Tort Reform Update
The Senate Tort Reform bill remains in the House Judiciary Committee. On Tuesday, the Senate amended the House liquor liability bill (H.3497) by striking all the language in it and replacing it with S.244 language as passed in the Senate. This received a 35-5 vote in favor on the second reading. The bill will now go back to the House as amended. IIABSC will continue to monitor the situation and keep members posted. Please reach out to your local House member and urge them to pass the amended bill.   (+ More...)

Registration now open for EMPOWER HER Women's Conference
May 21 at The State Museum in Columbia, SC - registration closes May 13
Join us May 21 at The State Museum in Columbia, SC, for a remarkable day of celebrating the growth and leadership of women in all aspects of the insurance industry at the Empower Her Leadership Conference. Connect with like-minded professionals, build valuable relationships and expand your network as we delve into the hot topics and challenges that women face in the insurance industry. Through interactive sessions, peer-to-peer co-mentoring, and team-building activities, you will gain insights from industry leaders and discover new ideas that will ignite your professional journey. Starting at the age of nine, Keynote Laura Bratton faced the challenge of adapting to life without her sight. As a result she learned to apply grit and gratitude to her daily life as she overcame each obstacle and seeks to empower our attendees to do the same. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Show your support by attending or sending someone from your staff. Registration deadline is May 13. All attendees must be pre-registered. Onsite registration will not be available.   (+ More...)

See also:   2025 IIABSC Spring Conference photos now available

Sponsorship opportunities for Young Agents Scholarship Golf Tournament
To be held May 5 in Columbia - you do not need to be a Young Agent to participate!
Young Agents Scholarship Golf Tournament to be held May 5 at the Fort Jackson Golf Club in Columbia, SC, is full for players, but several sponsorship opportunities remain including beverage stations, closest-to-the-pin contest and driving range. Spots are also remaining in the new onsite player clinic. Our tournament is for anyone who wants to play, it's not just for young agents, nor is it just for insurance industry professionals. It is a fundraiser to benefit our young agents program. Tournament starts with lunch and then a shotgun start at 12:15 pm. Reception and awards afterwards. New add-on this year is a golf clinic on the driving range starting at 12:30 pm. Registration deadline is next week, April 22. (+ More...)

Greenville Agents: FREE local Networking Event April 22
Happy Hour next week 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 April 22 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 (Amwins Access Insurance Services & ISURITY). Meet the SC Young Agent Committee leaders as well as other agents in your area. BRING BUSINESS CARDS FOR DRAWINGS! Columbia local event coming soon.  (+ More...)

What Members Can Access on E&O Guardian
E&O Guardian is the online Big "I" agency errors & omissions risk management resource website designed to provide members key information and tools to mitigate agency E&O. Initially, the site was restricted to Swiss Re policyholders only, as most of the content was developed by the carrier. Today, most of the resources were developed by the Big “I" Professional Liability Team, so more sections can now be seen by all members. Our reference chart gives an idea to the various risk management resources available on the website and removes confusion around who can view what content on independentagent.com/eoguardian. (+ More...)

Upcoming webinar: Insurance Industry State of the Union
FREE Big I member webinar by Insurbanc to be held May 19 at 2:00 pm ET
In partnership with Reagan Consulting, our friends at InsurBanc will be presenting a FREE webinar for member agents to share insights on the top trends in the insurance industry and the key opportunities agents should capitalize on. Their aim is to guide independent agents through the remainder of 2025 as they make decisions on the growth of their agencies. Webinar to be held May 19 at 2:00 pm Eastern Time.  (+ More...)

Upcoming webinar: 2025 Independent Agency M&A Trends and Predictions
FREE Big I member webinar by IA Valuations to be held May 14 at Noon ET
Our friends at IA Valuations are presenting a FREE webinar for member agents who are interested in the state of the mergers & acquisitions market. This webinar aims to help agents understand the who, what, when, where and why of the current independent agency M&A market as well as what lenders are experiencing in agency M&A and the impacts of the broader economy. In addition, we will forecast the future of the IA system and the impact of consolidation on the system. Webinar to be held May 14 at Noon, Eastern Time.  (+ More...)

SOCIAL MEDIA: April is Distracted Driving month
Find related content to share in Trusted Choice Agents Resource Center
Did you know that cell phone use was involved in 12 percent of car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration? April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and now is a perfect time to share with their customers the importance of safe driving in customer correspondence and social media. Trusted Choice® has free up-to-date, customizable content to help bring awareness to the risks of distracted driving. Contents include various digital ads, print ads and videos. All content can be customized to include member agency logo and contact information.  (+ More...)

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LAST CHANCE: Nominate this year's SC Outstanding CSR of the Year
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 SC Outstanding CSR of the Year. This award is the highest honor for insurance customer service representatives who have distinguished themselves through contributions to their industry and profession. Final entry submission deadline is May 1. Find entry forms and view past winners on our award webpage.  (+ More...)

SC Young Agents seeking TOP AGENCY GIVERS for GIVE MOVEMENT
Week of giving in early June to benefit Make-a-Wish South Carolina
We are participating once again in the Trusted Choice GIVE Movement this June 1-8, led by SC Young Agents. This annual project led by our young agents encourages agencies, affiliates and partners to come together for a week of giving to benefit an incredibly inspirational and worthy cause. Together our donations have the potential for life-changing impact for children and families in South Carolina through Make-A-Wish South Carolina. Our goal in 2025 is to raise $30,000 - enough to grant the wishes of FOUR local children. If your agency wishes to participate in this campaign at a higher level, please consider becoming one of our TOP AGENCY GIVERS. Those organizations that donate a minimum of $1,000 to the campaign will receive recognition throughout our week of giving.   (+ More...)

Use ABEN discount code for 25% off
Use code 25SPRING at checkout
Use discount code "25SPRING" at checkout for 25 percent off our entire ABEN catalog at iiabsc.aben.tv. Discount cannot be applied to bundled courses. Courses are available live or on-demand and can be browsed by category or by broadcast date.   (+ More...)