President's Message

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

In a Primary Agent issue dedicated to young agents, let me highlight where IA&B has been focused on the next generation:

▲ For the fourth year, IA&B has given a Young Agent Award to three very deserving individuals, one in each of our states. I have the privilege of getting to know these award winners, and what an impressive group we have this year. Our three winners (who you will meet in later pages) each have their own success story, and each will be wonderful stewards of IA&B’s youth movement in the coming year.

▲ After a hiatus, IA&B’s Young Agent Conference was back in person and was a resounding success. Over 130 young insurance professionals gathered in Lancaster, PA to learn, network and have fun. This event has always been a highlight for us at IA&B, and to be together again has brought that energy back.

▲ IA&B hosted our second annual Intern Day in July (on National Intern Day), and the event is growing. Nearly 30 college interns were brought together and exposed to the independent agent channel, as well as real-world training. This smart, inquisitive group showed that students are planning on a career in insurance.

▲ A great deal of progress has been made on IA&B’s insurance school, one of the pillar initiatives of our recent strategic plan. The school will teach insurance and business basics, so that students will come out licensed and with a strong foundation. This time next year we will be close to opening the doors and bringing graduates to our member agencies.

A strong young agent program has always been a focus at IA&B, but this year we have really ramped it up. We are investing heavily in the future of the independent agent channel – an investment that is going to provide a return for our member agents.

Onward & upward,

Jason F. Ernest, President & CEO