July 6, 2004

 

AIIA Young Agents Conference is July 22-24 at the New Baytowne Village Resort

Come experience the new and beautiful Village of Baytowne Wharf in the Sandestin Resort. The Young Agents conference is July 22-24, and will not overlap the back to school rush of August. Come experience a taste of New Orleans in this pedestrian setting. Full of shops, eateries and a rich atmosphere, the Village will be the perfect spot to mix business with pleasure. Speaker Steve Morgan is back by popular demand. His high energy and topics received great response the last time he joined us. His topics are “Four Phases of Attitude” and “Customer Relations.” We all know attitude plays in huge role in our daily interaction with customers. Fun events include a dolphin cruise for all ages and a golf tournament. Registration information is available online at www.aiia.org or call Nancy Crowe or Kim Kay at (205) 326-4129.

 

Ashland General Agency Helps Building Fund Busts $700,000!!

 Thank you to Ashland General Agency in Mobile for their $5,000 that broke the $700,000 barrier! We could not be more excited to have another associate member contribute to this much-needed new facility. Thank you very much, Ashland!

 

AIIA Capital Campaign – Who Will Help Us Break $800,000?

Exciting news! AIIA’s Building for Tomorrow’s Capital Campaign is over $700,000! Thanks to the following contributors who raised our pledge total to $700,900! We reached $700,000 – Who will help us reach $800,000? Will you help us reach our goal? Call in your pledge to AIIA today! 205-326-4129.

Marshall Cullifer, Cullifer & Associates, Birmingham  $1,000

Bill & Boyd McGhee, Talladega Insurance Agency, Talladega  $1,000

Thanks so much to all Capital Campaign Contributors! We cannot do it without your help!

 

MEMBER SERVICES: Gulf Flood – 17 % Commission to all AIIA Members

Are you getting your share of the $56 million dollar flood business in Alabama? Why not? Did you know that research from FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) shows that Alabama is in the top five (5) for the highest number of major disaster declarations? Data from 1976 to 2000 shows Alabama is ranked fourth in among all states and U.S. territories with 34 major disasters declarations. Texas ranked first with 51 disasters during this same period; California second with 45 and Florida third with 35 declared disasters. As an insurance agent, these statistics are extremely important for several reasons.

 

Offering flood insurance to your customers gives them peace of mind should flooding occur. As we have seen in 2003 and 2004 with excessive rain in usually dry seasons, flooding can be unpredictable, happening in non-flood zone areas or as a direct result of improper storm drainage. Offering flood insurance to customers will suppress possible E&O exposures as many homeowners do not understand that flood insurance is not included in their HO policy – it is up to you, the agent, to explain and offer flood protection. Writing flood insurance can be very easy. And, yes, flood insurance is available for communities that do not participate in the national flood program, or if the residence is already in a flood zone. Another great thing about the flood program is that FEMA regularly runs national commercials and public service announcements – this free advertising could benefit your agency if you actively sell flood insurance.

 

Gulf Flood has an easy set up form, 17% commission for agents and will assist you in getting your slice of the $56 million flood pie in Alabama. Gulf Flood offers internet capability to rate, look up zones, upload applications and check policies through their easy to use website. Bonuses available for rollovers. Please call Ann Linkenhoker today for more information at 800-392-8028, ext. 211.

 

MEMBER SERVICES: ATTENTION DORIS Users!

We are in the process of putting together training sessions on DORIS agency management systems. If you are using the DORIS system, please let us know by calling Kim Kay at AIIA today at (205) 326-4129 or reply to your NEWSLINE. This information will only be used to target current DORIS users about training. If you are a non-DORIS user, but are interested in more information and discounts on DORIS offered through AIIA, please contact Alison Ray King at aray@aiia.org or (205) 326-4129.

 

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

"Insuring Contractors" Class Coming to Alabama in July. Don't miss this practical course taught by Patrick Deem, CIC. Patrick is one of the nation's most highly sought after instructors and expert witnesses, with excellent practical knowledge on every line of insurance that is commonly written on contractors. Topics include general liability, business auto, contractual liability issues, builders risk, workers compensation and more. Questions from the class will be taken, so be sure to bring your questions. This course is approved for 6 hours CE credit. Class meets 8am until 3pm on July 27 in Mobile, July 28 in Montgomery, July 29 in Birmingham, and July 30 in Huntsville. Cost is only $80.00 for AIIA members! Space is still available in all cities, but we encourage early registration, as this is a popular class. 

 

CIC, Personal Lines Institute, August 4-6, 2004. Registration is $325. Reserve your spot, as the next available Personal Lines Institute will be in November 2005!

 

EMPLOYMENT / AGENCY OPPORTUNITIES

Ø      C/L Lines Marketer Seeks Position. Experienced commercial lines marketer seeks agency position in the Mobile area performing marketing and/or agency management function. Contact Dick MacDonald at (251) 625-8971.

Ø      Seeking P&C Producer. Florence agency needs P&C producer. Please call (256) 766-2222 for more info.

Ø      Seeking P&C Producers: Agency needs P&C producers in Alabama to sell top Auto insurance. For appointment or sponsorship, call (205) 795-2540.

Ø      Seeking Agents:  Birmingham area agency looking for agents to solicit surety accounts. Agency will provide office space and is willing to split commissions 50/50 with the agent on all business they produce. All inquires confidential. Send all inquiries to PO Box 449, Trussville, AL  35173.

Ø      Seeking Commercial Lines Assistant. Birmingham agency seeking experienced individual to assist Account Executives with customer service. Please submit resume to fax 205-930-0450, Attn: W. Cochrane or email to wcochrane@jrprewitt.com .

Ø      Experienced Personal Lines Seeks Position.  Experienced Personal Lines agent/CSR seeks position in Birmingham area. If interested, please contact Judy at (205) 254-8353.