President's Message

THE EDUCATION ADVANTAGE

In this month’s magazine, we highlight the impressive story of Amber Patterson, a recipient of IA&B’s CISR scholarship – who then proceeded to complete that designation in six months. Talk about a go-getter.

Coincidentally, I recently visited The National Alliance in Austin, Texas. The National Alliance is the provider of the CISR and CIC designations, and has long been a close partner of IA&B. The National Alliance has undergone change recently, including a new management team. They are embracing technology and promoting youth in the industry – two core initiatives of IA&B as well. We look forward to working with them in these key areas. Together we look to find, and train, more young agents like Amber.

But back to insurance designations – I’m always asked by members whether it’s worth it. It’s a significant investment of time, and the common question of agents is whether a designation will result in more premium. I look at education, and designations, differently. In what has become an incredibly competitive marketplace, education can become the differentiator. The agent that takes good quality, relevant continuing education can gain a leg up. Maybe it results in additional premium; maybe it doesn’t. But a higher level of insurance knowledge allows you to better protect your customer, and the agent who can do that will ultimately succeed. And just as important as earning more premium – it is a proven fact that agents with an insurance designation have significantly less E&O claims than their counterparts.

In a marketplace where direct and captive writers continue to attempt to take market share from independent agents, IA&B members should look for every advantage they can get. Education and insurance designations are exactly that.

Best,

Jason F. Ernest President & CEO