vol. 2025, ed. 16

Tammie Blackwood of Correll Insurance Group named SC Outstanding CSR of the Year
Winning essay to be published in Fall 2025 edition of SC Agent & Broker magazine
Tammie H. Blackwood, CIC, CISR Elite, AIAM, of Correll Insurance Group in Gaffney, SC, has been named the 2025 South Carolina Outstanding Customer Service Representative of the Year. This award is the highest honor in our state for insurance customer service reps who have distinguished themselves through contributions to their industry. Tammie will be recognized this October during the awards banquet of the IIABSC Annual Convention in Hilton Head Island, SC. Details of the awards process, along with her essay on balancing technology and human connection will be published in the fall 2025 edition of our SC Agent & Broker magazine.   (+ More...)

Annual convention registration opens to all attendees
To be held Oct. 12-14 at the Westin Resort & Spa in Hilton Head Island, SC
Registration to this year's annual convention (Oct. 12–14 at the Westin Resort & Spa in Hilton Head Island, SC) is now open for all attendees.  This year's event features exhibit hall and keynote discussing the evergreen topic of how to minimize the stress of change in your agency. Hotel block and special agent discounts expire Sept. 5. Sponsor deadline is Sept. 17. Pre-registration closes Sept. 24.   (+ More...)

RLI requiring agent portal password reset & multi-factor authentication starting Aug. 14 (next week)
Agent  producer portal will be inaccessible Aug. 9 in preparation
RLI, our partner offering Big "I" member access to personal PUP and IHB markets, is requiring all producer portal users to update their passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on their accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification step in addition to your password. This simple measure helps prevent unauthorized access, even when passwords have been compromised. RLI's producer portal will be unavailable from 7 p.m. CT on 8/9 until 7 a.m. on 8/10. Starting Aug. 14, RLI will begin to activate accounts for MFA in phases. They expect all portal users to be activated no later than 10/1/2025.   (+ More...)

Read the latest edition of SC Agent & Broker magazine
Summer 2025 edition
The latest edition of SC Agent & Broker magazine is hitting mailboxes, but you can also read it online. Our summer edition spotlights the upcoming annual convention in Hilton Head, IIABSC Foundation 2025 scholarship recipients, photo recaps of Spring Conference and Young Agents Scholarship Golf Tournament as well as articles on Gen Z workforce, skills-based hiring and tips for getting the most out of your internships.  (+ More...)

SPOTLIGHT on Trusted Choice Social Media Ad Guide
Newest guide for members explains important parameters/strategies when advertising on social media
Designed for agencies that want to fully embrace social media advertisements and be competitive online, the Trusted Choice Social Media Ad Guide demystifies paid social advertisements to help you achieve your goals whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned social advertisement user. Covers social media ads, boosted posts, strategy and ways to measure success. IIABSC username and password required for access. (+ More...)

See also:   Upcoming Webinar (Aug. 20) - Social Media Ads for Independent Agents: How to Generate Leads & Gain a Competitive Edge

Upcoming webinar: Minimizing the Risks of an Agency Acquisition
FREE Big I member webinar by IA Valuations to be held Aug. 27 at Noon ET
Our friends at IA Valuations are presenting a FREE webinar for member agents who are considering acquiring another agency. Session includes learning about the due diligence process, identifying risks and assessing an agency acquisition. Understand how to review employment agreements, restrictive covenants, E&O and EPLI/HR risks. Also understand how to mesh cultures, incentivize the merging producers and staff and maximize the success of an acquisition. Webinar to be held Aug. 27 , from Noon to 1:00 pm, Eastern Time.   (+ More...)

See also:   IA Valuations works to help independent insurance agency owners start valuation-based planning

LAST CHANCE: Nominate the 2025 Agent/Young Agent/ Industry Person of the Year
Convention awards nominations deadline Aug. 18
Our awards banquet is a highlight of the annual convention, as important industry contributors are recognized. Here is your chance to nominate the next recipients of the Hayne P. Glover Jr. Agent of the Year, Young Agent of the Year and Industry Person of the Year awards. Recipients are nominated by other members and will be awarded at this year's annual convention to be held Oct. 12-14 at the Westin Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island, SC. Agenda details have been posted and registration is now open to all attendees. Awards nomination deadline is Aug. 18. (+ More...)

Use ABEN discount code for 20% off
Use code Summer20 at checkout
Use discount code "Summer20" at checkout for 20 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...)

Use My Agency Campus discount code for 20% off all bundles
Use code MAC20 at checkout
Use discount code "MAC20" at checkout for 20 percent off all course bundles at My Agency Campus. MAC courses are on demand, cost effective, measurable insurance coverage training for your team. Great for new employees and emerging leaders.  (+ More...)