August 24, 2004

AIIA Building on Schedule

The image on the right was taken last week and you can see how quickly we are advancing on our new home. Grading and packing for the building’s foundation pad has been completed, and workers are now grading and filling the back of the lot. The building and parking areas have been staked out; the footings and curbs should be poured this week. Storm drains and pipe have been laid and covered. Electrical connections have been run to the lot for the sub-contractors to do their work. The site work will be completely done and ready for the steel frame by October 1st or earlier if the weather cooperates and so far, so good!

AIIA Thanks Contributors

Thanks to the following contributors who raised our Building for Tomorrow’s Capital Campaign pledge total to $759,800! Thanks so much, we cannot do it without your help! This could be the week we break $800,000! Will you help us reach our goal? Call in your pledge to AIIA today! 205-326-4129.

Tharpe and Nancy Forrester $1,000

Butch Boland, Community Insurance Corp, Huntsville $1,000

John Martin & Robert Powers, The Eufaula Agency, Eufaula $1,000

Brad Brown, Zurich $1,000

5^th Annual Big I PAC Golf Tournament is Tuesday September 14^th

The 5th Annual Big I PAC Golf Tournament will be held at the Prattville Country Club on Tues., Sept. 14th to raise money for AIIA’s political action committee. This is an election year for the Alabama Supreme Court races and we need your involvement to help maintain our current pro-business climate. There will be a morning shotgun start beginning at 8 a.m. The afternoon round starts at 1:00 p.m. We encourage those living within a 75 miles radius to play in the morning round by offering a discount. A morning foursome is $400; an afternoon foursome is $500. Your contribution and participation in the tournament will help AIIA support pro-business candidates and lobby lawmakers on behalf of your business. To register online or to download information, click www.aiia.org/conventions.html or call Kim Kay or Nancy Crowe at (205) 326-4129. Sponsorships are still available.

Tennessee Reverses Stand on Punitive Damage Exclusions

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance recently issued a bulletin on a state regulation that disallowed exclusions for punitive damages in most P&C insurance policy forms. After 15 years on the books, the bulletin states that the Department will no longer disapprove a filed policy form because it contains a provision excluding coverage for damages that are punitive, exemplary and/or multiplied or because it contains a provision limiting coverage to compensatory damages. “Since 1988, the [Tennessee] department has disallowed punitive damage exclusions for all policies except those related to pollution liability and uninsured motorist coverages,” says Robert Herlong, VP and regional manager of Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). “Punitive damages can be a major cost driver in many lines of insurance today. Insurers need the freedom to be able to offer products in a market-driven, competitive environment without being forced to include costly coverages that drive up rates.”

AIIA NOTICE: Membership Directory – Last Call!

Time’s Up! This is the last week to get your information to AIIA to make it into the annual Membership Directory. This is your last chance to pay your membership dues if yours are still outstanding. Advertisements are due by Thursday if you have a message or product to promote to Alabama’s independent agents. And, we still need your committee forms. Contact any AIIA staff member at (205) 326-4129 today!

LEGISLATIVE NEWS: You are Invited to a Dinner Reception Honoring Judge Mike Bolin & Judge Patti Smith

Congressman Spencer Bachus invites you to a dinner reception honoring Judge Mike Bolin and Judge Patti Smith, Republican candidates for the Alabama Supreme Court who face stiff opposition in the coming election. The reception will be held Thursday, September 9th at Carlile’s BBQ in Birmingham at 3511 6th Avenue South. Members of the Alabama House and Senate will be in attendance as well as other selected candidates and political operatives. The reception begins at 5 p.m. / dinner at 6:30. A $50 per person contribution is suggested; please make checks payable to Central Alabama Republican Council. Please RSVP to (205) 414-1476 by phone to by fax to (205) 414-6076.

Upcoming AIIA Important Dates

Ø August 26th CIC / CISR Conferment Ceremony The Club atop Red Mountain, Birmingham

Ø September 14th Big I PAC Golf Tournament Prattville Country Club, Prattville

Ø September 21st Small & Rural Agents Conference The Radisson, Birmingham

Ø September 28th Young Agents Committee Day AIIA Office, Birmingham

Ø September 29th COMMITTEE DAY AIIA Office Birmingham

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Ø CIC Commercial Casualty: CIC's update at beautiful Marriott Grand Hotel in Point Clear! Limited space is still available for the CIC Commercial Casualty Institute September 22-24, 2004. Contact Nita Blankenship at nblankenship@aiia.org or (205) 326-4129 before this institute sells out!

Ø P&C Agent's Licensing School to be held in Montgomery! Class will meet at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Montgomery on September 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13th. This 40-hour class meets requirements set forth by the Alabama Department of Insurance for students who wish to obtain a P&C license. Space is still available. Cost for members is $225 and registration fee includes all required books.

EMPLOYMENT / AGENCY OPPORTUNITIES

Ø Seeking C/L Producer: Mtn Brook agency needs commercial lines CSR/rater/processor. 2 years experience, computer skills required, Applied Systems helpful. Fax resume to (205) 871-3898.

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 Personal Lines CSR. Established Birmingham agency seeks honest dependable individual for personal lines customer service position. One or more years of insurance experience plus license preferred. Please send resume with cover letter to ellen.roberts@greenhalghinsurance.com or fax to 205-967-8444.

Ø Seeking Commercial Lines Producer: Full Service P&C Agency located in Auburn seeking Commercial Lines Producer. Call Steve Watson @ 800-704-0503 for more details.

Ø Seeking Personal Lines CSR: Established Montgomery agency looking to expand to Tuskegee area. Seeks honest dependable individual for personal lines customer service position. One or more years of insurance experience a plus. All inquires are confidential. Send all inquires to 906 S. Perry St. Ste. 100, Montgomery, AL or fax (334)-356-3638.

Ø Seeking VP: Weaver Insurance Group seeks proven leader w/ excellent sales, marketing, managerial skills to serve as Vice-President/Sales & Operations for agency side. Candidate must have proven talent in creative and entrepreneurial thinking, demonstrated skills in management, confidence in public speaking and experience in making presentations. CIC, CRM or CPCU certification is desired.

Ø Seeking P&C Producers: Large independent agencies seek several experienced producers with P&C and/or benefits experience for Birmingham office. Ideal candidate has 2 years experience with proven success. Strong communication skills, professional appearance, and strong work ethic are a must! Providing a current book of business is a plus! Only candidates with proven success considered. Please submit resume, along with salary requirements and success history, in strict confidence to Shannon Mancin at shannon@insurstaff.com

Ø Seeks P&C Agents: Up and coming agency seeks experienced P&C agents for Birmingham office. Ideal candidate has at least one year experience as a P&C agent selling auto insurance. Must possess excellent phone skills, have a professional appearance, and strong work ethic. Only candidates with current P&C license will be considered! Providing a current book of business is a plus! This is an excellent opportunity to work from home with unlimited salary potential!  Submit resume in strict confidence to Shannon at shannon@insurstaff.com today!