ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27, 2013 —The National Young Agents Committee (YAC) of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) presented its most prestigious annual award today to the Young Agents Council of the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents during the annual Young Agents Leadership Institute in San Antonio.

 

“The Big ‘I’ is pleased to announce that, in recognition of their outstanding efforts on behalf of the independent agency system to cultivate and inspire the next generation of industry leaders, the Young Agents Council of the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents is the 2013 Outstanding Young Agents Committee of the Year,” said Bobby Bramlett, the 2012-2013 Big “I” chairman and president and CEO of the Bramlett Agency in Ardmore, Okla.

 

This is the fourth time the Young Agents Council of the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents receive this award.

 

“The Big ‘I’ Young Agents Committee is proud of young agents all over country who continue to promote the independent agency system,” says Quincy Branch, Big “I” National Young Agents Committee chairman and CEO of Branch Benefits Consultants in Las Vegas. “The Young Agent programs continue to thrive in so many aspects, but particularly in the areas of political involvement, membership development, communications, state committee project, young agent meetings and promoting the InVEST program.”

 

Seven other national awards of excellence recognizing the leadership of Young Agents committees in state associations were presented:

 

Outstanding Membership Development Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia, Inc., for excellent achievement in recruiting and maintaining young agents participation in association activities.

 

Outstanding State Committee Project: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas, for outstanding achievement in a state committee project that benefits the community, the insurance industry and/or the independent agency system.

 

Outstanding Communications Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia, Inc., for achievement in establishing and maintaining an excellent communication vehicle for the young agents in their state.

 

Outstanding Young Agents Meeting Award: The Young Agents Council of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents for excellence in providing and promoting an annual Young Agents meeting.

 

Outstanding Political Involvement Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina for outstanding achievement in promoting young agent participation in the legislative process.

 

Outstanding Break Through Award: The Young Agents Council of the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota  for outstanding efforts of a committee that has not submitted for a young agents award in the last three years.

 

Outstanding InVEST Supporter Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Maine Insurance Agents Association for outstanding achievement in promoting young agent involvement InVEST.

 

Bramlett presented the awards at the 2013 Young Agents Leadership Institute in San Antonio, Texas. Attendees were also able to network with peers, Big “I” leaders and company representatives to develop valuable professional and personal contacts. Attendees will host a webinar next year to share their ideas and strategies for success with other young agent program leaders.

 

“The young agents are our future leaders and the lifeblood of the independent agency system,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “We are so proud of our young agent committees all over the country. Their hard work and creative projects help cultivate future industry and association leaders.”

 

 Photos of the event are available by request.