April 13, 2004

The Sheffield Fund Donates $25,000 to AIIA Capital Campaign

Please help AIIA give a big round of applause to The Sheffield Fund for their $25,000 donation to AIIA’s Capital Campaign Building Project. “We are very happy to support the independent agents in Alabama and the good people at the association,” says Don Capps of The Sheffield Fund. “The independent agents have been very supportive of TSF over the years. The agents have been good to us, and we feel privileged to give back.” TSF will be a co-sponsor of AIIA EVP Vic McCarley’s executive office.

Southern Guaranty, CRC, Zenith, Support AIIA Capital Campaign

AIIA’s fundraising project for our new building is off to a fantastic start. To date, we have received $447,000 in pledges without the official start of the Capital Campaign!! This is just $50,000 shy of being half way to our $1 million goal! AIIA President Elect Jim Williams is heading up the Capital Campaign fundraising drive and is very positive about the outcome. “We want to thank everyone who has contributed to the Capital Campaign Drive,” says AIIA President Elect Jim Williams. “To be at the level we are today, almost half way to our goal of $1 Million, without having really started the state fundraising drive among our regular membership is a very good sign that we can be successful as an association if we all work together. If every member contributes to the building fund we will reach our goal and maybe more.”

Please show your appreciation to the following associate members who have already shown their support and committed to AIIA’s building project:

Thanks to Southern Guaranty pledges $10,000 to sponsor a staff office.

AIIA is pleased to thank CRC Insurance Services for their $5,000 contribution.

Thanks to Zenith for giving AIIA $1,000 in memory of Sandy Horton and Jim Monroe.

ON THE HILL: Frist Sets Asbestos, Class Action Votes

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) has announced timetables for considering asbestos litigation reforms and class action reforms in the weeks following the Senate’s Easter recess. While unveiling the post-recess agenda, Frist indicated a new asbestos bill will come up for a vote the week of April 19, and also announced plans to bring up class action reform the first week of May. Hatch is doubtful the new asbestos reform bill will win a cloture vote when the Senate reconvenes. Frist and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) introduced the asbestos bill that would establish a trust fund as large as $124 billion in exchange for jettisoning the overloaded tort system. Some Senate Democrats have complained the proposed trust fund is inadequate to compensate victims of asbestos-related illnesses. Hatch introduced an earlier bill, the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act (S. 1125), which the Big “I” believed to be seriously flawed. That bill proposed to add an additional $22.5 billion to the amount insurers must contribute to the trust fund, in addition to $45 billion they had already agreed to contribute. It also did not adequately address the issue of pre-existing medical conditions and left the door open to drive some businesses into bankruptcy. The Big “I” supports House legislation, the Asbestos Compensation Fairness Act (H.R. 1586), a common-sense solution introduced by Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah) that uses medical criteria as an overall factor for compensation.

Big “I” Calls For TRIA Action

The Big “I” joined five other insurance associations last week in calling for immediate congressional action renewing the federal government’s terrorism reinsurance. In letters to House Financial Services Committee Chair Michael Oxley (R-Ohio) and Senate Banking Committee Chair Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), the industry groups urged extension of either the current Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) or a modified program. TRIA is scheduled to expire December 31, 2005. The Big “I” is part of an industry-wide consensus that Congress must act well before that deadline in order to provide insurers and policyholders the certainty and security they need as they contemplate long-reaching business transactions. This industry group has the support of state insurance regulators, who also are urging Congress to take action. Since its inception, TRIA has made terrorism insurance available to all types of businesses, including those areas considered high risk for terrorist attacks. The program, however, does not extend to personal insurance coverages like auto and homeowners insurance. While TRIA was designed to be a three-year program, the fact is that America remains under constant and imminent threat from terrorism, and as such, terrorism-related catastrophes remain uninsurable risks. The insurance industry does not possess the financial wherewithal to insure against such attacks without federal support. The NAIC also has written Chairmen Shelby and Oxley urging Congress to take action this year.

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!

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! This 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 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.

Ø Underwriter Needed. Underwriter needed for fast-paced MGA in Florence. NAI seeks an experienced E&S binding underwriter. www.nai1982.com Send resume and salary requirements to P.O. Box 2909, Florence, AL 35630.

Ø Seeking Personal Lines Supervisor. Experienced personal lines supervisor needed in growing Montgomery agency. Full time position. Please call Barbara at 334-244-2577 to schedule an interview.