December 2012 WI Professional Agent by Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin

professional agent december | 2012

Wh atâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside? How Would You Assess........ 16 Your Agency's E&O Culture? Sales Lessons...........................22 Build An Elite Sales Force..... 27 WI Elects A New State. . ........30 Legislature! Utility Service Coverage........ 36 Coming Events.. .....................38

www.piaw.org

Happ y Holid ays

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2 DECEMBER 12

From the

President Tracy Oestreich, CIC, CPIA, AU — President, PIA of Wisconsin

Happy Holidays! Wow – can you believe 2012 is almost over? What a year

industry. With her knowledge of the insurance industry and

for our industry, both good and bad. As you approach

awesome work ethic, she will be an invaluable asset to the

this hectic holiday season, take the time to reflect on the

State Assembly.

activities from this past year. Make sure to celebrate your accomplishments. As the New Year approaches, recommit to the goals you are working on for 2013. Our association has many reasons to celebrate!

We have so much to be thankful for. I think of the many friendships within our industry; our clients, our carriers and our competitors. While our industry is not recession proof, it is certainly resistant. While we have political turmoil

Congratulations to our very own Chief Executive of the

in many parts of the world along with a very challenging

Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin, Ron Von

economy, through it all I can only think about how lucky

Haden, as he will assume added duties!! Beginning on

we are. We have survived some slow growth years and

December 10th, 2012, Ron will assume added responsibilities

have witnessed many solid businesses closing and talented

as Executive Vice President and CEO of the National

business people giving up. By insuring many different

Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA National).

industries and individuals, we are able to insulate ourselves

Ron will continue to run the Wisconsin PIA operations from

from much of the economic strife. We should be thankful.

our Madison office, while spending a portion of his time working in the national association’s Alexandria, Virginia headquarters. It is an honor that our national association has recognized Ron’s track record of success and has afforded him this opportunity to share his talents with agents across the country. Ron has been instrumental in helping build the Wisconsin PIA into one of the strongest and most successful state PIA associations in the nation. The PIA members in Wisconsin are fully supportive of sharing Ron’s expertise with our fellow agents, as all of us will benefit. Congratulations to our very own Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin National Director, Mary Czaja, on her victory to the Wisconsin State Assembly! Mary’s victory in the 35th Assembly District is a big win for the people in her

Mark you calendars! PIA of Wisconsin’s Winter Get-Away in Minocqua is coming up quickly on January 30th through February 1st, 2013. We will have CE classes, a winter fun mystery tour event, dinner at Northwood’s Pines, plenty of networking and much more! In March our automation committee will host a “How To-Hands on Basics” social media event. The focus here will be to help you work with Facebook, Linked-In, Twitter, and how to use social media in our industry. With just a few short weeks away from Christmas, it is a truly special time of year to appreciate what we have. As you take the time to reflect on 2012, I hope you have several fond memories. Merry Christmas and I wish each of you a healthy, happy and successful 2013!

district and all the people of Wisconsin. Mary has been a

“May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all

dedicated advocate for PIAW members and the insurance

year through!” (Author unknown)

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INFORMATION IS THE NEW TARGET OF CORPORATE THEFT

For the first time, information theft has cost companies more than theft of physical assets, according to the Kroll Annual Global Fraud Report. In a survey of 801 executives at 760 global corporations, 27.3 percent reported being victims of information theft over the previous 12 months, an increase of 18 percent over 2009. Physical theft actually declined somewhat, with 27.2 percent of executives saying that physical assets or inventory had been stolen over the previous year, a downturn from 28 percent in 2009. DECEMBER 12 3

Memos from

Madison Ron Von Haden, CIC — Executive Vice President, PIA of Wisconsin

An Exciting New Adventure! ONCE AGAIN the great members in Wisconsin have proven their commitment to PIA. When this article is being read I will have the honor of starting my added duties as Executive Vice President and CEO of PIA National in Alexandria, Virginia. This opportunity could not have been possible without the full cooperation and support of the PIAW Board of Directors and membership. My duties will involve splitting time between the Madison, WI office and the PIA National office in the Washington, D.C. area. Be assured that the effectiveness, involvement, products and services of PIA of Wisconsin will not be negatively affected by the time sharing arrangement. We have a tremendous professional staff at both PIAW and PIA National and a dedicated Board and committee structure who will maintain the quality that members have a right to expect. I will be in constant contact with the Madison office and all your questions or inquiries will be handled in a prompt and efficient manner. Modern technology is so amazing that we now can achieve the same level of service remotely that required a physical presence just a few years ago. This is an exciting adventure for me and for PIAW. My primary focus will be to increase the membership in PIA affiliates across the country. Together with our association executives and volunteers we will grow the organization nationally which will have a positive impact on the stature of PIA with legislators, regulators and industry representatives. We are already well known and respected on a state and national level and with increased membership numbers we will be even more influential. PIA has always been and will always be an organization that is dedicated to its members and we will deliver their message and issues to every segment of our industry.

4 DECEMBER 12

Thanks you to all who have sent congratulatory notes and calls. It is a great honor for PIAW and all who have made it possible.

A FEW MONTHS AGO we announced that a valuable new benefit would be unveiled to PIAW members. I am delighted to announce that Long Term Care insurance is now available at a discounted premium from the normal “street price”. We heard from members that this protection was needed and we have delivered. Here are a few startling reasons to look at Long Term Care insurance: • Over 65% of couples will face a situation where one of the couple needs long term care. This could be nursing home care, assisted living care or home health care. • 40% of those needing long term care are under age 65. • The average monthly cost of a long term care facility in Wisconsin is over $6.000. Metro areas may be somewhat higher and rural areas may be somewhat lower. • Health insurance, including Medicare, does not provide much, if any, coverage for long term care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or home health care. You can click on the Member Benefits tab on the PIAW website at www.piaw.org, for more information or call the PIA office and we will put you in contact with a long term care specialist.

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DECEMBER 12 5

From the

Boardroom By Dennis Rupers, CIC, CISR — PIAW Director

Looking Back . . . and Ahead. It is hard to imagine that I’m into my last year of serving on the Board of Directors for the PIA of Wisconsin. As I look back, I can review the many experiences and opportunities that I’ve had while serving. Most of which have been very positive and rewarding. What a great learning experience it has been. As I’ve thought about my look back at the past five years, I thought rather to look at this year as a year of firsts. For me, it became a kind of “count your blessings” look over the past year.

This was the first year that I was told that I needed to lose

This has been the first year in a long while that I have not had to take a test for my continuing education. How nice it has been to attend my update and be able to learn without having to worry about passing an exam. I’m sure that I’ll explore other educational opportunities that offer additional designations, but at this time I’ll enjoy this breather!

get there in time for my next doctor’s visit in February.

Something new that we did this year at Don-Rick, Inc. was to combine the Personal Lines department for both the Baraboo and Portage offices. The workload is shared throughout the department without geographical distinction. This helps us utilize all of our personnel in a more efficient manner so that we can provide the best customer service possible. This has proved to be challenge but well worth the effort. Another first for me has been to take advantage of the social media resources offered by the Automation Committee at the PIA of Wisconsin. I’ve set up accounts with Facebook, Linked-In and Twitter, just to name a few. Although I’m not as proficient as I would like, I’m pretty sure that I’ll get there soon. I do see the value in social media but am finding that one needs to see what works for them and how it can best be utilized to grow one’s business. On a personal note, this year was the first year that I deer hunted with a group whose patriarch was no longer with us. The father of a close friend of mine, with whose family I’ve hunted with since 1986, had passed away in January this year. It was different not being able to listen to the same old stories that we’ve consistently heard repeated each year. Gene Duranceau was missed but remembered by all of us as a place was set at the table and a seat left available for his spirit to join us if he desired.

6 DECEMBER 12

weight. My birthday marks the day I go to the doctor for my annual check-up. Although I didn’t need to be told the obvious by my doctor, I needed to hear it from him to get motivated. With his stern “directive” and with help from special friends, in just nine short months, I’ve been able to shed almost thirty-five pounds. Although, I have a few more pounds to go to reach my target weight and despite having to going through the holiday season, I’m confident that I’ll

Speaking of the holidays, this will be the first Christmas that my siblings and I gather with our families in Arizona with just our father. Our mother recently passed away the beginning of October. I’ve been blessed with a great family that allowed us to celebrate the life of our mother while we were together back in October and we will be able to continue that celebration with our father at Christmas. Mom will be missed, of course, but we will honor her with our annual family concert at their church on Christmas Eve, as well as with our time together with just the family. There have been many more “firsts” for me this past year and I anticipate that I’ll experience many more in the upcoming years. But I will look back to this year as a memorable one for me for the reasons mentioned as well as those not mentioned. Next year will be the first year that our Executive Vice President, Ron Von Haden, will be sharing his time with PIA of Wisconsin as Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents. Next year we will see Mary Czaja, the PIA of Wisconsin’s National Director; begin her first term as a member of the Wisconsin Assembly, representing the 35th District. We on PIA of Wisconsin Board are behind Ron & Mary 100% and wish them all the best as they experience their new roles recently added to their lives. Just as Ron & Mary, I’m sure that each of you are able to recall some special “firsts” that have occurred in your life this past year as well as being able to see some exciting “firsts” for you, forthcoming in the next year.

May the peace and joy of the holiday season be with you and your families throughout the coming year.

Happy Holidays

OCI Administrative

Actions Ted Nickel â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Commissioner of the Office of Insurance

Madison, WIâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;OCI has taken the following administrative actions. In many of these cases the respondent denied the allegations but consented to the action taken. Any forfeitures paid in these administrative actions are deposited in the Common School Fund which is administered by the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. The earnings from this fund are distributed to all public K-12 schools in Wisconsin and are used by school libraries to purchase books. Copies of the administrative action orders may be viewed online at https://ociaccess.oci.wi.gov/OrderInfo/OrdInfo.oci. OCI is responsible for overseeing the operations and marketing of insurance companies and agents in Wisconsin. OCI encourages anyone with a question or a complaint regarding an insurance company or agent to contact the office at this tollfree telephone number: 1-800-236-8517.

Allegations

and

Actions Against Agents

Mark Gabriel, 3013 Schaefer Cir., Appleton, WI 54915, had his application for an insurance license denied for 31 days. This action was taken based on allegations of failing to disclose criminal convictions on a licensing application. Reginald Huggard, 1011 Knowlton St., Rockford, IL 61102, had his application for an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI and having a criminal conviction which may be substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct. Eugene H. Juul, 6131 Danielle Rd., De Forest, WI 53532, agreed to pay a forfeiture of $500.00. This action was taken based on allegations of improperly soliciting a Medicare Advantage policy and using Medicare supplement insurance advertising not in compliance with the law. Christopher John Lampien, 1128 S. 98th St., Milwaukee, WI 53214, agreed to pay a forfeiture of $500.00, agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $558.54, agreed to complete two additional continuing education courses, agreed to provide copies of life and annuity applications and suitability forms to OCI on a quarterly basis for one year, and agreed to the suspension of his life and annuity insurance license for 45 days. These actions were taken based on allegations of making misrepresentations in the sale of insurance products and failing to properly consider suitability in life or annuity insurance sales. Larry Lanchester, 4401 Atlantic Ave. #420, Long Beach, CA 90807, had his application for an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI regarding child support payment arrearages. 8 DECEMBER 12

Scott Metzger, Wachovia Securities, 5246 Red Cedar Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33907, had his application for an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI and failing to provide proof of required resident state licensing. Sheila Novin, 11117 N. Range Line Rd., Mequon, WI 53092, had her application for an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on allegations of having a criminal conviction which may be substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct, failing to disclose an administrative action taken by the state of Wisconsin on a licensing application, failing to pay court-ordered restitution, and failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI. Brandi Penn, 716 Fulton St., Apt. 9, Wausau, WI 54403, had her application for an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI, failing to submit to required fingerprinting, and having a criminal conviction which may be substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct. Marc Robbins, 159 Franklin Parke Ct., Christiansburg, VA 24073, had his application for an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on allegations of failing to disclose administrative actions taken by the states of Ohio, New Hampshire, Montana, and Kentucky on a licensing application and evidence of untrustworthiness. Sharon Scheuermann, 407 Prospect St., Westfield, NJ 07090, had her application for an insurance license denied for 31 days. This action was taken based on allegations of failing to disclose an administrative action taken by the state of Wisconsin on a licensing application. [continued on page 10]

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re celebrating our 100th year by planning for our next 100 years. Tanya Wentzel, Des Moines Branch Marketing Manager Troy Boysen, Minneapolis Branch Commercial Underwriter Connie Jarzynka, Omaha Branch Claims Adjuster Emails and teleconferencing may be time-savers, but there is no substitute for the one-to-one relationships with insurance professionals who know you and your community. Early on, EMC Insurance Companies realized the value of being close to agents and policyholders. That value continues to pay off in products and services tailored to individual market needs. Whatever the future holds, insurance will always be a relationship business and EMC will continue to keep those relationships as close to your office as possible.

Milwaukee Branch: 800.236.1800 | Home Office: Des Moines, IA

DECEMBER 12 9

OCI Administrative Actions [continued from page 8] Sapan Shah, 3015 Kinmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208, had his

additional continuing education courses, agreed to provide

application for an insurance license denied. This action was

copies of life and annuity applications and suitability forms

taken based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to

to OCI on a quarterly basis for one year, and agreed to the

inquiries from OCI and having a criminal conviction which may

suspension of his life and annuity insurance license for

be substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct.

45 days. These actions were taken based on allegations of

Lawrence Sowter, 12510 Roosevelt B1, Englewood, CO 80112,

making misrepresentations in the sale of insurance products

had his application for an insurance license denied. This

and failing to properly consider suitability in life or annuity

action was taken based on allegations of failing to respond

insurance sales.

promptly to inquiries from OCI and failing to disclose an

Lauren Jean Twardy, 5737 N. Milwaukee River Pkwy.,

administrative action taken by the state of Colorado on a

Glendale, WI 53209, agreed to pay a forfeiture of $750.00,

licensing application.

agreed to not misrepresent her licensing status, and agreed to

Mark Stevens, Pacific Benefits Group, 1915 N.W. Amberglen

solicit insurance only if properly licensed and appointed with

Pkwy., Ste. 300, Beaverton, OR 97006, had his application for

an insurer. These actions were taken based on allegations of

an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on

selling insurance without a license and misrepresenting that

allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from

she had an insurance license.

OCI and providing conflicting information regarding child support delinquency on a licensing application.

Tanya Denise Wiggins, 6090 Zenith Ct., Rio Rancho, NM 87144, had her insurance license revoked. This action was

Carl E. Trapp II, W260 N8621 Hwy. 164, Hartland, WI

taken based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to

53029, agreed to pay a forfeiture of $500.00, agreed to pay

inquiries from OCI and failing to provide proof of a resident

restitution in the amount of $558.54, agreed to complete two

legal expense or casualty license.

Allegations

and

Actions Against Companies

Genworth Life Insurance Company, 6604 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230, agreed to pay a forfeiture of $65,000.00 and agreed to comply with Wisconsin insurance laws. These actions were taken based on allegations of insurance policy rating practices in violation of s. Ins 3.455 (9), Wis. Adm. Code.

health 10 DECEMBER 12

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Vetinsure LLC, 330 Research Dr., Ste. 230, Athens, GA 30605, had its application for an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI and failing to name a designated responsible producer on a licensing application.

Those obsssed with health are not healthy: the first requisite of good health is a certain calculated carelessness about oneself. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Sydney J. Harris

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NOVEMBER 12 13

Will the wristwatch

join the

buggy whip?

Selective has been a trusted provider of insurance solutions since 1926. Working with our elite group of agents, we focus on providing the business and personal insurance solutions that best meet our customers’ needs. Get to know us today. Metro Milwaukee Bonnie.Weiss@selective.com

West & Central WI James.Wasserburger@selective.com

Green Bay/Fox Valley Robert.Reinke@selective.com

©2012 Selective Ins. Group, Inc. (Branchville, NJ). “Selective” insurers include Selective Ins. Co. of America, Selective Ins. Co. of New England, Selective Ins. Co. of N.Y., Selective Ins. Co. of South Carolina, Selective Ins. Co. of the Southeast, Selective Way Ins. Co. and Selective Auto Ins. Co. of N.J. Insurers and products available vary by jurisdiction. SI-12-077

Quick, what time is it? If you looked at your wrist, you're still part of the majority of people who rely on their watches to stay on schedule, but that may change. In a British survey of 1,500+ people, 14 percent— about one in seven people—said they don't need a wristwatch. The market analysis firm Mintel, which conducted the survey, forecasts that the percentage will rise along with the increase in mobile phone ownership and other gadgets like the latest iPod Nano, which comes with a wrist strap and sports a watch face. Although wristwatches probably aren't likely to vanish anytime soon, they could become redundant, as people rely more and more on other devices like smart phones that include a time-keeping function. After all, one expert notes, the point of a Rolex isn't to tell time, but to show off.

Through a new partnership with Vertafore, PIAW is offering FREE access to Sircon online licensing and continuing education management services. Login to: www.piaw.org and get started today! USING SIRCON SERVICES, YOU CAN: • APPLY FOR A LICENSE • RENEW YOUR LICENSE • LOOK UP AVAILABLE COURSES • CHECK LICENSE RENEWAL STATUS • CHECK LICENSE APPLICATION STATUS • REQUEST A LETTER OF CERTIFICATION CERTIFI • UPDATE YOUR NAME OR ADDRESS • FIND YOUR LICENSE NUMBER/NPN • CHECK YOUR STATUS WITH A STATE • MAINTAIN YOUR FIRM ASSOCIATION • UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS • UPDATE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS • PRINT YOUR LICENSE © 2011 Vertafore, Inc. Vertafore, the Vertafore logo and design, Unleash your potential, and the Vertafore trademarks listed are owned by Vertafore, Inc.

14 DECEMBER 12

WISCONSIN PIA IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE CPIA DESIGNATION PROGRAM The PIA of Wisconsin is a proud sponsor of the Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) professional designation program. The CPIA designation is comprised of a series of Insurance Success Seminars. These three, one-day workshops teach practical "before", "during", and "after" the sale techniques for insurance producers, sales managers, account managers and company marketing representatives. Participants leave with ideas that will produce increased sales results immediately. In fact, The Insurance Success Seminars are guaranteed: Implement the principles covered in these sessions and experience a 20% increase in personal production within six months, or your registration fee will be refunded!

To maintain the CPIA designation, CPIA’s must fulfill an update every two years by attending an Agency Management Boot Camp, or attend one of the core Insurance Success Seminars, or attend a Pro-to-Pro Retreat, or maintain an active membership in the AIMS Society.

The AIMS Society is a national organization dedicated to providing interactive marketing and sales training, ongoing resources and networking opportunities to insurance professionals.

You can attend the CPIA courses in any order. No Test. Approved for 7 Wisconsin CE credits.

CPIA 1 - Position for Success

CPIA 2 – Implement for Success

CPIA 3 - Sustain Success

During this program, participants are encouraged to focus on internal and external factors affecting the development of effective business development plans. Factors discussed include a review of the state of the insurance marketplace; analysis of competitive pressures; necessary insurance carrier underwriting criteria; and consumer expectations and understanding.

During this session participants will be provided with specific tools for analyzing consumer needs; will learn to utilize risk identification techniques to gather pertinent prospect information; will develop skills necessary to assimilate information gathered into a customized protection program; and will participate in exercises designed to promote effective delivery of proven solutions.

This program focuses on fulfilling the implied promises contained in the insuring agreement. Students will review methods of providing evidence of insurance coverage; will discuss policies and procedures for controlling errors and omissions including policy review and delivery, endorsements, claims-processing, and handling of client complaints. This course includes a review of the Professional Expectations; the Law of Agency; and Legal and Ethical Standards.

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Course Schedule 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

8:30 – 4:30 Lunchp.m. On Your Own 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. Feenot perinclude Seminar: Fee PerRegistration Course (does lunch): PIA Member $155.00 / Non Member $190 Includes Materials, Coffee in the AM & Soda in the PM at > PIA Member $155.00 or call PIA at 1-800-261-7429 Register www.piaw.org > Non Member $190.00 Register at www.piaw.org or call PIA at 1-800-261-7429 DECEMBER 12 15

How would you

Assess your

Agency's Overall E&O Culture?

The question posed in the headline is probably not easy to answer. After all, there are many issues to factor in making this determination. A better way to look at this is by comparing your E&O culture today with a certain point in the past. The question then becomes “is your E&O culture stronger today than it was last year at this time?” In a recent industry survey, 85 percent of the agencies that responded indicated an improvement over the previous year, with 70 percent of that 85 percent indicating a substantial improvement was made.

Creating and maintaining a culture of constant improvement is key. It is probably best to evaluate your agency on a continuum. As you may not know where the end is, the goal is to be confident you are making progress and improving.

by Curtis M. Pearsall, CPCU, AIAF, CPIA

culture, that message will heavily drive staff behavior. Conversely, if agency management does not truly embrace an E&O culture, the agency is only fooling itself and will never achieve the desired level of E&O commitment.

If your agency is unsure where it stands or if you have not given it much thought, here are some areas to consider:

Staff engagement This area will undoubtedly heavily determine an agency’s

Management/Leadership

E&O culture. Why? Agencies don’t make mistakes, people

As with most businesses, the culture of the organization starts

do. Two agencies could have the same procedures and

with management/leadership. The staff will follow suit to

expectations, yet have a different culture within their

the degree that management “walks the walk” and “talks

respective shops. E&O is serious stuff, requiring every staff

the talk.” Thus, where it is readily apparent that agency

member that believes in the cause to perform their duties

management is committed to a strong errors-and-omissions

ethically and professionally.

16 DECEMBER 12

Because an agency’s staff involves many different functions and disciplines, assessing the agency’s culture requires an assessment of each person. While producers and CSRs are heavy drivers of E&O claims, virtually everyone in an agency, including the receptionist and claims team, has the potential to cause, and are causing, E&O claims.

Educating your staff For the staff to perform their jobs professionally and efficiently, they must possess a high level of proficiency in the technical aspects of their positions. Your customers count on the staff’s expertise on an insurance matters. In addition, training in the areas of sales, customer service and systems is also extremely important. As you develop goals for each of your staff for 2013, identify educational opportunities based on your assessment. This may include courses, designations, seminars, etc. Your local agents’ association is a great resource for this type of material. Moreover, exposure analysis checklists are an excellent tool for agencies to totally understand classes of business, and the various insurance issues and exposures.

Educating your customers Many agencies would contend that the best customer is an educated customer. Has your agency undertaken a campaign to educate customers on various coverages and how these coverages respond? There are many approaches to accomplish this, including producing a printed or electronic newsletter to send to customers. There are many topics to address. Some apply regardless of the time of year, while others are more seasonal (e.g., boating, children going off to college, etc.). A great approach is to perform an annual agency review for each of your customers. This will help your customers understand their coverage and may also identify any exposures the customer has that are not properly insured. It is definitely better to discover and discuss these issues before a loss occurs as opposed to afterward.

Documentation What is the quality and timeliness of the documentation in the customer’s file? For example, documentation stating “spoke with insured regarding their homeowners insurance” is unacceptable as it does not provide any real details. The best rule of thumb for documentation is that another staff member should be able to review the documentation and know exactly what the issues are as well as any open items.

Auditing To truly assess the E&O culture and commitment of the

agency staff, it is necessary to review their files and the detail each contains. How well are agency procedures being adhered to? What is the level and quality of the file documentation? To effectively perform this function, develop an audit form addressing the key issues, and then perform periodic reviews of a pre-determined number of files for each staff member. While this takes time, it is a critical to discover any issues before they become a problem.

Customer accountability It seems that with many E&O claims, the customer does not take any responsibility for the decisions made regarding his or her insurance program. Some possible approaches: y Provide options for the customer to consider and require the customer to sign off on the coverages and limits selected and rejected. y Send a cover letter with the policy to the customer requesting that the customer reviews the policy and advises your agency of any questions or problems. An example of such a letter: Enclosed please find the renewal of your Businessowners package written with XYZ Insurance Co. You will be receiving your premium invoice shortly. It is important that you take the time to read this policy to ensure your understanding of the limits and the coverages. If there are any questions, or if you wish to make any changes to this policy, please contact the agency promptly. The limits of insurance have been selected by you and we can’t guarantee that the limit selected will be sufficient in the event of a major loss. Higher limits are available upon your request. Thank you for your confidence in our agency. We appreciate your business. Sincerely,

Growth and improvement If you are unsure that the agency’s culture has been enhanced compared to last year, or even has regressed, don’t be disheartened. Start today on a path to growth and improvement. It will be time and energy well spent. n

Curtis M. Pearsall, CPCU, AIAF, CPIA President, Pearsall Associates Inc. and Special Consultant to the Utica National E&O Program DECEMBER 12 17

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DECEMBER 12 21

Sales Lessons

L e a r n e d a t S e a

22 DECEMBER 12

Plot Your Course

Success fo r

by Larry Jacobson

Imagine that you’re standing at the wheel of your beautiful sailboat you’ve always dreamed of owning. You untie the lines, back out of the slip, motor up the channel, and head out to sea. What direction do you head? The compass offers you 360 choices and if you don’t choose, the wind and current will take you at their will.

Plotting a course for your boat requires having a destination in mind, and then you have to steer for that heading. Planning to sell to a prospect requires the same preplanning. Without plotting your course, the forces of sales will carry you where they will and chances are that won’t be where you want to go. When planning a voyage, preparation is key. Ask yourself these questions before leaving the dock or before any important sales call or presentation: y

Do I have the skills necessary, do I know who is going to do what tasks and do I have the right equipment?

y What obstacles am I likely to encounter along the way and am I prepared to deal with them? y

Do I have an alternate plan in case of hazards along the way?

Am I equipped with the time, manpower and materials to persevere for longer than expected?

And lastly, am I focused on the destination so that no matter what happens, I will achieve the goal?

When crossing a 3,000-mile ocean, just one degree off course can make you miss your landfall by hundreds of miles. Before you set on your sales journey, follow these guidelines to ensure success.

and over again until you know it cold. If you’re presenting as a team, don’t plan on winging it as to who will handle what portions of the presentation. Assign roles and plan the timing. Be sure your equipment including projector and presentation copies are in good order and are not in checked luggage. Just ask Suzanne who had to use a photocopy of her own outline as the handouts—all because her materials went to Dallas while she was presenting in Los Angeles.

Prepare Are you ready for questions and objections from the prospect? Sure, you may have reviewed what you think are appropriate questions and objections, but have you looked at it from their point of view? They will ask questions you haven’t thought of because they’re looking at things from a different point of view than you are. For example, when presenting an incentive travel program to a prospect, John thought he had everything in order for his presentation of Hawaii as the destination. Because he thought of options for the prospect, he also had a London trip and a Caribbean trip in his hip pocket and knew them both well. However, when he stood up to present the first of the three programs, the president of the company threw him to the wolves by asking, “Why are we doing this? Who says we want to take a trip anywhere?” John had been brought in by the marketing manager who was also surprised when the president vetoed the incentive plan altogether. Had John done his research, he would have been able to answer why an incentive travel program would work well for that particular company. He might have been able to save the day.

Practice

Persevere

Before venturing out on a presentation to that big prospect you’ve always wanted to land as a client, practice until you’re blue in the face. Run through your presentation over

Crossing an ocean in a small boat requires research, painstaking planning, and enormous tenacity. One must study the winds, currents, tides, and try to predict through [continued on page 24] DECEMBER 12 23

Sales Lessons [continued from page 23] this research what will affect the voyage. There’s equipment to install, learn about, and repair and these studies never end. The setbacks that come from weather, equipment failures, and the emotional highs and lows of spending day after day at sea are enough to take the wind out of most people’s sails—and keeps most sailors close to their home port. Similarly, unless you’re in a retail environment where sales are made on the spot, the longer-term sale is made with inquiry, patience, and perseverance. Insurance sales can take months to close the deal, incentive travel has an average of nine months closing time, and your industry might not be far behind. You are responsible for studying and knowing your prospect and calculating how your product can help them toward their goals and objectives. Patience is a virtue, especially in selling. It might take hundreds of contacts before finding even one prospect that needs your services, and then it could be months before you even get an appointment. Consider it a passage across an ocean and persevere. It is the tenacious salesperson that usually wins out in the end. When selling, keep your final goal in mind and know the processes you are using to achieve it. If a change throws you off of your plans, if a competitor undercuts you in price, or the prospect postpones the purchase, stick with it. Come back to the course that you plotted in the first place and persevere. Try again. In the words of Winston Churchill, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue on that counts.” n

C reate moments that matter... For over 100 years, Austin has been constantly creating solutions and services to meet the ever-changing needs of policyholders.

Larry Jacobson is a speaker, executive coach and author of the award-winning best seller, The Boy Behind the Gate <http://www. larryjacobson.com/award-winning-author/get-the-book/> , based on his experiences while achieving his lifelong goal of circumnavigating the globe by sailboat. As a speaker on sales skills and leadership development, Larry uses the six years of lessons learned at sea to speak with unique authority about conquering fear and staying the course whatever it takes. For more information please visit www. LarryJacobson.com <http://www.LarryJacobson.com> , email Larry at Larry@LarryJacobson.com or call 510-500-4566.

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24 DECEMBER 12

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[

. . .everyone o n t h e team is an elit e m em ber. . .

26 DECEMBER 12

Make Your

Sales Team an

by Victor Arocho

Elite Sales Force

In every sales team, there are usually a handful of top performers…and then there’s everyone else. Imagine how much more successful your organization could be if every salesperson was an elite top performer. Think that’s not possible? Think again.

In other areas, we see groups of elite people who band together for a common goal or purpose: Super Bowl teams, Navy SEALs, top-rated college marching bands, etc. In any of these groups, you don’t see one or two people doing all the work, outperforming their peers, or being the lone superstars. Rather, everyone on the team is an elite member. The group as a whole shines because each member contributes greatly, plays an integral part, and gives 110% at all times. If it’s possible with these groups of people, then it’s possible for your sales department as well. But creating an elite group of salespeople involves much more than placing a help wanted ad on a job board. It requires a specific hiring process that attracts only the best of the best. Here are the steps to do that.

1. Make joining your sales team difficult. You cannot create an elite team if becoming a member is easy. Would a Super Bowl team be spectacular if they let anyone with a helmet on the field? Of course not. In order for any team be considered elite, there must be a stringent process to join the team. So while you should definitely advertise open sales positions, realize that conducting one interview prior to bringing someone on board is not enough. Rather, you’ll want to conduct multiple interviews, with the candidate speaking to the sales manager and other executive level people. The key is to look for people who believe in a team spirit, have a positive attitude, and display a keen sales demeanor. Whatever you do, don’t have your HR department be responsible for hiring salespeople. HR’s only role in hiring salespeople should be to process the paperwork.

And finally (and perhaps most important), make sure anyone you decide to bring on board realizes that getting past the initial hiring process is the easy part. Now they must prove that they have what it takes to be an elite player. How? By completing step number two…

2.Create a six-week intense new hire training program where no more than 60% pass. For every three people who make it past your initial hiring process, only one of those should actually become a salesperson for your organization. While this may initially sound like a waste of time and money, it’s really an investment in making your sales team the best it can be. Realize that the only time you really waste time and money is when you allow low producing salespeople (typically people who are not a fit for sales, people who don’t like your company, or people who have the wrong attitude) to be a part of your organization. The best way to avoid that scenario is to make sure the people who are in the sales role have been thoroughly trained and are the people who really want to be there. Having an intense training period is the same approach used by colleges and the military. For example, for every 100 men who start Navy SEAL training, only 17-20 succeed. That’s a success rate of only 17% to 20%! But think about it…who do you want carrying out the country’s most dangerous and most critical military missions? Only the best of the best, right? Well, who do you want being the face of your company, representing your products or services, and interacting daily with your clients? Again, only the best of the best will do. Your intense training program should cover the following key things: [continued on page 28] DECEMBER 12 27

Elite Sales Force [continued from page 27] y Product knowledge – Go over your products or services thoroughly to ensure the prospective salesperson comprehends them inside and out.

is strong.” By bringing your salespeople together monthly, you’re creating a strong and elite sales force that can’t be broken.

y Role-playing – Go over typical sales scenarios as well as the most challenging sales situations you can think of. See how the person responds when things go wrong.

To Be the Best, Recruit the Best

y Sales skills – Even if the person has prior sales experience, you want to give them all the skills and training they’d need to be successful, and then make sure they know how to implement the skills. y Company structure – Teach them all the parts of the business. Train them on every department so they know the intricacies of the business and understand what happens both before and after the sale is made. y Research – Put them through the tedious information gathering work. Make them research the market, demographics, competition, etc. If they’re not willing to do the details, then they’re not a fit your company.

Sales isn’t an easy profession. So joining an elite sales team shouldn’t be easy either. That’s why you need to shift your focus from filling a sales position to building an elite sales force. After all, your sales team really is the face of the company. Shouldn’t only the best of the best be representing your brand? The sooner you take this approach to building your sales department, the sooner your company’s sales (and profits) will grow. n Victor Arocho is a sales development expert, sales trainer and managing partner with Potential Sales & Consulting group. He specializes in exponentially growing sales by bringing accountability to the sales process and crafting a sales culture of success. His numerous career highlights include tripling a publicly traded organization’s profits within 24 months. With his passionate and strategic style of sales, Victor has assisted others in growing their business and achieving their revenue potential. To learn more about Victor, please visit www.victorarocho.com.

This intense process will weed out the people who don’t have what it takes to be part of an elite team. In fact, about 20% of the people will drop out by week four. For the ones remaining at the four-week mark, offer them a choice to stay or go, as in: “I’ll give you $1,000 right now for you to leave the training and the company, or you can elect not to take the money and stay.” Those who take the money aren’t the type of people you want on your elite team. It’s better to pay a small price now to find that out than waste a lot of money down the road with a bad hire. By the six-week mark, only 60% of those who started should still be standing strong with you. These are your elite sales team members. (And if you have more than 60% of the people making it through the training, then your training is too easy. Anything that’s too easy has no value.)

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3. Have consistent, ongoing (monthly) training. While the intense training period is a one-time thing, all salespeople should attend regular (less intense) monthly training sessions. During these sessions, do role-playing, train on specific sales skills, and find out any specific challenges your team is facing. It’s also a good idea to use these ongoing training sessions to create bonding experiences for the sales team. Have them help each other solve problems, offer suggestions, and share best practices. Why? Because the goal is to continually develop a team, not an individual. As Tecumseh, the Shawnee Indian Chief, said, “A single twig breaks easily, but a bundle of twigs 28 DECEMBER 12

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9:00 – 12:00 p.m. ETHICS (3 WI Ethics CE, course #46320 ) Utica approved. For registration visit www.piaw.org or call 1-800-261-7429.

DECEMBER 12 29

Wisconsin Elects a new

STATE

Legislature [Mary Czaja Elected!]

By Ron Kuehn, DeWitt Ross & Stevens

PIAW Plans for the Next Session Wisconsin citizens elected a new State Legislature on November 6th, 2012. The new legislators will take office in January, but the planning for next session has already begun. The Republicans now control the State Senate with a 17-15 majority but, they are expected to win one more seat on December 4th after the Special Election is held in the 33rd Senate District (Waukesha Area). That would bring their likely final majority in the new session to 18-15. Republicans also control the State Assembly with a 60-39 majority, pending two potential recounts. This is an increase of one seat from 2011, when there were 59 Republicans, 39 Democrats, and one Independent who voted regularly with the Republicans. Several incumbents from both parties lost their reelection bids, including State Sen. Jess King (D-Oshkosh) pending a recount and State Reps. Evan Wynn (R-Whitewater), Joe Knilans (R-Janesville), John Steinbrink (D-Pleasant Prairie) and Roger Rivard (R-Rice Lake). Here are brief biographies of all of the newly-elected legislators (excluding those like Senator-elect Tom Tiffany, who held a state legislative office immediately prior to this election):

A. Mary Czaja Elected to Assembly Rep. Mary Czaja (R-Tomahawk) is an independent insurance agent who owns the C.I.S. Insurance Group. She is a graduate of UW-River Falls and has made great contributions in the service of the Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin. B. New State Senators

Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) works for the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department in its Corrections Division. He is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College. Rep. Eric Genrich (D-Green Bay) is an Information Technology Librarian at the Brown County Library. He is a former aide to Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) and to former US Rep. Steve Kagen D-Wisconsin). He is a UW-Madison

Sen. Rick Gudex (D-Fond du Lac) is a production supervisor at Brenner Tank LLC. He was elected Mayor of Mayville at age 29 and is now serving his third term as President of the Fond du Lac City Council

graduate.

Sen. Nikiya Harris (D-Milwaukee) is a Milwaukee County Supervisor with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UWM.

Gary Goyke.

C. New State Representatives

Supervisor and former member of the Middleton-Cross Plains

Rep. Mandela Barnes (D-Milwaukee) is a graduate of Alabama A&M University who has worked as a community organizer for M.I.C.A.H., a Milwaukee-based interfaith coalition that advocates social justice issues. 30 DECEMBER 12

Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee) is an Assistant State Public Defender who received his law degree at Marquette University. He is the son of former Democratic State Sen. Rep. Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) is a Dane County School Board. She is a UW-Oshkosh graduate. Rep. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) is the president and CEO of Rock Transfer and Storage, a private logistics company. He is a UW-Whitewater graduate.

Rep. John Jagler (R-Watertown) served as communications director for Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald. Prior to that, he was a newscaster for WTMJ AM 620 in Milwaukee.

Rep. Dana Wachs (D-Eau Claire) is a trial attorney who graduated from Valparaiso University Law School. He also serves on the Eau Claire City Council.

Rep. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) is a self-described trade union activist.

Rep. Tom Weatherston (R-Racine) is a retired industrial engineer who worked for Modine Manufacturing Company. He is a graduate of SUNY Buffalo.

Rep. Robb Kahl (D-Monona) owns a title insurance agency and is the former Mayor of Monona. He is a graduate of Ripon College and the UW Law School. Rep. Debra Kolste (D-Janesville) is a medical technologist who has also owned and managed a family farm for more than 25 years. Rep. Dave Murphy (R-Greenville) is the owner of DJM Health LLC. Rep. Tod Ohnstad (D-Kenosha) is a Chrysler retiree who was active in the UAW. He is currently serving as a member of the Kenosha City Council. Rep. Daniel Riemer (D-Milwaukee) took a leave of absence from his studies at the University of Wisconsin Law School to take on Rep. Peggy Krusick (D-Milwaukee) in the August primary election. He is the son of David Riemer, who served as Budget director for former Democratic Governor Jim Doyle. Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R-West Allis) is a Milwaukee County Supervisor who operates his own landscaping business. He attended Marquette University. Rep. Melissa Agard Sargent (D-Madison) is a small business owner and a former capitol staffer. She is a UW-Madison graduate. Rep. Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh) is the owner of Leon’s Frozen Custard in Oshkosh. He has also worked as a stock broker and attended UW-Oshkosh. Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) spent two years managing solar programs at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) before leaving to work on political campaigns and run for the legislature. She is a UW-Madison graduate. Rep. Stephen Smith (D-Rice Lake) owns the Rainbow Home Center, a grocery store in Rice Lake. He formerly owned a school bus transportation business started by his father. He is the son of former Rep. Pat Smith (D-Shell Lake). He is a UW-Superior graduate. Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield) is the vice president of safety and claims management at Roehl Transport in Marshfield. He is a former police officer. His wife is a nurse at Marshfield Clinic. Rep. Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) and his wife own the Al-Gen Dinner Club in Rhinelander. He is the current president of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) is the Chair of the Manitowoc County Board and a former member of the Manitowoc City Council. He is the owner of the Vacuum & Sewing Center in Manitowoc.

Rep. Mandy Wright (D-Wausau) is a 6th grade teacher who graduated from St. Olaf College.

PIAW Plans for the Next Session Electronic Proof of Insurance Although we are about 60 days away from beginning the next legislative session the PIAW has identified an issue that would benefit our motor vehicle insurance clients—electronic proof of insurance. (Consider showing an officer proof of insurance digitally on your smart phone.) Converting from the antiquated paper-based system to an electronic display of proof of insurance will save insurance companies the cost of printing and mailing ID cards to all policyholders. It will also save law enforcement, court personnel and our customer’s time and money because they will no longer need to deal with tickets written for drivers who have coverage but failed to put proof of insurance in the car. Only a few states have, to date, approved a law to solve the insurance customer traffic stop troubles created by: not being able to find (or have) proof of insurance in your car; having an expired proof of insurance unacceptable to the inquiring police officer. The PIAW is having a bill drafted that would solve this problem. We expect the bill to be very well received by P&C companies, other agent groups, and the general public. Across the Board State Income Tax Cut Income taxes do not directly relate to insurance sales and service. Tax rates do, however, directly relate to the prosperity of our customers. The PIAW is supportive of almost any measure that the state government undertakes to allow our Wisconsin customers to have enhanced spending power. We are anticipating that a serious discussion will begin very soon regarding a tax cut for Wisconsin citizens. The PIAW expects to participate in that discussion. Healthcare Exchanges As a result of the recently concluded Presidential election, the State of Wisconsin must very quickly address the approach it will take in addressing the creation of a healthcare exchange. The PIAW has been, and will continue to, work with state government leaders on a solution that balances benefits with costs and preserves the role of the agent over the employment of new state employees to perform the services provided by agents. n DECEMBER 12 31

2013 CISR, Ethics, E&O, Hot Topics Anyone Can Attend – No Exam Required for CE! *Approved for the Utica Premium Discount 4 Credit CE Day: $65 PIA Member / $90 Non Member 8 Credit CE Day: $145 (includes lunch)

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Radisson – Green Bay Topcs To Be Determined (John Dismukes) 8 WI CE

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Hilton Garden Inn – Milwaukee 1:00 – 4:45 p.m. Ethics & Legal Considerations (John Dismukes) 4 WI Ethics CE - Course #61059

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Attention CICs! Exciting update options. CIC Graduate Ruble Seminar February 12 & 13, 2013 | Radisson – Green Bay, WI July 18 & 19, 2013 | Hilton Garden Inn – Milwaukee, WI October 3 & 4, 2013 | Marriott Madison West – Middleton, WI 16 WI CE (4 are optional Ethics)

visit www.piaw.org or call PIA at 1-800-261-7429 32 DECEMBER 12

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Al Schuettpelz, President, at: al@maplevalleymutual.com | 800-23MAPLE | www.maplevalleymutual.com

34 DECEMBER 12

File Location: PrepressMAIN:Active:R:Rockford Mutual Insurance Company_RMIC:RMIC-Ads:RMIC-Ad_3-625x5_WI P Comments:

the agent is our customer ► We strive to provide one-stop shopping to our agents by meeting both their Personal and Commercial Lines insurance needs.

► All our initiatives are focused on making it

Since 1896

ROCKFORDMUTUAL I N S U R A N C E C O M P A N Y Putting Lives Back Together

When the unexpected happens...

easy to do business with us, with the goal of helping our agents grow their revenues.

► We firmly believe that the independent agent model is the best distribution channel for our products both today and in the future.

M U T U A L

I N S U R A N C E

For information about becoming a Partners Mutual Insurance agent, please contact our marketing department at Schumann.Lyn@PartnersMutual.com 20935 Swenson DriveWaukesha, WI 53186www.partnersmutual.com an affiliate of Penn National Insurance

Rely on RMIC

Contact our Marketing Department at 815-489-3158 Rockford Mutual Insurance Company P.O. Box 5626 • Rockford, IL 61125 www.rockfordmutual.com

Where Better Service Matters  Since 1931

DECEMBER 12 35

Utility Service

Coverage by Marjorie Raguia, PIAW Agents Services Committee

A A

After whispering a few mild expletives, you go to investigate. As you walk towards your business partner, you give him a glare. He then promptly states “yes, I did pay the bill”. On your way to check the power source, your cell phone rings. It’s the florist across the street. He asks you if you are without power. He proceeds to tell you that a construction crew a quarter mile down the road, inadvertently hit a power line. After a few more whispered expletives, you hang up and then call your insurance agent. Switch roles. You are now the agent on the other end of that phone call. Have you properly insured your client against offpremise utility interruptions? Will damage to your insured’s property be covered? Is there any Business Income/Extra Expense coverage available? If the policy was written on standard ISO BOP or CPP forms there will be a gap in coverage with regard to offpremise utility interruptions, unless you added some key endorsements. y The first endorsement is Utility Services – Direct Damage (BP 04 56 or CP 04 17). This endorsement consists of a schedule of the property that is to be covered, the limit of insurance, which utility failure coverage is applicable (i.e. water, communication, and/or power, and whether overhead transmission lines are included.)

y The second endorsement is Utility Services – Time Element (BP 04 57 or CP 15 45). This endorsement has a schedule similar to that of the Direct Damage form. 36 DECEMBER 12

Consider this.

You are the proud owner of a local watering hole that has a great beer-battered Friday fish fry. It’s Friday at 2pm and while you’re in the kitchen doing the prep work for the busiest night of the week, you suddenly find yourself standing in the dark.

With an ever increasing demand for Utility Services Coverage, many insurers are now broadening their enhancement forms. To have a competitive advantage, some are simply including off-premise power utility interruption coverage, while others eliminate the waiting period before Business Income coverage will begin. Since this will vary from one carrier to another, one must be sure to familiarize themselves with carrier specific coverage forms. Determining what coverage is needed involves a thorough analysis of your client’s business operations. For example, does water play a significant role in the manufacturing of their product? If yes, then an interruption of this utility potentially could pose a loss of business income. Perhaps the business has machinery that requires a steady flow of water to run properly. Running the equipment without water may cause damage to the machinery. There is no shortage of examples where the interruption of a utility service could cause a loss to a business. Now, back to that phone call. You explain to your client that you made sure proper coverage was in place for just this kind of event. You remind him of the endorsements that you and he discussed when the policy was first issued. As you begin to review the specific s of the coverage, he interrupts you. “Well, whadda ya know? The power is back on.” Click. Whew. Job well done. n

MONEY

{

Money is one of the most important subjects of your entire life. Some of life's greatest enjoyments and most of life's greatest disappointments stem from your decisions about money. Whether you experience great peace of mind or constant anxiety will depend on getting your finances under control. — Robert G. Allen The real measure of your wealth is how much you'd be worth if you lost all your money. — author unknown

Right in your backyard!

With Continental Western Group® in your backyard, you have the comfort of knowing we are responsive to your needs and the confidence of knowing we are dedicated to our partnership! Call Fritz Weitendorf, our Wisconsin Representative at 1-877-643-0219 ext 3828.

www.cwgins.com

GERMANTOWN MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY W209 N11845 Insurance Place PO Box 1020 Germantown, WI 53022-8220 Phone (262) 251-6680 Fax (262) 623-3130 www.gmic.com

SERVING POLICYHOLDERS AND INDEPENDENT AGENTS IN WISCONSIN SINCE 1854

DECEMBER 12 37

PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE AGENTS OF WISCONSIN, INC. OFFICERS

DIRECTORS

Ms. Tracy A. Oestreich, CIC, AU, CPIA President Anderson Ins. Associates, Inc. W177N9856 Rivercrest Dr., Ste. 215 Germantown, WI 53022 Phone 262-789-8500 Fax 262-754-6038 tracyo@iaanetwork.com

Ms. Mary J. Czaja, CIC PIAW National Director CIS Group PO Box 321 Tomahawk, WI 54487 Phone 715-453-3366 Fax 715-453-3951 mary@cisgrp.com

Mr. Jeff J. Glass, Vice President A.F. Glass Insurance Agency PO Box 1149 Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Phone 262-248-5555 Fax 262-248-5544 jglass@glassinsurancecenter.com

Mr. John W. Klinzing, CIC Affiliated Ins. Agencies of WI, LLC 3830 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53714 Phone 608-310-3924 Fax 608-441-8787 johnk@affiliatedllc.com

Ms. LouAnn Herriges, CIC, CISR Treasurer Johannesen-Farrar Inc. PO Box 347 Delavan, WI 53115 Phone 262-728-2631 Fax 262-728-2312 louannh@jfinsurance.com

Mr. Brian MacGillis, CPIA MacGillis Agency, Inc. 13745 W. Capitol Drive Brookfield, WI 53005 Phone 262-790-0000 Fax 262-790-0004 brian@macgillisinsurance.com Ms. Kathy M. Mulder Nolan Insurance Agency LLC PO Box 238 Brandon, WI 53919 Phone 920-346-2241 Fax 920-346-5600 kmulder@nolanins.com

March 2013

April 2013

38 DECEMBER 12

February 2013

May 2013

Coming Events

January 2013

Mr. Rick Clements, LUTCF, MDRT Secretary Clements Ins. Agency, Inc. 317 N. 6th St. Wausau, WI 54402 Phone 715-842-1664 Fax 715-848-3337 rick@clementsagency.com

Mr. Trey Neher, CIC, CISR THZ Insurance Group 420 E. Northland Ave. Appleton, WI 54911 Phone 920-730-0123 Fax 920-833-6870 tneher@thzins.com Mr. Steve Rodgers Rodgers Agency 400 E. Cedar St. Pulaski, WI 54162-8828 Phone 920-822-3695 Fax 866-716-1007 stever@rodgersagency.com Mr. Dennis Rupers, CIC, CISR Don Rick, Inc. PO Box 465 Portage, WI 53901 Phone 608-742-5548 Fax 608-742-5540 dennis@don-rick.com Ms. Kori Sagen Sagen & Associates 1002 1st Center Avenue Brodhead, WI 53520 Phone 608-897-9100 Fax 866-803-5135 kori@sageninsurance.com

STAFF PIA of Wisconsin, Inc. 6401 Odana Road Madison WI 53719 Phone: 608-274-8188 Toll Free: 800-261-7429 Fax: 608-274-8195 Toll Free Fax: 866-203-7461 www.piaw.org Ronald Von Haden, CIC Executive Vice President rvonhaden@piaw.org Mandy Behrens Administrative Assistant mbehrens@piaw.org Darcy Brown Member Benefits Coordinator dbrown@piaw.org Heather Falk, CISR Bookkeeping hfalk@piaw.org Becca Prestbroten Special Project Coordinator bprestbroten@piaw.org Brenda Steinbach Education & Convention Director bsteinbach@piaw.org

CPIA 1 Position for success Madison (7 WI CE)

16-18

CIC AGENCY MANAGEMENT Middleton (20 WI CE–4 are Ethics)

30-31

WINTER GET-AWAY Minoqua (CE Available)

12-13

CIC/RUBLE Green Bay 16 WI CE (4 of 16 optional Ethics)

WILLIAM T. HOLD Green Bay (8 WI CE–3 are Ethics)

27, 28

CISR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Brookfield, Madison (8 WI CE)

13, 14

CISR PERSONAL LINES Fond Du Lac, Rothschild (8 WI CE)

20-22

CIC COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Milwaukee (20 WI CE)

ETHICS Milwaukee (8 WI CE)

10, 11

CISR COMMERCIAL CASUALTY #2 Brookfield, Green Bay (8 WI CE)

CPIA Green Bay (7 WI CE)

1-3

CIC LIFE & HEALTH Green Bay (20 WI CE)

6401 Odana Road Madison, WI 53719 Change Service Requested

Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin, Inc. 6401 Odana Road • Madison, WI 53719 (608) 274-8188 • (800) 261-PIAW • FAX (608) 274-8195 • TOLL FREE FAX: (866) 203-7461 www.piaw.org

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Agency Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address_______________________________________________ PO Box_______________________________________________________ City, State, Zip_______________________________________________ County_______________________________________________________ Phone_______________________________________________________ FAX_________________________________________________________ E-mail Address_______________________________________________ Website Address______________________________________________

Primary Contact Information:

The Primary Contact will receive a copy of the Wisconsin Professional Agent magazine and all mailings from PIA State and National. The Primary Contact will have voting privileges at both PIA State and National.

Name & Designation

DOB

Gender

Employment Status

Part-time

Magazine

Nat’l Voting

Privilege

o o

Male Female

o o

Corporation

Licensed Owner Licensed Producer

INCL INCL

Agency Information: Agency Type:o Sole Owner

Top 3 P&C Companies (list in order)

Partnership

Other Association affiliated with_____________________________

1)__________________________ 2)__________________________ 3)____________________________

Which Agency Management System are you using____________________ E&O Carrier_______________________________________Exp. Date______________ Annual P&C Prem. Vol._____________________________

Calculate Membership Amount Due:

Part-time employees count as one-half. If count ends in half, drop half. # Owners_________+ # Producers_________+ # Licensed staff_________+ # Unlicensed staff_________= Total Agency Size_______________ DUES SCHEDULE Total Agency Size $Amount Total Agency Size $ Amount 1 335 16 890 2 375 17 930 3 415 18 965 4 450 19 1005 5 490 20 1030 6 525 21 1070 7 570 22 1105 8 605 23 1145 9 640 24 1180 10 675 25 1220 11 710 26 1255 12 750 27 1295 13 780 28 1330 14 815 29 1370 15 855 30 & Over 1400 I certify that the information on this application is true and correct. Signed_______________________________ Dated_______________________

Total Amount from Dues Schedule $_______________ Send:

Check

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DIS

AMEX

Card No._________________________________________________________ Exp. Date_________________________________________________________ Name as it appears on card:__________________________________________________ Billing address if different from above: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Payments to PIA are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. However, they may be deductible under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code as a business expense.