Thanks to all those who contributed to SC Trusted Choice GIVE Movement
Week of giving raised more than $27,000 for Make-a-Wish South Carolina
We participated once again in the Trusted Choice GIVE Movement June 1-8, and thank to your support we raised $27,518 for Make-a-Wish South Carolina. As a result of your efforts we will be able to grant the wishes of at least three SC Wish Kids. Our annual project led by the our young agents encourages agencies, affiliates and partners is a chance to come together for a week of giving to benefit an incredibly inspirational and worthy cause. Any organization that donated $1,000 or more to MAW are featured as top givers. Find full top giver list and individual leaderboard on our event webpage.   (+ More...)

See also:  Learn more about the power of a wish through Make-A-Wish

Young Agents Conference registration now open to all attendees
Aug. 10-12, returning to Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC
Registration for all attendees is now open for this summer's Young Agents Conference to be held Aug. 10–12 at the Sonesta Resort in Hilton Head Island, SC. This conference focuses on the professional development of the up-and-coming insurance agents within the state with a great mix of business, fun and minimal time away from the office. Features sessions on agency culture, goal setting and the how to be an agency of the future. Special discounts for first-time young agent attendees and those who register early expire July 5. Hotel block expires July 5. Pre-registration closes July 24.   (+ More...)

See also:  Young Agent David Watson of Mappus Insurance recently featured in IA Magazine (June 2023)

CHARLESTON YOUNG AGENTS: FREE Local Networking Event July 13
FREE Happy Hour coming next month at Holy City Brewing in North Charleston
ATTENTION CHARLESTON-AREA YOUNG AGENTS: Join other IIABSC Young Agents in your area for a networking happy hour on July 13 at Holy City Brewing in North Charleston. This event is FREE to all young agents who register in advance. Plan to join us after work starting at 5:00 pm for some food, drinks and good times with fellow Big "I" agents and event sponsors. Meet the SC Young Agent Committee leaders in your area and be automatically entered for a chance to win a free registration to the YA Conference to be held later this summer at the Sonesta Resort in Hilton Head, SC. Local events also coming soon to Greenville!   (+ More...)

MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT: IIABSC Foundation
Supporting charitable / educational / public safety / scientific endeavors for nearly 40 years
Since 1984, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of South Carolina Foundation has provided more than $500,000 to support charitable, educational, public safety and scientific endeavors that serve both the public and the insurance industry. Current programs include college scholarships for the children of IIABSC member agents, CIC institute scholarships, IIABSC education programs and IIABSC young agent leadership events. You can help continue the association's public service tradition by including a tax-deductible donation on your annual renewal form or donate online at any time. Memorial or honorary Foundation donations are also a great way to honor or remember your industry colleagues. For help finding the benefits most in line with the priorities of your agency, contact our Director of Member Services, Megan Thomas.    (+ More...)

Upcoming FREE ACT Technology Webinars
Two upcoming webinars later this month discuss data-driven decisions and agency payment methods
Big I Agents Council for Technology exists to help agents use technology to reach their strategic goals. They provide recommendations on emerging trends, cybersecurity, customer experience, data & analytics, disaster planning and other tech-related focus areas impacting our industry.  Join ACT Executive Director and industry partners on June 22 (2 pm Eastern) for the webinar, “Making Data-Driven Decisions," on how using data can drive intelligence and efficiency to make informed decisions, ensure accurate and continuous compliance management, and secure market share with competitive intelligence.   Join ACT Executive Director and industry partners on June 28 (2 pm Eastern) for the webinar, “Challenge What You Do!" on how the payment experience is often overlooked as an important client interaction, and be challenged to reevaluate agency payment methods as a positive differentiator.   For more FREE technology content, watch ACT's library of on-demand webinars.

Private Equity Takes a Pause: What It Means for Agency Owners
Insurbanc article on IA Magazine by Chief Lending Officer Robert Pettinicchi
While valuations of independent agencies might have leveled off, owners can still get a good price for their business if they have attractive cash flow and other positive attributes. Robert Pettinicchi, EVP/Chief Lending Officer at InsurBanc, discusses the pause in private equity purchasing activity and what opportunities that presents agency owners in today's market environment.  (+ More...)

Please complete our annual member survey
Share primary challenges facing your agency & industry concerns
Please complete our brief member survey to share the primary challenges your agency is facing and other industry concerns. Results will be shared with our Board of Directors in their planning to ensure we stay on mission to foster an environment and provide resources to sustain member success.   (+ More...)

Now enrolling Fall IA-MBA program class starting Sept. 6
Course is ten weeks long with facilitated LIVE sessions on Wednesdays
Our new IA-MBA program is both an education and a networking program built for current and future independent agency leadership to learn skills needed to enhance their agency's profitability and success. These skills include building organizational alignment, enabling your team to better serve clients and applying financial fundamentals to build a more profitable agency. The program is 10 weeks long and combines self-paced learning with expert-led facilitated live sessions. Fall sessions start Sept. 6. Register early for the best price!  (+ More...)

See also:   Check out our upcoming LIVE VIRTUAL P&C producer pre-licensing course

Nominate the 2023 Agent/Young Agent/ Industry Person of the Year
Convention awards nominations deadline Aug. 15
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 Nov. 5-7 at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. Agenda details and registration to be announced in late July. Awards nomination deadline is Aug. 18.  (+ More...)

FREE upcoming risk management webinar for members: "30 years in 30 minutes"
What E&O lessons has a Senior Underwriter learned during 30 years in the industry?
The Big “I" Professional Liability Risk Management team recently bid a fond farewell to veteran Swiss Re Corporate Solutions underwriter and risk manager Richard Lund as he rode off into the sunset of retirement—but not before we recorded a last session harnessing his wisdom gathered from three decades working with Big “I" agents. All Big “I" members are invited to attend a complimentary new webinar, “30 Years in 30 Minutes," a conversation between outgoing risk manager Lund and the Swiss Re staffer stepping into this role, Annette Ardler. In the 30-minute conversation, Lund shares five key steps agencies can take to prevent E&O claims. Final session broadcasting July 13 at 2 pm.  (+ More...)

Use ABEN discount code for 25 % off
Use code SUMMER before Aug. 31
Use discount code "SUMMER" at checkout for 25 percent off our entire ABEN catalog at iiabsc.aben.tv. Courses are available live or on-demand and can be browsed by category or by broadcast date. Expires Aug. 31.  (+ More...)

See also:   New ABEN courses now available