CHAIR OF THE BOARD’S MESSAGE
SEARCHING FOR SILVER LININGS This August sure looks different than last and it certainly does not look like anything we could have ever imagined this spring. Week after week and month after month we find ourselves mired in uncertainty. There are new “normals” and also situations and events that cause high anxiety. But there are some bright spots! One is our agent-customer relationships. As John Dormuth explains in his article (see page 14), this is a rare time when we and our businesses are facing many of the same challenges as our customers. What an opportunity to show empathy and prove our value! Things may never have been so “personal” as we talk with our customers, adjust coverage, and become engaged with them.
INSURANCE AGENTS & BROKERS 5050 Ritter Road | Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 191 Main Street | Annapolis, MD 21401 800-998-9644 | IABforME.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Craig S. Mader, Chair Crofton, MD Richard M. Rankin, CIC, Vice Chair Lancaster, PA
MEMBERS Sarah M. Brown, CIC, CRM, AFIS Shrewsbury, PA Emory Stephen Burnett, CIC, ARM Wilmington, DE N. Lee Dotson, CIC, AAI Wilmington, DE
Another is workplace flexibility. While the majority of us were not prepared for remote operations, we rose to the occasion. The lessons we learned and technology we acquired and utilized (see an article on page 16 about maintaining those laptops) will make our agencies more nimble to meet future demands. Like me, you may have overcome your trepidation about staff working remotely.
Andrew Enders, Esq. Harrisburg, PA
At IA&B there have been silver linings. Take online education for example. The team transitioned continuing education and designation curriculum to live, web-based training in a matter of weeks, and our member response has been fantastic! Members have adopted online learning and our education model may never look like it has, historically. The new format provides greater flexibility for many of you.
G. Greg Gunn, CIC * PA IIABA National Director Lemoyne, PA
I won’t sugarcoat it: These are anxious and uncertain times. Let’s fight through it and solve problems for our customers and ourselves, personally and professionally! I wish you and your family good health and safety and silver linings. Respectfully,
Michael P. Ertel Sr. *MD PIA National Director Columbia, MD Len Gieseler, LUTCF Pottstown, PA
Bryan C. Hanes, JD Hagerstown, MD Lisa A. Leach Goth, CIC New Bethlehem, PA Elizabeth H. Martin, CIC Millersville, PA Mark J. Monroe West Chester, PA Michael A. Papa, CIC, MBA Hunt Valley, MD Jason Rodriguez Wilmington, DE D. Bradley Rosenkilde Jr. Hunt Valley, MD
Craig S. Mader Chair of the Board
Tara S. Silfies, CPCU Bethlehem, PA Robert L. Smyrl Jr., CIC Hatfield, PA J. Marshall Wolff, CIC, CPCU Easton, PA
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AUGUST 2020
