Chairman's Message

WHEN THE DUST SETTLES

While it’s safe to say we’re all ready to put COVID-19 in the rearview mirror, it’s not quite that simple. Even as the public health threat and related restrictions wane, the aftershocks – economic and social alike – are here to stay for quite some time.

As insurance producers, we must be vigilant in light of our insureds’ “new normal” and their corresponding exposures. (Personal lines agents: See Kevin Amrhein’s column on page 4, which is timely following the “pandemic puppy” boom.) When it comes to customer service, communication, and transactions, consumers’ expectation of immediacy has only increased during the pandemic. (IA&B Member Candi Shoupe touches on this trend in her interview on page 10.)

For those of us in management, the repercussions of the pandemic continue to reverberate in talent shortage – only exacerbating our industry’s prior struggles with recruitment and retention. On page 12, IA&B HR Consultant Karen DiGioia offers ideas to combatting “The Great Resignation.”

Bottom line: While the worst of the pandemic appears to be behind us, the world is not – and will not – be the same as it was in early 2020. As insurance professionals and employers, we must adapt and recognize the opportunities this presents us. We are an industry of entrepreneurs and self-motivators, so I am confident that when the dust finally settles, we will land in a place of strength.

Best,

Richard M. Rankin

Chairman of the Board