THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2010 

                                                Big “I” National News


Young Agents
Brett Favre Committed, Can You? 
Attend the Big “I” Young Agents Leadership Institute for a winning line-up.

It’s pre-season in the NFL, and everyone is checking out their favorite team or scouting fantasy draft websites to come up with a winning line-up. But when it comes to agency-know-how, the Big “I” national Young Agents Committee has devised a line-up that’s sure to help you win big! Don’t miss out on the Big “I” Young Agents Leadership Institute in San Francisco Sept. 24-25. Find out how to set goals and obtain them, use social media effectively and save time using today’s technology. Also, hear from leading carriers on topics important to young insurance professionals. This event is designed to give young agents a platform to get new ideas, education, leadership skills and network. With the recent news that Brett Favre is making his “final” return to the NFL, don’t you think to can commit to spend a few days in San Francisco with other young agents? Register today and make sure you have the competitive advantage.


Trusted Choice^®
Trusted Choice^® Agents Make It Real Simple
September magazine promotes the value of Trusted Choice^® agents to almost two million readers.

Do you need a financial guru? This month Real Simple magazine readers learned that yes, you need a financial guru for your insurance needs: a Trusted Choice® agent. A Sept. 2010 article in the Guide Section under Money discusses the six financial pros you should turn to for help saving money instead of trying the do-it-yourself approach. Among the named pros were a financial planner, an accountant, an insurance agent, an estate-planning attorney, a mortgage broker and a medical-billing advocate. Real Simple reaches 1,950,000 readers each month.


InVEST
Insurance Career Center Now on Facebook
Get the word out on open positions through social media.

InVEST has created a Facebook application so the most recent 25 postings on the Insurance Career Center will be highlighted through social media, automatically increasing your exposure at no additional charge. The InVEST social site is marketed to students, alumni, teachers and insurance professionals who volunteer in the classroom or are sponsors of the InVEST program. The Insurance Career Center fits in perfectly with InVEST’s mission to bring insurance into the classroom and attract new talent into our industry. Find InVEST on Facebook by clicking here.

Learn more about InVEST (www.investprogram.org) and visit the Insurance Career Center (www.insurancecareercenter.org) today. Other features of the Insurance Career Center are:

• NEW: 60-day posting at $100; 90-day posting at $150; and 180-day postings.
• FREE: Internship posting. (If you have an established internship program, please contact Diane Mattis at diane.mattis@iiaba.net as InVEST is working to help others as well.
• NEW: Featured Employer capability. Create your ad, including logo, online profile with a link to your website and/or job board, all for annual fee of $500.  If you have an internal job board, this is a great way to gain exposure without having to repost at multiple sites.
• Job seekers can post their resumes at no charge, and once you post a position you can search the resume database for FREE.

Please consider using the Insurance Career Center as your employment resource. We are excited about the possibilities and expect the number of postings and resumes to grow expediently. Spread the word on this site to anyone who has a current opening or internship need or someone looking for employment within the insurance industry.


Young Agents
Top Insurance Industry Executives to Address Young Agents Big “I” Leadership Institute Panel
Fireman’s Fund, The Hanover Insurance Group, MetLife Auto & Home and Progressive Insurance to participate.

The Big “I” has announced the insurance carrier panel of presidents and executives for the annual Young Agents Leadership Institute.

PANELISTS:

Darryl Page, Fireman’s Fund senior vice president and president of personal insurance
Andrew Robinson, The Hanover Insurance Group president of specialty casualty businesses and senior vice president of corporate development and strategy
Paul Lonnemann, MetLife Auto & Home sales distribution senior vice president
Karen Barone, Progressive national agency distribution leader
David Daniel, Big “I” chairman, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America

MODERATOR:

Jason Cass, national young agent committee member, owner JDC Insurance Group

DATE:

Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010

TIME:

7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., PACIFIC

LOCATION:

The Fairmont San Francisco
San Francisco

“The Young Agents Big ‘I’ Leadership Institute panel is a unique opportunity for some of the top insurance carriers in the country and young agents to interact and discuss the state, challenges and future of the industry,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president and CEO. “This distinguished panel is poised to provide our young agents with plenty of food for thought in a healthy discussion on a multitude of issues they are currently confronting and will be expected to navigate in the coming years.”

The panel discussion is an opportunity for some of the top industry leaders to interact and in a discussion with the future leaders of the independent agency system. The panel is expected to address some of the most important issues pressing independent insurance agents and the industry including technology, the economy, industry perpetuation, growing market share and more.

The Big “I” National Young Agents Committee (YAC) encourages young agents—those under 40 years of age or with less than five years experience in the industry—to network, learn and get involved at all levels of the independent agency system.

For more information, please contact Susie Bonner (susan.bonner@iiaba.net), Big “I” director, agent development and marketing.


Big “I” Employee Benefits
Are You in the Life Insurance Market?
Consumers turning to life insurance for stability in tough financial times.

If your agency hasn’t been inclined to sell life insurance, consider this. A recent press release from New York Life Insurance Company, America’s largest mutual life insurer, states it has  seen a 47% rise in life insurance sales in the first half of 2010, as well as strong gains in the sale of annuities and long-term care insurance. New York Life explains that consumers are recognizing more and more that life insurance provides a solid foundation for family financial plans.

Life insurance sales are a great way to diversify your agency’s offerings, and LifeSource is the perfect solution. You don’t need expertise or extra staff, just the support of LifeSource. Just ask your current clients about life insurance, and the dedicated team at LifeSource can help you every step of the way.

For more information, contact Christine Muñoz (christine.munoz@iiaba.net). If you are ready to get started, submit your request by logging onto Big “I” Markets and selecting Offline Products: LifeSource.


InVEST
Grab Your Backpack, InVEST is Back to School
Get involved by volunteering as a guest speaker.

While you may not be looking forward to your kids’ parent/teacher conferences, InVEST has another reason to head to your local high school or community college and interact with students and teachers.

In the coming weeks, more than 165 InVEST programs will be kicking off a new year of educating students on insurance and risk management and career opportunities available within the industry. If there is an InVEST school in your area, why not volunteer to guest speak one day on an insurance topic that interests you? Or, contact a local school and offer to come in one day to discuss risk management or career options in the insurance industry.

Visit www.investprogram.org for a list of resources available to assist you.. Remember to bring an apple!

InVEST, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to improving insurance literacy of students and attracting new talent to the industry.


Big “I” Markets
Don’t Miss Out on Additional Summer Umbrella Commission
It’s not too late to take advantage of the summer umbrella sales program.

Through Aug. 31, you receive an additional $15 in commission for every personal umbrella bound on Big “I” Markets. $15 will be added to your monthly commission statement, and it applies to both umbrella markets, including the preferred market offered though RLI which includes a broader appetite within PUP Special. Learn more about the Big “I” Umbrella Program at www.independentagent.com/umbrella.


Big “I” Markets
Defining the Public Housing Market
Access habitational risks market through Big “I” Markets.

MiddleOak® is a specialist in writing a variety of habitational risks including public and affordable housing. A frequently-asked question is, “What do you consider affordable versus public housing?” This is an important question to ask because there are rating differences between the two types of classifications.

Public Housing is defined as properties that are operated under the guidelines of city, state or federal housing authorities. They may be owned by HUD, PHA, state, local government or a nonprofit agency. Properties with USDA or HUD mortgages/leases would also be examples of our definition of public housing.

A risk where the landlord simply accepts some “Section 8” tenants would not be considered public housing unless it otherwise fits this description. A tax-credit property that is owned by a housing authority would be considered public housing as it would be operated under their guidelines.

Affordable Housing is defined as privately-owned, for-profit housing operating under the 1986 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) or any other tax credit program for public housing.

If you have questions on what is the correct classification, call Sherre Sidwell (sherre.sidwell@middleoak.com), CIC, alternative distribution manager for MiddleOak at 800-622-3780, ext. 5117.

MiddleOak’s habitational program is available to Big “I” members on www.bigimarkets.com. This admitted program is offered in the following states: AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MT, NH, NJ, NY, NV, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA & WI.

MiddleOak issuing companies, Holyoke Mutual Insurance Company in Salem, Mass., and Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company, Middletown, Conn., are financially rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company.