Chair of the Board's Message

MUCH TO CELEBRATE THIS SEASON

I write this intro wishing you the jolliest of holiday greetings. It’s been quite a year, and there’s much to celebrate both at IA&B and for our member agencies.

In this Primary Agent edition, we recognize the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance's Outstanding CSR of the Year winners from IA&B's three state territory – Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. Each recipient is from an IA&B member agency. Congratulations to these very well-deserving agents.

This issue also highlights two outcomes from the IA&B board and staff’s busy year. The first is no-cost Catalyit subscriptions for all members, a huge benefit for agencies seeking tech guidance. If you’re using the service because of this offering, great – you’re putting that IA&B membership to use! Not sure what Catalyit is, or want to learn how your agency can benefit? Flip to page 12 of this magazine.

The second accomplishment is the Insuring Careers Certification Program. We are proudly on track to launch the program in January. If you have new, unlicensed staff to send – or if you’re just looking for more information – see page 12.

Speaking of the board, you’ll find a directory of board members on pages 16-17. These individuals, as well as our past board members, are the best of the best. In fact, this issue features an interview with one of our newest board members, Ashley Stafford, who definitely is a rising star in our industry. In 2023, she was named an IA&B Mover & Shaker. (If you’re interested in volunteering with the organization, contact IA&B VP-Membership Tim Wonder at 800-998-9644, ext. 351 or TimW@IABforME.com.)

Think of this magazine’s contents as gifts wrapped nicely under the tree. It features celebratory news and exciting projects – some of which took quite some time and effort – but wow, is it rewarding to have everything come together so nicely!

Until next time,

Sarah Brown, CIC, CRM, AFIS

Chair of the Board