AIIA thanks Micky
Evers of Evers & Associates, Inc., of Huntsville for a $1,000 donation to
AIIA’s building project. The new AIIA facility will benefit all members –
agency or associate, student or teacher. Find out how you can be a lasting part
of AIIA history, contact AIIA President Elect Jim Williams at (256) 890-9067 or
AIIA EVP Vic McCarley at (205) 326-4129 or AIIA Secretary / Treasurer Jay Ison
at (251) 473-9000. Thanks again to Evers & Associates for their support!
Best Wishes to Bob McDonald!
After 34 years in the
insurance business, Bob McDonald, President of The Gulf Agency, is retiring.
Effective May 1, 2004, Bob will enjoy the fruits of retirement. We will miss
Bob’s presence in our industry, but AIIA warmly extends best wishes to Bob for
a relaxing and wonderful new personal journey. Joe Cudney of Agency Management
Corporation will continue to oversee management of The Gulf Agency. Joe Cudney
can be reached at: Agency Management Corp., P.O. Box 15989, Baton Rouge, La.
70895. Telephone (225) 293-5900.
New
Trusted ChoiceSM Ads Take Flight!
New television ads touting the benefits of using a Trusted ChoiceSM
agency will be airing nationwide April 19 through May 2. Using the theme “Ways
to Choose,” the new ads prompt consumers to think about how they selected their
insurance agents and urge them to switch to Trusted ChoiceSM
agencies. The new ads drive home the message that Trusted ChoiceSM
agencies provide consumers a choice of insurance companies. The campaign’s
radio and print ads will be available later this month at www.trustedchoice.com. More national
Trusted ChoiceSM television ad flights are slated for June 14-27,
August 9-22, October 4-17 and December 6-19. Trusted ChoiceSM
agencies are encouraged to use the new tag-able materials in their local
advertising and to coordinate their campaigns with the national ad flights to
maximize consumer exposure in their markets.
Consultants are regularly brought
in by businesses of every size to perform a wide range of functions, offering
everything from strategic growth planning to finding hidden cost-cutting
solutions. Midsize consulting companies now represent a potential commercial premium
of more than $76 million. In response to this emerging opportunity, The
Hartford has designed a Business Consultants Insurance Program that is now
available to Big “I” members through Big “I” Markets. Drawing upon its in-depth
experience insuring consultants, The Hartford developed a coverage program that
helps you provide these clients with superior insurance protection tailored to
their specific needs. Participating agents will receive an average of 10%
commission on The Hartford products.
Plug
Into Community Banks with Big “I” Markets
Community banks, like independent agents, are
integral parts of thousands of towns and cities across America. Like you, they
work hard to improve quality of life in their communities. Also like you,
community banks are not always recognized for the challenges they face each
day—challenges that could impact their financial stability over the long
term. Through Big “I” Markets, Big “I” members have access—with no
volume commitments or access fees—to St. Paul SelectOne®, a complete
insurance program for community banks, endorsed by the Independent Community
Bankers of America (ICBA) and America's Community Bankers (ACB). More than 91%
of the community bank accounts submitted online through Big "I"
Markets have resulted in quotes. Of the banks that have found a new home
through the Big "I" Markets relationship with St. Paul Travelers,
two were ICBA members that received dividend payouts in 2003. If you are not an
expert in community banks, don't worry. St. Paul Travelers underwriters
will be at your side.
The Big “I” Markets programs are open to
agents who have registered for Big “I” Markets and
are subject to filing and state-licensing compliance. To review underwriting
criteria, download sales tools and policy specimens, or submit an online quote
request, log in to www.bigimarkets.com
and start building your agency’s offerings today. Members not yet registered
must submit a Big “I” Markets Registration Kit, which can be accessed on the
Big “I” Markets Web site.
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 108th
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 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 108th AIIA Annual Convention and the IIABA
National Convention, October 8-12 at Walt Disney World. AIIA members attending
the AIIA 108th 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
Huntsville
Licensing School. Space is
still available for the 40-hour pre-licensing class in Huntsville. Class meets
daily from 8-5 p.m. Monday May 17 – Friday May 21 at the Four Points Sheraton –
Airport in Huntsville. Course fee is $225 for AIIA members and includes
state-approved textbooks. This course meets the Alabama Department of Insurance
requirement to sit for the agent’s P&C exam. Please contact Nita Blankenship, or go to www.aiia.org for registration information.
Ø
CIC - Life
and Health Institute May 26-28.
Class will meet daily from 8-5 p.m. at The Radisson Hotel in Birmingham. Course
fee is $325. It is approved for 20 hours continuing education credit. 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 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.
Ø Seeking Licensed Commercial
Lines Producer. Birmingham Area (Hoover/Vestavia Hills) agency seeking licensed
commercial lines producer. Excellent work environment &
commissions. Please submit resume in confidence to (205) 979-3919 or email
to cull6453@bellsouth.net.