300 | nickgunn@nixonagency.com

Technology | Brian Ogden (217)632-2206 | brian@ogdeninsurance.com

Young Agents | Renee Crissie (224)217-6577 | renee@crissieins.com

OMAHA NATIONAL UNDERWRITERS

SECURA

SOCIETY

WAHVE WEST BEND MUTUAL INSURANCE CO

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

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

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

Director of Human Resources, Board Admin Jennifer Jacobs, SHRM-CP - (217) 321-3013 - jjacobs@iiaofil.org

Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Mark Kuchar - (217) 321-3015 - mkuchar@iiaofil.org

Chief Executive Officer Phil Lackman, IOM - (217) 321-3005 - plackman@iiaofil.org

Central/Southern Marketing Representative Lori Mahorney, CISR Elite - (217) 415-7550 - lmahorney@iiaofil.org

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

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

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

Director of Membership Services Tom Ross, CRIS, CPIA - (217) 321-3003 - tross@iiaofil.org

Products & Services Administrator Janet White, CISR - (217) 321-3010 - jwhite.indep12@insuremail.net

Director of Prof. Liability & Ins. Products Carol Wilson, CPIA - (217) 321-3011 - cwilson.indep12@insuremail.net

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How Does It Work?

n Envision’s proprietary system enables brokers to present unique benefit programs not available through any insurance company

n Envision’s professional, easy enrollment and customer service team delivers seamless processing for your customers.

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Savings.

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The worst brings out our best.®

Concentrate on the Insurance Piece

As the insurance industry continues to evolve, technology is playing an increasingly important role in the way agents do business. For baby boomers and Generation X, who may not have grown up with the same level of technology as younger generations, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends.

1. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

CRM software is a powerful tool that can help agents manage their customer relationships more effectively. With CRM software, agents can track customer interactions, manage leads, and automate marketing campaigns. This technology can help agents stay organized and provide better service to their clients.

2. Online Portals

Online portals are becoming increasingly popular among insurance customers, and agents can leverage this trend to improve customer experience. Agents can use online portals to communicate with clients, provide real-time updates on claims, and offer personalized recommendations based on customer data. This technology can help agents stay connected with their clients and provide a more convenient service.

3. Mobile Apps

Mobile apps are another technology trend that is relevant for agents in baby boomer and Generation X. Mobile apps can help agents stay connected with their clients on-thego, providing real-time updates on claims and policy information. This technology can help agents provide a more convenient service to their clients and improve customer experience.

4. Data Analytics

Data analytics is another area where technology is transforming the insurance industry. Agents can use data analytics to gain insights into customer behavior, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. By analyzing customer data, agents can offer personalized coverage options that meet the unique needs of each client.

5. Cybersecurity

As more insurance operations move online, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important. Agents need to ensure that their systems are secure and that customer data is protected. Insurance technology companies are developing new cybersecurity solutions that can help agents protect their systems and data.

I actually didn’t write this article – I asked ChatGPT to write this for me based on the topics of this issue of Insight magazine. We have so much out there that can help us, and the IIA is here to help you sort through it, so you can concentrate on the Insurance piece.

My book recommendation is “The China Study.”

Federal Legislative Conference Recap

By Evan Manning

Political activism is part of daily life for many of our independent insurance agents. However, for one week out of the year several members of the IIA of IL take time out of their busy schedules to come down to Washington D.C. to advocate for their industry at a national level.

During the final week of April, the IIA of IL brought a total of twenty-four people down to Washington D.C. for the Big “I” Federal Legislative Conference. Members of the association over two days met with thirteen members of Congress and their staff to discuss a number of issues affecting the insurance industry and our members. We had highly productive meetings and were able to speak directly with our congressperson in six of our meetings. This event is truly one of the premiere events the IIA of IL has to offer our members.

Our members discussed several issues including: maintaining small business tax fairness and incentivize mitigation through tax credits, ensuring state implementation of data privacy standards, extending and reforming the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), protecting the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP), and opposing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) noncompete proposal. If you would like to take a look at the talking points on each issue you view it on the iiaba.net website or use the link provided here.

In 2022, Illinois finished 2nd among all states in InsurPAC donations. InsurPAC is the Big “I” political action committee (PAC), which raised a record breaking $1.27 million during the 2022 calendar year. Illinois raised $72,524 with our Young Agents raising $11,855 to finish 4th in the country. Having a strong InsurPac is essential to keep the Big “I” the most respected and influential insurance advocacy group on Capitol Hill. U.S. Senators and Representatives are keenly aware of which groups

have the largest PACs because they regularly see those lobbyists and association members at fundraising events. Not only does that constant presence reflect a strong PAC, but it also signals a vibrant and active membership that is paying attention and engaged in the political process.

If you have not already done so this year, I implore you to contribute to InsurPAC and help push Illinois to the top of the leaderboard for 2023. Contributions must be a personal contribution and can be made directly here. If you would like to join us next year for the Federal Legislative Conference, please contact me at emanning@iiaofil.org.

Left to Right: Luke Sandrock, Dustin Peterson, former Congressman Rodney Davis, Jay Peterson, Phil Lackman

Renee Crissie and Allyson Padilla

Cindy Jackman and George Daly

Left to Right: Allyson Padilla, Phil Lackman, Jon Jackman, Ray Roentz, Cindy Jackman, Bob White, Luke Praxmarer, Joe Heneghan, Luke Sandrock, Jay Peterson, Dustin Peterson

Phil Lackman, Luke Sandrock, Bob White, Congressman Mike Bost, Cindy Jackman, Jon Jackman, Allyson Padilla

Evan Manning, Brett Gerger, Jim Roe, Cindy Jackman, Jon Jackman, Jennie Carr, Tom Ross

Jay Peterson, Ray Roentz, Dustin Peterson, Congresswoman Mary Miller, Joe Heneghan, Brett Gerger

Kevin Lesch, Bill Rademacher, Renee Crissie, Luke Praxmarer, Tom Ross, Staffer for Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Chas Hruska, Mohammed Ali, Mike Wojcik, Ken Samson

Brett Gerger, Mike Wojcik, Aaron Groce - Leg. Dir. - Congressman Sean Casten, Mohammed Ali, Chas Hruska, Renee Crissie, Ken Samson, Evan Manning, Bill Rademacher, Kevin Lesch, Tom Walsh

Jon Jackman, Cindy Jackman, Allyson Padilla, Joe Heneghan, Dustin Peterson, Bob White, Jay Peterson, Phil Lackman, Luke Sandrock, Ray Roentz, Greg Sandrock

Ken Samson (front), Chas Hruska, Tom Walsh, Renee Crissie, Tom Walsh, Kevin Lesch, Mike Wojcik, Brett Gerger, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Mohammed Ali, Bill Rademacher, Evan Manning, Luke Praxmarer

ICW Group Insurance Companies Launches New Commercial Package Insurance Offering In Illinois

To help streamline the insurance experience and offer current and potential policyholders more products for a range of risks, ICW Group Insurance Companies, a leading group of property and casualty carriers, announces the launch of its new commercial package insurance offering.

Initially rolling out in Illinois with plans to expand throughout the US, the introduction of Commercial Package grows ICW Group’s available products to include General Liability, Property and Capital Asset coverages. These are in addition to the existing Workers’ Compensation, Surety, Catastrophe and Assumed Reinsurance lines of business. The company is also offering combined protection through its Prism Package™ product.

“Building off of the financial strength and stability ICW Group has established over the past 50 years, we’re excited to offer more commercial products in the marketplace and further support our vision of being a top-tier, multiline property and casualty carrier,” said John Novak, ICW Group’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “The introduction of Commercial Package will benefit the businesses we serve by providing comprehensive coverage for a range of risks along with more flexibility and convenience to our valued agent and broker partners.”

The new Commercial Package lines of business come after extensive research and development to bring forward a product that meets the evolving needs of businesses. ICW Group has built a team of industry veterans to build the lines powered by an underwriting team with years of experience within the industries covered. Key benefits offered to businesses through ICW Group’s Commercial Package include:

• Fast, flexible underwriting with the ability to tailor unique coverages to meet the changing needs of insureds.

• Monoline and combined protection for General Liability, Commercial Property and Capital Assets coverages at competitive rates.

• Specialized in-house risk management expertise and access to on-site risk valuation, proactive claims management, and flexible payment options.

• Fewer restrictions on limitations, accept industries that other carriers are leaving, and the flexibility to assess each submission for both risk and opportunity.

• A nationwide company with admitted paper and an A.M. Best financial rating strength of “A” (Excellent).

“The launch of our Commercial Package product is a result of ICW Group’s commitment to delivering market-leading products and services designed to help agents provide a first-class insurance experience to their clients,” said Dan Rossen, Vice President, Commercial Underwriting. “We have growth plans in place to write more coverages in states throughout the country to meet the multiple insurance needs of our customers. I’m excited to be part of this new journey with ICW Group.”

For more information about ICW Group’s Commercial Package insurance offering and for retail agents looking to get appointed, visit the Commercial Package website at www.icwgroup.com/commercial-package.

Pekin Insurance Welcomes New Executive-Level Team Members

Ryan Hanson has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Pekin Insurance.

Ryan has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and Management Information Systems and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. He is on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association. Additionally, he is a council representative for Wisconsin on the American Institute of CPAs.

Prior to joining Pekin Insurance, Ryan was Vice President & Treasurer, Reinsurance and Statutory Reporting, for Palomar Specialty Insurance Company. He has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, leading business analytics, capital management, reinsurance, financial reporting, planning and analysis, and financial systems.

Pekin Insurance has named Cindy Blackburn to the position of Vice President – Human Resources.

Cindy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Human Resources from the University of Northern Iowa. She holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification and has her Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation.

Cindy has 24 years of experience in all facets of human resources and in a variety of industries, including insurance. Since 2017, she has held the position of Vice President, Global Human Resources for AFNI. Cindy is a passionate, strategic leader committed to creating an engaging culture and employee experience. An avid supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Cindy served on the Midwest Affiliate board for many years.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company is Named One of the 2023 Best Places to Work in Illinois

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company (RMIC) was recently named as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in Illinois. This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in Illinois, benefiting the state’s economy, workforce and businesses.

Statewide, companies entered the two-part process to determine the Best Places to Work in Illinois. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. RMIC has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Illinois in the small employer category.

RMIC was recognized and honored at the Best Places to Work in Illinois awards ceremony coordinated by The Daily Herald Suburban Business on Thursday, May 11.

RLI Employees Raise Nearly $35,000 for Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters Program

Whether there were gutter balls, strikes or spares, a good time was had by all at the 6th Annual RLI/Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake on May 11 in Peoria, IL. Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature fundraiser. Every year, half a million people across America come together to have fun and raise money to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.

It was a packed house as more than 120 RLI employees participated in this annual event. Bowlers enjoyed free pizza and beverages as well as great live music from The Matt Eckberg Band, led by Matt Eckberg, RLI Sr. Product Manager, Exposure Management and E&S Property.

Team member Ryan Hite, Talent Acquisition for RLI and IIA of IL Past President said, “It’s so rewarding to be part of a company culture that is dedicated to the community and gives back in many ways!”

RLI is thrilled to announce they raised nearly $35,000 for Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters! RLI would like to thank everyone who contributed!

DELIVERING MORE BY FOCUSING ON LESS.

Rather than attempt to be all things to every kind of business, we focus on the ones we know best—restaurants and bars, grocery and convenience stores, medical clinics and auto service shops—to deliver outstanding property, casualty and workers compensation insurance. Deep niche expertise, with insight into unique business risks, is how we cover the details that make the biggest difference to our policyholders.

To discuss an agency appointment, give us a call at 888.5.SOCIETY or visit societyinsurance.com

Thank you to our Associate Members.

Diamond Level

Platinum Level

Progressive

Surplus Line Association of Illinois

Gold Level

Arlington/Roe

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of IL

Keystone Insurance Group, Inc.

Pekin Insurance

Silver Level

Imperial PFS

IMT Insurance

SECURA Insurance

West Bend Mutual Insurance Co.

Bronze Level

A. J. Wayne & Associates

AAA Insurance

AMERISAFE

AmTrust North America

Auto-Owners Insurance Co.

Badger Mutual Insurance Company

Berkley Management Protection

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

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

Previsor Insurance & Missouri Employers Mutual

PuroClean Disaster Services

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company

ServiceMaster DSI

SERVPRO of Gurnee

Society Insurance

SPRISKA - Specialty Risk of America

Travelers

UFG Insurance

UIG - The Agent Agency

Utica National Insurance Group

W. A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc./Interstate Risk Placement

Western National Insurance

Westfield

Quarterly Board Meeting

The third quarterly meeting of the IIA of IL Board of Directors was held on May 23, 2023 in conjunction with the Northern IL Golf Outing in Elgin. Association CFO Mark Kuchar presented the FY 2023-2024 Budget for review and consideration. Board members will vote on the budget proposal in August. The Government Relations Committee reported on the successful passage of legislation to impose additional consumer protection requirements on Public Adjusters. The Education Committee will soon launch a partnership with The Institutes to offer CPCU, AAI and ACISR programs. The Technology Committee reviewed data on Catalyit. Board members voted to send the proposal to restructure the board positions for better flexibility and representation of agency to a vote by the membership at the Annual Business Meeting on October 12, 2023.

Women In Insurance Conference

The IIA of IL sponsored four women to attend the Women in Insurance Conference held May 11 in Chicago. Our attendees were IIA of IL President-Elect Allyson Padilla and Region 9 Director Lindsey Polzin (pictured), IIA of IL Marketing Representative Lori Mahorney, and agency member Ellen Anderson. The keynote speaker, Jodi Bondi Norgaard, shared her mission and personal story on creating change in the lives of young girls. There were several panelists that discussed market trends, how to use ChatGPT as a tool for customer service, digest data and even contract review. Other topics of discussion were ESG factors to help assess testing models for bias with AI, data and analytics and prevent loss. Other topics included charting and accelerating your insurance career path and ways to balance your work/ family. Negotiating your pay and supporting women’s health were also hot topics of discussion. There were networking opportunities throughout the day to visit with other professionals in the insurance industry.

Chicagoland Virtual Hiring Discussion

IIA of IL At-Large Director Amiri Curry and Human Resource Director Jennifer Jacobs hosted a virtual roundtable for Chicagoland agencies to discuss some of the top challenges members are facing when it comes to hiring and retaining employees.

The group tackled topics such as: Unrealistic salary expectations; candidates using one job offer for leverage with another; lack of qualified candidates and more. Jacobs shared association resources such as the IIA of IL CONNECT idea exchange and networking platform, CareerPlug hiring tool and other resources that can be found on the association’s website at https://tinyurl.com/IIA-Hiring.

IIA of IL’s Brett Gerger, Director of Education and Agency Resources, presented at the Illinois 1752 Club/ DuPage IIA Spring Clinic & BBQ on May 18 in Woodridge, IL.

Over 60 golfers attended the Northern Illinois Golf Invitational on Wednesday, May 24 at The Highlands in Elgin, IL. Thank you to everyone that participated!

Northern Illinois Golf Invitational

June 13-14

Virtual Class OR In Person (IIA of IL Office, Springfield)

This institute addresses the unique insurance coverage needs of individuals, families, and family members. You will learn to handle the complexities of state-specific personal lines forms. Participants will:

• Complete an in-depth study of the ISO Homeowner Policy with emphasis on the HO3 Form.

• Better understand the application of coverages of a personal auto policy.

• Obtain an overview of personal umbrella/excess liability coverages including underlying limits and self-insured retention.

• And more.

New Members member agency

www.iiaofil.org/education

For information regarding IIA of IL membership or company sponsorship, contact Tom Ross, Director of Membership Services, at (217) 321-3003, tross@iiaofil.org.

for the insurance professional by the insurance professional

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

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

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, 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

We

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

Make Hiring Easier + CareerPlug’s hiring software helps agents attract more qualified candidates, identify the right candidates with confidence, and improve hiring results.