Closing Remarks

The old adage “time flies” comes to mind as I now pen my last missive to the Big “I” membership. Pat and I have had the experience of a lifetime attending conventions, committee meetings and state and national board meetings. By my count, we have attended 24 state conventions. I have been at 24 National Board meetings as the state national director from Kentucky and an additional 24 as a member of the Executive Committee and an officer of the association. We have amassed more than 400,000 frequent flier miles.

Here are some personal observations about traveling in America today. First, you can tell which airlines are in financial difficulty because their employees are not happy and they do not respond to questions about delays, flight status or availability. Some things would make flying with these companies more pleasant, but these are ignored. For example, I have been on two recent flights where the air conditioning just barely worked. In questioning the flight attendants, they merely stated, “that is the way it is.” Hardly a feather in the cap of a service-based organization.

Flying in regional jets is a fact of life, but not a pleasant one. Small planes are overbooked, packed and uncomfortable. It’s unfortunate, but I guess we are stuck with this way of reaching less-traveled areas. Despite the occasional unpleasant flight, we have enjoyed seeing America.

I believe that we have achieved many of the personal goals I set when assuming the Big “I” gavel. My largest goal was to have Trusted Choice® grow to more than 6,000 members. We now have more than 6,200 agency locations using the brand. In addition, there are now 39 companies partnering with us in this effort, also a major jump. I am disappointed that no other large national carrier has decided to join. Two launched massive branding efforts this year but left out the people who sell their products—the independent agent. Thanks to Ron Smith and Jeff Myers for advancing this critical branding effort.

We can all be proud of the excellent staff that cares so much for Big “I” member agents. CEO Bob Rusbuldt has become a real star in the insurance industry. He understands agents and how our business works. Insurance executives around the world look to him for sound advice and counsel. Rusbuldt is the political voice of our association and his relationships on Capitol Hill focus on independent agents and the way we do business. And I commend our lobbyists and PAC, under the direction of Charles Symington and Nathan Riedel, for their dedication. Thanks for everything you do.

I leave office with the association in excellent financial condition. Again, dedicated staff members who believe in bringing strong products and services to our members are primarily responsible for our record-high contingency fund and the vibrant programs that benefit Big “I” members and companies alike. Thanks to Paul Buse and all the folks at Big “I” Advantage for a great year.

Thanks to Debra Perkins, the premier insurance lawyer in the country. Her absolute determination and ability to interpret and dissect company documents and legal mumbo-jumbo make it possible to defend and represent agents in all legal matters.

The members of the communications department have not only edited my IA columns and cleaned up my English, but they have kept me on track and even made me look good at conventions. Thanks to Dave Evans, Katie Butler, Cliston “C.B.” Brown and the rest of the folks.

Spending so much time away from the office takes a toll on the patience of your fellow workers. I could not have done this without the backing of Tim Hyland and all the good folks at Hyland, Block & Hyland. Special thanks to my son Garrett for stepping in to help with my accounts.

We have been on a great ride. Independent agents are the greatest people in the world. We thank you all for your hospitality. The members of the Executive Committee and National Board have become friends who will last for a lifetime.

After spending the past 14 years as a member of the National Board, Executive Committee and an officer of the association, I now slide to the immediate past president position. I look forward to serving as the “wise and sage” commentator on the Executive Committee for the next year. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your president.

Bill Stiglitz
President