Young Agents are WRAPPING UP Trusted Choice GIVE Movement
Campaign benefitting Make-a-Wish South Carolina to remain open, special thanks to TOP GIVERS
Young Agents have just WRAPPED UP this year's Trusted Choice GIVE Movement week of giving, running from June 1-10. We are 2/3 of the way to our GOAL. Donations will continue to be accepted all year long. 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 are still open on the event webpage. As of 6/10, we have a little more than $8,000 to go.

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...)

Young Agents Conference registration opens to all NEXT WEEK
To be held Aug. 6-8 in Greenville, registration currently open for agents & Palmetto Partners
Registration opens next week for all attendees to this summer's Young Agents Conference to be held Aug. 6-8 at The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Greenville, SC. Registration is currently open for agents and Palmetto Partners. 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...)

Catalyit releases 2026 State of Tech Report
Based on nationwide survey results, provides snapshot of how independent agencies are currently using technology
Big "I" partner Catalyit has released their 2026 State of the Tech Report. Based on data from agencies across the country, this report provides a comprehensive look at how independent agencies use technology, where friction persists, and what high-performing agencies are doing differently. Results say that while technology adoption continues to grow, many agencies still face challenges with workflow efficiency, integrations, duplicate data entry, cybersecurity preparedness, change management, and AI governance. The report reveals a clear trend: the agencies gaining the most value from technology are focused on execution, not simply adding more software. Whether you're evaluating your current tech stack, planning future investments, or looking for opportunities to improve agency operations, Catalyit's State of Tech Report offers valuable benchmarks and actionable insights to help guide your next move.   (+ More...)

NEW TrustedChoice.com now operating
Update your FREE agency listing to help consumers find you online
The Big “I” has launched an all-new TrustedChoice.com — a 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...)

FREE AI training program for independent agents
Agency AI Labs offers skills your whole agency can actually use, two sessions next week (June 16 & 17)
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. Live sessions held every Tuesday 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...)

LAST CHANCE - GREENVILLE AGENTS: FREE Local Agent Networking Event NEXT WEEK, 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, CRC Group Wholesale & Specialty, iSurity, The Hanover Insurance Group & Property Plus LLC). 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...)

LAST CHANCE: 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...)

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...)

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...)

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...)