CHAIR OF THE BOARD'S MESSAGE

A COMMITMENT TO LIFELONG LEARNING

There are many traits that insurance producers share – personal drive, intelligence, analytical ability, problem solving, and product knowledge, to name a few. Yet, beyond those skill sets there is another commonality … a commitment to life-long learning, or “career-long learning.”

I’m sure you’ve heard it expressed that insurance producers enjoy and make a career out of our profession because it never gets old. No two days are the same, and there is always something new to learn. It is absolutely necessary because as national and worldwide industries continually innovate, property and liability risks and hazards morph into new arenas. Coverage has to adjust, and it’s imperative that we, as insurance professionals, grow in our knowledge.

I’m proud of the role that our association, IA&B, plays in our educational pursuits. Just look to Kevin Amrhein’s monthly columns in this magazine that delve into coverage interpretations. Or review the plethora of continuing education and insurance designation courses that IA&B offers on a weekly basis. Or consider the knowledge that the IA&B staff (here’s to Claire Pantaloni and Don Bankus!) share when we reach out with conundrums.

Our industry is complex, and our jobs are hectic. (Let’s face it – we wouldn’t want it any other way.) But it’s reassuring to know that we can rely on IA&B for smart articles and educational content that keep us apprised of all that’s new and developing.

Finally, please indulge me as personally express my condolences to Jerry Milton’s family and thank them for sharing him with us. What he did for IA&B and its educational program development was legendary. He pioneered the insurance educational experience, was innovative, and as we all know, was entertaining! I am proud to have called him a friend. RIP, Jerry.

Respectfully,

Craig S. Mader Chair of the Board