Trusted ChoiceSM
Ads on Television The
first Trusted ChoiceSM television ad flight of the year has begun.
Between now and March 14, more than 100 Trusted ChoiceSM spots will
air on nationwide TV on CNN, CNN’s Headline News, Arts & Entertainment
(A&E), The History Channel, and CNN’s Airport Television Network and will
be featured on numerous high-profile shows such as CNN’s “Larry King Live” and
“Wolf Blitzer Reports,” A&E’s “City Confidential,” Headline News’ morning
newscasts, and The History Channel’s “Hardcore History.” The spots will tout to
consumers the benefits of using a Trusted ChoiceSM agency. Through
this advertising, millions of consumers will learn that Trusted ChoiceSM
agencies provide many benefits, including choice of insurance companies. Five
additional ad flights will air in 2004—in April (coinciding with the National
Legislative Conference), June, August, October (coinciding with the Big “I”
Convention in Orlando), and December. Check your forthcoming copy of The
Alabama Independent for a complete schedule by network and time.
NATIONAL
LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE Register Now For Big “I” Legislative Event The 28th annual
Big “I” National Legislative Conference is April 21 - 23 at The Capital Hilton
in Washington, D.C. Highlights include an in-depth issues briefing session; the
annual IIABA congressional reception on Capitol Hill; appearances by numerous
high-profile speakers discussing important insurance and national issues; and
hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between Big “I” agents and brokers and
their elected representatives. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your
elected officials and brief them on a host of issues of crucial importance to
your livelihood. Register now to reserve your place at the industry’s largest
and most effective legislative gathering. To register online, go to www.independentagent.com and select the
“Events and Conferences” link from the left menu bar. Please note that The Capital
Hilton is sold out. To book your accommodations, please contact The Madison at
15th and M Street NW in Washington D.C. at (800) 424-8577.
LEGISLATIVE
NEWS: Senate Blocks Medical Malpractice The Senate failed to invoke cloture last week on a
targeted bill that would cap malpractice awards at $250,000 against
obstetricians and gynecologists. Recently, Senate Republicans announced that
they would forgo attempts to pass a comprehensive malpractice bill this year
and would instead try to move legislation forward on a piecemeal basis. The
bill blocked last week was the first such attempt, and only 48 senators voted
to limit debate – 12 short of the 60-vote supermajority required to invoke
cloture (or limit debate). The setback is not the first for malpractice
legislation in this Congress; last summer, a broader measure that would have
capped non-economic damages at $250,000 for all physicians also was defeated.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) reportedly has vowed to keep
pushing the piecemeal approach with a series of votes on high-risk medical
specialties. The Big “I” continues to strongly support comprehensive reform of
medical malpractice laws, and all independent agents and brokers are encouraged
to contact their elected officials to push for these needed reforms.
Date Set for
5th Annual Big I PAC Golf Tournament – This year’s Big I PAC Golf Tournament has been set for Tuesday, September
14th. This is an election year, so make sure your local lawmakers are
available September 14th to join the state’s largest group of industry opinion
leaders on the greens at Prattville Country Club in Prattville, Ala.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Time is running out to register for "The Great Insurance Time Machine" course. Mike Edwards, nationally recognized instructor and author of many articles on the Big I's Virtual University, teaches this class for 6 hours approved CE credit. Class will be a case study format including personal lines, and commercial lines, with a theme of errors and omissions loss prevention. Cost is $80 for association members. The course is being offered in Mobile on March 9, Montgomery on March 10, and in Birmingham on March 11.
EMPLOYMENT / AGENCY OPPORTUNITIES
Ø Seeking Agent – Position available for P&C
agent. Starting salary depending on experience, plus benefits and bonus.
Contact Linda at (205) 877-4412 or (800) 282-6242, ext. 4412. Fax resumes to
(205) 414-2854.
Ø Seeking CSR – Collins Insurance Agency in Hoover needs a
Commercial Lines CSR. Individual must be licensed and experienced in Commercial
P&C. Please contact Mike Collins at (205) 979-5410.
Ø Seeking Agency
for Purchase - Licensed insurance agent interested in purchasing or
partnership with a multi-line independent insurance agency in Jefferson or
Shelby County area. Please respond to 205-283-1063. All responses
confidential.