vol. 2023, ed. 18
2024 Board of Directors & Officer Nominations
To be presented at in-person annual meeting Nov. 6 in Asheville, NC
The IIABSC Nominating Committee has announced the following officer and director nominations that will be presented at the 2023 annual member meeting starting at 8:00 am on Nov. 6 in Asheville, NC. Proxy ballets were sent by email earlier this week for members unable to attend. (+ More...)
Awards & Recognition from National Big I Leadership Conference
IIABSC Education Dept. & Young Agents programs were both recognized by our national association
The IIABSC Education Department was honored with its 12th consecutive Excellence in Education Diamond Award, and our Young Agents program was named the Young Agent Committee of the Year during the Big I Leadership Conference held last week in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (+ More...)
National Legislative Update from IA Magazine
No word yet on National Flood Insurance Program reauthorization (program funding expires Sept. 30), but the Senate Banking Committee recently held hearings on "Challenges in the Property Insurance Market and the Impact on Consumers."
National ABEN Day offers 5 hours free CE
Broadcasting Oct. 25 from 11 am - 5:00 pm
Join us for National ABEN Day on Oct. 25 for up to five hours of FREE CE! We are excited to provide three highly relevant topics relating to insurance "horror stories" like wrong-way drivers, hoarders and insurance fraud. You can take one, two or all three and only pay the state CE filing fee. Presenters will be available in the forum for questions and interaction with agents from around the country. Prizes and giveaways will also be part of the day. Register now through our ABEN page. PLEASE NOTE: We will charge a CE filing fee depending on the number of hours taken. Cost for all 5 hours is $5. (+ More...)
NEW HIRE TRAINING: InsurAcademy starts Oct. 9
Course runs Oct. 9 - Nov. 17 with option to take two-week virtual prelicensing course only
Our InsurAcademy was created to bring more talent into the industry, but it is also an excellent VIRTUAL new hire training program that will get your new hires licensed and trained and ready to work with a 12-month professional development plan. There is also the option to take only the two-week (half days) virtual pre-licensing course. Learn more and apply on the InsurAcademy webpages. Register for the virtual pre-licensing portion only (Oct. 9 - 20) through our online education calendar. Contact IIABSC Senior Vice President Becky McCormack with questions. (+ More...)
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Virtual University
Online resource of articles, white papers, sample forms on a variety of insurance and agency management issues
IIABSC agency members have access to our online resource of insurance, business and technology articles as well as sample ISO forms, white papers and other information on issues affecting today's insurance marketplace. Hot coverage topics, disaster planning, technology issues, agency management and Best Practices as well as an "Ask an Expert" service. You will need your Big I login. Also subscribe to their weekly email newsletter Insurance Illustrated, delivered every Friday. For help finding the member benefits most in line with the priorities of your agency, contact our Director of Member Services, Megan Thomas. (+ More...)
Annual convention discounts for agents end NEXT WEEK
Join us for the 125th Anniversary Celebration, Nov. 5-7 at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC
Registration to this year's annual convention (Nov. 5–7 at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC) is currently open for ALL ATTENDEES. The exhibit hall has sold out. Contact Megan Huebner to be put on the wait list. This year's event features exhibit hall, Biltmore Estate & microbrewery tours and keynote from former Army Ranger who was part of the CIA annex security team responding to the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi as well as updates from the department and a specail session on how independent agents can utilize AI technology. Special agent discounts for first-time agent attendees and those who register early expire MONDAY, Sept. 18. Sponsorship deadline to be included in event program is Oct. 2. Hotel block expires Oct. 3. Pre-registration closes Oct. 23. (+ More...)
UPSTATE YOUNG AGENTS: FREE local networking event Sept. 28
Happy Hour next month at The Farehouse in Taylors
Greenville-area Agents: Join IIABSC for a networking happy hour brought to you by our award-winning Young Agents Committee on Sept. 28 at The Farehouse in Taylors. Thanks to our generous sponsors, this event is FREE to all agents and young agents! Plan to join us after work starting at 5:00 pm for some food, drinks and good times with fellow Big "I" agents, industry leaders and event sponsors. Meet the SC Young Agent Committee leaders in your area who have planned this great event. BRING BUSINESS CARDS FOR DRAWINGS! (+ More...)
UPDATE: Commercial Agent Training (CAT) classroom in Columbia
Build a strong foundation in commercial lines insurance coverages
The popular Commercial Agent Training School (CAT) returns to the classroom in Columbia this October. This course was developed to provide comprehensive training for agents in all the major areas of commercial lines. It is perfect for new employees or those who just want a refresher course in commercial lines coverages. The CAT series helps agents build a strong foundation in commercial lines insurance coverages. Participants attend one class a week for three weeks. At the completion of all three days, participants receive a Series Certificate of Completion. Each class stands alone if you don’t want to attend all three days. (+ More...)
SOCIAL MEDIA: September is National Preparedness Month
Resources for social media/newsletter content on disaster preparedness
September is National Preparedness Month. Use resources found on the national website (including social media elements) to help your clients make a plan to stay safe and communicate during disasters that can affect your community. The Ready Campaign in partnership with the Ad Council is also launching a series of Public Service Advertisements targeted toolder members of our community. Those videos are also available on the resource site. Campaign materials are available in a variety of languages, including Spanish. (+ More...)
See also: Trusted Choice customizable "Insurance Explained" video series
SOCIAL MEDIA: September is also Life Insurance Awareness Month
Resources for social media/newsletter content on the role of life insurance in providing financial security
September is also Life Insurance Awareness Month. Use resources found on the national website (including social media elements) to to engage and educate the many Americans who live with a life insurance coverage gap. It might be the boost they need to protect their families and achieve better financial security. Specific to this year's campaign are resources that provide insights about what’s impacting life insurance ownership in 2023 and the vital role life insurance can play in providing financial security. #HelpProtectOurFamilies #LIAM23 (+ More...)