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2008 Press Releases

Study Shows Big "I" InVEST Program Key to the Future of Insurance Industry

(ALEXANDRIA, VA - Dec. 22, 2008) - Future One, a collaboration of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big "I") and leading independent agency companies, recently released key findings from their biennial ",Agency Universe Study", which revealed the need for more young, female and minority professionals in the independent insurance agency system.

Retail Agent---E&S Market Initiative Gains Momentum

(ALEXANDRIA, VA - Dec. 19, 2008) - The Independent Agents & Brokers of America's Agents Council for Technology (ACT), the American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) and the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO) formed a joint initiative to improve the efficiencies for retail agents interacting with managing general agents and wholesale brokers in the E&S market and to promote the electronic exchange of data between the parties.

Survey Finds Many Homeowners Unaware of the Risks and Responsibilities of Hosting a Holiday Party

(Alexandria, VA, Dec. 18, 2008) - As millions of Americans host and attend holiday parties across the street or across the country, many are unaware of the risks they may be taking or of their own responsibilities to ensure their guests don't hit the road drunk, according to a new national survey on homeowner's insurance issues by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big "I").

New Survey Finds Bad Economy has Many Considering Changes to Insurance Policies

(Alexandria, VA - Dec. 11, 2008) - Many Americans are facing financial struggles and considering making changes to their insurance policies, according to a new national survey of homeowners by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I'). Almost twenty-four percent of those surveyed, representing about 39 million homeowners, say they have made changes to their insurance coverage because of the troubled economy, leaving them vulnerable to serious financial loss.

Trusted Choice® Ad Airs on Food Network

(ALEXANDRIA, VA - Dec. 9, 2008) - A Trusted Choice® media buy on the Food Network is airing with a new ad focusing on the 'Pledge of Performance' and featuring agents from across the country. The buy will continue through Dec. 20 and corresponds with the network's 'Season's Eatings' programming.

Big "I" and Future One Release 2008 Agency Universe Findings

(ALEXANDRIA, VA, Dec. 4, 2008) - The number of independent agencies has stabilized---that's one of the key findings of the 2008 Agency Universe Study. Future One, a collaboration of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big "I")and leading independent agency companies, has released key findings from the recently completed study, hailed as the most comprehensive look at the independent agency system.

Connecticut Firm Awarded Trusted Choice Agency of the Month

(ALEXANDRIA, VA, Dec. 4, 2008) - V.F. McNeil Insurance has been named the Trusted Choice® Agency of the Month by Trusted Choice®, the branding program of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc. (the Big 'I').

Big "I" Encourages Donations to Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund

(ALEXANDRIA, VA, Dec. 4, 2008) - Hurricane season is finally over, but the clean up and recovery efforts from this year's storms continue and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') stands ready to help meet disaster assistance needs through the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund.

New Survey Finds Holiday Travelers Don't Know Travel Insurance Needs or Coverage

(ALEXANDRIA, VA-Nov. 25, 2008) As millions of Americans hit the roads and log in flight miles at hundreds of airports to criss-cross the globe for the holiday, an alarming percentage don't fully understand key aspects of their insurance coverage, according to a new national survey on travel insurance issues by Trusted Choice and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I')

Big "I" Names New Director of Public Affairs

(ALEXANDRIA, VA, Nov. 24, 2008) - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big "I") announced that Margarita Tapia has joined the team as Director of Public Affairs.

Big "I" PAC Scores 92% Congressional Victory Rate

(WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 7, 2008) - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') today announced that its political action committee, InsurPac, distributed more than $1.6 million in the 2008 campaign cycle resulting in a 92% congressional victory rate.

Big "I" Endorses Swiss Re's Commercial Insurance Agency Shield Program TM

(ALEXANDRIA, VA., Oct. 29, 2008) - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (The Big 'I'today announced its endorsement of Swiss Re's Commercial Insurance group's new Agency Shield Program TM for their Insurance Agency Errors and Omissions (E&O) policyholders.

Big “I” Participates in Treasury Department’s National Roundtable on Insurance Literacy

(WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 15, 2008) — Alex Soto, CPCU, ARM, today represented the Big “I” at the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s National Roundtable on Insurance Literacy. He was featured on a panel titled “Face to Face with the Consumer: A Report from the Frontlines.”

Big “I” Installs New Leadership Team

(ALEXANDRIA, VA Oct. 10, 2008) — C. Brett Nilsson, CIC, was inaugurated as the chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), with David Daniel as the new chairman elect, Mike Miley as the new vice chairman, and Tom Minkler as the new executive committee member. The new officers began their terms at the recent Big “I” Leadership Conference in Las Vegas.

Big "I" Releases 2008 Best Practices Study Update

ALEXANDRIA, VA, Oct. 8, 2008 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big "I") announced today the release of its annual Best Practices Study. The independent study includes the "Rule of 20" statistic which provides a quick means of calculating whether or not an agency creates value for its shareholders.

Big “I” Commends Congress on Temporary Extension of Flood Insurance Program

(WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 26, 2008) — The Big “I” today commended Congress for passing a temporary extension, until March 6, 2009, of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

North Carolina Earns Outstanding Young Agents Committee Award

(Alexandria, VA., Sept. 24, 2008) -The National Young Agents Committee (YAC) of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) presented its most prestigious annual award to the Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina at the 2008 Young Agents Leadership Institute.

How Financially Secure Are Your Insurance Providers?

(Alexandria, VA – Sept. 18, 2008) –Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents can help consumers analyze the safety and stability of their insurance coverage. Given recent events in the news involving AIG, consumers have many questions regarding the stability of their own insurance providers. There has been no information reported to indicate that the challenges faced by the AIG situation will have a domino effect on the insurance industry and virtually all experts agree that the insurance industry, as a whole, is financially secure. The financial strength of an insurance company is important, and AIG’s insurance subsidiaries are fundamentally sound.

Big “I” Comments on AIG

(WASHINGTON - September 17, 2008) – Robert Rusbuldt, president and CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, issued the following statement regarding the Federal Reserve’s announcement last night that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will make an $85 billion short-term bridge loan for 24 months to American International Group, secured by all the assets of AIG.

Big “I” Commends House on Insurance Regulatory Reform Legislation

(WASHINGTON - September 17, 2008) — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) congratulates the House of Representatives on passing H.R. 5611 (the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2008 or NARAB Reform Act), which will reform nonresident agent licensing.

Big “I” Urges Congress to Act on NFIP

(WASHINGTON, D.C., September 16, 2008) – Below, please find the text of a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to act on the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which is set to expire in two weeks on September 30th. The Big 'I” has joined forces with other associations on this important effort.

BIG “I” ENCOURAGES DONATIONS TO TRUSTED CHOICE® DISASTER RELIEF FUND

As the mayhem of hurricane season continues and stricken areas start recovering, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) stands ready to help meet disaster assistance needs, through the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund. Although better planning and disaster preparedness helped to lessen the damage from Gustav and Ike, there are still two months left in the 2008 hurricane season, and the Midwest is still recovering from flooding earlier this summer.

Post-Hurricane Ike Advisory

(Alexandria, VA—September 15, 2008) As the impact of Hurricane Ike is surveyed and continues in Texas, Louisiana, and other parts of the country, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) can discuss what consumers need to know about dealing with unpredictable storms and recovering from their wrath. Independent agents dealing with claims in the areas affected by Hurricane Ike can also discuss wind and flood insurance coverage, rebuilding efforts disaster-related claims, and can help sort through the confusion of differing insurance policies and types of coverage. IIABA can also provide consumers with helpful tips for dealing with natural disasters.

BIG “I” Encourages Donations to Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund

(ALEXANDRIA, VA Sept. 3, 2008) – As Tropical Storms Hanna and Ike develop and Hurricane Gustav lingers around the already battered Gulf Coast, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) stands ready to help meet disaster assistance needs, through the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund. Although better planning and disaster preparedness helped to lessen the damage from Gustav, there are still more than two months left in the 2008 hurricane season, and those in the Midwest are still recovering from flooding earlier this summer.

Tropical Storm and Hurricane Advisory

(Alexandria, VA—September 2, 2008) – As Hurricane Hanna approaches, Tropical Storm Ike develops and Hurricane Gustav lingers around the already battered Gulf Coast, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) can discuss what consumers need to know about dealing with unpredictable storms and recovering from their wrath. Agents can explain flood insurance coverage, rebuilding efforts, disaster-related claims, and can help sort through the confusion of differing insurance policies and types of coverage. IIABA can also provide consumers with helpful tips for dealing with natural disasters.

Big "I" Sends Letter to SEC Opposing Equity Indexed Annuities Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 29, 2008 – Below, please find the text of a Big 'I' comment letter to the SEC concerning a proposed rule to subject equity indexed annuities to oversight by the SEC rather than state insurance regulators. The Big 'I' strongly objects to this increase in federal regulatory authority.

Grinnell Mutual Contributes $100,000 to Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund

The President’s Club of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company has contributed $100,000 to the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund, specifically designated for victims of the storms and floods throughout the Midwest in Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota.

Big "I" Comments on Hartford Natural Disaster Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 7, 2008—The following is a statement by Bob Rusbuldt, President & CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') on the recent release of the Hartford natural disaster proposal

The Motorists Insurance Group Joins Trusted Choice

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 1, 2008—The Motorists Insurance Group, which includes Motorists Mutual Insurance Company, Wilson Mutual Insurance Company and Iowa Mutual Insurance Company, is the newest independent agency system insurance organization to join the Trusted Choice® brand movement.

Big "I" Emphasizes Support for a Modernized State Regulatory System

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2008— The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), the nation’s largest insurance association, testified today before a hearing of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs on insurance regulation.

Big "I" Applauds House Subcommittee for Action on Insurance Regulatory Reform Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 9, 2008— The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) applauds House Financial Services Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Paul Kanjorski and other Members of the Subcommittee for approving legislation to modernize insurance regulation, especially H.R. 5611, the NARAB Reform Act, which will reform nonresident agent licensing. Along with H.R. 5611, today the Subcommittee approved H.R. 5840, the Insurance Information Act.

Big "I" Commends House Committee for Action on Building Code Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 24, 2008—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) applauds House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and other members of the Committee for approving the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2008, designed to encourage communities to establish and enforce strong building codes by offering federal grants.

Big "I" Comments on Insurance Information Act Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 10, 2008—The following is a statement from Bob Rusbuldt, President & CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') concerning today’s U.S. House Subcommittee on Capital Markets hearing on the Insurance Information Act, H.R. 5840.

Big "I" Applauds House for Passing Farm Bill Conference Report

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 14, 2008—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) applauds House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), and the other members of the House of Representatives for passing the 2008 Farm Bill Extension Conference Report today. The Senate is expected to approve the Conference Report this evening or tomorrow.

Senate Approves Flood Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 13, 2008—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) applauds Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and the other members of the Senate, for passing the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act (FIRM) of 2008.

Adirondack Insurance and New Jersey Skylands Insurance Join Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 7, 2008—Adirondack Insurance Exchange (Adirondack Insurance) and New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association (New Jersey Skylands Insurance), both policyholder-owned reciprocal exchanges managed by subsidiaries of OneBeacon Insurance Group, are the newest independent agency system insurance companies to join the Trusted Choice® brand movement.

Big "I" Comments on H.R. 5840

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2008—The following are statements from Bob Rusbuldt, President & CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I'), and Charles Symington, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, on H.R. 5840.

Big "I" Testifies on Insurance Regulatory Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2008— The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), the nation’s largest insurance association, testified before a hearing of the House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Government Sponsored Enterprises, and Insurance, to discuss insurance regulatory reform.

Rep. Roskam Speaks to Young Agents

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 3, 2008— Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) spoke to young independent agents and brokers from nearly all 50 states, along with the state and national InsurPac leaders, at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) Legislative Conference & Convention yesterday. Roskam addressed the Young Agent-InsurPac luncheon.

Big "I" Honors Minkler, ALBA, Florida Agents

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 3, 2008—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) has honored two agent leaders and one of its state associations for their legislative accomplishments in 2007. Honors went to the following recipients this week at the Big “I” National Legislative Conference and Convention:

Clyburn, Collins Address Big "I" Legislative Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 3, 2008—House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) addressed 1,200 independent insurance agents and brokers at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (the Big “I”) Legislative Conference & Convention this morning.

Big "I" Opposes Blueprint Plan for Insurance

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 31, 2008— The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) expressed its opposition to the insurance provisions contained in the Blueprint for Regulatory Reform unveiled today by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.

Big "I" Comments on Treasury Department Blueprint

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 29, 2008—The following is a statement by Robert Rusbuldt, President & CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') on the Treasury Department's Blueprint for Regulatory Reform of the Financial Services Industry.

The Hartford Becomes Trusted Choice Company Partner

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 20, 2008— The Hartford Financial Services Group (NYSE: HIG) announced today they will join the Trusted Choice® consumer brand movement. Trusted Choice® was launched in 2001 by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) and several independent agency companies to highlight the benefits independent agencies and brokerage firms offer consumers—choice of companies, customization of policies and advocacy support.

Big "I" Applauds Introduction of NARAB Reform Act

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 13, 2008—The Big “I” today expresses its strong support for bipartisan agent licensing reform legislation introduced by Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) and Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ky). This legislation is also supported by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Sen. Crapo to Address Large Agent/CEO Dinner

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 5, 2008—Senate Banking Committee and Finance Committee member Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) will speak to attendees at the Large Agent/Broker and CEO dinner on April 3 during the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention.

Kanjorski to Address Big "I" Leadership Luncheon

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 15, 2008—Financial Services Committee Subcommittee Chairman Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) will speak to national leaders of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) on April 1, just prior to the group’s Legislative Conference & Convention.

Austin Mutual Insurance Co. Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 11, 2008— Austin Mutual Insurance Company is the latest independent agency system insurance group to join the Trusted Choice® consumer brand movement. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., Austin Mutual has been providing personal and commercial lines insurance coverage for more than 110 years.

Big "I" Applauds House Committee for Reviewing Natural Disaster Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 14, 2008— The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), the nation’s largest insurance association, testified Monday before a hearing of the House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation to discuss the homeowners' insurance crisis and its impact on communities, homeowners and the economy.

Sen. Susan Collins to Address Big "I"

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 12, 2008—Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) will speak to members of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (the Big “I”) during its Legislative Conference & Convention in April.

Ohio Mutual Insurance Group is Newest Trusted Choice Company Partner

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb.12, 2008— Trusted Choice® welcomes the newest independent agency system insurance company – Ohio Mutual Insurance Group – to the branding program. Ohio Mutual is based in Bucyrus, Ohio and began insuring farms in 1901 as the Ohio Mutual Tornado, Cyclone and Windstorm Insurance Association.

FRONTLINE INSURANCE MANAGERS IS NEWEST TRUSTED CHOICE® COMPANY PARTNER

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb.1, 2008—Frontline Insurance Managers, based in Lake Mary, Fla., is the newest independent agency system insurance company to join the Trusted Choice® brand movement.

House Passes Garrett - Frank Flood Insurance Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 23, 2008— The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 3959, sponsored by Financial Services Committee Chairman, Barney Frank (D-Mass.), and Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.), which would gradually phase-out some of the subsidies in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Big “I” Recognizes Best Practices Study’s Top Performers

Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas, Jan. 14, 2008— Six insurance firms from across the country have been recognized as “Top Performing Agencies” and enjoy the distinction of being included in the recently released Best Practices Study, a prestigious report from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm.