News & Notes

YOUNG AGENT CONFERENCE DEADLINE

Hurry! Registration closes on Oct. 14 to attend the 2024 IA&B Young Agent Conference, coming to Gettysburg, PA on Oct. 28-29. The conference brings together an energetic, driven group of young agents who are actively seeking to develop their skills and careers.

Save your spot. IABforME.online/YAconference 800-988-9644, option 1

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEER LEADERS

Sending our sincere thanks to the following member agents who recently completed their terms on the IA&B Board of Directors. Their contributions of time and expertise helped to provide strategic direction for the organization, which will benefit our membership for years to come.

Len Gieseler, LUTCF; Element Risk Management Pottstown, PA

Candace Shoupe, AAI, AIC; CBM Insurance Agency New Castle, DE

Bob Smyrl, CIC; Robert L Smyrl Inc. Hatfield, PA

EXCELLENCE IN INSURANCE EDUCATION

IA&B's Jessica McWilliams (left) and Heather Ulrich accepted the Excellence in Education Award.

IA&B received two Diamond-level 2024 Excellence in Insurance Education (EIE) Awards at the Big “I” Education Convocation, held in September. This marks the eighth consecutive year IA&B has been recognized with EIE Awards for its significant contributions to insurance education.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

This fall IA&B awarded insurance education scholarships to the following member agencies and individuals:

Agency Scholarships for CE Webinars

The Insurance Market, Inc, Laurel, DE

Liberty Insurance Agency, Pittsburgh, PA

Rossbacher Insurance Service, Corry, PA

Agency Scholarships for CISR Courses

Harry L Bubb Associates, Inc, Shrewsbury, PA

Unruh Insurance Agency, Inc, Denver, PA

Agency Scholarships for CIC Courses

Kocman Insurance Group, York, PA

Stubbs Insurance Associates, Inc, Wernersville, PA

Full CISR Designation Scholarship

Lisa Sorensen, Snyder Insurance Agency, Bethlehem, PA

Full CIC Designation Scholarship

Marla Fleming, Ferri Dawson Insurance Group, Murrysville, PA

IA&B introduced the insurance education scholarship program in late 2018 to support the future of the independent agency system. The scholarship program aims to develop new talent and support existing agency staff through insurance education.

Each year, IA&B awards approximately $10,000 in scholarships to individuals and member agencies. The next round of scholarships, which will be awarded to member agencies, will be announced in spring 2025. Scholarships for licensing study courses are available anytime.

IABforME.online/scholarships

WOMEN-FOCUSED WEBINAR

Join host Claudia St. John – keynote speaker from the 2024 IA&B Women’s Conference – for this upcoming webinar. There is no cost for IA&B agency members and company partners to attend.

Registration is required.

The Power of Positive Feedback Wednesday, Nov. 6 | Noon-1 PM

Delivering positive feedback is one of the most fundamental and impactful behaviors that supervisors or managers can embrace. Yet, all too often, we forget the power of positive feedback and miss opportunities to both connect with and empower and inspire others. This session explores positive feedback, what it is, what it is not, and how to use it effectively at home and at work.

Save your spot. IABforME.com/women-in-insurance | 800-998-9644, option 1

NEW TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE FOR MEMBERS

Researching, evaluating, and incorporating technology into an independent agency are common pain points. Enter Catalyit (pronounced: cat-a-lit), a go-to technology resource for insurance agencies.

IA&B members now receive a free, full-access subscription to Catalyit.

Get Started Today - Take advantage of this new member benefit by visiting: catalyit.com/iab

If you want more information or have questions, contact: Claire Pantaloni, IA&B VP-Advocacy at ClaireP@IABforME.com or 800-998-9644, ext. 604.

MEMBER AGENCY CELEBRATES MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY

Agency owner Sarah Brown (second from left) with previous owners, her parents and grandfather, (left to right), Jeff Brown, Barry Keller, and Joy Keller-Brown

Congratulations to Keller-Brown Insurance Services – located in Shrewsbury, PA – for marking 125 years of continued family ownership! The current agency president & CEO, Sarah Brown, is the fifth generation to run the business.

To recognize the anniversary, Keller-Brown Insurance Services initiated a donation drive with the goal of raising $12,500 to benefit five area fire departments.

Is your agency celebrating a milestone anniversary? Whether it’s five years or 125 years in the business, we want to acknowledge your accomplishment. Email announcements and images to IA&B Public Relations Director Karen Robison at KarenR@IABforME.com.