CHAIR OF THE BOARD’S MESSAGE
MAKE A COMMITMENT TO YOUR EDUCATION Two years ago IA&B asked to interview me for Primary Agent magazine. It was late 2019, and of course, COVID-19 was about to blindside all of us … our businesses, our clients, and our families. While so much has changed since then, how I feel about this industry – about the opportunities it presents and the great people it brings together – hasn’t wavered. Something else that hasn’t changed? My advice for new producers. Just as when IA&B asked during that interview, I firmly believe that a commitment to education is the key to success in this industry. Insurance is a profession, and we need to know what we’re selling. This issue of Primary Agent magazine includes a feature article on the importance of professional development. I encourage everyone – new producers and “seasoned” ones alike – to give it a read and consider how they can build upon their knowledge. In fact, if you haven’t checked out IA&B’s professional training schedule recently, be sure to do so. In the spring of 2020, IA&B switched to an online education format to meet COVID-19 mitigation measures. Today, IA&B has reintroduced in-person courses yet maintained live webinar options for CE, designation, and licensing-study courses, which has expanded training options greatly. Bottom line: We don’t know what’s around the bend. And that’s all the more reason to make a commitment to your education, your career, and your future.
INSURANCE AGENTS & BROKERS 5050 Ritter Road | Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 191 Main Street | Annapolis, MD 21401 800-998-9644 | IABforME.com
IA&B BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Richard M. Rankin, CIC, Chair Lancaster, PA D. Bradley Rosenkilde Jr., Vice Chair Hunt Valley, MD
MEMBERS Gregory H. Bennett
Bel Air, MD
Sarah M. Brown, CIC, CRM, AFIS Shrewsbury, PA Andrew Enders, Esq.
Harrisburg, PA
Len Gieseler, LUTCF
Pottstown, PA
Jason R. Hess
Coraopolis, 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
Kent Reynolds, CIC
Hagerstown, MD
Jason Rodriguez
Wilmington, DE
Donna Roper
York, PA
Candace Shoupe, AAI, AIC
New Castle, DE
Tara S. Silfies, CPCU
Bethlehem, PA
Robert L. Smyrl Jr., CIC
Hatfield, PA
Michael Thomas
Gambrills, MD
Sheila Wells, CIC, CISR
Rehoboth Beach, DE
J. Marshall Wolff, CIC, CPCU Easton, PA
Best,
NATIONAL DIRECTORS Michael P. Ertel Sr. (PIA) Columbia, MD
Richard M. Rankin Chair of the Board
G. Greg Gunn, CIC (IIABA) Lemoyne, PA Diane Hornung Hanby (IIABA) Wilmington, DE
2
NOVEMBER 2021
