April 6, 2004

AIIA Breaks Ground on New Facility

This morning, April 6, AIIA Association volunteer leaders, past presidents and staff gathered at the new building property on London Parkway at Lakeshore Crossings to break ground on the future of our 108 year-old tradition. More than 50 people attended the short ceremony that included lots of photos and commemorative shovels. We thank the AIIA members, BIIA members, AIIA board members and building dignitaries (realtors, architects, builders and bankers) for taking time out of their busy days to join us on this exciting day. The new facility will be located in a newly developed business park off of western Lakeshore Drive. The new facility will provide a larger classroom for all AIIA-sponsored courses, including CIC, an easy access locale, plenty of parking and better meeting facilities to assist the need of both AIIA regular and associate members. Look for more information about how you can be a part of our Capital Campaign.

Alabama Retail Comp Jumps on Board with $5,000 Contribution to New AIIA Building

AIIA happily announces that Alabama Retail Comp has contributed $5,000 to our new building’s Capital Campaign, bringing us ever closer to our goal. Please join us in a big, “Thank You” to Alabama Retail Comp. “We are proud of the Alabama Independent Agents Association, and we are glad we can contribute to the new building,” says Rick Brown of Alabama Retail Comp. “Alabama’s independent insurance agents are the backbone of our business.” Thanks again!

Infinity Insurance Companies and Baron’s Baseball Team Up for Opening Night

Infinity Insurance Companies, AIIA and BIIA are joining forces again to offer your family and friends tickets to the Birmingham Baron’s Opening Night this Friday, April 9, 2004, at the Hoover Met on Highway 150. Tickets include ballpark admission, B-B-Q dinner buffet, fireworks and covered seating in a private balcony. A $2 donation will be made to AIIA’s Young Agents Excalibur Scholarship Fund for each ticket sold. A qualifying student studying insurance will be presented with the third Excalibur Scholarship at this year’s Convention June 12-14^th. Tickets may be purchased for $16 per adult, $8 per child by calling Danelle Darrington at (205) 803-8424.

The 108th AIIA Convention & Trade Show is Coming Soon to a Beach Near You

We’ve all read and heard about the New Day at our Alabama Big “I” Association, but have you seen for yourself? Let the AIIA leadership and staff prove to you that it is, indeed, a new day at AIIA. Come to Convention June 10-12 at the Sandestin Hilton to see the new building plans, to learn about AIIA programs that will contribute to your agency’s success and to enjoy time with your family in the fun, positive atmosphere we provide. Let our AIIA “New Day” inspire you to create a “New Day” in your agency. Our excitement for our members and our industry is contagious. Come and catch the spirit at the 108^th Annual Convention.

New to this year’s convention will be Progressive’s Wheel of fortune. Hypnotist and motivational speaker Robert Ian will perform his “Incredible Stage Hypnosis Show” after Saturday’s Closing Banquet on Saturday. Don’t worry about missing our favorite party band - “Meet The Press” will perform Thursday night rather than on Saturday night. Also, by attending the June AIIA Convention, IIABA will give you a 33% discount to the Annual IIABA National Convention in Orlando. Old favorites such as the poolside hospitality suites, the golf and fishing tournaments, the Kids Crab Hunt, Parent’s Night Out and the Ladies program are on the list of activities. Infinity Insurance will offer several free CEU classes. Guest speakers include IIABA President-Elect Thomas Grau, CPCU, a representative from the Alabama Dept. of Industrial Relations, MetLife Auto & Home CEO and President Cathy Rein will speak about the state of the industry and Robert Ian will present “Identify, Master and Conquer Change.”

Register and make reservations today to get the AIIA discount room rate. The Hotel Cutoff Date is Sunday, May 9, 2004, and once the block is closed, room prices will increase significantly and the hotel is not offering an extension on our room block. Beachfront and parlor suites are sold out. Online registration available at http://www.aiia.org/conventions.html or contact Nancy Crowe at ncrowe@aiia.org or (205) 326-4129, ext. 103.

IIABA Offers 33% Discount to the IIABA National Convention in Orlando, Florida

IIABA is giving a 33% discount to AIIA members who attend both the 108^th AIIA Annual Convention and the IIABA National Convention, October 8-12 at Walt Disney World. AIIA members attending the AIIA 108^th Convention in June qualify to receive the 33% discount to Orlando. The Walt Disney World Resort facilities are so close to home, it invites you to combine your business and pleasure into one trip – the IIABA National Convention. IIABA is offering a World Class Trade Show, a Best Practices symposium and workshop geared towards CSRs. Don’t miss this event!

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE: Come See Prominent Political Speakers

The 28^th annual Big “I” National Legislative Conference, scheduled for April 21 through 23 at the Capital Hilton, is right around the corner. Don’t miss your chance to attend the industry’s premiere legislative event and meet with your elected representatives. As in past years, this conference features top political leaders as featured speakers. Sen. George Allen (R-Va.), a member of the Senate Republican leadership and a rising star on the national scene, will address the conference, as will Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), a leading voice for his party and the ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee. Additionally, Sen. Don Nickles (R-Okla.) will address the Big “I” Insiders Luncheon, April 20 at the Capitol Hill Club. The conference, in addition to having top Washington leaders as guests, also provides the opportunity for independent agents and brokers to visit their elected representatives on Capitol Hill. With many crucial issues coming to the fore, particularly the Oxley-Baker “road map” on insurance regulation, this is an excellent opportunity to influence your members of Congress on issues that affect 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 accommodations, please contact The Madison at 15th and M Street NW in Washington D.C. at (800) 424-8577.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Ø Garage and Business Auto Class Coming This Month! One of our most popular CIC instructors, Ted Kinney, CIC, CPCU, ARM, will be here April 20 through 23! One-day class reviews and compares the ISO Garage and Business Auto Policies. Meeting locations are Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Huntsville. Six hours CE credit will be granted for attendees. Registrations are still available at a cost of only $80 for AIIA members. Class times are 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Don’t miss this hot topic! Please contact Nita Blankenship, or go to www.aiia.org for registration information.

EMPLOYMENT / AGENCY OPPORTUNITIES

Ø Seeking CSR – North Shelby area agency needs Personal Lines CSR. Individual must be licensed with at least two years experience. Confidential to (205) 602-7951.

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.

Ø Seeking Experienced Commercial Underwriter. EMC Insurance Companies has an opening for an experienced multi-line commercial underwriter in the Birmingham office. Candidate should have college degree and a minimum of 5 years multi-line underwriting. Excellent communication skills required. Some overnight travel required. EMC offers competitive benefit package. EOE. Email resumes to thomas.c.oconnell@emcins.com or fax (205) 987-0438.

Ø Seeking Personal Lines CSR. CSR needed with more PPA auto experience than other lines for Moody agency. Full or Part time available. Please call Jack, Sr., at (205) 640-5892 or (205) 823-9008.

Ø Seeking Commercial/Personal Lines CSR Brewton Insurance Agency & Real Estate Agency in Brewton, Alabama has a Commercial or Personal CSR position open. Salary negotiable. Please contact Elton Crosby at 251-867-4316 for more information.