CHAIR OF THE BOARD’S MESSAGE

A SHOUT OUT TO YOUNG INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS

Last October, a young producer in my agency (Alex) and I traveled to Bedford Springs, PA. While I attended the IA&B Board of Directors meeting, Alex spent his time at the IA&B Futures Conference – training with his peers on sales, management, marketing, and customer service. In the evening (and on the golf course), Board members and conference attendees mingled and networked.

It was a great two days. As I shared last fall, I met dozens of eager, smart, and dedicated young insurance professionals in Bedford Springs. They were teeming with new efficiencies, smart social media strategies, and marketing ideas. I left the event optimist for the industry at large and for our association in particular. These men and women are bringing new ideas that broaden the perspectives of the old “establishment.” Believe me, the generational exchange is valuable to Futures agents and us folks in the September of our careers.

This year, unfortunately, will be different. IA&B cannot hold what would have been its fifth annual Futures Conference in person, and I will truly miss the experience. But all is not lost. Young insurance professionals are really shining in 2020 in producing new business and enlightening our industry.

The next generation is meeting the challenges of this year with valor, seamlessly adapting to remote work and fearlessly adopting new ways to connect with customers. Many of them were called upon to balance their personal and professional lives in unprecedented ways in recent months, and all of us can appreciate their perseverance.

On behalf of the IA&B Board of Directors, congratulations to the three Young Agent Award winners featured in this issue of Primary Agent. And thank you to all of the young insurance professionals who are working so diligently for the continued success of the independent agency system. We value you and your contributions!

Respectfully,

Craig S. Mader Chair of the Board INSURANCE AGENTS & BROKERS 5050 Ritter Road | Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 191 Main Street | Annapolis, MD 21 401 800-998-9644 | IABforME.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Craig S. Mader, Chair Crofton, MD Richard M. Rankin, CIC, Vice Chair Lancaster, PA

MEMBERS

Gregory H. Bennett Bel Air, MD Sarah M. Brown, CIC, CRM, AFIS Shrewsbury, PA E. Stephen Burnett, CIC, ARM Wilmington, DE N. Lee Dotson, CIC, AAI Wilmington, DE Andrew Enders, Esq. Harrisburg, PA Len Gieseler, LUTCF Pottstown, PA G. Greg Gunn, CIC Lemoyne, PA Bryan C. Hanes, JD Hagerstown, MD Jason R. Hess Cor aopolis, PA Lisa A. Leach Goth, CIC New Bethlehem, PA Christopher J. Miller, CIC Jonestown, PA Michael A. Papa, CIC, MBA Hunt Valley, MD William H. Purdy Sunbury, PA Jason Rodriguez Wilmington, DE D. Bradley Rosenkilde Jr. Hunt Valley, MD Tara S. Silfies, CPCU Bethlehem, PA Robert L. Smyrl Jr., CIC Hatfield, PA J. Marshall Wolff, CIC, CPCU Easton, PA

NATIONAL DIRECTORS

Michael P. Ertel Sr. (PIA) Columbia, MD G. Greg Gunn, CIC (IIABA) Lemoyne, PA Diana Hornung Hanby (IIABA) Wilmington, DE