Sun, Sand and Sales Highly Successful!
The 2000 AIIA Young Agents Conference was one for the record books!  Last week’s “Sun, Sand and Sales” conference at the Sandestin Bayside Resort was host to more than 140 agents and company representatives from around the state.  After everyone was checked in, they all headed out for the opening night reception and beach party in front of the Elephant Walk.  The evening was filled with good food and great entertainment by Jones and Company while feeling the sand between their toes and listening to the waves crashing throughout the night.  This beach party was a huge hit and a sure bet to be seen again!

On day number two, everyone fueled up for the day with a continental breakfast and settled in for the day’s seminars.  It began with a legislative update from Lt. Gov. Steve Windom which was followed by the keynote speaker, Dr. Jerry Teplitz, who took the stage for his presentation on “Increasing Your Selling Power to New Levels of Excellence.”  During the presentation, Teplitz taught agents how to manage stress, increase productivity and improve their leadership and selling skills.  The presentation, though a bit unconventional, was quite an eye opener for everyone who participated.  The were many door prizes given away to lucky agents throughout the day to keep things exciting.

After Teplitz’s presentation, the afternoon was filled with a competitive day of tournaments.  Over 30 people braved the heat and participated in the Golf Tournament while 16 people took to the seas for the Fishing Tournament.  Others just enjoyed a delightful afternoon of relaxation either on the beach or shopping at the Silver Sands outlet mall.  With the evening free, many agents and company reps enjoyed networking over dinner at one of the area’s many outstanding restaurants.

This year’s convention was going so well that many were sad to see the last day beginning.  But with all good things, there must be an end.  After an eye opening continental breakfast, the agents were off and running.  The day began with an update from the IIAA Young Agents’ Chair Pam Adams from Colorado.  The day’s keynote speaker Steve Morgan took to the stage and exhibited his Louisiana style as he delivered his energetic and enthusiastic “4 Phases of Attitude” seminar focusing on improving effectiveness and productivity.  After the agents were armed for success and many with door prizes they had won throughout the day, they headed over to the Elephant Walk for the Pool Party and Beach Volleyball.

When everyone had taken in all the sun they could stand, they headed back to get spiffed up for the cocktail party and the closing banquet.  The evening was filled with great food and lots of fun!  Prizes were given out for the Fishing Tournament with the Biggest Fish prize going to little 5 year old Paul Burkholder IV, son of Paul Burkholder III with Burkholder Insurance.  Paul lost a tooth and caught a big fish all on the same day!  Beeland Voellinger with Workcare Southeast won the prize for the Smallest Fish.  And last but not least, there was a tie for the Should’ve Golfing Award which went to Melissa Lamar of AL Retail Work Comp and her husband Mike.

The winners of the Golf Tournament were also recognized.  Among them was special guest Seldon Van Cleve, the YA Chair from MS who was awarded the prize for the ‘Longest Drive.’ 

Joe Fuller took the stage to present the Young Agent of the Year Award to Marian Washburn for her dedication and hard work within the  community, the insurance industry and the AIIA.  As the evening started winding down, drawings for Company and Agent’s  Grand Prize  were held for the $200 Parisian Gift Certificate and the one year lease on the BMW Z Car both compliments of AIMS.  Steve Smith of The Barclay Agency won the gift certificate and Kelly Byrne with Independent Insurance Agents, Inc., the only one to rub the keys for good luck, won the BMW.  After the gift giving frenzy concluded, Chairman Wescoat Free passed the gavel to the new Young Agents Chairman, Rux Bentley who accepted his new position and concluded the evening by directing everyone to enjoy the final hours of the conference with entertainment by Alice Bargeron and a Children’s Fair full of face painting, balloon animals, spin art and more!

AIIA would like to thank all of the many leveled, event and prize sponsors that made this event possible.  Mark your calendars now for next year’s conference August 16-18, 2001 at the Sandestin Resort.  We hope to see everyone back next year!

First Annual BIG I PAC Golf Tournament Coming Soon
Mark your calendars to attend the First Annual BIG I PAC golf tournament and take advantage of this great opportunity for networking among agents, company reps and the Alabama Judicial Candidates.  If you haven’t signed up, call Nancy Crowe at AIIA (205) 326-4129 for a registration form or for more information.
 
 

Sun, Sand and Sales in August
The Young Agents are geared up to have another great conference!  This year’s “Sun, Sand and Sales” conference to be held August 17 - 19 at the Sandestin Bayside Resort is just around the corner and promises to be a great success.   Registration forms were in the July issue of The Alabama Independent or you may register on our web site at www.aiia.org.  This year’s conference will include Speaker and Consultant, Steve Morgan and motivational speaker Jerry Teplitz focusing on the art of selling.  In addition, there will also be fishing and golf tournaments and lots of door prizes.  Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to network and have a little fun in the sun!  Sponsorship and door prize opportunities are still available.  Call Nancy Crowe for more details at AIIA (205) 326-4129.

CIC / CISR Conferment Ceremony A Big Success
The CIC/CISR Conferment Ceremony was held at The Club atop Red Mountain in Birmingham on July 20th.  In addition to lunch and the presentation of certificates, participants enjoyed a delightful and inspiring presentation by the 2000 AIIA Insuror of the Year Mickie Edwards, CISR, CIC, CPIW, AAI.  The new CICs in attendance included Daniel Hunter Finch, CIC,  Steven Lawrence, CIC, Deloris McEniry, CIC, Dale Simmons, CIC, Sherri Jill Speegle, CIC,  Teresa Smith, CIC and Cheryl Wallace, CIC, CISR of McGriff, Seibels & Williams, William Crum, CIC of the Starke Agency, John Dark, CIC of Dark Insurance, Wescoat Free, CISR, CIC of Knight-Free Insurance, Tonya Holloway, CIC of Alabama Self Insured, Everett Gordon Walden, CIC of Landers & Creel Insurance/JSL, Pamela Watkins, CIC, CISR of Turner/Scott, Carper & Aman, Inc. and Emmett David Bates, CIC of Bates Insurance Agency.  The new CISRs in attendance were as follows:  Kristin Thrasher, CISR of R.L. Best Insurance Agency, Stephanie T. Meinert, CISR of Anchor Insurance Agency, Beth Lanier, CISR of American Mining Insurance Company, Shelly Davis, CISR of Alabama Public Auto Insurance Agency, Wendy Wright, CISR, Amy M. Tesney, CISR and  Gina G. Cleckley, CISR of McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc, Diana Doughton, CISR of Truitt Insurance Agency, Mary Ann Turner, CISR, Jamie Smelley, CISR, Kathy Thompson, CISR and Brenda Taylor, CISR of Byars & Associates, Inc., Glenda Borden, CISR of Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton Co. of AL, Inc., Debbie Gibson, CISR of Bruce Q. White & Associates, Inc., Tara F. Pontius, CISR of New South Agency, Inc., Patricia Zeff, CISR of NAI/North Alabama Insurance, Tammy Tanner, CISR of Robinson-Adams Insurance, Inc., Renae Clark, CISR of Universal Underwriters Insurance, Donna Burks, CISR of Mailon Kent Insurance Agency, Staci Parker, CISR of Gresham & Associates, Vicky Rutledge, CISR of Sinclair-Lawrence & Associates and Jill Matthews, CISR, AIIC of Pickett & Adams Insurance, Inc.  Congratulations to you all for your accomplishments and thank you for participating in this important event!

Production Up in 2000 for AIIA’s RLI Program
Numbers have just come in for the first half of 2000 and they look great!  Written premium for the RLI PUP is up 33% over 1999 and New Policies are up 42% over 1999.  Thanks go out to all members who participate in this program to make it a huge success!  If you are not currently participating, here is some information you should take note of.  You can now offer your clients a Stand-Alone Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP) with limits up to $5 million and flexible underwriting guidelines.  Features include 24 hour policy issuance; Direct bill at renewal; No excluded vehicles; Easy rating with no manual calculations; Self underwriting application; MVRs are not required with submission; Acceptable with up to 2 accidents and 4 tickets; Underwritten by RLI Insurance Company on “A” rated, admitted paper; The self-underwriting application quickly determines eligibility and there are no restrictions as to whom the underlying coverages are written with. 

In addition, now you can reduce your E&O risk and protect your insureds by using the RLI In-Home Business Policy to provide unique coverage for home-based businesses.  You may be surprised to learn just how many people now work at home – either full-time, part-time or as a hobby.  RLI’s In-Home Business Policy (IBP) is written on a commercial BOP with rates starting at $150.  It is available in all 50 states & the District of Columbia and is written for a wide variety of retail and service businesses. RLI’s IBP offers a complete package to insure home-based entrepreneurs’ every need…at an affordable price including:  Up to $1,000,000 in Business General Liability protection both on and off premises; A standard $100 deductible; Up to $5,000 per person for medical payments to customers or vendors injured on your premises; Coverage for loss of business income; Optional coverages for Money and Securities; Minimum premiums ranging from $150 to $450 depending on the location and type of business; Up to $50,000 Business Personal Property coverage, including theft both on and off premises. 

For more information on the RLI Program and policies, call Tangy Richardson with AIIA at (205) 326-4129.

Agents Writing Auto in GA - Listen Up
Those of you who write auto insurance in Georgia should know that Georgia Senate Bill 344 was recently signed into law.  The law states that, effective January 1, 2001, Georgia’s minimum-required auto liability insurance limits will increase to 25/50/25. 

Last CIC Commercial Property Institute of the Year!
The last CIC Commercial Property Institute for this year will be held August 9-11th at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL.  The rapid changes of commercial property coverages make it increasingly difficult to keep up the pace.  This institute places special emphasis on the coverage pitfalls in the Commercial Property Policy and focuses on the Time Element Coverages.  In addition, a variety of coverages under the heading of Commercial Inland Marine will also be covered.  Space is limited so call today to reserve a spot!

Also in August, AIIA is sponsoring “Answering Difficult Personal Lines Questions” held on Aug. 22nd in Mobile, Aug. 23rd in Montgomery and Aug. 24th in Birmingham.  You may register for any education class online, www.aiia.org. For any additional information call our office today at (205) 326-4129.

Kendall Wright Receives Award
AIIA Associate Member Kendall Wright with Van American Insurance Services was recently named the recipient of the 1999-2000 Earle S. Dillard Award from the AAMGA. This award honors outstanding committee service to the AAMGA and the industry.  Congratulations on this tremendous achievement!

Legal Advocacy: Burns & Wilcox & Auto Owners
IIAA has worked successfully with Burns & Wilcox to revise the indemnification provision in the company’s producer agreement.  B&W will now indemnify and hold producers harmless against any and all claims, suits, actions, judgements, losses or expenses that the producer may incur as a result of any act, omission or negligence of B&W in its processing or handling of business placed by the producer. 

Also, IIAA has completed its review of the Auto Owners Insurance Company Agency Contract 1335(8-90).  Some provisions of concern are: (1) the company can change commission percentages on only 90-days written notice to the agency; (2) the company can terminate the agreement on only 90-days notice to the agency; and (3) the company indemnification of the agency is limited to only civil liability for company failures to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 

For a copy of the contract or review, call Cathy Spencer at (703) 706-5403 or chwangspencer@iiaa.net or visit the Legal Group area of IIAA’s members-only site at www.independentagent.com.

105th Annual IIAA Convention & InfoXchange
Only a few months remain until the 105th Annual Convention & InfoXchange in Orlando.  It’s not too late, but hotel space is limited for the Oct 29-Nov 1 event.Registration and hotel reservation forms are available online at www.independentagent.com.  Forms are also available by calling IIAA’s fax-on-demand service at (800)296-0578 and selecting option 2501.  Tourist information is also available, so bring your family and turn a business trip into a fun vacation for all.  For more information call (800)221-7917.

Rackley Provides CAIR Customers with Commercial Lines Rating
Rackley Systems recently announced their new partnership with CAIR Systems upgrading  QuickRate commercial lines to the Rackley Rating system.  Rackley commercial lines rating software features integration with leading management systems like Applied and AMS.  In addition, Rackley provides free training and technical support.  For more information, call (800) 874-2616.

Travelers Launches New Web-Based Integrated Business System
Travelers P&C recently announced a new totally integrated small business system for its independent agents.  The system exceeds the industry’s standard platform by connecting all aspects of sales and service, allowing agents to cost effectively and efficiently leverage their strength in the small business marketplace.  This new system helps streamline the entire process of acquiring new business and servicing customers while controlling costs and managing workflow.  The system’s major components are real-time quoting through agency management systems, browser-based real-time quote, rate and issuance system, public web access and a state of the industry service center.  This new technology brings the industry much closer to SEMCI for commercial lines.  For more information contact Kris Hammond at (860)277-7458.

Employment Opportunities
*Commercial Lines CSR/Underwriter position available in Birmingham. Contact Alabama Public Auto at (205) 324-0406 for more information.
*Commercial Lines CSR/CSR Technical Assistant position available at the Valleydale Road location of B’ham agency.  Experience in Applied Mgmt Systems helpful by not necessary.  Please fax resume to (205) 988-4405.
*Progressive Claims Rep positions available.  Apply online at www.progressive.com using reference code# AL-Agency, fax resumes to (504) 219-2401 or email them to lori_plauche@progressive.com
*Regions Financial Corp has opening for an Assistant Corporate Risk Manager in Montgomery.  Position requires 3 years experience with P&C insurance coverages, a background in claims adjustment or admin., PC proficiency and a BS degree. A CPCU or ARM designation is preferred. Send resume with salary requirements to Ted Woods, Professional Recruiter, Regions Financial Corp, P.O. Box 5070, Montgomery, AL 36103, fax (334) 230-6650 or email: mtramel@regionsbank.com.