The Secret Weapon

Nanette and I recently returned from our Executive Committee planning meeting where much great work was done as we begin to transition from one year to the next in our association. Traveling has caused me to reflect on those close to us in our daily lives, as well as those who have come before us and are no longer with us. As I write this, my 11th Chairman’s Voice article, I am reminded just how fast this year has gone and how much I value those with whom I have had the pleasure of working on a regular basis at the Big “I” and what they mean to us as members. Bear with me as we take a snapshot of those who are doing the valuable work for us, the members of the Big “I”.

CNN. The National Association of Realtors. AON. The White House. The United States Congress. Insurance Services Office (ISO). Law firms. And independent agencies.

While on the surface, these places might not seem to have much in common they have one important, universal thread. They are just a few of the former employers of current national Big “I” staff members—professional experiences, which they bring to the table every day to work for you.

The wide array of products, services and programs the Big “I” provides to members at the state and national level is dizzying. The Big “I” is the independent agent and broker’s advocate on the issues that matter most to their success. In state legislatures and insurance departments, on Capitol Hill or with insurance carriers, the association works to protect and promote the independent agency system through common-sense, pragmatic initiatives. The Big “I” creates original content daily—information that helps agents sell more efficiently and effectively. From whitepapers and research to print and online research libraries, Big “I” agents have a wealth of resources at their fingertips. And the Big “I” helps agencies thrive. From access to niche markets and a renowned E&O program to the consumer-tested brand Trusted Choice®, the Big “I” offers members a variety of tools to succeed.

Government affairs to communications, legal advocacy to E&O, branding to education—all of this work is done by the most important asset of the Big “I”: its staff. It takes a staff with diverse training and talents to offer all of these services under one roof. And the credentials of the Big “I” national staff reflect this reality: MBA, JD, CPCU, CAE and CFP are just a few of the designations that follow their names. Many staffers hold insurance licenses in all 50 states and Washington D.C., and bring insurance industry experience from companies, large brokers and main street independent agencies. But they have also had important experiences outside the insurance industry, serving as journalists, college professors, financial planners, lawyers, Congressional staffers and trade association managers.

And the best part is that once they come to the Big “I”, they stay. Of the current national staff of 79 people, 37—almost half—have served the association for 10 years or more. In an era of transient workplaces and fading employee loyalty, that’s a pretty amazing statistic. What does this mean to you? The Big “I” staff understands your business. They know our industry’s challenges and they are working hard to help independent agents succeed.

However, as in all businesses, it is hard when institutional and industry knowledge is lost through retirements and life changes. The Big “I” national staff is dealing with the transitions of three staff members—Debra Perkins, EVP and general counsel; Barbara Miller-Richards, national advertising sales director and Jeff Yates, executive director of ACT and former CEO and general counsel of the Big “I”—who have served the association for a combined 97 years. Their incredible work on behalf of independent agents will be greatly missed and I am so thankful for their service to our members, as well as for their friendships.

During a time in our industry and in the country of uncertainty and constant change, it is reassuring to know that people are actively working for us that we can’t see, both at the state and national level. They come to work each day with a singular purpose: to create and sustain a competitive advantage for Big “I” independent insurance agents.

I’m glad they are on our side.