President's Message

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

I’ve been accused by many (the IA&B staff, my kid ...) of over exaggeration. The most recent burger is the best ever; this is a top three movie (when I have 100 top threes); Stevie Nicks is the best female rocker in the world (okay, that one is true).

But now, I am not exaggerating – our new Insuring Careers Certification Program is going to positively impact members for years to come. Launching on Jan. 2, 2025, the program will focus on recruiting, training, licensing, and introducing new professionals to our member agencies.

For nearly two years, our staff has been hard at work developing the curriculum for this program, which will teach insurance basics (both personal and commercial), business skills, and pre-licensing education. Graduates of the program will be well-rounded insurance professionals.

The Insuring Careers Certification Program will be an invaluable tool for agencies with new staff who need introductory training. Instead of simply getting new staff licensed through IA&B, you can enroll them in this program for more comprehensive training.

In addition, IA&B will recruit individuals into the program and, in time, deliver new talent to our members. We hired a full-time Director of Career Services who will speak with high school and college students; those looking to make career changes; and those looking to get back into the workforce after an absence. She will promote the many positive aspects of the independent insurance industry and aim to enroll them in the Insuring Careers Certification Program.

Be patient with us. It will take time to develop a pipeline of students, and in turn, a list of graduates ready to be hired. But we are putting everything we have into this program, as we see it as the future – for you and IA&B. No exaggeration.

Onward and upward,

Jason F. Ernest, IA&B President & CEO