AIIA President Fuller Announces Theme for 2001 AIIA Convention
President Joe Fuller has just announced the theme for the upcoming AIIA Annual Convention in Sandestin - E-COMMERCE, NOW OR NEVER!  The convention will focus on the challenge before us as insurance agents to embrace e-commerce and allow it to enhance our efficiency and profitability.  Mark your calendars and save the date for the AIIA Annual Convention on June 7-9, 2001. 

AIIA’s Email List Grows Larger
There is no doubt that the e-revolution is upon us.  E-commerce is firmly taking hold in all industries and we want to ensure that we are on the forefront so as to not be left behind.  Through an on-going effort to build our communications list, we have compiled at least one email address for 350 out of our 417 members.  That’s 83% of our members that we can reach via email and save the cost and time of paper mailing and faxing!  The Florida and South Carolina Associations have already gone exclusively to email communications and we hope to be in that group someday soon!  If you think that we don’t have your address, please email a quick note to Kelly Hood Renshaw at khood@aiia.org and request to be put on the list.  Also, for offices with more than one employee, please go ahead and send the list of all email addresses.  We’d ultimately like to communicate with everyone in your office so that you, your producers and your CSRs are up to date on changes in the industry.

Online Insurance Purchases Show Sharp Increase
Growing consumer confidence toward e-commerce is revealing itself in record numbers of auto insurance policies being purchased online.  According to the American Express P&C companies, 78 percent of consumers who are going online to receive insurance quotes also make their insurance purchase online, without any type of human intervention.  We should all take this to heart and realize that e-commerce isn’t coming - it’s here - and we’d better be ready or be left behind!

New Member Benefits Programs Ready to Go!
Office Supplies Program - AIIA has recently entered into an agreement with Office Depot to provide our members with discount prices on office equipment, furniture and supplies!  The program offers phone, fax and internet ordering of office products, furniture and equipment with free next day business delivery to the metro areas of Birmingham, Anniston, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Decatur, Montgomery, Auburn and Mobile.  To remote locations, orders are shipped free via UPS (2-3 day ground) with a minimum order of $50.  This program would enable you to order from your computer or via fax which will save you the time you would normally spend going to your local office supply store.  You will also be able to purchase products in the store with your member card and receive the discounted pricing.  We encourage all of you to participate in this great endorsed program!   In order to receive the discounted prices, you must set up your member account with Office Depot.  To set up your account,  please either email Paul Gentry at Pgentry@OfficeDepot.com or call him at (205)444-9091 ext. 221 and be sure to mention you are an AIIA member. 

Promotional Items Program - An agreement has also been reached with iPromoteu.com to bring every type of promotional item to you at discounted prices.  Pens, hats, shirts, bags, specialty gifts - you name it!  They have just about everything you would ever want and can personalize it with your logo!  Order on-line by visiting the Endorsed Programs Section of www.aiia.org or by calling (800) 850-3370.  You will get great deals on promo items for yourself and be helping the association at the same time!  Be sure and list AIIA as the “Referral” (Referred By) so that your association can get credit for your purchases. 

Auto Insurance Checks Begin January 1
On January 1, 2001 Alabama will start checking car and truck owners to make sure they have liability insurance.  The AL Department of Revenue will be randomly selecting about 80,000 vehicle registrations annually to check for the mandatory insurance.  Those who don’t have insurance will have their vehicle registrations suspended and have to pay a $100 reinstatement fee.

Another Blow for PIA National
At its meeting on November 30, 2000, the Board of Directors of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) voted to disaffiliate with the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA), pending ratification by a membership vote to take place on February 22, 2001. PIIAI will continue its affiliation with the Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA).  According to PIIAI President Dino Gavanes, “..the evaluation conducted by our consolidation task force this summer found that with the income reduction from the PIA group health program and the duplication of services with IIAA, the PIA affiliation had reduced in value.”

Progressive Chairman Steps Down as CEO
Auto insurance company Progressive Corp. said on Friday that Glenn Renwick will be named the company’s president and chief executive as of January 1, 2001 replacing Peter Lewis.  Lewis, however, will remain chairman of the board.

Credit General in Receivership
Credit General has gone into receivership!  No claims are being paid and everything is going to the guaranty fund.  Any coverage written with Credit General should be placed with another carrier to avoid potential E&O claims.

P&C Industry’s Results Deteriorate
The U.S. P&C industry’s net income after taxes through the first nine months of this year dropped 5 percent to $16.5 billion from $17.4 billion in the period a year ago.  The decline in net income after taxes reflects deterioration in underwriting results despite faster premium growth and lower catastrophe losses.  The deterioration in underwriting results through the nine month period reflects the imbalance between growth in premiums and increases in non-cat loss and loss-adjustment expenses.  Underwriting results will continue to deteriorate as long as the growth in premiums continues to fall short of the growth in losses.

New Year’s Resolution - Educate Yourself and Your Staff
Make your New Year’s Resolution today!  Educate yourself and your staff!  The award winning AIIA education department has a plethora of classes to choose from to keep you in the black with your continuing education requirements.  January offers up CISR - Insuring Personal Auto classes in Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Mobile and Sheffield and E&O classes in Dothan and Huntsville.  Register today online at www.aiia.org.  Call Lauren Mashburn at (205) 326-4129 for more information.

Condolences to Bill Stewart
AIIA sends its deepest condolences to the family of Bill Stewart with Marion Insurance Agency in Marion, AL.  Bill’s 19 year old grandaughter, Tasha Morrow, was killed on December 8th in an auto accident. 

Infinity to Host Tailgate Party at Citrus Bowl
Infinity Insurance will be participating in the ESPN Fan Fair Celebration at the Citrus Bowl (Auburn vs. Michigan) in Orlando and  will  host a Tailgate Party  beginning at 9:00 am on game day!  If you are an agent or CSR who is attending the game, please call Todd Gober, Business Development Representative, at 800-782-2040 ext. 8131 and let him know you would like to tailgate with Infinity.  There is no entry fee and Infinity will provide your lunch and drinks, but you do have to RSVP to Todd, then show up at the tailgate ready for a good time. 

New Baby for B’ham Agent
Kelly Byrne with Independent Insurance Agents in Birmingham is the proud father of Lucy Catharine born this morning!  Congratulations to Kelly on this new addition to the family!

Employment Opportunities
Experienced CSR with bookkeeping and computer skills.  Contact John Dark at Dark Insurance in Alexander City at (256)234-5026 or fax your confidential resume to (256)234-5038.

Property & Casualty Agency in Anniston/Oxford area for sale.  Large percentage of agency is non-atandard auto with approximately 25% being mobile home and homeowner.  Call Bill Young at (800)609-8003

Commercial lines CSR position available in Selma agency.  Salary Range $11-14.50 / hour depending on skills.  Health insurance available.  Call Becky at (334) 874-4654 for more information.