Support in Spades

The fall is always an extremely active time of year for all of us. Thanksgiving has passed, Christmas is coming and the New Year is right around the corner. My wife Nanette and I are busy with our travel visiting states, but between trips, we are also planning for 2013 at home and at the agency. There are so many things to be thankful for as this year begins to wind down, and this causes each of us to reflect on our great, and not-so-great, results for the year.

Looking forward to 2013, consider taking advantage of three Big “I” initiatives that support members on a regular basis:

• The association’s Government Affairs team will help your business head into new legislative territory post-election.

• InVEST is a recruiting opportunity that can grow your agency and your career.

• Benchmark your success with the Best Practices program and improve the skills of everyone in your office.

Government Affairs. The Big “I” is well represented by our Government Affairs team, which is so ably led by Senior Vice President Charles Symington and volunteer Chair Jon Jenson. This bipartisan group keeps us as members extremely informed on the issues related to our business. With the Nov. 6 election already a month behind us, we are well on our way to adapting to the first family seated in the White House. But questions remain in many agents’ minds: How will control of the House or Senate by Republicans or Democrats affect our businesses? What will the legislative landscape look like over the next four years? Tax increases, especially for those of us who are sub-5 corporations and face huge increases, will potentially be in flux for some time. Health care reform may also be subject to change post-election. The Big “I” is watching many other issues, so stay tuned as your Government Affairs team analyzes the results of this election year.

InVEST. I became a huge InVEST supporter as a new member of our IIABA executive committee five years ago. As the InVEST committee liaison, I saw firsthand the synergy of our committed staff, volunteer leaders and dedicated insurance company supporters, all committed to a common goal—to be the insurance industry’s premier classroom-to-career education program. These classrooms are in high schools and community colleges in many of our states. They are turning out producers, underwriters and support workers like never before. These students are introduced to a business curriculum that teaches the ins and outs of agencies and companies. More than $61,000 in scholarships was awarded to graduates of local InVEST programs this year. InVEST, led by Heather Minkler and her volunteer committee, as well as a very capable volunteer staff, is a wonderful opportunity for young people looking for a future career. InVEST is a win/win for all involved. For more information, go to invest.iiaba.net.

Best Practices. The Big “I,” in conjunction with Reagan Consulting, has supported the Best Practices program for independent agents. The Big “I” encourages agencies to apply after being nominated by an insurance carrier or a Big “I” state association.

To ensure your agency is nominated, you may submit a self-nominating form. If your good standing is verified by your state association or designated carriers, you will be invited to participate.

The Best Practices program is a great tool for all independent agents. The resulting information from the study has been an excellent measuring point for all of us for years. I encourage you to use the Best Practices results for comparison purposes at your agency.

I continue to feel honored to serve as your chairman. Nanette and I are proud to represent you, our fellow agents, as we travel this great country. We hope to see you on the road, and we wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season.

—Bobby Bramlett, Big “I” Chairman