vol. 2023, ed. 20
Pledge to join 2024 Palmetto Partners
Support the association year-round and receive special benefits; pledge deadline Dec. 30
IIABSC has released the full pledge packet and is now accepting pledges to next year's Palmetto Partners program, which was created for those supporting our association's events on an ongoing basis. It guarantees high-profile exposure to agency members and other benefits. There are six levels of participation in order to work with every budget. Pledge deadline is Dec. 30; payment deadline is Jan. 30. Download full information packet or fillable pledge forms from our Partners webpage. (+ More...)
IIABSC Foundation Scholarship 2024 application now available
Contribute to IIABSC Foundation, scholarship application deadline Jan. 17
IIABSC Foundation's scholarship program exclusively for students whose parents work for IIABSC member agencies is now accepting applications for 2024 awards. Scholarships will be $2,000 each for one year. Up to seven scholarships will be awarded, and recipients are eligible to re-apply in future years. Application and full eligibility guidelines are available on our IIABSC Foundation webpage. Please also consider a tax-deductible donation to our Foundation to support the charitable, educational, public safety and scientific endeavors supporting the industry in our state. (+ More...)
National Legislative Update from IA Magazine
Reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program is tied up in the current budget fight. Funding now expires Nov. 17, still with high chances of a full government shutdown.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Best Practices Study
Compare your agency with industry research on high-performing agency operations
The IIABA Best Practices Study follows high performing agencies in six revenue categories to offer other member agencies insight into what the best agencies are doing to achieve superior results. Full study results are published on a three- year cycle with updates released each year. Subject matter includes customer service, agency perpetuation, benchmarking, producer contracts, hiring and training producers, staff compensation and productivity, tax issues and more. 2023 study updates were just released. For help finding the member benefits most in line with the priorities of your agency, contact our Director of Member Services, Megan Thomas. (+ More...)
See also: View key findings of 2023 Best Practices Study Updates
Annual convention pre-registration closes OCT. 23
Join us for the 125th Anniversary Celebration, Nov. 5-7 at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC
Pre-registration to this year's annual convention (Nov. 5–7 at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC) is open for nonexhibitor attendees until Oct. 23, when online registration will switch to our onsite rates. There will also be a setup onsite for you to register using this system as well. This year's event features a sold-out exhibit hall with 75 vendors, Biltmore Estate & microbrewery tours and a special 125th Anniversary celebration. Attendees will hear keynote presentation from a former Army Ranger who was part of the CIA annex security team responding to the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi as well as updates from the department and a special session on how independent agents can utilize artificial intelligence technology. Pre-registration closes Oct. 23. (+ More...)
Upcoming CIC Multiline Institute on Hilton Head Island room block expires THIS WEEK
Reserve your room at The Beach House before 10/13 (THIS WEEK) for CIC Multiline Institute Nov. 1-2
Time is running out to reserve your hotel room for the upcoming CIC Multiline Institute to be held Nov. 1-2 at The Beach House on Hilton Head Island. Room block rate is $129/night, which expires Oct. 13. This courses helps participants identify Commercial Inland Marine, Crime, Cyber and Employment Practices exposures and the types of coverage available to address them. Remember that CIC exams are taken online not in class but during the ""exam window" the week following the institute. (+ More...)
Commercial Agent Training (CAT) classroom in Columbia
Build a strong foundation in commercial lines insurance coverages
The popular Commercial Agent Training School (CAT) returns to the classroom in Columbia starting October 19. This course was developed to provide comprehensive training for agents in all the major areas of commercial lines. It is perfect for new employees or those who just want a refresher course in commercial lines coverages. The CAT series helps agents build a strong foundation in commercial lines insurance coverages. Participants attend one class a week for three weeks. At the completion of all three days, participants receive a Series Certificate of Completion. Each class stands alone if you don’t want to attend all three days. (+ More...)
National ABEN Day offers 5 hours free CE
Broadcasting Oct. 25 from 11 am - 5:00 pm
Join us for National ABEN Day on Oct. 25 for up to five hours of FREE CE! We are excited to provide three highly relevant topics relating to insurance "horror stories" like wrong-way drivers, hoarders and insurance fraud. You can take one, two or all three and only pay the state CE filing fee. Presenters will be available in the forum for questions and interaction with agents from around the country. Prizes and giveaways will also be part of the day. Register now through our ABEN page. PLEASE NOTE: We will charge a CE filing fee depending on the number of hours taken. Cost for all 5 hours is $5. (+ More...)
My Agency Campus - use discount code "NewHire" at checkout for 20% off!
SOCIAL MEDIA: October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Resources for social media/newsletter content on cyber defense
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, sponsored by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency of the federal government and the National Cybersecurity Alliance. Use resources found on the national website (including social media elements) to help your clients stay safe online. This year they are launching a campaign that emphasizes four simple steps to stay safe online - using strong passwords, using multifactor authentication, recognizing phishing attempts and keeping software up to date. (+ More...)
See also: Trusted Choice customizable "Insurance Explained" video series (includes Cyber Liability Protection)
SOCIAL MEDIA: Oct. 9-13 is Fire Prevention Week
Resources for social media/newsletter content by National Fire Protection Association
October 9-13 is Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. Use safety campaign resources found on their website (including videos and other social media elements) to to engage and educate your clients and remind them how to stay safe in case of a fire. Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health observance in our country, held during the week of Oct. 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. (+ More...)
SOCIAL MEDIA: Great Southeast Shakeout Drill October 19
Good source of earthquake preparedness resources
October 19 is this year's International ShakeOut Day, where millions of people worldwide participate in earthquake drills at work, school or at home. South Carolina is part of the Southeast Chapter that also includes North Carolina, Georgia, Florida Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. Even if you don't participate in the drill, their website's resources page is a great resource of earthquake preparedness information, including the SCEMD Earthquake Guide, drill manuals, planning guides, multimedia and custom flyers for all kinds of age groups, communities and industries. (+ More...)