vol. 2026, ed. 10

Trusted Choice GIVE Movement starts NEXT WEEK
Week of giving June 1-10 to benefit Make-a-Wish South Carolina, special thanks to TOP GIVERS
We are participating once again in the Trusted Choice GIVE Movement this June 1-10. 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 2026 is to raise $30,000 - enough to grant the wishes of FOUR local children. Donations will continue to be accepted all year long.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TOP GIVERS (last updated 5/22/26): Barrineau Epps/ Sumter Insurance Group, Brabham Griffin Insurance, Carrie Johnson Insurance, Countybanc Insurance Inc., Creech Roddey Watson Insurance, Edwards Insurance Agency Inc., Irmo Insurance Agency Inc., Kinghorn Insurance Agency of Beaufort / TWIA Insurance, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Peoples First Insurance, Preferred Specialty, LLC, Robert Bryant & Son, Inc., Russell Massey & Co. Inc., Smart Choice Agents, The Turner Agency, Inc., Upchurch & Jowers Insurance Agency Inc. TOP GIVERS are those individuals and organizations who go above and beyond and donate $1,000 or more to the campaign. (+ More...)

NEW TrustedChoice.com launching June 1
Update your FREE agency listing to help consumers find you online
The Big “I” is excited to announce the launch of an all-new TrustedChoice.com — a now free, consumer-facing agency locator where insurance shoppers can search for independent agents in their area. Every Big “I” member gets a listing included with their membership. No subscription. No fee. No opt-in required. To make the most of your free listing, the admin for your company (contact us if you need help with permissions) will need to log in and update your agency profile — and the coverages you provide — to ensure consumers can find you accurately. (+ More...)

Big I launching FREE AI training program for agents
AI skills your whole agency can actually use, starting June 9
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the business world, the Big “I” national association is offering a valuable opportunity for independent agencies to learn how AI can be used practically, responsibly, and effectively within the insurance industry. The new Agency AI Labs program, developed by ACT (Agents Council for Technology), is a FREE live and on-demand training series created specifically for independent insurance agencies. These sessions are designed for all levels of experience — no technical background required. Starting June 9 they will be holding live sessions held every Tuesdays at 2 PM ET throughout the month, with a bonus session on Wednesday, June 17. If you can't make it live you can access all sessions in the on-demand library. Register once and get access to all the June sessions live on Zoom – plus the on-demand library with new content added throughout the year.  (+ More...)

New additions to IIABSC Staff
Introducing Denée Brooks, Kate Shepard & Savannah Taylor
We are pleased to introduce our three newest staff members - Financial Administrator Denée Brooks, Office Administrator Kate Shepard and Director of Member Services Savannah Taylor.

Denée Brooks joined the staff last fall as a Financial Administrator and is in the office every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Contact her with your questions about payments and invoices. She has been in South Carolina for nearly three years, having moved here from California after her husband accepted a position as Care Pastor at a church in Chapin, SC. They miss California, but also absolutely love it here in Carolina. She has been in accounting positions for many years and loves working with the numbers. Her passions are her faith, family (with three grown daughters, two still living in California), travel adventures and accounting.

Kate Shepard joined the staff last summer as an Office Administrator and works full time. She is at our front desk, answers the phones, and helps support every department of IIABSC as needed. She was born in Las Vegas as a military brat, moving around quite a bit before her family settled in South Carolina in 2010. She graduated from the University of South Carolina Beaufort with a degree in Communication Studies. She previously worked as an esports journalist before moving on to social media management. She worked with FlyQuest, an LCS team, during their 2020 miracle run season, and then AOE Creative, a marketing agency that specialized in gaming and nerd culture, and she also ran the Overwatch League's socials from 2021 to 2023. She enjoys reading and writing in her spare time.

Savannah Taylor joined the staff in early 2026 as our Director of Member Services and works full time. Contact her with all your questions about member benefits and services. Born and raised in Chapin, SC, Savannah graduated from Newberry College with a degree in Business Administration. She is very familiar with the South Carolina legislative process having interned with The Southern Group in Columbia. She also spent many summers working at the Lighthouse Marina on Lake Murray. She spends the majority of her free time on the lake, in the woods or on the beach with her dog, Hank, accompanying her on all their adventures.

SCDOI & SC Safe Home just launched a podcast - Now That's a Good Question
New episodes every Wednesday - find it on YouTube and Spotify
The SC Department of Insurance along with SC Safe Home Program have a launched a podcast aimed at South Carolina consumers called "Now That's a Good Question." The focus is smart, practical ways to protect your home and your wallet during a disaster. From hidden tax credits to money‑saving mitigation tips, we break down what every South Carolina homeowner should know, especially the things most people never hear about. Each episode gives clear, actionable insights to strengthen home, boost resilience, and save big. The first five episodes are available now and talk about tax credits, flood, wind zones, earthquakes and winter storms. Find it on YouTube and Spotify.  (+ More...)

Young Agents Conference Priority Registration opens NEXT WEEK for Agents & Partners
To be held Aug. 6-8 in Greenville, registration opens to all June 15
Priority registration opens next week for agents and Palmetto Partners for this summer's Young Agents Conference to be held Aug. 6-8 at The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Greenville, 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. Agenda details coming soon. Registration opens to all attendees June 15. Hotel block and agent discounts expire July 10. Pre-registration closes July 24.   (+ More...)

Nominate the 2026 Agent/Young Agent/ Industry Person of the Year
Convention awards nominations deadline Aug. 17
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. 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Greenville, SC. Agenda details and registration to be announced in mid-July. Awards nomination deadline is Aug. 17.   (+ More...)

UPCOMING WEBINAR: Private Equity Update
FREE Big I member webinar by IA Valuations to be held June 10 at Noon EST
Our friends at IA Valuations are presenting a FREE webinar for member agents who are looking for information on private equity. Webinar to be held June 10 at Noon, Eastern Time.   (+ More...)

GREENVILLE AGENTS: FREE Local Agent Networking Event June 18
Agents Happy Hour next month at Southern Growl in Greenville
Upstate Agents: Join us for a networking happy hour brought to you by our award-winning Young Agents Committee on June 18 at Southern Growl (155 N Buncombe Rd) in Greer, 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 (Special thanks to Amwins & iSurity). This event is open to agents of all ages. Please also encourage your 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...)

Ultimate Account Manager School returns as Virtual/Classroom Hybrid
Popular CSR training will be webcast live June 24-25 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 24-25 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...)

Nominate this year's SC Outstanding CSR of the Year
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 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 July 20. Find entry forms and view past winners on our award webpage. (+ More...)

SOCIAL MEDIA: May is Mental Health Awareness month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Throughout the month, NAMI actively participates in this national movement, dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness. This year's theme is "Turning Silence into Connection" to challenge stigma and instead create spaces where people are supported, understood, and find healing.. (+ More...)

MEMBER ADVOCACY BENEFIT: Access weekly State House reports by McGuireWoods
Find them on our website in Advocacy section, SC Legislature page, member login required
Each Friday, McGuireWoods Consulting, on our state government affairs team, provides weekly State House updates on the activities of both the House and Senate. They have allowed us to share these weekly reports with our membership. The Newsletter gives a narrative overview of the week with images and highlights, and the House Actions and Senate Actions documents chart the progress of specific bills to becoming law along with links to the full bill text. These bills won't necessarily be referenced in the newsletter. As always if you have questions about any of the bills that pertain to the insurance industry, feel free to contact IIABSC President/CEO Becky McCormack. Member login required for access.  (+ More...)

LAST CHANCE: Surplus Lines License Renewal Deadline is May 31
Anyone who holds a SC Surplus Lines license must renew by May 31, 2026. To complete the renewal process, all Surplus Lines Brokers must renew online through NIPR and pay a licensing renewal fee of $200.

Brokers that also hold a producer license must remember that the broker license is contingent on having an active producer license. If the producer license is not renewed, the broker license will cancel. If the surplus lines broker license is canceled, a renewal application would be required, and payment of a penalty fee double the regular fee must be paid before the license can be reinstated.

There are no additional CE requirements to renew your surplus lines license. Do you need a reminder of who needs a surplus lines license?

Anyone who does not intend to renew this license and wants to cancel it, please find the cancellation form online and submit it to the SC DOI. If you have any questions regarding your surplus lines renewal, please email the DOI at agentmail@doi.sc.gov.

Catalyit Agency Compensation Survey still open for those who haven't completed it yet
Results dashboard available for those who have completed the survey
Agency Compensation 360, the multi-state compensation survey built specifically for independent insurance agencies and powered by Big “I” associations, is back open for those agencies who did not get to complete it the first time around. Agencies that have fully completed the survey can explore detailed compensation and benefits benchmarks for South Carolina and across the nation on their results dashboard.

Gain insights into:

• Pay and benefits trends by role and region
• Staffing and retention challenges
• How your agency compares to others

A Note About Data Security: Catalyit has emphasized their commitment to data security and anonymity regarding the Comp360 survey. NOBODY OUTSIDE OF THE INDIVIDUAL MANAGING THE SURVEY WILL HAVE ACCESS TO ANY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION. All data will be anonymized and aggregated before being shown within the Analytics portal. In addition, survey participants should substitute alternative identifiers in place of an employee's full name to reinforce data security and anonymity.

Agencies must complete the survey to access results! Your input will help create a more robust, insightful results dashboard that benefits you and the entire independent agency community. (+ More...)