3 minute read
From Your President
Reaffirming Our Commitment to Members
Let me begin by saying thank you for allowing not only myself but the Executive Committee to serve you in our respective roles again this year. Last year was a tough year, but your Executive Committee and entire Board of Directors served professionally and with honor. We look forward to a great year and moving your Association forward.
Evaluating for the Future
We all thought that COVID-19 would be a thing of the past as we entered 2021, unfortunately, it does not appear that is going to be the case. Our planned meetings together will not happen at least through the first quarter of 2021 and we are adjusting our plans accordingly. The decision not to host an in-person Agency Growth Conference in March has already been made, and we will have more information on the virtual version of that event out soon. Our legislative reception that typically occurs in late January is currently being planned as a virtual event in April. However, we may still host an inperson event to meet our legislators later this year depending on the safety and comfort level of those involved.
Ron and staff are currently evaluating our education offerings and programs from top to bottom. Not only are they evaluating how our courses are being delivered but what courses and designation programs we will continue to offer. Please feel free to reach out to Ron and Daniel about course offerings or designation programs you would like to see us offering in the future. Now is the perfect time to make the changes that are best going to serve our membership going forward.
As I have sat around listening to some of you "veterans” in our Association I kept hearing stories about how your industry relationships were formed at Young Agent outings that occurred years ago and included families getting together. I am excited to announce that we will be bringing these events back beginning this year. Young Agents are the foundation upon which this Association has been built and it is imperative that we do all we can to facilitate this going forward for the future of Insurors. This year we are planning a combined July board meeting and Young Agent event in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge so that the Board can get to know the Young Agents and the families of young agents can get to know each other. We want to begin building those relationships that are so important not only professionally but personally as well. Derek Wright, your 2021 Young Agent Director, is already working hard to put together an event that will have a number of activities that will appeal to our variety of Young Agent interests.
PAC Success Again in 2020
Congratulations are again in order this year to both Cindi Gresham and Jim Layman for their respective PAC efforts. Cindi led us to our third straight Eagle status award with the Big "I" with average contributions of $137 per employee to Insupac National. That total finished second in the nation! Jim broke all records again this year for InsurPACTN contributions raising over $85,000 for 2020 versus $69,000 for 2019. Way to go Jim! Thanks to all who contributed and made 2020 the success that it was. We couldn’t do what we do in both Nashville and Washington without your help and we are making a difference. It’s easier than ever to just include your PAC contributions along with your dues renewals. We have already set an ambitious goal in 2021 to exceed $100,000 in our State PAC for the first time ever.
It is Truly an Honor to Serve
Again, I am truly humbled to have been asked to lead our Association for another year. As last year, you have my word that I will serve to the best of my ability and always do what is in the best interest of our organization and our members. I look forward to serving this year and would like nothing better than to hear from you regarding what we can do to better assist you and offer what is important to you and your agencies.
If you have thoughts on it, please contact me at bmcintire@mcintireins.com. u
