e-Insight - March 2024 - NM

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE in the INSURANCE INDUSTRY

- ChatGPT and AI for Agencies

- 125th Celebration: Association Trailblazers

- D eveloping and Validating New Producers

40

40 UNDER Part 1

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The worst brings out our best.®

ILLINOIS

Board of Directors

Chairman of

President - Allyson Padilla allyson@blanksinsurance.com

President-Elect - Patrick Taphorn, CIC, CSRM ptaphorn@unland.com

Vice President - Thomas Evans, Jr. tom.evans@assuredpartners.com

Secretary/Treasurer - Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR cjackman@arlingtonroe.com

IIABA National

- 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

Follow us on socials.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carol Wilson, CPIA (217) 321-3011 - cwilson@ilbigi.org

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Celebrating Association Trailblazers

As we commemorate 125 years of our association’s rich history, we are honored to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of our Association Trailblazers. From the first Black president to the inspiring strides made by female leaders and our youngest president, these trailblazers serve as a reminder of the significance of representation and diversity in leadership. Through their journeys, we’ve gathered invaluable insights and inspiration that allow us to continue to serve our membership in the best way possible, as well as support all independent insurance agents throughout the state.

SHARON

HEATON PIA President - 1988-1989

How did you get into the industry?

I was working in systems heading up a project for Country Companies. The head of sales for the state literally came to my office weekly to try to convince me to become an agent. He wanted to have a female agent in the state before State Farm did. I was getting married so was going to move. IBM offered me a job in Boston and Chicago. The head of sales had told me I could go anywhere in the state. So I thought why not try being an agent. My husband had offices in Chicago and New York so I requested as far from the city of Chicago as possible but still close to O’Hare and still have trains available into the city. That landed me in Kane county. Of course they had no need nor territory for an agent in Kane county so I also started as a scratch agent. But, Country Companies beat State Farm on employing the first female full time agent.

How did you get involved with the association?

After 10 months of selling for Country Companies I realized what a captive agent meant ... l couldn’t always provide the right products to meet my clients needs and I didn’t own my business. So, that’s when I went independent. We were again in a new area, Pontiac, IL. A fellow agent in a neighboring town invited me to an agents meeting they were having in Livingston County so I attended and that was the beginning of my association life.

Was there someone that you leaned on for guidance or support in career?

I have to admit that I really didn’t have much background in insurance products since I had been in systems work prior to becoming an agent. My husband was a great help in educating me as his background was underwriting and reinsurance. He was also very encouraging when I was starting out as a scratch agent and knowing no one in the area. When he would come home and I had newspapers laid out on the floor open to the want ads, he would always encourage me that I could do this and not to give up! I also had great support and help from my fellow agents in the association. Their help was very important to me.

What were the major issues while president?

Mandatory auto was one issue. But probably one of the most pressing issues was our future with CIC. We had a contract to do CIC in IL and offered a discounted rate to our members. That became a major issue with CIC and came to a head that year. We finally came to an agreement with CIC and maintained the license.

Were there challenges you faced as a female agent?

Actually, I can’t recall any real challenges. If anything, it was an advantage being a novelty in getting people to work with us. I do recall me when I was at a legislative function in DC and a member of another organization looking at me and stating “We have thought about maybe getting a female involved.” I just laughed it off and he ended up being a good friend.

What were the benefits from association involvement?

The benefits were many!! The education piece is invaluable. But, I think the legislative efforts of the association and it’s members is so important! The legislation that is passed can impact our businesses more than anything and it is very important that we stay very active and involved to try to influence things we need in legislation and to avoid what can damage our clients livelihoods as well as our own. Most important is the friendships that have been made and continue throughout life!!

What would you tell someone who was considering getting involved as a volunteer?

DO IT!!! The more you give, the more you will get in return!

JULIE HEARRING PIIAI President - 1998-1999

Tell us a little bit about your background. How did you get into the industry?

After returning to Olney with my husband and small daughter in 1977, I joined my father’s Agency to help him out for a little while. I was helping until I could decide what I was going to do permanently. Many, many years later, here I am still working in the Agency, of which I am now owner and thinking of retirement!

What challenges did you encounter as a woman in the insurance industry?

The biggest challenge I encountered was getting people to take me seriously as a young woman. At the time I joined the firm, women were still not looked upon as “owners, managers” and I was young, which compounded the situation. I took it as a challenge and began trying to learn everything that I could to better myself. Knowledge is power and my father reinforced that over and over. He gave me every opportunity to learn that was necessary and to expand my frame of reference.

How did you first get involved with the association and who or what, or who, prompted you to go through the chairs and serve as president?

I began by tagging along with my father to his committee meetings to see what they were doing. Eventually, I was asked to become a committee member of Personal Lines, then Young Agents, and other committees. It followed that I was then asked to Chair the committees and the rest is history. My father was my biggest champion, encouraging me and allowing time for the Association work. We often traveled together and worked on Association work together.

Can you describe what the PIIAI was like during your presidency? You were the first female president of the merged association, but the merger had happened several years prior. Were all aspects of the merger settled/running smoothly? What were the major issues being discussed in the industry?

Truthfully, it was a rather stressful time getting through the merger; however, once we determined to go forward, the group worked together to overcome any disagreements. I think this can be witnessed by seeing the great friendships that were bonded at the time. During my year as President, I can say there weren’t many struggles with those issues. We were trying to bring in new ideas and services to benefit our Agency Membership. There was a new communications program which was to bring awareness to the public of who Independent Insurance Agents were in an advertising campaign. As is still the case today, the Government Affairs committee was hard at work with the Legislature resolving issues and helping them understand who we were and what we stood for.

At that time, we had Technical Committees: Personal Lines & Commercial Lines which worked with actual policy forms and content. They were my passion and always have been. I began on the Personal Lines Committee and worked with suggestions for coverage, changes in forms, etc working with ISO and the Mid-America Technical Conference Committee to get this accomplished. Dad, Chuck Schramm, Ron Whitaker, and many others worked on these committees. Dennis Garrett was our staff contact and he often elbowed us for digging deep into the forms and language. Urban Agents and Young Agents Committees were striving to include a broader spectrum of participants: women, urban agents of color and ethnicity and were reaching out to be more inclusive and build our brand as Independents. The biggest struggle and challenge was setting up the Agents Mortgage Services. This was our endeavor to get into the Financial Services realm. It ended up being a source of great anxiety to all of us on the Board and leadership and was eventually closed out. During my year, Dennis Garrett and Ralph Swank were successful in getting the Agent Bonding Program going, which we still use today. Also, the Premium Financing Program was setup and that was also very helpful to many agents. These have been very beneficial to our member agencies. It was obviously a year of great teamwork, and I acknowledge that I had a great team in the Board of Directors and Staff.

It is interesting that you were president during the 100th anniversary of the independent agents association and your daughter is president during the 125th anniversary. I am quite proud that Allyson has chosen to work on the Board and go through the chairs. I am proud to have her represent our industry as President of the Association. She is a strong advocate for our distribution system and all that we stand for. My dad would have been so proud to see this – indeed, he did see her working on the Board and loved it!

What do you think the future holds for the insurance industry?

This industry is ever changing and should be, as risks develop and our world around us changes. It can also be very s-l-o-w to change when we want it to. That has always been the case from my father’s time through mine and my daughter’s time. I believe firmly that the Independent Agency System provides great value to our customers. We need to continue looking for ways to advocate for and assist our customers. We need to remind our company partners of this and work together to provide excellent products in the marketplace. And finally, we need to support each other, sharing the message of what we stand for as we move forward.

Celebrating Association Trailblazers

Ryan Hite

IIA of IL President - 2018-2019

How did you get into the industry?

I was born into it! Growing up with parents that owned an agency became an opportunity to learn, work, and get licensed very early. Even though it wasn’t necessarily my career intention, I looked at a difficult job market upon graduating college and I had more insurance experience than most 22 year old’s. Fortunately, a carrier partner was hiring in Peoria and after spending a few years learning claims, underwriting, and marketing, I transitioned back to the agency/sales side.

How did you get involved with the association?

I believe in being active within my community and serving where I can be helpful. That includes where I live, the people I love, and my career. I started in the Association by attending classes and going to the convention. I met some amazing people that I looked up to and respected in our business and when they asked for help I raised my hand. What really made the difference for me was attending our State and Federal Legislative events and then asking to attend and observe a Board meeting to learn more. Shortly after that I was asked to serve as Regional Director and then Rick Sutton and Cindy Jackman approached me about going through the Chairs. I’m forever grateful to them!

What challenges did you encounter as the youngest person to serve as association president?

One of the most difficult things to navigate during that time was having a young family. I wanted to meet as many members and attend as many events as I could to learn and advocate for our industry. Planning that time away from my family and business was difficult at times and I wish my wife could have shared in more of those experiences with me.

What were some of your goals or initiatives for the year you were president?

My two main goals were finding ways to attract more young people to our industry and helping members navigate changes in demographics and diversity.

In what ways have you or your business benefited from involvement?

I’ve always said that I benefited way more than what I invested. First and foremost, the relationships built by serving together are incalculable. Education is a little easier to measure, but it goes far beyond CE/classes and develops into markets, trends, and awareness where you wouldn’t otherwise have knowledge. Very eye-opening to me all along was the direct impact political advocacy has on our business… there are too many examples to list but being involved gives you the opportunity to help create, shape, or veto potential changes and also establishes good working relationships when valuable input is needed.

What is your biggest prediction for the future of the industry?

The industry will always be relationship driven. Technology will change and we will continue to evolve our processes and practices, but caring for the customer and understanding their needs is not replaceable. I also believe that independent agents/brokers are perfectly poised to adapt to the market, respond quickest to needs, and become the primary distribution channel for the industry.

Charles Hilson IIA of IL President - 2013-2014

How did you get into the industry?

I entered the insurance industry through the door of ‘providential failure.’ The summer before college graduation, I was promised a position as an account executive in a Chicago advertising agency that I was interning with. That job evaporated a month before my actual graduation.

After nearly a two year job search it became clear that the advertising industry was inviting me to seek a career elsewhere! My primary ‘new career’ criteria was a company willing to make a ‘significant investment’ in career training and development.

The St. Paul Insurance Companies and their six week training program was the perfect answer. This launched a ten year career with some of the finest insurance carriers in the industry. I worked in underwriting, marketing, agent development and national sales.

I’ve always thought my experience equity with insurance companies was my ‘unique service proposition’ as an independent agent! It has always been my goal to represent and champion every member of my client’s “service circle.”

How did you get involved with the association?

My son joined our family agency directly from college - (contrary to my ‘let the carriers train you first’ advice). I wanted to expose him to the broadest professional universe - the association was the answer in terms of professional development and industry horizons.

Eventually, I had to practice what I was preaching as regards industry engagement. As they say, the rest is history.

What were some of your goals or initiatives for the year you were president?

I wanted to align the Association with our evolving client and emerging agency base. That involved greater diversity in our leadership and staff. As well as a broadening of Association focus regarding the industry growth occurring north of I-80.

But my greatest unstated goal was that during our tenure, the Association would be a ‘leader’ i.e., local communities, legislatively, culturally, etc. - rather than a ‘reflection’ of surrounding norms and standards.

In what ways have you or your business benefited from involvement?

Professional curiosity and development define the parameters of an Independent Agent / Agency. The state and national associations offer unparalleled professional and peer resources. Every major industry issue which my business has faced in the past 30 years - the Association has championed locally and nationally.

Personal wealth can be measured in the value of relationships. Much of my wealth in personal and professional equity can be attributed to my years invested with IIA of Illinois.

What is your biggest prediction for the future of the industry?

‘Leaders’ will determine the course and outcome of our industry and nation.

APRIL 24-25

1939 North Meacham Rd. Schaumburg, IL

This day-and-a-half conference, formerly known as EDGE, is powered by our Young Agents Committee, and is focused on bringing attendees some of the most relevant topics from engaging speakers. The interactive sessions are designed to empower attendees with exceptional sales skills and thoughtful leadership to drive sales success and achieve greatness.

ilbigi.org/events/sales-leadership-conference

ILLIN

O I S

40 40 UNDER Part 1

Recognizing young, bright stars in the insurance industry.

Keely Cardwell

Derek Carroll

Devin Conkright

Mayra Cortez

Marco Espinoza

Danielle Finn

Derek Hayden

Dylan Reetz

Luke Sandrock

Stephen Sedlack

Farm Agents Council

a division of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois

Mid-Winter Meeting Wrap-Up

The Farm Agents Council (FAC) hosted the 94th Annual MidWinter Meeting on February 1-2, returning to the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, and brought together over 160 people for the event.

The FAC Board puts together two great days of education, networking, collaboration, food, drinks, a tradeshow, and, of course, fun. Attendees had the opportunity to earn six hours of Illinois continuing education specific to this network, including a special presentation on the Hard Market and the recent Farm Mutual legislation. The Big I Illinois team, Phil Lackman, Evan Manning & Brett Gerger, were joined by Jackie Rakers, IAMIC, and Jennifer Hammer, JW Hammer, LLC, who shared insights behind the legislation and the work it took on getting it successfully passed during an emergency veto session last fall.

One of the group’s favorite presenters, Chris Barron, returned on Friday morning to share insights on Managing Risks While Planning for Profits in 2024. His three-part session walked attendees through lessons he learned, strategies he developed, and ideas for how to grow your crop insurance agency. His deep-dive interactive sessions are always a group favorite. One attendee even stated they are still using the tools he shared at his last presentation in 2022.

By Shannon Churchill

During the Mid-Winter meeting, the Farm Agents Council gave two significant awards. First, Luke Sandrock of Cornerstone Agency in Morrison, IL, was presented as the recipient of the 2024 Randy Jacobs Service Award for Community Involvement. Luke was recognized for his outstanding volunteerism and commitment to the community and insurance industry. He went above and beyond this year, working to pass legislation to prevent a negative impact on many of our partners and to preserve coverage for many consumers. He is always there to answer the call for help.

The FAC Board also recognized Evan Manning with their Distinguished Service award for his outstanding work on passing the Farm Mutual legislation. This critical piece of legislation saved a large segment of our population and helped many customers and clients maintain their insurance coverage. We know the blood, sweat, and tears Evan and everyone involved put into passing this, and we appreciate all you did!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the event! We look forward to seeing you later this Summer. If you want to get involved with the FAC or learn more about our organization, email farmagents@ilbigi.org. If you are in the crop/ag/farm industry, mark your calendar for our upcoming events and consider joining the Farm Agents Council.

Luke Sandrock, recipient of the 2024 Randy Jacobs Service Award for Community Involvement, with Amy Jacobs

Evan Manning, right, recipient of the Distinquished Service Award, with Steve Foster, left, and Luke Sandrock

In Memoriam

Roy E. Robinson, 96, of Springfield died on February 1, 2024 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village.

He was born in Plattsburg, NY on March 8, 1927, the son of Irvin and Mildred Robinson. He married Harriet F. True in 1951 in Syracuse, NY.

Roy attended Champlain Central High School and graduated from Syracuse University in 1950. Roy received his CPCU designation (Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter) in 1960 and his CAE (Certified Association Executive) in 1975. He was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity at Syracuse University and a US Navy veteran in World War II serving on the USS Wisconsin battleship. He was honored to attend the September 2011 Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Roy worked as a Special Agent for Transamerica Insurance Company for several years in Syracuse, NY and was the Executive Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (now Big I Illinois) for 20 years. He retired in 1990. He was Past President of CPCU Chapters in Syracuse, NY and Bloomington, IL; Past President of ISAE (Illinois Society of Association Executives) and Past President of national IAAE (Independent Agents Association Executives).

Arachas Group: February Rough Notes Agency of the Month

Big I Illinois Chairman of the Board, Kevin Lesch, and his team at Arachas Group were featured on the cover of Rough Notes magazine in February! Arachas Group, Rough Notes Agency of the Month, is located in Bartlett and offers insurance solutions in 44 states.

In 1975, Michael Sullivan formed Sullivan & Associates, which quickly grew roots in Bartlett, Illinois, offering insurance solutions to the local community and the surrounding area. Being part of the Chicago metropolitan market, Bartlett offered plenty of opportunities. So it was not surprising that another independent agency, Bartlett Insurance Group, opened its doors there in 1986.

The two family agencies remained friendly competitors for decades, both thriving over the years as they carved out specific insurance and risk management industry focuses.

Then in 2017, they merged and created Árachas Group, bringing together some of the finest industry professionals from both agencies. These included William Sullivan, son of the Sullivan & Associates founder, and Kevin Lesch from Bartlett Insurance Group, a member of the family that founded that agency; they were joined by other industry leaders Dallas Peters and Brian Dolewski, from Critchell Miller, when Árachas purchased half of that agency later that same year.

Read the feature article at http://tinyurl.com/RoughNotes-Arachas.

Roy was a member of the First United Methodist ChurchWest-Springfield, the IBT Sunday School Class, the Chapel Church at Mesa Spirit, AZ, the Chatham Masonic Lodge #523-32th degree Scottish Retired Mason, the Ansar Shrine Parade Group, the Ansar Patrol and Ansar retiree Club.

Roy and Harriet lived in Chatham, IL for thirty years. During retirement they spent 23 winters in Mesa, AZ. Roy enjoyed playing golf and watching all sports, specifically his beloved Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed playing cards, traveling, and spending time with his growing family.

Roy is survived by his wife, Harriet of 72 years; 3 sons: Bruce (Delaine) of Wheaton, IL, Gary (Maria) of Springfield, IL and Roy Jr. (Jill) of Las Vegas, NV. There are 6 beloved grandchildren and 6 adorable great grandchildren with two more on the way.

Thank you to our Associate Members.

Platinum Level

Progressive Surplus Line Association of Illinois

Silver Level

IMT Insurance

Gold Level

Arlington/Roe

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of IL Pekin Insurance

Keystone Insurance Group, Inc.

SECURA Insurance

Bronze Level

A. J. Wayne & Associates

AAA, The Auto Club Group

AMERISAFE

AmTrust Insurance

Amwins

Auto-Owners Insurance Co.

Berkley Aspire

Berkley Management Protection

Berkley Small Business Solutions

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies

BriteCo Jewelry & Watch Insurance

Central Illinois Mutual Insurance Company

Chubb

Columbia Insurance 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

Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company

Indiana Farmers Insurance

Insurance Program Managers Group (IPMG)

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

Pinnacle Minds, Inc.

Previsor Insurance & Missouri Employers Mutual

Rhodian Group

Rockford Mutual Ins. Co.

ServiceMaster DSI

Society Insurance

SPRISKA - Specialty Risk of America

Steadily

Summit, A Member of the Great American Insurance

Group

Travelers

UFG Insurance

Universal Property & Casualty

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

West Bend Insurance Company

Western National Insurance

Westfield

Pekin Insurance Implements Guidewire Cloud for Expense Management and Improved Platform Support

Pekin Insurance, an Illinois-based multi-state property and casualty (P&C) insurer, and Guidewire (NYSE: GWRE) announced that Pekin Insurance has successfully implemented Guidewire InsuranceSuite on Guidewire Cloud to power its core business, simplify its IT operations, adapt quickly to changing market demands, and deliver more value to its agents and policyholders.

A Guidewire customer since 2015, the company migrated InsuranceSuite from a self-managed environment to Guidewire Cloud simultaneously for all its lines of business in the states where Pekin Insurance operates. The company is also using the Guidewire ProducerEngage digital application and Guidewire Predict to improve its loss ratio with better risk segmentation.

“We chose to migrate our Guidewire products onto Guidewire Cloud to better optimize our costs and improve platform support,” said Pekin Insurance Chief Information Officer and Vice President Amy Bingham. “We’ve now transferred platform maintenance to Guidewire so we can utilize regular ongoing updates and take advantage of Guidewire’s latest innovations much more quickly and seamlessly than when we were using Guidewire on premise.”

Pekin Insurance Assistant Vice President of Information Technology Kim Bandeko added, “We’ve received positive feedback from our agents, specifically around the user interface which is visually appealing. We’re looking forward to increased external rating and underwriting agility, leveraging the data and analytics products that are available on Guidewire Cloud, and integrating with the best-in-class Insurtech solutions through the Guidewire Marketplace and PartnerConnect ecosystem across our insurance product lifecycles.”

“Pekin Insurance has a 103-year history of offering financial protection for businesses, personal autos, homes, and families through their P&C and life insurance products,” said Michael Mahoney, senior vice president and head of professional services, Guidewire. “We congratulate the company on its successful cloud transformation through its InsuranceSuite migration to Guidewire Cloud. We look forward to Guidewire Cloud serving as the technology foundation to support Pekin Insurance’s mission of providing peace of mind to its agents and policyholders, delivering innovation and excellence in its products and services, and remaining dedicated to going Beyond the expected®.”

SECURA Insurance Publishes 2023 Annual Report

SECURA Insurance published its 2023 annual report sharing details about the company’s financial results, corporate projects, and company culture. In 2023, SECURA grew direct written premium to $1.1 billion and its agency partners produced $141 million in new business.

In addition to financial growth, SECURA offered more than 17,500 hours of continuing education credits to its agency partners through in-person courses, webinars, and on-demand videos. The company also offered performance development opportunities to its associates, with 291 exams taken through The Institutes Knowledge Group and 42 associates completing the company’s Foundational Leadership Program.

To view the full 2023 annual report, visit secura.net/annualreport.

ILLINOIS

Celebrating Tom Ross

On February 9, Big I Illinois staff, members, family, and friends gathered together to celebrate Tom Ross and his retirement from his full-time position as Director of Membership.

Though Tom is continuing in a part-time role with the association as the Northern Illinois marketing representative, we were happy to celebrate his contributions not only to the association but to the insurance industry as a whole. Tom started as an agent in his father’s agency, and through the years, volunteered on the Big I Illinois Board of Directors and Committees. He joined the staff in 2015 after selling his agency and has been a unique asset to the team since that time.

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.

Several legislators were also in attendance: Rep. Jeff Keicher, Rep. Bradley Fritts, Rep. Harry Benton, Rep. Jenn Ladisch Douglas, Rep. Dan Ugaste, Rep. Amy Grant, Sen. Seth Lewis, and Rep. Marty McClaughlin.

House Insurance Committee Meeting

Evan Manning, Big I Illinois Director of Government Relations, took part in a House Insurance Committee meeting in Chicago on House Bills 4611 and 4767, which would impose Rate Regulation and Underwriting restrictions on all insurers in the automobile market.

March 13 - Springfield

Education: 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Reception: 5:30 - 7:30 pm

www.insurancelegislativeday.org

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

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.

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/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

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

Interested in building a relationship? Contact us at secura.net/IL-agents.

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Matthew B. Illinois Sales Manager

Jamie V. Specialty Lines Underwriter

Brian R. Farm Lines Underwriter

Betsy V. Commercial Lines Underwriter

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.