BIG “I” PRAISES AIA FOR RACICOT SELECTION
Former RNC chair, Montana governor an ‘excellent choice’
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 13, 2005—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) is enthusiastic and very pleased to learn that the American Insurance Association (AIA) has selected Marc Racicot as its next CEO.
Racicot, who served as governor of Montana from 1993-2001 and chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2002-2004, will take the reins from Robert Vagley, who is retiring.
“Governor Racicot is an excellent choice,” says Big “I” CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt. “As a two-term governor and chairman of the Republican National Committee, his leadership credentials are extensive and beyond question. He proved his mettle by being reelected governor and by heading his party through a hard-fought election cycle; the results speak for themselves. We look forward to working with Governor Racicot and AIA on many issues of mutual concern, and we believe his hiring is a very positive development for our entire industry.”
“As a long time resident of Montana, I can attest to the tremendous credibility, integrity and leadership capabilities of Governor Racicot,” says Tom Grau, Big “I” President and resident of Great Falls, Mont.
The Big “I” has worked very closely with AIA on a number of issues during the tenure of retiring CEO Vagley.
“Bob Vagley has been an excellent leader for AIA and our industry—a true friend and ally for independent insurance agents and brokers and the Big “I”—and we will miss him,” Rusbuldt says. “He was totally committed to our industry and has always worked closely and forthrightly with the Big ‘I’ and all independent agents and brokers. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Founded in 1896, IIABA (the Big “I”) 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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