President's Message

GIVING BACK TO PUSH OUR INDUSTRY AHEAD

In this month’s Primary Agent, you will find an interview with Pennsylvania Sen. Christopher Gebhard, a member of IA&B. For me, it is an interesting “full circle” story.

When I began at IA&B in 2005, it wasn’t long after the major merger of the two state associations in Pennsylvania – the PIA (of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware) and the Independent Insurance Agents of PA (IIAP). Instrumental in that merger was Peter Gebhard, of Hoaster Gebhard & Company in Lebanon, PA. Peter was serving as chairman of the IIAP Board of Directors at the time and worked tirelessly (along with PIA volunteers) to ensure that a singular state association was working for the best interest of independent insurance agents in Pennsylvania.

That was the birth of IA&B, and since then, we have also merged state associations in Delaware, and we remain the largest state association in Maryland. Our success, as always, is due to the significant time and work our volunteer agent leaders put in. In the case of Peter Gebhard, his efforts were essential in creating what IA&B is today.

Fast forward to 2007. I was attending the National Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. and was introduced to Christopher Gebhard, Peter’s son. Chris was a young producer in the agency, and it was his first time attending our legislative event in the nation’s capital. I enjoyed getting to know Chris at the conference and could tell he was very engaged with the legislative process and our issues as agents.

IA&B Member (and now Pennsylvania State Senator) Chris Gebhard attending the National Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. in 2007.

I kept in touch with Chris over the years and was beyond thrilled when I learned he was running for the open spot in the Pennsylvania Senate District 48. It’s not uncommon for insurance agents to hold positions in the legislature in our three states, but to have a good friend like Chris in the Senate is extremely valuable for IA&B. Already we are working together on automobile limits increases and changes to the surplus lines requirements.

From the beginnings of IA&B, to the Pennsylvania Senate, it’s just another example of our members giving back and contributing to our industry. It’s what keeps IA&B strong and what keeps this job rewarding.

Best,

IA&B President & CEO