“For the first time in history, four generations exist in today’s workplace,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president of agent development, research and education. “This session–hosted by the Big ‘I’ Diversity Task Force, Young Agents and Education Convocation –is designed to provide insight into ways that insurance agency owners can attract individuals with diverse perspectives while retaining the knowledge of seasoned professionals.”

WHAT: “Engaging a New Workforce – Multicultural, Multigenerational, Multifaceted, Multitalented”

• Joe Paul, author of “Morning Cup of Joe,” founder of the Hope for Haiti Campaign, creator of the Student Leadership Boot Camp and CEO of Motiveight Corporation, master of ceremonies

• Sherri Elliott-Yeary, author of “Ties to Tattoos” and a speaker, coach and trainer in the area of human resources and talent management

• Hajj Flemmings, leading brand strategist and founder of the Brand Camp Conference

• A panel of six Big “I” independent agency owners ranging in ages - spanning four generations. 

(biography information below)

DATE: Friday, Sept. 12, 2014

TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EASTERN

Breakdown:

9:10 a.m.: “From Ties to Tattoos” by Sherri Elliott-Yeary, keynote speaker 1

10:00 a.m.: Multigenerational Panel moderated by Joe Paul

11:00 a.m.: “Branding Yourself to Welcome the New Workforce” by Hajj Flemings, keynote speaker II

WHERE: Ambassador Ballroom East (Concourse Level)

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

187 Monroe Avenue, NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

NOTES: RSVP is appreciated, but not required; Journalists interested in attending, please contact Margarita Tapia, director of public affairs, at (703) 730-9090 or margarita.tapia@iiaba.net for media registration. 

The Big “I” will also install its new leadership team and host a panel of national leaders from organizations in the independent insurance agency system the next day in Grand Rapids. The session, along with Saturday’s events, are open to the media.

   

• Joe Paul is an award-winning speaker, author of “Morning Cup of Joe,” founder of the Hope for Haiti Campaign, creator of the Student Leadership Boot Camp and CEO of Motiveight Corporation, a leadership development and corporate training company dedicated to creating mission and vision driven leaders across the world. Paul’s blog is read in more than 34 countries worldwide. His speaking engagements and clients include United Way, Save the Children, The Walt Disney Company, DC Government, NAACP, Toastmasters International, Boys & Girls Club, high schools, colleges and universities nationwide. 

• Sherri Elliott-Yeary is the author of “Ties to Tattoos” and a speaker, coach and trainer in the area of human resources and talent management. Her human resource management experience spans over 20 years where she has consulted with companies of all sizes ranging from start-ups to large global organizations. Elliot-Yeary is known as the “Generational Guru” and a leading expert on the generational differences in the workplace. Her expertise has positively impacted companies worldwide including Pepsi Co, Nissan Ameritus, Bank of America, Chickasaw Nation, JCPenney, Capital One, CHRISTUS Health, Brinker International, Gaylord Entertainment, Medical Center of Plano and Tenet Healthcare.

• Hajj Flemmings is a leading brand strategist; speaker and tech entrepreneur who travels nationally inspiring people and brands to build, launch and grow their ideas. He was featured in CNN’s Black In America 4: The New Promised Land: Silicon Valley with Soledad O’Brien. Flemmings founded the Brand Camp Conference in Detroit in 2008 and grew it to the largest personal branding conference in the Midwest and later expanded it to Boston and New York. His client list includes Walt Disney, Pitney Bowes and Pfizer and he has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, Mashable and CNN Tech Money on the subject of startups, digital technology and branding.

• LeRoy Bostic is president of Lewis & Thompson Agency in Detroit, Mich. He has been active in the insurance industry since 1978 and spent ten years holding a variety of positions with insurance carriers before becoming an agent. Bostic also previously served as president for the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents.

• Linda Steiner is the director of operations for Johnson Insurance headquartered in Racine, Wis. She began her insurance career working for her father in 1972 at their family agency in a small town in Wisconsin. Since joining Johnson, the agency has grown from 40 to 165 associates. Steiner also serves as the national director for Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin. 

• Scott Rogers is president of The Glatfelter Agency (TGA) in York, Penn. He began his insurance career in 1987 with Metropolitan Property & Casualty Insurance Company. Rogers also serves as the national director for Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Pennsylvania. 

• Jacki Frank is president of Tri County Agency of Brick in Brick, N.J. She has been in the insurance industry for 30 years and has grown the company from two employees (when her father purchased the agency in 1988) to 10 employees. Frank is also past chairman for Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New Jersey.

• Rick Dinger is president of Crescenta Valley Insurance in La Crescenta, Calif. He started his career in the insurance industry in 1985. He is also the current president of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of the West.

• Carolyn Reynolds is the agency owner/manager of Reynolds Insurance Agency Inc., L Marion Oliver Insurance Agency, & KY Health Insurance & Benefits in Berea and Richmond, Ky. She started her career in insurance in 1995. Reynolds is also a current member of the National Young Agents Committee.

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