FILO Program Off to an Exciting Start

The Future Insurance Leaders of Oklahoma program is off to an exciting start with the “Meet Your Mentor” kickoff event at Sidecar in OKC. The program aims to enhance the careers of its participants through networking opportunities with industry professionals, earning continuing education credits, and developing essential insurance leadership and sales skills. The young agents of Oklahoma are enthusiastic about the program and are looking forward to exposing their agency/ company to fresh, innovative ideas.

At first, the idea of participating in the FILO program was daunting for Catherine Gee, an agent at Insurance Solutions in Ardmore. Being new to Oklahoma and the insurance industry, she was nervous about being thrown into the deep end. However, after speaking with Shania Slavick and meeting her mentor, Sarah Campbell, Catherine was thrilled to participate in the program and attend the kickoff event. She is excited to gain valuable knowledge and make new friendships through the program.

The FILO program is an excellent opportunity for young insurance agents to develop their skills and connect with industry professionals. Through the program, participants can enhance their careers and bring new ideas and approaches to their agencies. The kickoff event was just the beginning, and the young agents of Oklahoma are eager to see what the rest of the program has in store for them.

Ryan Smith Young Agents Committee Chairman

We’ve got it made.

It’s easy to take for granted, but the work that our Association has done over the years to strengthen the case of the independent agent has laid such a great foundation for us today. The practice of insurance agents organizing, discussing and lobbying for changes in law and policies has done more for our communities, even our country, than most will ever understand.

Despite what side of the room you sit on, you can surely agree that taking on the responsibility of influencing our legislators to uphold the best interests of our businesses and our customers’ businesses is one worth doing regularly.

This week I had the honor of attending the IIABA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Like most young agents, I have never gotten involved in political affairs. I never dreamed of meeting with a legislator to discuss how certain programs and bills do or would affect my industry or business. I’d be willing to bet that I’m in the majority of my peers who have never called, written or even spoken to one of our state or national lawmakers. But this week, my eyes were opened to the importance of keeping our representatives informed.