ALABAMA INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS ENDORSE STEVE WINDOM FOR GOVERNOR!
Alabama Independent Insurance Agents Inc., the largest trade association of insurance agents in Alabama, will endorse Steve Windom’s campaign and support his efforts to be the state’s next governor. This marks the first time that AIIA has ever endorsed a candidate in the governor’s race. The AIIA Board of Directors made this decision based on their belief that Steve Windom is the most qualified candidate to serve as governor of Alabama and to meet the state’s challenges. The Board also cites the fact that Steve Windom has a proven track record in Alabama state government and this experience allows him to bring the integrity and ability to our state government that we so desperately need. 
*To show your support of Steve Windom’s gubernatorial campaign, come by the Association Office and pick up your Windom stickers, signs and other campaign paraphernalia. 

106th Annual Convention Set for June 13-15 
Make your plans now to join “Herb & Friends” at AIIA’s 106th Annual Convention & Trade Show at the Sandestin Hilton. This year’s theme is “Choice Adds Value.” Your choice to attend this year’s convention will add value to your business and your personal life as you re-acquaint with old friends and meet new ones. In these difficult times, it is more important than ever to hear how others are coping and managing their agencies and companies. Additions to the program have been formed to add to your enjoyment. These events include a Parent’s Night Out, a special cooking lesson for the ladies, and music connoisseur DJ Ray Edwards will spin your favorite songs by the hospitality suites. Our guest speakers include IIAA President-Elect Cloyce Andrews; Maureen Wall will explain TrustedChoice and Mike Edwards will discuss Privacy Issues In Insurance and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 

AIIA Welcomes GMAC Insurance as Our Newest Bronze Sponsor!
On behalf of AIIA members, leadership and staff, “Thank You, GMAC Insurance for your kind contribution!” 

Political Season Has Begun – Support Your Fellow Independent Insurance Agents
Several of your fellow Independent Agents stepped forward to serve in Alabama’s legislature. Incumbent Sen. George Clay (D) of Clay & Associates in Tuskegee is running for his 3rd term. Incumbent Rep. Craig Ford (D) of Hodges-Ford Insurance Agency in Rainbow City is contending for his District 28 seat. Steve Flowers, of Cobbs, Allen, & Hall, is running for the Senate seat in the new District 14. Steve is a 16-year veteran of the House of Representatives. Jim Murphree, of Jim Murphree Insurance, is running for the Blount County House of Representatives seat. Jim served in the legislature 1994-1998. 

AIIA & Infinity Bring The Birmingham Baron’s Opening Night to You - April 12, 2002 !
It might be cold now, but spring is just around the corner. And spring means Baseball! Infinity Insurance & AIIA have joined together to bring you a family-oriented, exciting event at discount ticket prices. The fun begins Friday, April 12, 2002, at 7 p.m. at the Hoover Met where the Barons take on the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. Infinity reserved a private, indoor suite (w/ outdoor veranda) at the Baron’s Season Opener! Tickets are only $10 per person, $5 for children under 12. Each ticket includes ballpark admission, access to the private suite, BBQ dinner buffet, fireworks and a $2 donation to AIIA’s Excalibur Scholarship Fund. We’re making it easy to unwind after a busy week with this opportunity - great seats, great food and lots of great entertainment for the whole family! Reserve your seats now – 205-803-8131. 

TrustedChoice TV Debut – March 11-15
Set your reminders to see Trusted Choice’s national advertisements that run nationally March 11-15 during CNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews. All media will direct consumers to look for the Trusted Choice logo or visit www.TrustedChoice.com to find an agent through the program’s cutting-edge agency locator. Click here to see the commercials HERE

AgentSecure Update
AgentSecure, a member of the InsureZone family of companies, has picked up endorsements from several more IIAA state organizations. With these new endorsements, 23 IIAA states now support the multiple access carrier, which now represents more than 13,000 agencies nationally. “In today’s fragmented marketplace, agents need access to national carriers, and national carriers need greater penetration in rural and suburban markets,” said Ed Gillman, President of AgentSecure. “AgentSecure offers a way for both to win.”

Sept. 11 Losses Upped to $52 Billion
Insured losses stemming from the World Trade Center destruction will likely total $52 billion, according to A.T. Kearney, Inc. The new figure is 36.7% higher than the $38 billion in losses that the Chicago-based consultant estimated in November. “The increases are due to increased estimates in liability claims and may mean the economic impact from the attack is significantly greater than originally estimated,” according to an update of a November 2001 report by the New York City Partnership & Chamber of Commerce. A.T. Kearney prepared the insurance section of the report and the update. The update continues to estimate the gross economic loss to the New York economy at about $83 billion. 

National Flood Insurance Program Seminars
These agent seminars stress flood insurance procedure and review the proper way to put flood insurance into force. The lender seminars stress mandated compliance procedure with the NFIP. The educational opportunities offered here are NOT in conjunction with AIIA or any educational program we offer.
*03/07/02 - Agent Seminar - Montgomery, AL - 4 hours CE credit; Seminar - 8:30am - 12:30am
Registration - 8:00am - 8:30pm, Cost:  $30.00 (Payable when registering at door)
County Commission Court, 100 South Lawrence Street, 3rd Floor, Courthouse Annex - Admin Building
*03/26/02 - Agent Seminar - Huntsville, AL - 4 hours CE credit; Registration - 8:00am - 8:30am
Seminar - 8:30am - 12:30pm, Cost:  $30.00 (Payable when registering at door)
Public Service Building, 320 Fountain Circle
*03/27/02 - Lender Seminar - Huntsville, AL; Registration - 8:30am - 9:00am
Seminar - 9:00am - 12:00 noon, Cost:  $25.00 (Payable when registering at door)
Public Service Building, 320 Fountain Circle
*03/28/02 - Agent Seminar - Florence, AL - 4 hours CE credit; Registration - 8:00am - 8:30am
Seminar - 8:30am - 12:30pm, Cost:  $30.00 (Payable when registering at door)
EMA Conference Room, 110 West College Street
*03/29/02 - Lender Seminar - Florence, AL; Registration - 8:30am - 9:00am
Seminar - 9:00am - 12:00 noon, Cost:  $25.00 (Payable when registering at door)
EMA Conference Room, 110 West College Street

Mark Your Calendars For These Important Dates!
IIAA Legislative Conference, Washington, DC – April 10-12, 2002
AIIA 106th Annual Convention, Sandestin, FL – June 13-15, 2002
AIIA Young Agents Conference, Gulf Shores, AL – August 11-13, 2002
IIAA Annual Convention, New Orleans, LA – September 21-25, 2002
AIIA Small & Rural Conference, Birmingham, AL – October 22-23, 2002

AIIA Educational Opportunities 
March 13 – Best Practices of E&O Loss Control – Huntsville
March 18-22 Agents Licensing School – Birmingham, AIIA HQ
March 27 – Best Practices of E&O Loss Control – Mobile
March 28 – Best Practices of E&O Loss Control – Birmingham 
Register online at www.aiia.org/edulinks 
 
Employment Opportunities
*Licensed P&C and L&H CSR seeks position. CSR seeks position in independent insurance agency in East Central Alabama. Please call Angie Wages at 256-215-5533, resume available upon request. Email contact at caran@charter.net . 
*Seeking Agency to Purchase. Company representative with agency experience seeks agency perpetuation / purchase opportunity. All inquiries kept confidential. Resume provided upon requested. 205-529-8814