Change is Upon Us

Big “I” President & CEO Bob Rusbuldt and I were both invited to appear on the Nebraska program and we carried your messages to the members present. One of my favorite industry speakers, W.R. Berkley Corp. Chairman Bill Berkley, delivered the keynote address. He is very matter of fact—and yet within reason—as he underscores what all of us need to do to make our businesses and our industry a better place. In Nebraska, he focused on change and the opportunities it brings to the marketplace. One thing is certain: change is upon us in our personal lives, our civic organizations, our businesses and our professional trade associations. You need look no further than the signature at the bottom of this column to witness change at Big “I.” My title as your member leader would have been president a year ago, but now I’m your chairman.

The Big “I” has worked for more than a year to modernize and streamline a governing document that had not been meaningfully changed in several decades into a new set of bylaws that is modern and hopefully more efficient. It was not an easy task. My predecessor, Alex Soto, appointed a task force to undertake the heavy responsibilities of dragging the association into the next century on our governing documents. Cappy Stults, our board director from New Jersey, and his task force worked overtime to bring to the board the new document, which was recommended by the board and then adopted by the membership at the fall meeting in San Diego.

The task force considered more than 100 suggested changes. One of the end results was a series of title changes. The person previously known as your president is now known as chairman. The CEO (national executive) now is the president & CEO, and those who serve on your national board are now known as directors. What’s the big deal you say? Well, hopefully very little to the 300,000 Big “I” members. This will be a seamless transition because we have far larger issues to be concerned with besides title changes and board members’ official terms of office. But efficiency and modernization are necessary parts of running good, sound businesses today—and the Big “I” is no exception.

I visit with you about this for two reasons. First, some haven’t completely understood the necessity of the governance changes. Second, and most importantly, this recently completed exercise shows us firsthand how change can and should be addressed in our operations. A methodical approach was used from the beginning of the process and strong communications was key to reaching our goal. There were pitfalls along the way, but leadership worked even harder to overcome obstacles and concerns. There was sharing of ideas and there was give-and-take in the final draft. The result: no one got everything he or she wanted, but no one was completely left out, either. We can now move forward. What a great lesson for all of us in our own operations. Address the concerns, use a fair and well-managed process, keep communications open at all costs and reap the benefits of the end product. As Berkley said, “Change is imminent. Learn to accept it and recognize it for what it brings to your success.”

As part of your agency’s operational changes, don’t forget the pact we reached last month regarding our yearlong initiative in “Living the Brand.” Several Trusted Choice® agencies have accepted my invitation to communicate firsthand with me as they use the new blueprint for branding excellence with Trusted Choice®. Talk about change—the purpose of the guide is to help you fully integrate Trusted Choice® into your agency, on a step-by-step basis.

Month two of the plan suggests adding the Trusted Choice® logo, explanation and Pledge of Performance to your agency Web site. It also encourages you to order Pledge of Performance plaques for agency lobby/reception areas. Has your agency appointed its brand master yet? We have, and our staff member is well on her way toward assisting our shops in living the brand. What changes does your agency have in store?

Bob Fulwider
Chairman