Big “i” STATE ASSOCIATIONS HONORED
WITH L.P. MCCORD NATIONAL EDUCATION AWARDS
Big “I” Recognizes Educational Commitment of State Associations at NBSD Meeting
ORLANDO, Oct 9—The Big “I” state associations in New Mexico, Virginia, North Carolina and Michigan were recognized for their outstanding commitment to education as the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) presented the four state associations with the L.P. McCord National Education Award.
The award, presented during the Big “I” National Board of State Directors (NBSD) meeting held prior to the Big “I” Convention in Orlando, is annually bestowed upon the state associations, in four size categories, that have provided their members with the best opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the insurance profession. The state associations are evaluated according to innovation in education, single-best seminar and non-seminar education services.
In the category of “Less Than 250 Members,” the honor went to the Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico (IIANM). New Mexico continues to be the leading provider of insurance education in the state. IIANM set itself apart by effectively presenting a wide variety of diverse educational topics designed to meet the needs of member agencies. Additionally, IIANM works to improve education affordability through award grants offered through its scholarship program.
In the “Less Than 460 Members” category, the award was presented to the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia (IIAV). Virginia was honored for its impressive and comprehensive curriculum design. The association offers new and innovative programs that showcase a variety of topics and strengthen the knowledge of insurance among Virginia agents while enhancing their business skills.
In the “Less Than 1,000 Members” category, the award was bestowed upon the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC). North Carolina was recognized for its wide range of curriculum designed for a variety of experience levels as well as its ability to offer a wide range of continuing-education credits.
In the “More Than 1,000 Members” category, the honor was awarded to the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents. Michigan distinguished itself by offering a wide array of educational programs for all levels of agency employees, as well as by offering specialized training to help employees become familiar with the workings of insurance and independent agencies. Additionally, Michigan is one of the top pre-licensing providers in the state for property and casualty and life and health insurance. Michigan also has set itself apart by increasing accessibility of educational programs through the expansion of locations and alternate delivery systems.
The 2004 Big “I” Convention in Orlando, the association’s showcase meeting, will feature the Best Practices Business Symposium; a compelling company CEO panel; a wide variety of innovative continuing-education (CE) classes offering CE credits; several prominent guest speakers; the largest exhibit hall and trade show in the insurance industry; numerous networking opportunities; and many other exciting events.
Founded in 1896, the IIABA is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life and health—as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.
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