All Hands on Deck
By: Brett Nilsson
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “all hands on deck?” By definition, the term is “something you say when everyone’s help is needed, especially to do a lot of work in a short amount of time.” The term “on deck” is also defined as a baseball player who is getting ready for his turn at the plate.
This column serves as notice that all Big “I” members are “on deck,” since we need “all hands on deck” for the2009 Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention!
Thinking back on my years in the independent insurance business, I can’t recall a more critical time for the industry than right now. Over the past several months, the state of our nation’s financial services industry has dominated nearly all discourse—from casual conversations on Main Street to continuous analysis on cable news to the halls of Congress. Much of the new administration’s and Congress’s focus has been and will continue to be on efforts to get the country out of this financial services crisis. Policymakers will also examine ways to ensure that a collapse of the financial services industry does not occur again. While the actions taken by the federal government to solve the economic crisis and improve the financial services system will impact all Americans, the decisions made in Washington D.C. this year will have a direct and immediate impact on the businesses and lives of independent insurance agents.
Because of the perceived failure of financial services regulation, we likely will see a major push to reform the regulation of all financial services sectors, including insurance. Even though the insurance industry is relatively stable, the federal rescue of AIG to the tune of $150 billion and counting has brought the discussion of insurance regulation to the doorsteps of Capitol Hill; and our businesses will not be immune from scrutiny. Other important issues on Congress’s plate this year include agent licensing reform, flood insurance, natural disaster insurance, health insurance reform and tax policy.
It is clear that now, more than ever, the voices of independent insurance agents need to be heard in Washington. Fortunately, the Big “I” is well represented on Capitol Hill by a government affairs staff that advocates for members. The government affairs team works on a bipartisan basis through lobbying, hands-on grassroots activities, media outreach, etc. to educate lawmakers on how legislation will benefit or harm you and your business. Staff members have worked for Democrats and Republicans, so they are able to flow with the political tide and communicate our interests to the key players in Washington.
Our government affairs staff is the best in the business, but they can’t do it alone. You are an essential part of our advocacy efforts, because members of Congress recognize the central role independent agents play in their communities. Congressional leaders value hearing directly from their constituents, especially those who are active in their districts and states. So, I implore you to attend the 2009 Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention, April 29–May 1 in Washington, D.C. With a new administration and Congress tackling the nation’s many challenges, there’s no better time for representatives and senators to hear directly from you on how proposals will affect you and your livelihood.
The Big “I” truly is a team, and through your attendance at this year’s event, and the work of our government affairs staff, we will continue to assert our strength and promote the interests of independent insurance agents in Washington and across the country.
The naval term “all hands on deck” is normally used for emergencies, since typically only one-third of the crew is on duty at a time. It is a call to bring together more crew members in order to accomplish an important task. And it is this call we offer to members in hopes that you will join us in Washington to help protect our livelihoods and to educate our legislators. We look forward to seeing you in April!
This column serves as notice that all Big “I” members are “on deck,” since we need “all hands on deck” for the2009 Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention!
Thinking back on my years in the independent insurance business, I can’t recall a more critical time for the industry than right now. Over the past several months, the state of our nation’s financial services industry has dominated nearly all discourse—from casual conversations on Main Street to continuous analysis on cable news to the halls of Congress. Much of the new administration’s and Congress’s focus has been and will continue to be on efforts to get the country out of this financial services crisis. Policymakers will also examine ways to ensure that a collapse of the financial services industry does not occur again. While the actions taken by the federal government to solve the economic crisis and improve the financial services system will impact all Americans, the decisions made in Washington D.C. this year will have a direct and immediate impact on the businesses and lives of independent insurance agents.
Because of the perceived failure of financial services regulation, we likely will see a major push to reform the regulation of all financial services sectors, including insurance. Even though the insurance industry is relatively stable, the federal rescue of AIG to the tune of $150 billion and counting has brought the discussion of insurance regulation to the doorsteps of Capitol Hill; and our businesses will not be immune from scrutiny. Other important issues on Congress’s plate this year include agent licensing reform, flood insurance, natural disaster insurance, health insurance reform and tax policy.
It is clear that now, more than ever, the voices of independent insurance agents need to be heard in Washington. Fortunately, the Big “I” is well represented on Capitol Hill by a government affairs staff that advocates for members. The government affairs team works on a bipartisan basis through lobbying, hands-on grassroots activities, media outreach, etc. to educate lawmakers on how legislation will benefit or harm you and your business. Staff members have worked for Democrats and Republicans, so they are able to flow with the political tide and communicate our interests to the key players in Washington.
Our government affairs staff is the best in the business, but they can’t do it alone. You are an essential part of our advocacy efforts, because members of Congress recognize the central role independent agents play in their communities. Congressional leaders value hearing directly from their constituents, especially those who are active in their districts and states. So, I implore you to attend the 2009 Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention, April 29–May 1 in Washington, D.C. With a new administration and Congress tackling the nation’s many challenges, there’s no better time for representatives and senators to hear directly from you on how proposals will affect you and your livelihood.
The Big “I” truly is a team, and through your attendance at this year’s event, and the work of our government affairs staff, we will continue to assert our strength and promote the interests of independent insurance agents in Washington and across the country.
The naval term “all hands on deck” is normally used for emergencies, since typically only one-third of the crew is on duty at a time. It is a call to bring together more crew members in order to accomplish an important task. And it is this call we offer to members in hopes that you will join us in Washington to help protect our livelihoods and to educate our legislators. We look forward to seeing you in April!
—Brett Nilsson, Chairman
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