e-Insight - March 2020 - Non-Member by Big I Illinois

MARCH 2020

INSIGHT

TAX LAWS & TAX DEDUCTIONS DEDUCTIO NS for Independent Insurance Agents

Plus

2020 EDGE Conference Legislative Conferences Sales by the Obvious, and Not-So-Obvious, Numbers

Delivering

Best-In-Class Service

...since 1889

We understand the importance of delivering outstanding customer service. That’s why we have real people waiting to help you when it’s needed most. It’s just another way we are “There when it matters most.” for our agents and policyholders.

DonegalGroup.com

Editor & Graphic Design - Rachel Romines

Advertising - Tami Hubbell

CONTENTS

March 2020

10 12 14 18

Make Your Voice Heard - State and National Legislative Conferences

The Ultimate 2020 Tax Deductions Checklist for Independent Insurance Agents

Sales by the Obvious, and Not-So-Obvious, Numbers

Three Tips to Inspire and Motivate Employees During Performance Reviews

The Importance of Personal Umbrella and Home Business Declination Forms

Contrarian Thinknig Can Put Us on the Right Track

By John Graham

2020 EDGE Conference Tax Time: Tax Law Changes for Your 2019 Return and What’s New in 2020

By Mark Kuchar, CPA

By New Horizons Insurance Marketing

By John Chapin

By Caliper

By Carol Wilson, CPIA

In This Issue

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

7 9 17 29

Trusted Choice Industry

e-Insight Farm Agents Council News

30 31 32 34 34

Associate News IIA of IL News Board of Directors Profiles Classifieds MasterMind Focus Groups

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

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

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

ADVERTISERS

Board of Directors Executive Committee

Chairman of the Board | Patrick Muldowney (312) 595-7192 | patrick.muldowney@alliant.com

APPLIED UNDERWRITERS

President | Bill Wirth (618) 939-6368 | billw@wirthagency.com

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY GUARD INS. GROUP

President-Elect | George Daly (708) 845-3311 | george.daly@thehortongroup.com

BIG “I” PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY PROGRAM

DONEGAL INSURANCE GROUP

GRINNELL MUTUAL REINSURANCE COMPANY

IMT INSURANCE

6 27 Cover Tip

INSURANCE PROGRAM MANAGERS GROUP JM WILSON OMAHA NATIONAL

SECURA INSURANCE

SOCIETY INSURANCE

WEST BEND MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planning & Coordination | Cindy K. Jackman, CIC, CISR (800) 878-9891 x8745 | cjackman@arlingtonroe.com Young Agents | Allyson Padilla (618) 393-2195 | allyson@blanksinsurance.com

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Go to the Made-for-You section on the Trusted Choice® Agent Resource Website to have your advertisement from the Distracted Driving Campaign customized today: https://cobrand.iiaba.net/made-for-you/distracted-driving *Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017, June 9). Motor Vehicle Safety, Distracted Driving. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/index.html

Celebrating 50 Years 1970 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2020

1970 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2019

2020 and Beyond

Invest educates, prepares, and attracts diverse young people to new, exciting opportunities and career paths in insurance.

www.investprogram.org 8

insight

march 2020

industry | INSIGHT

Invest National Insurance Apprenticeship Approved by Dept. of Labor

New strategic direction on talent development for next generation of insurance leaders. InvestSM announced a new strategic focus on accelerating workforce development for the independent insurance agency system, including a new apprenticeship program recently approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to train more workers for skilled jobs within the industry. Invest is a national nonprofit organization that attracts, educates and prepares diverse people to exciting new opportunities and career paths in the insurance industry and is refocusing its education mission to concentrate more directly on talent development. Invest’s new strategy is designed to attract more people - including military veterans - to an expanding industry. Large-scale retirements and advances in technology are also creating new career and entrepreneurial opportunities for the next generation of insurance leaders. With the approval of Invest’s national insurance apprenticeship standards by the DOL, Invest will now begin partnering with local Big “I” state associations, insurance companies and agencies to develop local apprenticeship programs for independent insurance agencies through a General Insurance Certificate. “Our insurance apprenticeship standards will allow us to quickly develop exciting ‘earn while you learn’ opportunities at the state level and it is truly a ‘win/ win/win’ for the insurance industry, employers and apprentices,” said Deborah Pickford, executive director of Invest. “To close the talent gap that currently exists within our industry, we must be creative and innovative in the way we compete for new talent.” Invest joins several other insurance apprenticeship programs in an “earn while you learn” model and this announcement signals an ongoing shift in the rapidly growing apprenticeship marketplace. Traditionally, U.S. apprenticeships have been focused on trades such as electricity, plumbing and heating and air conditioning, but a new type of “white collar” apprenticeship has begun to emerge, including those within the insurance industry and financial sectors.

march 2020

With record employment rates in the U.S., many industries have been affected by labor shortages. However, the situation is acute in the insurance industry. A tight labor market, aging workforce and the acceleration of baby boomer retirees has created an ongoing shortage of workers in the insurance industry. The unemployment rate for the insurance industry is 2.6%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Through this new apprenticeship model, we want people to gain first-hand knowledge of how rewarding a career in our industry can be and the unlimited opportunities for professional, personal and financial growth,” explained Pickford. “We work with committed insurance leaders who genuinely care about the success of others and many of those leaders become lifelong mentors.” Along with the new apprenticeship program to be rolled out into states throughout the year, Invest will also launch a new, refreshed logo. Invest works with more than 31,000 high school students who study insurance in 46 states through its online insurance education curriculum. Invest continues to broaden its outreach with new partnerships, new schools and new content. As the industry evolves, Invest is sharpening its focus on insurance technology, as well as the vast career opportunities that can be found within the insurance community, insurance carriers and the independent insurance agency system. Learn more at the Invest website. Invest is affiliated with the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”).

insight

MAKE YOUR V WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

WYNDHAM CITY CENTRE, SPRINGFIELD

3 hours CE

General Session - 2:00 pm

2020 Census Presentation - Outlook on How it Affects Illinois - Mike Fortner, Former Representative/Current Member of Census Advisory Panel Flat Tax vs. Graduated Consequences of a Graduated Income Tax - Greg Baise, Current Chairman of Ideas Illinois Benefits of a Graduated Income Tax - Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Invited Legislative Issues Under Consideration in the Insurance Committees - Napoleon Harris, III, Senate Insurance Committee Chair - Thaddeus Jones, House Insurance Chair

Industry Issues Panel - 3:45 pm

There will be a panel discussion with leaders from the participating insurance associations covering current legislation affecting all lines of insurance. - Kevin Martin, Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association - Laura Minzer, President, Illinois Life & Health Insurance Council - Phil Lackman, CEO, IIA of IL - Evan Manning, Director of Government Relations, IIA of IL, NAIFA IL, IAMIC, ISAHU

Legislative Reception - 5:30 pm

All legislators have been invited to attend this Legislative Reception held at the Illinois State Library in Springfield. This is your chance to talk to your legislator and let your voice be heard.

www.insurancelegislativeday.org

VOICE HEARD WE NEED YOUR VOICE Mark your calendar for the 2020 Big “I” Legislative Conference, Wednesday, May 13 through Friday, May 15 in Washington, DC. This annual gathering presents numerous opportunities for Big “I” Agents to meet and mingle with the country’s decision-makers. Afternoon on the Hill: Agents will have two opportunities to hit Capitol Hill to lobby members of the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and their staff. Capitol visits will be held both Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. Congressional Speakers: Elected officials from both sides of the aisle will address the association’s membership during breakfast on Thursday morning. General Session: Jon Jensen, Big “I” Chairman, will share his perspective on the trends, opportunities and challenges facing the association and the independent agency system. Big “I” CEO, Bob Rusbuldt, will interview Fox News Anchor Bill Hemmer on Medicare for All, the 2020 Election, and major policy issues impacting the industry.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP IIA of IL provides travel incentives, scheduling assistance, and opportunities for members to network with their peers and association leadership. By taking part in the conference, agents will experience the benefits of state and national association membership first-hand. First-Time Attendees are eligible for reimbursement of their two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency, conference registration, and will enjoy evening events hosted by the IIA of IL. The agent is responsible for their flight to Washington, D.C. First-time Westfield agents may qualify for additional scholarship funds through Westfield Agents Association (scholarship form available upon request). Returning Attendees are eligible to receive a travel stipend of $250, plus paid conference registration, in addition to IIA of IL hosted events. Returning attendees are responsible for their own hotel costs and travel costs that exceed the stipend provided. Hotel Information: The IIA of IL has secured a block of rooms for members at the Hyatt Regency that can only be accessed by contacting the state association. Travel incentives are available on a first-come basis until March 30, 2020. For information on travel incentives, scholarships, hotel reservations and any other questions about the trip, contact Jennifer Jacobs at (217) 321-3013, jjacobs@iiaofil.org or Evan Manning at (217) 321-3002, emanning@iiaofil.org. View additional details, including the full schedule, at www.independentagent.com/Events/LegislativeConference. march march 2020 2020

insight insight

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2020 Powered by:

conference

April 22-23 DoubleTree Hotel

â&#x2013;

Oak Brook, IL

8 hours continuing education (pending approval) Designed to meet the needs of everyone in our industry

young agents, veteran agents, CSRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Registration Fee: $130

(Includes all education sessions, breaks, meal functions, time with exhibitors, and social function with drink tickets.)

Discounts for multiple registrations from same agency. See website for details.

Registration fee increases to $140 on April 1. A block of rooms has been secured at the DoubleTree Hotel for $114/night. Room block expires March 31.

Exhibitor, Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities Available Thank You to Our Current Sponsors:

insight

march 2020

Programming & Speakers John F. Nichols

John F. Nichols, MSM, CLU is a nationally recognized disability benefits consultant, the creator of disability products and administration systems and an expert witness in disability proceedings. He is a frequent speaker at an array of local, state and national meetings, including NAIFA’s National meeting and MDRT’s Main Platform. In 1993, John had a near-death experience from a water skiing accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down to his toes. Through six years of rehabilitation, he reached a level of recovery that less than 1 percent of all spinal cord injury patients attain.

Stacey Brown-Randall

• Referrals... Without Asking • • Productivity Demystified •

Matt O’Neill

• Dare to be Different • • Six Secrets to Peak Producer Performance •

Current List of Exhibitors: Applied Underwriters Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Capital Premium Financing Continental Western Group Donald Gaddis Co., Inc. Hemphill Financial Services Markel Specialty Mercury Insurance National Catholic Society of Foresters

Omaha National Prime Insurance Company PURE Insurance PuroClean Disaster Services Roush Insurance Services, Inc. Securibly Universal Property & Casualty US Premium Finance

ing nt n e Ev l Eve cia So

DJ ■ FOOD ■ PRIZES COCKTAILS ■ NETWORKING www.ILYoungAgents.com march 2020

insight

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e INSIGHT -

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

M AR CH 20 20

INSIGH T

TAX LA WS & TAX DEDUC TIO for In Insu depende NS rance

n Agentts

Plus

Building Diversity and Inclusion: A Modern Guide

2020 E DGE C onfere Legisla nce tive Co nferen Sales ces and Noby the Obv ious, t-So-O bvious, Numbe rs

By Leanne Bernhardt

Printed on PropertyCasualty360.com

In this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s e-Insight. march 2020

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LET US UN-SHATTER THAT BAY WINDOW FOR YOU. HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE THAT’S DESIGNED TO BE WORRY FREE A home is one of the most valuable assets. Whether it is a current homeowner, someone looking to own, or someone renting a home, financial protection is needed for the important things in life. A homeowners policy from IMT Insurance can help your policyholders Be Worry Free. Learn how you can represent IMT Insurance at imtins.com/contact.

AUTO | HOME | BUSINESS

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farm agents council news | INSIGHT

Farm Agents Council Mid-Winter Meeting 2020 Wrap-Up By Shannon Churchill The Farm Agents Council’s (FAC) 90th Annual Mid-Winter Meeting took place January 30-31 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, IL. This year we had record attendance with over 170 agents and company representatives. Over the two-day event, attendees earned six hours of CE, networked with more than 25 companies and gained valuable industry knowledge. The conference, designed specifically for those in the ag, crop, and farm industry, specializes in providing tools and resources to help agents grow their business. Here are what the attendees said in a post-conference survey: • The Farm Agents Council is the single greatest opportunity to learn about new insurance products, information, and meet with carriers to grow your agency in the largest, most prevalent industry found in the Midwest. • Love the fact that these are focused on what I do every day in my office. • Instructors were well-spoken, very informative, entertaining, kept my attention and very knowledgeable. Overall attendees thought the conference was excellent and the sessions provided useful, very insightful and noteworthy information. Mark your calendars for the 2021 Mid-Winter Meeting, January 28-29. Thank you to Lisa Quest, FAC Board Member for taking pictures during the event. You can see more on the FAC Facebook page at facebook.com/FarmAgentsCouncil.

Thank you to our Sponsors of the 2020 Mid-Winter Meeting: Arlington/Roe ARMTech Insurance Services Auto-Owners Insurance Co. Central Illinois Mutual Insurance Co. Diversified Crop Insurance Services Farmers Mutual Hail Forreston Mutual Ins. Co. Great American Insurance Group Grinnell Mutual Indiana Farmers Insurance Nationwide Ag NAU Country Rain and Hail RCIS – Rural Community Insurance Services Next for the FAC is the Annual Meeting & Golf Outing, taking place June 4-5, 2020 in Bloomington, IL. The event kicks off on Thursday with the Golf Outing held at Prairie Vista Golf Course. Following golf, a cocktail reception and crop-related tradeshow with company partners will be held at the Doubletree Hotel. On Friday morning, following the Annual Business Meeting and election of officers, attendees will have the opportunity to earn their required three hours of IL Ethics credit. Make plans to join us in Bloomington. To receive information on the FAC, our events, membership or anything in general, please reach out to farmagents@iiaofil.org. Shannon Churchill is the Farm Agents Council staff Liaison and IIA of IL’s Director of Information & Technology. She can be reached at schurchill@iiaofil.org.

Stay up to date with all Farm Agent Council news through the Facebook page and website, www.ilfarmagents.com.

march 2020

insight

INSIGHT | associate news Thank you to our Associate Members.

Diamond Level Members

Platinum Level

Progressive Surplus Line Association of Illinois

Gold Level AAA Insurance Arlington/Roe

Silver Level Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company Imperial PFS IMT Insurance

Nationwide West Bend Mutual Insurance Co.

Bronze Level A. J. Wayne & Associates AMERISAFE AmWINS Brokerage of the Midwest, LLC Auto-Owners Insurance Co. Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Companies Columbia Insurance Group Continental Western Group Donald Gaddis Company, Inc. Donegal Insurance Group Encova Insurance Erie Insurance Group Foremost Insurance Group Forreston Mutual Insurance Company Frankenmuth Insurance Grange Insurance Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund Illinois Public Risk Fund Indiana Farmers Insurance Insurance Program Managers Group J C Restoration J M Wilson Kemper Keystone Insurance Group, Inc. Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance

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Madison Mutual Insurance Company MarshBerry Maximum Independent Brokerage, LLC Mercury Insurance Group MetLife Auto & Home Midwest Insurance Company miEdge PEOPLE Previsor Insurance ProAg Management Inc RT Specialty - Naperville Selective Insurance Company of America ServiceMaster DSI Society Insurance Specialty Risk of America Transcom General Agency Travelers UIG - The Agent Agency United Fire Group Universal Property & Casualty W. A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc./Interstate Risk Placement Western National Insurance Westfield

march 2020

iia of il news | INSIGHT

Education Classes

april

march

3 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 18 19 19 23 24 24 25 26 26 26 31 31

Pre-Licensing-Property & Casualty Rolling Meadows Pre-Licensing Course Life & Health Rolling Meadows Pre-Licensing-Property & Casualty Springfield E&O: Commercial Liability Coverage Gaps Webinar E&O: Roadmap to Homeowners Insurance Webinar Ethics and E&O Webinar CISR-Personal Lines Miscellaneous Rolling Meadows CIC-Personal Lines Rolling Meadows Ethics Rolling Meadows CISR-Agency Operations Bloomington Ethics and Agent Liability Webinar E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Webinar E&O Risk Management Webinar Pre-Licensing-Property & Casualty Belleville CISR-Insuring Personal Residential Property Orland Park Pre-Licensing Course Life & Health Belleville MasterMind Focus Group Joliet MasterMind Focus Group Westmont E&O: Roadmap to Policy Analysis Webinar CISR-Life & Health Essentials Springfield

iiaofil.org/Mastermind-Groups

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CIC-Life and Health Springfield CISR-Personal Auto Exposures Rolling Meadows Pre-Licensing-Property & Casualty Springfield E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto Webinar E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Webinar Pre-Licensing-Property & Casualty Rolling Meadows E&O: Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Webinar E&O: Commercial Property Coverage Gaps Webinar E&O Roadmap To Homeowners Endorsements Webinar E&O/HO Endorsements/Inland Marine Webinar Pre-Licensing Course Life & Health Springfield Agents E&O : Duties, Operations, Checklists Webinar E&O Roadmap To Policy Analysis Webinar MasterMind Focus Group Vernon Hills CISR-Personal Auto Exposures Springfield E&O Risk Management Part Webinar Ethics and the Law Webinar Culture, Ethics, and E&O Webinar

New Members

member agencies

Alpha Omega Agency, Inc. - Addison, IL Mealiff Insurance & Financial Services, LLC - Mendon, IL

march 2020

insight

Board of Directors Pro

Bart Hartauer, CIC Region 4 Director

Hartauer Insurance, Inc., LaSalle, IL Owner Number of Years with Agency: 35 Year You Started in Insurance: 1985 Education: Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree - Business Administration, Illinois State University Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: - Rotarian Past President twice. - Served on the LaSalle Little League board for many years - President of LaSalle Business Association - LaSalle Businessperson of the Year 2019 What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today? Attracting young agents and social media opportunities. What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges? College Job Fairs and classes offered on social media through the association. What do you see at the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership? Strength in numbers and networking. What prompted you to get involved in the Association? Attending the conventions in the past I felt I could offer ideas to help advance the association.

Allyson Padilla, AAI Young Agents Committee Chair Blankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Insurance Agency, LLC, Olney, IL Agent Number of Years with Agency: 12 Year You Started in Insurance: 2008 Education: BS in Marketing - Millikin University

Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: Current: - Olney & Greater Richland Chamber of Commerce Board Member (former VP 17-18 & 18-19) - Education Resources Foundation for Academic Excellence Board Member Past: - Olney Central College Foundation Board Member What do you see as the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership? I think the exposure that you get to everything, from other agents to companies, to the national level.

insight

march 2020

rofiles

Nick Gunn, CIC Regin 5 Director

Nixon Insurance Agency, Inc., Peoria, IL Vice President Commercial Insurance Number of Years with Agency: 11 Year You Started in Insurance: 2006 Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: - Board Member, Steve Maxheimer Scholarship Foundation since 2011 - Board Member, Associated Risk Managers of IL since 2018 What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today? I feel the major challenge facing our Association today is communicating to our member agencies the benefits that the IIA of IL brings. What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges? As an Association, we have to look for ways to promote the Independent Insurance Agency “Brand”. We also have to look for ways to help our member agencies with technology to compete with the InsureTech disruptors and Direct writers. What do you see at the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership? The greatest benefit of the IIA of IL membership is the government relations work that Evan and Phil do on behalf of the association. Outside of government relations, I think the technology task force that the association has decided to create will be a huge benefit in the future. In the long-term, the work of the Young Agents Committee is imperative in getting the next generation of insurance professionals engaged in the industry.

What prompted you to get involved in the Association? The opportunity to get involved in the association was something that I was inspired to do after the passing of Dave Nixon, our agency’s previous owner. Before his passing in 2018, he was a co-chairmen on the task-force in the merging of the PIA and IIA in the early 90’s. I felt that it was important to continue our agency’s involvement in the association. In addition to that, the networking opportunities that come with being involved in the association help create and foster relationships within the industry.

What advice do you have to share with someone considering a volunteer position with the IIA of IL? Do it! Just like anything else, what you put into the association is what you get out. It is worth the time to get involved!

march 2020

insight

INSIGHT | classifieds for the insurance professional by the insurance professional

AGENCY FOR SALE.

27. Long-time Metro East agency for sale. 1.8MM premium, 70% commercial. Great opportunity for young agent who wants to be his/her own boss. Owner to stay on to assist in transition. Serious inquiries only.

Tami Hubbell thubbell@iiaofil.org Reference #AFS27

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 Agency (708) 383-9000 www.forestagency.com/contact-us/mergersacquisitions/

AGENCY WANTED.

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

Something on your mind? Take advantage of this FREE opportunity. The IIA of IL is hosting a series of focus groups around the state to give members the chance to share and discuss challenges you or your agency face. This is open to all staff within the agency. Please join us for this informal discussion focusing on topics like marketing, staffing, agency operations, and more. We want to hear from you so that we can help enhance your agency and provide tools and resources for ease of doing business. March 26 - Joliet Noon - 2:00 pm Will County Meeting Al’s Steakhouse

April 21 - Vernon Hills Noon - 2:00 pm Northeastern IL Local Maggiano’s

March 26 - Westmont 4:00 - 6:00 pm DuPage IIA Grill 89

May 5 - Carbondale 9:30 am - 11:30 am In conjunction with the Region 1 Wine Tour Holiday Inn

June 18 - Effingham 9:00 - 10:30 am In conjunction with the Professional Insurance Counselors group Niemerg’s Steakhouse Additional dates & locations to be announced.

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march 2020

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