2024: Reflecting & Planning

The past 12 months have been remarkable. While IA&B steadily provided the advocacy, education, and resources upon which member agencies rely, the organization also focused considerably on the future – the future success of member agencies and the future growth of the independent agency channel.

Guided by a long-term strategic plan, IA&B made two significant investments in 2024. The first was in Catalyit, which provides wide-ranging technology guidance for agencies. The second was in the Insuring Careers Certification Program, a wide-ranging industry recruitment and education effort. Read on for highlights and how your agency can benefit.

CATALYIT

Harnessing technology isn't easy. We found a solution for you – introducing Catalyit (pronounced: cat-a-lit), a go-to technology resource for independent agencies. All IA&B members receive a free, full-access subscription.

How your agency can benefit:

Catalyit can save your agency time, money, and hassle by providing all the technology guidance you need in one place. Whether you’re considering a new agency management system, vetting quoting platforms, or looking for advice on cybersecurity solutions, Catalyit can help.

Where to begin:

Take Catalyit’s 10-minute Tech Assessment. It immediately provides results, identifying where your agency shines and where there’s room to grow. Then as part of your complimentary subscription, you can schedule a 30-minute virtual meeting with Catalyit Technology Consultant Mark Parrish.

Get started at https://catalyit.com/iab/.

Questions? Contact IA&B VP-Advocacy Claire Pantaloni at ClaireP@IABforME.com or 800-998-9644, ext. 604.

Insuring Careers Certification Program

Do you have a new, unlicensed employee? This program can help you with training. It is designed for newcomers to the industry. It covers the following areas:

▲ Basics of insurance and essential soft skills

▲ State licensing exam preparation

▲ Application of acquired skills to real-life scenarios

How does this certification program work?

▲ It’s online & flexible – students can work at their own pace.

▲ Students have up to six months to complete the program, but it can be completed sooner.

▲ Students have access to an experienced education team for support.

How your agency can benefit:

The Insuring Careers Certification Program can jumpstart your new, unlicensed employees’ careers. IA&B member agency staff can enroll at a discount when the program opens in January 2025. In addition, IA&B will recruit those outside of the industry into the program with the intention of introducing skilled, new talent into the independent agency system.

Where to begin:

Learn how the program works by visiting https://IABforME.com/InsuringCareers.

Questions? Contact IA&B Director of Career Services Heather Ulrich at HeatherU@IABforME.com or 800-998-9644, ext. 407.