News

Big ‘I’ Submits Statement on Tax Reform

As Congress examines the effects of the new tax law on small businesses and the economy, the Big “I” weighed in at a recent hearing to raise concerns about how the law applies to independent agents and brokers.

President Signs Dodd-Frank Reform Into Law

President Trump signed the legislation into law after it passed both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate with strong bipartisan support.

Farm Bill Fails in House

Late last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted down H.R. 2, “The Agriculture and Nutrition Act,” by a vote of 198-213.

House Holds Hearing on Autonomous Vehicles

Because advances in auto technology are expected to have a significant impact on the U.S. insurance market, the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance recently examined the development of autonomous vehicles.

Big ‘I’ Agents Talk Cyber with Treasury

The discussion addressed the resiliency of insurance agencies following a cyberattack, best practices for protecting personal information, and the appropriate role of the private sector and federal and state governments in managing cyber risk.

Reacting to Change: After Technology, Culture Comes First

At NetVU’s Accelerate conference in Atlanta, Amy Zupon, CEO of Vertafore, explained how independent agencies can use technology to streamline their connections with carriers and shared five key values that have the power transform the culture at your agen

House Set to Vote on Farm Bill

Controversy related to the supplemental nutrition assistance program and other issues, including crop insurance and subsidies for commodities such as sugar, are making it hard to predict how the final vote will turn out.

New Tax Rules May Not Come Until December

A key provision of the new tax law allows for a 20% deduction on “qualified business income” for owners and shareholders of pass-through businesses. But it is unclear whether insurance agencies and brokerages will qualify.

Main Street America CEO Talks Merger with IA

Recently, American Family Insurance Group and The Main Street America Group announced they are pursuing a merger. IA talked with Tom Van Berkel, Main Street America’s chairman, president & CEO, about the merger and what it means for independent agents.

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