vol. 2025, ed. 11

Trusted Choice GIVE Movement starts THIS WEEK!!
Week of giving June 1-8 to benefit Make-a-Wish South Carolina, special thanks to TOP GIVERS
We are participating once again in the Trusted Choice GIVE Movement, starting this week June 1-8. 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 this year is to raise $30,000, which will grant FOUR wishes for South Carolina children battling critical and life-threatening illnesses.  

Special thanks to our TOP GIVERS, which are organizations that have donated $1,000 or more to the campaign (updated 5/30/25):  Anderson Insurance Associates, Correll Insurance Group, Carolina Property Insurance, Creech Roddey Watson, Edward Insurance, Irmo Insurance Agency Inc, Johnson & Johnson, Kinghorn Insurance of Beaufort/ TWIA, Russell-Massey & Co., Inc., Smart Choice Agents, Sumter Insurance, Upchurch and Jowers Insurance  and Watson Insurance Agency.  Donations are now open on the event webpage.   (+ More...)

NAT'L LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Big I Secures Important Wins as House Passes Tax Package
The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ makes permanent and increases the 199A deduction for pass-through entities
FROM IA MAGAZINE: Last week, the House of Representatives narrowly passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which includes significant tax reform. It is a first step to making permanent many of the provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that were set to expire this year. It also would make permanent the 199A deduction for pass-through entities and increase it from 20 to 23 percent. With 86 percent of independent insurance agencies structured as pass-through entities and filing taxes at the individual rate (according to the 2024 Agency Universe Study), this is a significant victory for the independent agency channel. The reconciliation bill is on its way to the U.S. Senate, where changes will be made. If passed by the Senate, the bill will be sent back to the House for another vote. Our national association government affairs team will continue to advocate for independent agents through every step of this bill on its way to potentially becoming law. View the other important points of this bill as it impacts independent agencies and state associations. (+ More...)

See also:   Legislation Introduced to Close the TPLF Tax Loophole

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 and registration to be announced in mid-July. Awards nomination deadline is Aug. 18. (+ More...)

COLUMBIA AGENTS: FREE Local Networking Event June 25
Happy Hour next month at Steel Hands Brewing in Cayce
Midlands-area Agents: Join us for a networking happy hour brought to you by our award-winning Young Agents Committee on June 25 at Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman Street) in Cayce, SC. Thanks to our generous sponsors, this event is FREE to all 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 (Liberty Mutual Insurance/Safeco Insurance/State Auto Insurance Companies, Preferred Specialty LLC, and ISURITY). The event is open to agents of all ages. Please also encourage your agency's Young Agents to attend, meet our Young Agents Committee leaders and get plugged in with our SC YA Program. We'll be giving away a free registration to this summer's Young Agents Conference among other drawings. BRING BUSINESS CARDS FOR DRAWINGS! (+ More...)

Upcoming webinar: Agency Operations - The Essential Steps to Internal Perpetuation
FREE Big I member webinar by IA Valuations to be held June 11 at Noon ET
Our friends at IA Valuations are presenting a FREE webinar for member agents who are interested in learning the core components of an internal perpetuation plan. This webinar aims to help agents begin designing a perpetuation plan for their agency. Participants will be provided a template valuation plan to be completed during the workshop session. Webinar to be held June 11 from Noon to 1:00 pm, Eastern Time.   (+ More...)

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

Have you updated your Catalyit Account?
Activate your account and set new password to access the insurtech platform's upgraded experience
Catalyit, founded by experienced independent agency insiders, offers side-by-side comparisons and guidance on modern, efficient, and cost-effective technology solutions to help agencies understand, select and implement technology effectively. They've recently moved their website to a new and improved platform, requiring all users to re-activate their accounts and set a new password. Our partnership with Catalyit gives your agency a free Basic Subscription to Catalyit, which includes their TechTips newsletter and solution provider profiles. Members can also upgrade for only $17/month and gain full access to on-demand videos, solution guides and other tools such as the newly redesigned Tech Assessment.   (+ More...)

Ultimate Account Manager School returns NEXT MONTH as Virtual/Classroom Hybrid
Popular CSR training will be webcast live June 25-26 from IIABSC office in Columbia
The Ultimate Account Manager series is back! This remarkable and one-of-a-kind training has been streamlined to meet the busy needs of our independent agents. The series is split over two comprehensive training days that address the major needs of Account Managers and CSRs to assure they will enhance their skills, productivity and effectiveness. Upon completion of the two days, attendees will receive their Ultimate Account Manager certification. Our education partner normally offers this training for $749, but IIABSC members can attend both days of training for only $435. Classes are offered in Columbia June 25-26 OR you can attend virtually. This is a two-day series, no single-day options are available. Filed for 12 hours P&C credit.  (+ 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 NewHire at checkout
Use discount code "NewHire" 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...)