IIAA Legislative Conference Just Around the Bend
Make plans now to attend the IIAA Legislative Conference to be held on May 2-5 in Washington, DC.  The conference will kick-off Wednesday with a first class reception at the Grand Hyatt Washington for all IIAA state representatives, State National Directors, and legislative chairs followed by a dinner at the Old Ebbitt Grill. Thursday will begin with a Legislative Breakfast where they hope to have big names such as John McCain & President George W. Bush speak to the group.  Afterwards, everyone will be off to the Hill to have private meetings with both Alabama Senators and Congressmen.  The day will be finished off with a Congressional Reception and dinner on your own. Friday will be filled  with another Legislative Breakfast followed by both  SND and InsurPac chairmen’s meetings. With only two nights' lodging, you will be able to attend this very informative, educational, and relevant conference which is packed with opportunities to interact with your congressional representatives.  Some insurance companies are offering incentives, such as State Auto who gives 2,000 points on their annual incentive trip and our own association that will throw in a little expense money as well.  We encourage each local board to sponsor a member, as well as, find one additional agent willing to pay his or her own way for this outstanding conference.  For more information or to register, contact Nancy Crowe at AIIA (205) 326-4129 or register online at www.iiaa.org.

Regions Buys Arkansas Insurance Firm
Regions Financial Corp made its boldest leap yet into the insurance business with the acquisiton of Arkansas-based Rebsamen Insurance Inc. whose business was 70% P&C.  With $26 million in annual revenues, Rebsamen ranks among the nation’s top 50 insurance brokers.  The acquisition is the most significant investment Regions has made to build its insurance business, which until now has been limited to credit life. 

Progressive Survey Shows Agents Still In Drivers Seat
Results of an extensive countrywide survey of 31,500 people by Progressive Insurance showed that while people ages 18-34 were more likely to use the Internet to purchase auto insurance than people ages 35 to 64,  an overwhelming majority of consumers (67.6 %) bought their current auto insurance policy with a local insurance agent with an office in their area.  Only 21 percent said they bought directly over the phone and under one percent bought directly over the internet.

2001 “Outstanding CSR of the Year” Wanted!
It’s that time of year again!  We are seeking nominations for this year’s award winner! To be eligible to enter the competition for this prestigious award, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:  Be an insurance customer service representative, or have primary responsibility for customer service duties; Write an essay approximately 2 pages, double spaced (not more than 1000 words) on the topic “My Greatest Accomplishment as a CSR.”; Complete a candidate form including education background, insurance awards, and honors, community involvement and awards, and business references.  You can obtain this form by calling our fax on demand, toll free (877) 669-1872 and requesting document #5003; and submit a letter of recommendation from a business/professional reference.  The deadline for submission of your completed essays is April 1, 2001.  For more information, contact Vic or Lauren at the AIIA office (205)326-4129.

ERC No Longer Offering EPL
ERC and Westport will no longer be a market for EPL Insurance without any supporting business.  They will continue to provide EPL coverage both as a coverage unit under the Pinnacle policy to insurance agents, but no longer will write stand alone coverage where there is no other ERC or Westport business.  The change is effective immediately and a procedure for the orderly non-renewal of EPL business not written for insurance agents is being created.  The decision was based on the volatility of the EPL market and the potential catastrophic effect of a large loss to this rather small book of business.

Ohio Casualty Discards Direct Sales of Auto Insurance
Ohio Casualty is abandoning its Avomark brand direct personal lines auto marketing in favor of an independent agent sales force.  The company is not abandoning its Internet service strategy, but will focus on providing better information to independent agents so they can increase effectiveness.  The company is looking to provide better browser-based services for independent agents and provide more online service capabilities to customers. Dan Carmichael, CEO said that the company is “definitely committed to selling through our independent agents.”

Agents Guide to Privacy Now Available
A white paper on “The Independent Agent’s Guide to Privacy” is now on our FREE FAX-ON-DEMAND system.  You can receive it by calling toll-free (877) 669-1872 and requesting item #6018.

Young Agents Call New Mid-Year Meeting
The AIIA Young Agents Committee is calling a first annual Mid-Year Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2001 from 3-5 p.m. with a reception to follow.  The seminar titled “The Ultimate Sales Process” is designed to update Young Agent’s selling skills and will be taught by John Petrucci, Vice President of State Auto Insurance Companies.  The registration fee is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.  Call Nancy Crowe at AIIA for more information at (205) 326-4129.

PIIA of Colorado Disaffiliates with National PIA
The Board of Directors of the Colorado PIA (PIIAC) voted last month to disaffiliate with the National PIA (NAPIA) pending ratification by the membership on April 15, 2001 with an effective date of December 31, 2001. The vote came as a result of a recommendation from an Affiliations Task Force that has been evaluating PIIAC’s affiliations with both the NAPIA and IIAA for more than a year.  The group will maintain their affiliation with the Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA). 

Montgomery Local Board Announces New Officers
The Montgomery Association of Independent Insurance Agents recently installed the following new officers and board members for the 2001 cycle.  President, James Barber with Palomar Insurance Corp; Vice President, Don Harris with Aronov Insurance, Inc.; Secretary/Treasurer, Georgia Dougherty with Turner/Scott, Carper & Aman, Inc.; and Board Members, Tommy McQueen with The Frederick Agency, Jerry Haynes with The Thompson Agency, Keith Nobles with Cousins Insurance Agency, Todd Johnson with The Whitecotton Agency and ex-officio member Don Whitecotton with The Whitecotton Agency.

Allstate Talks with Agents Break Down
Allstate Corp. has reported that talks aimed at ending the insurer’s long-running dispute with some of its agents over a change in their contracts has broken down.  The car and home insurer faces complaints from around 300 of its 6,500 employee sales agents over it’s plan to convert their positions to independent contractor status.  The move is part of Allstate’s plan to have all 15,000 of its agents operating as independent contractors.  Agents allege that Allstate’s requirement that they sign a release in order to receive the benefits that went along with becoming an independent contractor was retaliatory.

Employment Opportunities
Commercial Lines CSR returning to Birmingham or Atlanta area and looking for full-time, permanent position.  Approximately 13 years experience small to large accounts including Programs.  Currently serving as Marketing/In-house Rating New and Renewal Business.  In-house sales experience with referrals and rounding.  CISR designation and 3 CIC institutes completed.  Extensive experience on Applied System, some with AMS and Delphi.  Resume will be faxed upon request.  Contact (480) 419-2395 or ght@mahoneygroup.com

Experienced Commercial CSR for Huntsville agency needed.  Call (256) 549-1716 or send resume to Manager, P.O. Box 8225, Gadsden, AL 35902.

CSR for both CL & PL and CL Producers needed in fast growing P&C, Life/Health, financial planning agency that’s been in business 10 years.  Looking for team players.  Great area in city of Huntsville.  Call or email Doug or Donna at bengrpadv@aol.com or call (888) 837-5552.

Commercial Account Executive needed in Hoover-Riverchase agency to manage a seasoned book of business.  3+ years experience required.  Applied Systems knowledge or compatible software system needed.  Salary negotiable, excellent benefits.  Please call Lana at (205) 987-0003 ext. 103.

Win Tickets to the Women's NCAA Regional Basketball Tournament in Birmingham 
Infinity Insurance and the Alabama Big I are teaming up to offer two tickets to the Women's NCAA
Regional Basketball Tournament, held in Birmingham on March 24 and March 26.  Two winners will
be selected.  One winner will receive two tickets for the semifinals on March 24, and a second winner
will receive two tickets for the finals on March 26.  Visit www.infinity-insurance.com to register for
your chance to win   No purchase necessary.  The winning team will advance to the Final Four!!! 
The winner will be announced on March 22.