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2013 Press Releases

The Big "I" provides numerous resources to assist consumer and general business writers, editors and producers with insurance-related or small business-related stories. IIABA has knowledgeable staff sources as well as hundreds of local agent spokespeople located in communities across the nation who are available to answer questions from reporters and serve as news sources on insurance-related consumer issues.

National Survey Finds Many Consumers Are Making Costly Insurance Mistakes

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 19, 2013—A new national survey reveals consumers have an alarming lack of knowledge about their own insurance coverage. As the new year approaches, Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) say consumers should resolve to get their insurance coverage in order.

Big “I” Responds to Long-Awaited FIO Report on Insurance Regulation

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 12, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today commended the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office (FIO) for the release of the long-awaited report on “How To Modernize And Improve The System Of Insurance Regulation In The United States.” The report was required by the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010.

Big “I” Commends House for Voting to Rein In Patent Trolls

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 5, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today commended the U.S. House of Representatives for passing, in a 325-91vote, H.R. 3309, the “Innovation Act,” by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) which provides a legislative fix to many of the abuses of the legal and patent system by what are commonly known as patent trolls.

Could You Be Serving Up A Lawsuit with That Turkey Dinner?

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 21, 2013 —As millions of Americans host and attend Thanksgiving dinners across the street or across the country, many may be unaware of the risks. According to Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) party hosts need to understand their responsibilities when inviting others into their homes and serving food and drinks.

Big “I” Submits Congressional Testimony on National Flood Insurance Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 19, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today submitted testimony in a U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance hearing entitled, “Implementation of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act of 2012: Protecting Taxpayers and Homeowners.”

InVEST Teacher of the Year Award Renamed in Honor of Florida Educator

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 15, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom-to-career education program, is pleased to name the InVEST Teacher of the Year Award in honor of Florida educator Gary Preston. The award will bear his name for the next five years in recognition of his distinguished career teaching InVEST for more than 20 years. Preston will be retiring from St. Petersburg Catholic High School in St. Petersburg, Fla. in May 2014.

Big “I” 2013 Best Practices Study Released

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 14, 2013 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has released its 2013 Best Practices Study which found an increase in agencies with specializations, expansion of technology investment and an increase in profitability across most of the study’s six revenue groups.

Big “I” Commends House for Addressing Fiduciary Duty Expansion

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 29, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today commended the U.S. House of Representatives for passing, in a 254-166 vote, H.R. 2374, the “Retail Investor Protection Act,” by Rep. Ann Wagner (R–Mo.). This bill aims to reform efforts by the Obama Administration to expand the fiduciary duty to broker-dealers.

Have a Safe Halloween from Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 22, 2013 — Halloween is just around the corner and many consumers may not realize how frightening this spooky night could really be for their personal safety, their property or their bank accounts. Trusted Choice® independent agents can help families better prepare for Halloween hazards that may come in disguise or under the cloak of dark.

Applied Systems Donates $30,000 to InVEST

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 17, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom-to-career education program, is pleased to announce that Applied Systems has donated $30,000 to the program.

Trusted Choice® Virtual Tradeshow Oct. 16-17

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 15, 2013 –Trusted Choice® will present the Trusted Choice® Virtual Experience, an online tradeshow, Oct. 16-17.

InVEST Introduces New Board Member

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 14, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom- to- career education program, recently announced that Craig Welsh, CPCU, AFIS, has joined its national board. Welsh is group distribution leader for Westfield Insurance.

Enhanced TrustedChoice.com Goes Live

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 14, 2013 – Trusted Choice® and Project CAP have announced successful completion of the initial launch and testing phase of the new TrustedChoice.com consumer website. Independent agents across the country who are interested in connecting with today’s online consumers are encouraged to enroll now.

Massachusetts Agent Joins National Big “I” Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 11, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has announced that Joseph “Joe” P. Leahy of Northampton, Mass. was installed as the newest executive committee member at the association’s 2013 Fall Leadership Conference in San Antonio.

Michigan Agent Rises on National Association Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 10, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has announced that David Allen Walker, AAI, CIC, LIC was installed as the association’s chairman-elect at the recent Big “I” Leadership Conference in San Antonio.

Louisiana Agent Rises on National Association Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 9, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has announced that Randy Lanoix of Donaldsonville, La. was installed as the association’s vice chairman at the recent Big “I” Leadership Conference in San Antonio.

Big “I’s” Rusbuldt Says McKinsey Conclusions Off Base on Independent Agency System

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 7, 2013 — Robert Rusbuldt, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) president & CEO, finds serious flaws with much of a recently released study titled “Agents of the Future: the Evolution of Property and Casualty Insurance Distribution” by McKinsey & Company.

New Hampshire Agent to Lead National Association

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 3, 2013 — Thomas J. Minkler, CIC, was installed as chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) at the association’s recent Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Big “I” Issues 2013 Excellence in Insurance Education Awards

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 2, 2013 — Big “I” independent insurance agent associations in 22 states were recognized recently by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) with Excellence in Insurance Education (EIE) Awards at the association’s Education Convocation in San Antonio, Texas.

Big “I” Presents Company Partners Best Practices Awards

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 1, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) presented insurance carriers CNA, Central Insurance Companies, EMC and Travelers with the prestigious Best Practices Award of Excellence at the recent education convocation held in conjunction with the Big “I” Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Big “I” Installs New Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 28, 2013 — Thomas J. Minkler, CIC, has been inaugurated as the new chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”), with David Walker as chairman-elect, Randy Lanoix as vice chairman and Joseph Leahy as an at-large executive committee member. The new officers begin their terms at the conclusion of the board meeting held in conjunction with the Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference this weekend in San Antonio, Texas.

Big “I” Holds Leadership Conference in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Sept. 27, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) will hold the following two events tomorrow in San Antonio as part of the association’s annual Leadership Conference.

Michigan Earns Outstanding Big “I” Young Agents Committee Award

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.

Big “I” Names DocuSign its Official Electronic Signature Partner

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 17, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big ”I”) today announced a broad business and technology partnership with DocuSign, The Global Standard for eSignature®.

Big “I” Diversity Task Force and NAAIA Volunteer at New Orleans Elementary School

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 12, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Diversity Task Force and the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) yesterday participated in a service project at an elementary school in New Orleans, La. in honor of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Trusted Choice® Retains MARC USA

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 10, 2013 – Trusted Choice®, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers, has retained MARC USA’s Chicago office for a new marketing campaign that will promote the independent agent voice and the tailored array of services from Trusted Choice® members.

Big "I" Praises House Action on NARAB II

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 10, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for overwhelmingly approving the bipartisan insurance agent licensing reform bill, H.R. 1155, the “National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013” (NARAB II) by a 397-6 vote.

New Trusted Choice® Television Ad Starts Airing Today

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 9, 2013 – A Trusted Choice® media buy on major cable networks starts airing today on Fox News Channel featuring a new ad highlighting the need for an independent insurance agent for life’s changes.

Big “I” Diversity Task Force and NAAIA to Volunteer at New Orleans School Wednesday

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 9, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Diversity Task Force and the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) will participate in a service project at an elementary school in New Orleans, La. this week in honor of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.

InVEST Introduces New Board Members

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 3, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, recently announced that Mike J. Abate and Patricia A. Browne have joined its national board.

Trusted Choice® Social Media Campaign Raises $150,000 for Make-A-Wish® in Record Time

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 30, 2013 – Trusted Choice®, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers, exceeded its goal of 15,000 Facebook “shares” during the month of August one week early in a special social media campaign to raise money for Make-A-Wish®.

Washington, D.C. Public School Educator Awarded InVEST Program Teacher of the Year

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 19, 2013 – Marcelina Pascual, who teaches high school business and adult education classes at Roosevelt Senior High School in Washington, D.C., is the 2013 InVEST Teacher of the Year Award. The program is a key driver to attract new talent to the insurance industry.

Trusted Choice® Ad Debuts on The Weather Channel

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 12, 2013 – A Trusted Choice® media buy on The Weather Channel is airing with a new ad highlighting a Long Beach Island, N.J. small business man whose pizza restaurants were destroyed and damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Joe Rulli praises his Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent for the excellent customer service that allowed him to reopen in time for the summer tourist season.

Georgia and Kansas Teen Golfers Win 45th Annual Trusted Choice® Big "I" National Championship

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9, 2013 – Bailey Tardy of Norcross, Ga. and Sam Stevens of Wichita, Kan., won the girls and boys divisions, respectively, at the recent 45nd Annual Trusted Choice® Big 'I' National Championship in Pinehurst, N.C.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8, 2013 - InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program has awarded scholarships to the following nine students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. pursuing insurance-related degrees.

St. Petersburg, Cardinal Mooney and Manatee High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program has awarded scholarships to the following students from St. Petersburg Catholic, Cardinal Mooney and Manatee High Schools pursuing insurance-related degrees.

Miami Springs Senior High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8, 2013 - InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded $500 scholarships to Merarys Diaz and Arianna Martinez of Miami Springs Senior High in Miami Springs, Fla.

Orlando High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 6, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program has awarded scholarships to the following sixteen Orlando high school students pursuing insurance-related degrees.

New York High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 5, 2013 - InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to the following nine high school students from New York pursuing insurance-related degrees.

Washington, D.C. High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 2, 2013 - InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to three students from Washington, D.C. pursuing insurance-related degrees.

Big “I” Applauds Introduction of Navigator Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 2, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today praised Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) for introducing two bills pertaining to the funding of Navigator programs, as well as in-person assisters and certified application counselors, as enacted under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Trusted Choice® Raises Money for Make-A-Wish® with Social Media Campaign

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 1, 2013 –- Trusted Choice®, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers, is proud to announce the third annual summer social media campaign to raise money for Make-A-Wish®. For every “share” from the Trusted Choice® Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TrustedChoice) during the month of August, Trusted Choice® will donate $10 to Make-A-Wish.

Connecticut High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 30, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to the following four students from Connecticut high schools pursuing insurance-related degrees.

Granby High School Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 30, 2013 - InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Melissa Biro from Granby High School in Norfolk, Va.

Naperville North High School Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 30, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to John Auden from Naperville North High School in Naperville, Ill.

Pinkerton Academy High School Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 25, 2013 - InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Elizabeth Demers from the Pinkerton Academy in Derry, N.H.

Florida Agent Presented with Dach Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 24, 2013 – The InVEST program awarded Lorrie Partridge, AAI, president of Blackadar Insurance in Longwood, Fla., with the Dach Award which honors an insurance industry volunteer who has made tremendous contributions in fostering the growth and development of InVEST. The InVEST program is a key driver to attract new talent to the insurance industry.

Wadsworth High School Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 23, 2013 - InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Haley Hassinger from Wadsworth High School in Wadsworth, Ohio.

Grossmont Community College Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 22, 2013 - InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to four students pursuing insurance-related degrees.

Big “I” Names Kneeland Acting General Counsel

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 16, 2013 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) is pleased to announce the promotion of Scott Kneeland to the role of Big “I” acting general counsel, after having served as senior counsel for the past four years. He steps into this position following the decision by Debra Perkins, IIABA’s executive vice president and general counsel, to pursue other opportunities and interests after a long tenure on the Big “I” staff.

The Big “I” Commends House on Advancing Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 11, 2013 — Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2642, the “Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013” (known as FARRM or the House 2013 Farm Bill), in a 216-208 vote.

Young Agents Committee Dedicated to Raising Scholarship Dollars for InVEST

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 9, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Young Agents Committee (YAC) raised more than $50,000 this year for InVEST, a one-of-a-kind financial literacy program that educates high school and college students about insurance, risk management and financial services.

InVEST Awards 65 Academic Student Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 26, 2013 - InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded $70,500 in scholarships to 65 students pursuing insurance-related degrees, breaking previous scholarship records. The program is a key recruitment strategy in attracting new talent to the insurance industry.

Big “I” Applauds House Introduction of MLR Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 12, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expressed its support for bipartisan legislation, the “Access to Professional Health Insurance Advisors Act,’’ sponsored by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.). The bill would clarify that agent compensation is not part of the Medical Loss Ratios (MLRs) formula as enacted in the health care overhaul law.

Senate Takes Action on Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 10, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) commends the U.S. Senate for passing S. 954 the “Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013” (known as the Senate 2013 Farm Bill) today in a 66-27 vote. The Senate version of the bill eliminates the $5 billion a year in direct payments and places more of an emphasis on the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) as the primary risk management tool for America’s farmland.

Big “I” Praises Senate Banking Committee Action on NARAB II

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 6, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today praised the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs for reporting the bipartisan insurance agent licensing reform bill, S. 534, the “National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013” (NARAB II), to the full Senate for consideration.

Trusted Choice® Provides Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Tips

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 23, 2013 – As the East Coast braces for the start of hurricane season June 1, the heartland continues to deal with tornado destruction. Recent events, such as the category EF-5 tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., show that Mother Nature’s wrath can be ruthless and unpredictable.

Trusted Choice® Provides Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Tips

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 23, 2013 – As the East Coast braces for the start of hurricane season June 1, the heartland continues to deal with tornado destruction. Recent events, such as the category EF-5 tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., show that Mother Nature’s wrath can be ruthless and unpredictable.

Midlands Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13, 2013 – Midlands is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. Midlands, headquartered in Oklahoma City, has joined 67 leading companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

InVEST Thanks Educators on National Teacher’s Day

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 7, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, today applauds and thanks the hundreds of InVEST educators across the country. InVEST recently welcomed the 400th participating program.

Big “I” Presents Young Agent and InsurPac Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 18, 2013 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”), yesterday presented numerous awards at the Annual Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon at the annual the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Legislative Conference.

Sen. David Vitter Named Big “I” Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2013 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today named United States Senator David Vitter (R-La.), who serves on the Senate Banking Committee, as the Gerald Solomon-IIABA Legislator of the Year for 2012.

Multicultural Marketing Expert to Address Big “I”

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 16, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Marilyn Alverio, Ethnic Marketing Solutions founder, will address the Diversity Luncheon held during the association’s Legislative on Friday, April 19, at 11:45 a.m.

ADVISORY: Big "I" Annual Legislative Conference Details - April 17-19

The Big “I” Legislative Conference is the insurance industry’s best-attended, most effective legislative meeting. This year’s event will take place April 17-19 at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Donald Gaddis Company Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 9, 2013 – Donald Gaddis Company, Inc. is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. Gaddis, headquartered in Chicago, has joined 66 leading companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

InsurBanc Resources Grow Through Merger

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 5, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that InsurBanc, a federal savings bank based in Farmington, Conn. founded by the Big “I,” is now a division of Connecticut Community Bank N.A. (“CCB”).

InVEST Introduces New Board Member

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 4, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, recently announced that Carol McClelland, CAE, has joined its national board. McClelland is the executive director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska (IIAN).

Sen. Mark Warner to Address the Big “I”

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 20, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), who serves on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, will address the association’s membership on Thursday, April 18, 2013.

Big “I” Agent Testifies At Senate Hearing on Agent Licensing Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 19, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investments at a hearing titled “Streamlining Regulation, Improving Consumer Protection and Increasing Competition in Insurance Markets.”

Big “I” Praises Senate and House Reintroduction of NARAB II

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 12, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expressed its strong support for a bipartisan insurance agent licensing reform bill titled the “National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013” (NARAB II).

Big “I” Praises Senate and House Reintroduction of NARAB II

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 12, 2013 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expressed its strong support for a bipartisan insurance agent licensing reform bill titled the “National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013” (NARAB II).

Big “I” Applauds NCOIL’s Resolution Regarding PPACA Exchange Navigator Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) applauds the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) for adopting a resolution urging local policymakers to establish state-based regulatory frameworks for navigators and in-person assisters during NCOIL’s spring meeting.

Study Reveals Growth in Property-Casualty Insurance Market

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 11, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has released the results of the 2013 Market Share Study (based on 2011 data) which reveal that after years of market contraction, all property-casualty insurance premium lines grew. The study also showed that independent agents and brokers (collectively “IAs”) were well positioned to capture a substantial piece of the market going forward.

American Collectors Becomes First Specialty Collector Vehicle/Collectibles Firm to Join Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 5, 2013 – American Collectors Insurance, a national provider of insurance for collector vehicles and collectibles, is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. American Collectors Insurance, headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., has joined 64 leading companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

Sen. Blunt to Address Big “I” Large Agents/Brokers, Leadership and Industry Executives

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 27, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) will address the association’s Large Agent/Broker and CEO dinner on April 18 during the Big “I” Legislative Conference.

EZLynx Donates Insurance Rating Tool to InVEST

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 14, 2013 –InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, is pleased to announce that EZLynx has provided its online rating tool free of charge to the hundreds of InVEST teachers, agent liaisons and students across the country.

Chairman Jeb Hensarling to Address the Big “I”

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 11, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services, will address the association’s membership on Thursday, April 18, 2013.

InVEST Participates in National Job Shadow Day

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 6, 2013 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, actively supports efforts across the country for members of the independent agency system to participate in National Job Shadow Day and year round. Numerous InVEST students, agents, brokers, company leaders and other industry leaders participate each year.

Rep. Juan Vargas to Address Big “I” Young Agents & InsurPac Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 5, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Rep. Juan Vargas (D-Calif.) will address the Annual Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon at the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.

Big “I” Comments on Introduction of Bipartisan Terrorism Insurance Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 5, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today released the following statement regarding the introduction of a Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) reauthorization bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Big “I” to Host Political Panel Featuring Dana Perino and Juan Williams

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 31, 2013 —Veteran Washington insiders and political commentators Dana Perino and Juan Williams will headline the political panel at The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) annual Legislative Conference & Convention this spring.

ACT to Host Free Webinar: “Getting a Grip: How to Manage Your Independent Agency's Social Media”

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 24, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT) will host a free one hour webinar titled “Getting a Grip: How to manage your independent agency's social media” on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Burns and Wilcox Becomes First National Wholesaler to Join Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 23, 2013 – Burns and Wilcox is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. Burns & Wilcox, headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., has joined 64 leading companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

ACT and AUGIE Leaders Urge Industry to Embrace Key Technology Priorities

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 22, 2013 -- The leaders of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT) and ACORD’s User Group Information Exchange (AUGIE) recently concluded joint planning sessions and agreed to work together to advance four important industry priorities in 2013: ID Federation, Real Time, e-signatures and client self-service capabilities.

Trusted Choice® Offers Super Bowl Party Playbook

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 15, 2013 —As millions of Americans prepare to host and attend Super Bowl parties next month, many may be unaware of the risks they may be taking. According to Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) party hosts need to understand their responsibilities when inviting people into their homes and serving food and drinks.

Big “I” Applauds Congress for Passage of Increase of NFIP Borrowing Authority

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 4, 2013 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) praised Congress for acting to increase the borrowing authority of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by $9.7 billion to ensure that the current funds are not exhausted next week. The increase in borrowing authority is needed by the NFIP in order to pay the enormous number of flood claims expected from Superstorm Sandy.