3 minute read
From Your IIABA National Director
Supporting Our Agents on All Levels From Your IIABA National Director
I’m back on the Insurors Board and honored to serve as the National Director (ND) for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association (IIABA or Big "I") representing Tennessee. I have some big shoes to fill following Lou Moran III who has been elected to the Big "I" Executive Committee. The January 2020 IIABA Winter meeting will be my first as your ND but I hope to represent our Tennessee agents and voice your questions and concerns.
Why is it important to have representation for Insurors members on the National level? Our partnership with our National organization is critical as we work together to serve the needs and interests of independent agents. We need to have a voice for Tennessee agents as important decisions are being made by Big "I" volunteer leaders and staff.
The Impact of Our Federal Lobbying
With the upcoming Presidential election in November, we need to be sure that the candidates hear our concerns. Our Federal lobbyists from Big "I" are among the best in D.C., and they do a great job of keeping Congress aware of the issues in our industry. They have helped pass and prevent some key legislation, and with each new administration they have to begin some of their efforts anew.
In Tennessee specifically, we are a unique state with different insurance needs for each of our East, Middle and West regions – but we all have a need for Flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can provide this, but its instability continues to be an issue. I hope that we can find a permanent solution to providing the flood coverage that our clients need. Nothing is more frustrating than to tell a client that we don’t know if we can issue a policy since the Flood program is set to expire unless Congress approves an extension.
National Programs and Services
bers aware of these programs and make sure they are easy for you to use:
• Our Errors & Omissions (E&O) program is built through national Risk Purchasing Groups (RPGs). These RPGs provide our agents with great purchasing power, and can be accessed by Insurors members through our Director of For-profit Programs, Stephen Holmes. Stephen also handles the personal umbrella (PUP) and Home Business Insurance programs through RLI which continue to be a solid resource for agencies.
• Our National brand, Trusted Choice, helps raise awareness of independent agents and generates internet leads for your agency. You can receive up to $750 in marketing reimbursement dollars and you are already listed in search results and as a referral option just by being an Insurors member. Be sure to visit TrustedChoice.com and update your agency’s profile to start obtaining your leads, and visit https://cobrand.iiaba. net/ for information on marketing reimbursement and branding support.
• Big "I" Hires continues to be an asset to agencies needing to hire Producers or staff members. I would encourage you to consider Big "I" Hires if you are looking to bring on new personnel for your agency.
• Your membership in the Insurors of Tennessee and the IIABA includes access to Big "I" Markets, Ask an Expert, the Agency Council for Technology (ACT) and Best Practices. These are just a few of the programs offered and I hope you will visit the IIABA website for a full list of programs available.
Between Insurors of Tennessee and the IIABA our state and national Associations work to help our agent members succeed in our industry. I am your voice at the IIABA and I hope you will contact me should you need me to voice those concerns or needs.
Endorsed Partner of
