PIA Connection - National Association of Professional Insurance
Transcription
PIA Connection - National Association of Professional Insurance
Coverage and Photos of the 2008 PIA Federal Legislative Summit March 2008 pages 7, 10-11 National Association of Professional Insurance Agents The PIA National Awards — Honoring the Best...PIA National Board Reaffirms Opposition to OFC...PIA President Page on NCOIL Nat Cat Panel...PIAPAC Names Person of the Year...Controlling Our Destiny…2008 PIA FLS From the President President Robert P. Page (LA) [email protected] O President-Elect Kenneth R. Auerbach, Esq. (NJ) [email protected] Through PIA, our association of choice, we are major players in what matters most to our success, individually and together. A snapshot of one recent week illustrates the sense of commitment that the members of our association bring to PIA’s mission to promote, protect and defend the integrity of our members, the value of their profession and the success of their businesses. Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Brian Marino (FL) [email protected] ne attribute that sets professional insurance agents apart is that as independent business people, we seek to control our own destiny. We are not satisfied to be passive observers. We are active participants in building our own success. In February, we held our annual Federal Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. For the third year in a row, our members urged their senators and representatives not to approve a federal insurance regulator or an optional federal charter. Opposition from PIA members and our allies has succeeded in preventing enactment of such proposals and we are steadfast in our determination to prevent them from ever passing. Rather than compromise on such a core principle and cede our market share to competitors who’d like to legislate us out of business, we engage the political process. And when you are true to your beliefs, people respect you. That PIA’s views in support of state insurance regulation are uniquely respected and our support is sought was vividly illustrated by those who came to address us. NAIC President Sandy Praeger opened the week delivering the keynote address at the FLS. Then, NCOIL President Brian Kennedy closed the week speaking to the PIA National Board of Directors. It was also my distinct pleasure to participate in an NCOIL panel on natural catastrophes, where I provided some of the insights I gained as an insurance agent in Louisiana, helping my clients after Hurricane Katrina. During our PIA board meeting, I outlined an initiative that I am calling Vision 2010/2020. A task force I have appointed is looking at a key concern for agents: how to go about improving relationships with our carriers. The task force is in the process of asking each PIA affiliate board to identify the top ten issues that need to be addressed in order to improve the agency-company relationship. The task force is also looking at the successful company surveys that are now conducted by several PIA affiliates, with the idea of expanding them to more states and regions across the country. Carriers respect these surveys and look forward to their results. They use them to improve their performance on the issues identified by agents. The goal is to be proactive, instead of reactive. As we face the future, we have two choices. We can wait for things to happen to us, or we can make things happen for us. When we are merely reactive, we respond to events that are out of our control. When we make things happen for us, we take charge of our own future by actually shaping it. Being proactive is how winners get to become winners. In public policy, in carrier relations, in issues advocacy — in everything PIA members do — we are actively engaged in shaping our own futures and controlling our own destiny. Robert Page President 2 www.pianet.com Vice President/Treasurer Jon D. Spalding (MI) [email protected] Immediate Past President Donna L. Pile, CIC, CPIW (KY) [email protected] Executive Vice President Len Brevik (PIA National) [email protected] PIA National Image Committee Chairman Wayne Wehr (HI) [email protected] Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Ted Besesparis [email protected] Managing Editor/Advertising Alexi Papandon [email protected] Government/Regulatory Affairs Executive Editor Patricia A. Borowski, CPIW, CAE [email protected] Contributing Editors Mike Becker Kellie Bray David Eppstein Production Editor Laurel Prucha Moran [email protected] PIA Connection is published ten times yearly by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents. 400 North Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 ©2008 All rights reserved. The information in this publication is general in nature and is not intended to serve as legal, accounting, financial, insurance, investment advisory or other professional advice as to any reader’s particular situation. Users are encouraged to consult with competent legal, financial, insurance, investment advisory and or other professional advisors concerning specific matters before making any decisions and we disclaim any responsibility for any decisions or actions by readers. All PIA members receive PIA Connection at the member subscription rate of $12.00 per year. Non-member subscriptions available at $24.00 per year ppd. For additional information on any of the subjects addressed in this publication, please access the PIA National website May 2006 at www.pianet.com PIA President Robert Page Speaks on Nat Cat During NCOIL Panel P IA National President Robert Page participated on an NCOIL panel entitled “Protecting the Home: Government Solutions Versus Personal Responsibility.” Page was joined on the panel by the Honorable Harry Simmons, Mayor of Caswell Beach, North Carolina, representing the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association; Dr. Howard Kunreuther of the Wharton School of Business; and Frank Kowalski, representing the National Association of Realtors. As a resident of Louisiana, Page was able to bring his personal accounts of market recovery in coastal areas devastated by hurricanes. As PIA National president and member of the PIA NatCat Working Group, he spoke about PIA’s belief (borne from the Nat-Cat experiences of PIA members) for the federal government to concentrate on their existing obligations and find ways to help homeowners in the wake of a storm without discouraging personal responsibility. President Page and the panelists discussed, among other topics, who is accountable for sufficient coverage and whether flood insurance is the only problem. They also addressed the issue of whether some government actions are enabling poor consumer decisions. The panelists addressed the issue of how states should balance real estate pressures with sound land use policies; and many others. PIA National welcomes this discussion about the reforms needed to improve protection from and during, as well as recovery after, natural disasters. PIA will continue to work with NCOIL, NAIC and other interested parties to pursue a compre- PIA National President Robert Page, far right, taking part in the March 1, 2008 NCOIL panel entitled “Protecting the Home: Government Solutions Versus Personal Responsibility.” Pictured with President Page, from the far left, are Dr. Howard Kunreuther of the Wharton School of Business; panel moderator, Representative Joseph Morelle (NY); The Honorable Harry Simmons, Mayor of Caswell Beach North Carolina, representing the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association; and Frank Kowalski, representing the National Association of Realtors. hensive national plan. PIA’s policy committees are regularly discussing these issues, providing valuable guidance for our national positions. PIA National Board Reaffirms Opposition to OFC, Support for State Insurance Regulation T he Board of Directors of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) unanimously passed a resolution on March 2 reaffirming — once again — the association’s position in opposition to optional federal charters for insurers and its support for state regulation of insurance. The unanimous reaffirmation by the PIA Board of Directors came at the end of a week in which PIA members from around the country traveled to Washington, D.C. for their annual Federal Legislative Summit. Top on the list of issues agents pressed in their visits with senators and representatives was PIA’s firm opposition to an OFC. “Let there be no doubt: PIA is opposed to federal insurance regulation in any form,” said PIA National President Robert March 2008 Page. “Specifically, PIA is on record in opposition to all proposals calling for Optional Federal Charters (OFC) and the creation of a federal insurance regulator.” “Let there also be no doubt: PIA supports the states as the functional regulators of the business of insurance,” Page said. The president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Sandy Praeger gave the keynote address February 27 at the PIA legislative conference and the president of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Rep. Brian Kennedy of Rhode Island, spoke to the PIA National Board of Directors March 2. Both Praeger and Kennedy reconfirmed their respective organizations’ opposition to OFC and thanked PIA for its steadfast support of state regulation of insurance. www.pianet.com 3 NAIC, NCOIL Presidents Speak During PIA Meetings Praeger, Kennedy Thank PIA for Supporting State Regulation T he presidents of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) both attended the recent PIA National meetings and delivered similar messages in support of continued regulation of insurance by the states, as opposed to the federal government. Both reconfirmed their respective organizations’ opposition to optional federal charters and thanked PIA for its steadfast support of state regulation of insurance. The NAIC president opened PIA’s week of meetings in Washington, D.C. and NCOIL’s president provided closing remarks four days later. Praeger Keynotes PIA FLS NAIC President Sandy Praeger, who is also the Kansas Commissioner of Insurance, delivered the keynote address on February 27 at the PIA Federal NAIC President and Kansas Commissioner of Insurance Sandy Praeger, poses with PIA Legislative Summit, encouraging agents to take the National President Robert Page; J. Robert Wooley, former Insurance Commissioner of Louisiana and now advocating on behalf of professional insurance agents as an attorney message to Capitol Hill that the state system of insurwith Adams and Reese, LLP; PIA National Executive Vice President Len Brevik; Andy ance supervision is superior to proposals for federal Beal, NAIC Deputy Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer (CLO); and Johnny regulation. Lee, Chairman of the PIA National Federal Affairs Committee. “We’re seeing now more than ever the importance for remaining state-focused,” said Praeger, as she discussed the American Insurance Association’s (AIA) criticism of her recent open letter opposing OFC. “To help you make sure that there’s a good market and a good environment for fair selling of products is something we really pride ourselves in. We see Wall Street pressure on companies to produce profits, to keep their ratings up, and sometimes we get a little concerned that those profit motives are causing our consumers to be harmed.” Praeger said the NAIC’s mission can be summed up with three words: deter, detect and defend. “We’re there to deter bad things from happening, we’re there to detect when bad things happen in the marketplace, and we’re there to defend our consumers. You in the agent community are the front line. I know in Kansas I look to our agent community to understand what’s going on in the marketplace, and often times I hear first from the agents when something is happening that they know is inappropriate.” Praeger said the large companies that are asking for a federal regulator are hoping for less regulation. She said her colleagues at the NAIC believe “there’s nothing really optional” about optional federal charters. Praeger added that what state regulators fear NCOIL President Rep. Brian Kennedy of Rhode Island, 2nd from left, with the most is that under an optional federal charter, the states “will PIA National President Robert Page, Johnny Lee, Chairman of the PIA be left to clean up the mess. We will be left with the consumer National Federal Affairs Committee and PIA National Executive Vice President Len Brevik. complaints, but not have the regulatory authority to enforce, we’d have to rely on a federal regulator. To me, that’s absolutely of a federal insurance regulator. the worst-case scenario.” “I was so pleased to see the item on your agenda that you just NCOIL President Addresses PIA Board acted on,” said Kennedy, referring to the resolution reaffirming NCOIL President Rep. Brian Kennedy of Rhode Island spoke PIA’s opposition to OFC and support of state insurance regulation during the PIA National Board of Directors meeting on March 2. that had just been unanimously adopted by the PIA National He said he appreciates having the PIA as an ally in support of Board. “NCOIL is adamantly against optional federal charters. state regulation. Kennedy spoke about NCOIL’s active efforts in We at NCOIL just passed a resolution on February 29 that reiterates opposition to optional federal charters and to the establishment Continued on page 13 March 2008 www.pianet.com 5 For more information about AmTrust, call 877.528.7878 or visit www.amtrustgroup.com. AmTrust North America An AmTrust Financial Company PIA Agents Blanket Capitol Hill During Federal Legislative Summit P IA members spent February 27 and 28 participating in the 2008 PIA Federal Legislative Summit (FLS) in Washington, D.C. The summit began with a briefing for those arriving early, followed later in the day by a full legislative issues briefing. NAIC President Sandy Praeger, who is also the Kansas Commissioner of Insurance, delivered the keynote address on February 27 at the PIA FLS, encouraging agents to take the message to Capitol Hill that an optional federal charter is the wrong way to go. “We’re seeing now more than ever the importance for remaining state-focused,” said Praeger, as she discussed the American Insurance Association’s (AIA) criticism of her recent open letter opposing OFC. “To help you make sure that there’s a good market and a good environment for fair selling of products is something we really pride ourselves in. We see Wall Street pressure on companies to produce profits, to keep their ratings up, and sometimes we get a little concerned that those profit motives are causing our consumers to be harmed.” The delegation from PIA of Florida poses with Sen. Bill Nelson (D), fifth from left, after speaking with him about issues that are important to professional insurance agents. Praeger said the NAIC’s mission can be summed up with three words: deter, detect and defend. “We’re there to deter bad things from happening, we’re there to detect when bad things happen in the marketplace, and we’re there to defend our consumers. You in the agent community are the front line. I know in Kansas I look to our agent community to underContinued on page 10 PIAPAC Names Person of the Year T he Professional Insurance Agents Political Action Committee (PIAPAC) named Mike Just of Hazen, North Dakota the 2007 PIAPAC Person of the Year. The presentation was made February 28th at the annual PIAPAC fundraising dinner in Washington, D.C. The dinner was held at the Reserve Officers Association, just steps from the U.S. Capitol. Just began his insurance career 20 years ago. He quickly became acquainted with the North Dakota Professional Insurance Agents (NDPIA) in 1988 and began serving on their board in 1995. He was elected NDPIA president for the 2004-2005 year. A long time political action committee supporter, Just recently attended his 15th consecutive Federal Legislative Summit. In addition, PIAPAC Chairman Harper Young recognized the 2007 top contributors. This year’s distinguished awardees included members of the President’s Silver, President’s Circle and Chairman’s Caucus as well as the State Executives Award. Young Mike Just of Hazen, North Dakota, shown at right, also presented awards to the 2007 Chairman’s Challenge states. The Chairman’s Chalreceives the 2007 PIAPAC Person of the Year lenge is a call to all affiliate board members to participate in PIAPAC. States that award from PIAPAC Chairman Harper Young. achieve 100% participation win this award. This year’s winners were Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, and North Dakota. Dinner attendees enjoyed a keynote address by Chef Walter Scheib, former Executive Chef at the White House. Chef Scheib offered a unique perspective of Washington from his eleven years of service in the White House, working for both Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. PIAPAC thanks Bankers Insurance Group for sponsoring this year's fundraising dinner. March 2008 www.pianet.com 7 PIA’s National Award Winners: PIA National Names Kenneth A. Bowles 2008 Professional Insurance Agent of the Year K enneth A. Bowles, CIC, CPIA, CISR, PLCS, CLCS, has been named the 2008 PIA National Professional Agent of the Year by PIA National. The award was presented during a luncheon on March 1, 2008 in Arlington, Virginia. Bowles was honored for his tireless work on behalf of professional insurance agents, his commitment to the highest standards of professionalism in his industry, his active leadership in PIA and his dedication to his community. “Each year, PIA National honors one of our best and without a doubt, Ken Bowles is one of PIA’s best,” said PIA National President Robert Page, who presented the award, the association’s highest honor to an individual agent. “He has demonstrated a deep level of commitment to our industry and his fellow PIA members. He personifies what it means to be a professional, independent agency owner.” Bowles is owner of The Archer Agency/Rogers Agency of Kingsport, Tennessee. He formed The Archer Agency from scratch in 1991 and purchased the Rogers agency in 2003. Bowles is an insurance educator who teaches a wide array of continuing education courses for the PIA of Tennessee along with PIA of Nebraska and Iowa and has written several of the courses that he teaches. Bowles is a senior instructor for Commonwealth Academy of Professional Education. PIA National President Robert P. Page of Houma, Louisiana, left, He is a member of the Insurance Liaison Committee of Middle Tennessee congratulates Kenneth A. Bowles, CIC, CPIA, CISR, PLCS, CLCS, State University and also serves as a member of the selection committee for the winner of the 2008 PIA National Professional Agent of the the Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame at MTSU. Year award. Bowles is a principal of the Rogers Agency, Inc. / A firm believer in the importance of insurance education, Bowles is The Archer Agency located in Kingsport, Tennessee. adamant that his employees are among the best educated in insurance in his area. He requires each of them to attain a professional designation of their choice which he pays for in its entirety. Bowles was the recipient of the 2007 PIA of Tennessee Professional Agent of the Year Award. PIA National Names Bart Straka 2008 National Young Insurance Professional of the Year 2008 PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year Bart A. Straka, CIC, of TRICOR Insurance & Financial Services, far right, with (from left to right) PIA National President Robert P. Page, Elaine Tolen, Assistant Editor of Rough Notes magazine, sponsor of the award, and Donna Chiapperino, Chairman of the PIA National Young Insurance Professional Advisory Council. B art Straka, CIC, has been named the 2008 PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year. The award was presented March 1, 2008 by PIA National and was sponsored by Rough Notes magazine. Straka is Vice President/Commercial Sales Manager of TRICOR, Inc., a PIA member agency in Lancaster, Wisconsin. The PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual under age 40. The award was presented during a luncheon ceremony on March 1 in Arlington, Virginia. 8 www.pianet.com March 2008 the Best of the Best Barb Markwell Named 2008 Customer Service Representative of the Year B arb Markwell, ACSR, CPIA, was named the 2008 PIA National Customer Service Representative of the Year on March 1, 2008 during a ceremony in Arlington, Virginia. The award was presented by PIA National and was sponsored by The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. Markwell was honored for her outstanding professionalism as a customer service representative. She works for a PIA member agency, Templeton Insurance of Spring, Texas. “This year’s recipient of the PIA National CSR of the Year award is a consummate professional who epitomizes the attributes of an outstanding customer service representative,” said PIA National President-elect Kenneth R. Auerbach, Esq., who presented the award. “She exhibits the highest degree of professionalism and involvement both with her clients and her community, and is committed to achieving excellence.” The PIA National Customer Service Representative (CSR) of the Year Award is given annually to an outstanding agency customer service representative who works for a PIA member insurance agency. Nominations for this award are made by PIA members. The award recognizes a CSR who has improved operations of the agency, served clients in a unique or extraordinary way and engaged in community involvement and activities to advance the betterment of the insurance industry. The CSR award is sponsored by The Hartford, a member carrier of The Partnership (formerly the PIA-CCEO) and a charter carrier sponsor of the PIA Branding Program, Local Agents Serving Main Street America.SM “We congratulate Barb Markwell for being named the 2008 PIA National Customer Service Representative of the Year,” said Dan Brown, executive vice president for sales and distribution for The Hartford. “At The Hartford, we have long recognized and appreciated the many hats CSRs wear in their agencies. As the 2008 National CSR of the Year award winner, Barb represents the talent and dedication consistently shown by CSRs and the essential role they play in providing exceptional service for their customers.” “The Hartford’s commitment to the ongoing partnership with professional insurance agents is exemplary and its dedication to recognizing the key role customer service representatives play in our agencies strengthens that partnership,” said Auerbach. “PIA is pleased to welcome The Hartford’s sponsorship of the PIA National Customer Service Representative of the Year Award.” Straka was honored for his many activities in support of professional insurance agents and his efforts to attract more young people into the insurance industry. Straka has worked tirelessly to introduce young people to the insurance industry as a past chair of the PIA of Wisconsin Young Professionals Committee. He has also participated in career and job fairs at universities and technical schools throughout Wisconsin. “Bart is an outstanding example of a young insurance professional who has contributed greatly to his profession, his industry and his community,” said PIA National President Robert Page. “He believes in giving back to our industry by helping to attract the new talent we all need to succeed. Bart Straka exemplifies the high level of commitment and achievement this award is designed to reflect.” March 2008 2008 PIA National Customer Service Representative of the Year Barb Markwell, ACSR, CPIA, of the Templeton Insurance Agency in Spring, Texas, with PIA National President Robert P. Page, left, and David Moore, Assistant Vice President, Marketing for The Hartford, sponsor of the award. The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services companies, with 2007 revenues of $25.9 billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property and casualty insurance. International operations are located in Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The Hartford’s Internet address is www.thehartford.com. The PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year Award was sponsored by Rough Notes magazine for the third year in a row. Walter J. Gdowski, the President & CEO of the Rough Notes Company noted, “Attracting more young people to join our industry is a critical mission. We are pleased to again join with the PIA to recognize the outstanding young insurance professionals who are making our industry their career choice.” “Encouraging young people to consider a career as a professional insurance agent must be a top priority for all of us,” Page said. “We are particularly pleased to partner with the Rough Notes Company in this important effort.” www.pianet.com 9 Continued from page 7 Coverage and Photos of the 2008 PIA Federal Legislative Summit stand what’s going on in the marketplace, and often times I hear first from the agents when something is happening that they know is inappropriate.” Time to Block OFC Again PIA National Executive Vice President & CEO Len Brevik provided an overview. Brevik noted that agents again have as their top item at the 2008 PIA Federal Legislative Summit opposition to optional federal charters — for the third year in a row. He reminded participants that even though it was the third year of OFC opposition, delivering the message is still important because the threat of federal regulation remains real. But he also noted that agents have been winning the antiOFC debate. “It is no coincidence that the OFC has been stalled in Congress for the past three years,” said Brevik. “One of the big reasons it is stalled is due to the opposition of Main Street insurance agents — your opposition.” “The Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Barney Frank, said that OFC will never pass in Congress as long as it is opposed by local insurance agents,” Brevik said. “That’s you. You have made the difference. For the past two years, you have blocked passage of the National Insurance Act — and tomorrow, your mission is to block it again!” Brevik reminded the FLS participants whenever they speak to lawmakers, they are in the powerful position of being the lawmakers’ local constituents. “You represent the people in their districts who will decide whether or not to vote for them, based on whether or not they support PIA’s positions.” This is especially compelling in an election year, he added. “PIA is adamantly opposed to all proposals for federal regulation of insurance,” said PIA National President Robert Page. “State oversight of our industry has worked well for over a century. As local Main Street insurance agents, our members oppose the creation PIA members from Wisconsin speak with Rep. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R) during the Thursday, February 28, 2008 PIA Federal Legislative Summit. ABC-TV News correspondent and Good Morning America commentator Claire Shipman addresses FLS participants before they head off to Capitol Hill. 10 PIA National Director Fred Thomas of Montana, left, poses with Sen. Max Baucus (D) after their meeting. www.pianet.com of a big, new federal insurance bureaucracy that these proposals require. We believe the best regulation is that which is closest to the people.” Todd Harper, Staff Director for the House Financial Services Committee, provided FLS participants with an overview of upcoming hearings regarding insurance topics, including an April hearing scheduled by Rep. Paul Kanjorski’s Capital Markets Subcommittee. That hearing will focus on options for insurance regulation including OFC, as well as the NAIC’s Interstate Compact. Capitol Hill Meetings On Thursday, February 28, FLS participants held a kickoff breakfast during which ABC-TV News correspondent and Good Morning America commentator Claire Shipman addressed the group. Then, PIA delegations spent the day visiting their Members of Congress. “The FLS is an important way for PIA agents to meet with their representatives PIAPAC Chairman Harper Young of Mississippi, left, meets with Sen. Roger Wicker (R) during the 2008 PIA Federal Legislative Summit. Members of PIA ND hear from Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D) during their 2008 FLS meetings. March 2008 in Congress and make them aware of the issues that affect us as agents and that affect our clients,” said Johnny Lee, Chairman of the PIA National Federal Affairs Committee. “There is no better way to get our message out than to meet ‘face to face’ with your congressman and discuss the issues. PIA National provides you with all of the information you need to discuss these issues with your representatives. It is a wonderful event to take part in and very worthwhile,” Lee said. In addition to the Capitol Hill meetings, groups of PIA members held meetings with federal officials responsible for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the federal crop insurance program. At the USDA’s Risk Management Agency, PIA members met with RMA Administrator Eldon Gould and two other top staff members. And at FEMA, PIA members met with Ed Connor, Deputy Director of Insurance for FEMA’s Mitigation Division. “The meeting with RMA was interesting,” said Jeff Albritton, a member of PIA of Florida who specializes in crop insurance. “It is very helpful for RMA to hear feedback from those who operate where the rubber meets the road. I can see how it would become very easy to be disconnected from the agent perspective without meetings like this.” “Since RMA usually will only deal directly with the carrier, it was nice to have our voice heard. I think it would be beneficial for PIA to find a few more crop insurance agents from the east coast to weigh in on the national picture. I really enjoyed my time in D.C. and look forward to being invited back in the future,” Albritton said. Thanks to Our Sponsors We would like to thank the sponsors of the 2008 PIA Federal Legislative Sum- mit: Platinum Level sponsor The Partnership; Gold Level sponsors American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA), Harleysville Insurance and The Hartford; Silver Level sponsors Motorists Insurance Group and Travelers; and our Bronze Level sponsors Bristol West Insurance Group and State Auto Insurance Companies. Thank You to the Sponsors of the 2008 PIA Federal Legislative Summit Platinum Level Sponsors Gold Level Sponsors The PIA Partnership American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) Harleysville Insurance The Hartford PIA National Director Richard A. Clements of Louisiana, left, meets with Rep. Rodney Alexander (R). Greg Luce and PIA National Director Elizabeth (Liz) Luce of Wyoming meet with Sen. Michael Enzi (R) while his staff creates a list of action items in the background. 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Carol Patterson Tel 212-702-3337 • Fax 212-702-3387 [email protected] When It Comes To Workers’ Comp AmTrust Has You Covered PIA Connection Marketplace rates: $70/issue for 10 issues; $80/issue for 5 issues. To learn more and get a contract, or to inquire about display advertising, please contact Alexi Papandon at [email protected] or 703-518-1353. Continued from page 5 NAIC, NCOIL Presidents Speak to PIA that; we’re going to be sending that resolution on to our congressional delegations as well.” “The so-called National Insurance Act, like the proposal to repeal McCarran-Ferguson, is another example of legislation that does nothing for consumers and would create a new bloated bureaucracy that does not benefit America’s taxpayers,” Kennedy said. “The proposal has the potential to allow large financial services entities to enter and exit markets across the country, whenever and wherever they desire. This could potentially disrupt the marketplaces and diminish consumer choices.” Kennedy also said that NCOIL would work together with PIA to modernize the state system of insurance supervision — a system that he acknowledged as not ideal, but still the best in the world. He expressed appreciation for PIA’s assistance in NCOIL’s groundbreaking study on state authority. The recommendations and findings in the report will be the foundation of NCOIL activity for years to come, according to the NCOIL president. NAIC, NCOIL Set Aside Differences Perhaps it was emblematic of a new attitude that the presidents of the NAIC and NCOIL, respectively, opened and closed March 2008 the PIA meetings in Washington, D.C. That’s because both groups appear to be setting aside their differences for the immediate imperative of opposing the latest push in Congress on the part of the advocates of federal regulation of insurance. After long periods of tension and mutual recrimination, a certain detente has settled over their relationship, the leaders of both organizations say. Both NAIC and NCOIL released a joint statement along with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) reaffirming their commitment to work together to defeat optional federal charters. “We have the same goals. We serve the same master,” said Praeger, the Kansas Insurance Commissioner. “Our primary responsibility is to insurance consumers and that’s who we’re responsible for.” “There’s definitely been a thaw in this whole thing,” agreed Kennedy. “There’s a lot more openness that’s taken place here. There’s a lot more discussion taking place. I’ve made a commitment that I want to work with Sandy and her executive officers and she has agreed to the very same thing, so I think we can get some things accomplished this year.” www.pianet.com 13 GEORGIA The PIA of Georgia, Inc., 3805 Crestwood Pkwy NW #140, Duluth, GA 30096 PHONE: (770) 921-7585 • FAX: (770) 921-7590 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaga.com HAWAII PIA of Hawaii, 146 Hekili St # 201A, Kailua, HI 96734-2835 PHONE: (808) 261-9460 • FAX: (808) 262-5355 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piahawaii.com ILLINOIS PHONE: (703) 836-9340 • FAX: (703) 836-1279 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.pianet.com INDIANA PIA of Indiana, 600 Cross Pointe Road, Gahanna, OH 43230 PHONE: (614) 552-8000 • (800) 555-9742 • FAX: (614) 552-0115 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.indianapia.com KANSAS Kansas Association of PIA 103 SE 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612 PHONE: (785) 232-4143 • FAX: (785) 232-0272 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.KansasPIA.org KENTUCKY PIA of Kentucky, P.O. Box 4205, Frankfort, KY 40604-4205 PHONE: (502) 875-3888 • FAX: (502) 227-0839 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaky.org LOUISIANA PIA of Louisiana Inc., 8064 Summa Avenue, Suite C, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 PHONE: (225) 766-7770 • (800) 349-3434 LA only • FAX: (225) 766-1601 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaoflouisiana.com MAINE Maine Insurance Agents Association, 432 Western Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330 PHONE: (207) 623-1875 • FAX: (207) 626-0275 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.maineagents.com MARYLAND Insurance Agents & Brokers of Maryland P.O. Box 2023, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-0763 PHONE: (717) 795-9100 • FAX: (717) 795-8347 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.iabgroup.com MASSACHUSETTS PHONE: (703) 836-9340 • FAX: (703) 836-1279 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.pianet.com MICHIGAN The Association of PIA, 4550 Cascade Road SE, Suite 205-B, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-3697 PHONE: (616) 454-4461 • FAX: (616) 454-4491 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.mipia.com MINNESOTA PIA of Minnesota, 3600 Holly Lane N. #90, Plymouth, MN 55447 PHONE: (763) 694-7070 • FAX: (800) 546-3428 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piamn.com MISSISSIPPI PIA Association of Mississippi, 4 River Bend Place, #115, Jackson, MS 39232 PHONE: (601) 936-6474 • FAX: (601) 936-6477 • (800) 898-0136 MS only e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piams.com MISSOURI Missouri Association of Insurance Agents P.O. Box 1785, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1785 PHONE: 573-893-4301 • FAX: 573-893-3708 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.missouriagent.org MONTANA PIA of Montana, 3205 NE 78th St Ste 104, Vancouver, WA 98665-0697 PHONE: (888) 246-4466 • FAX: (360) 571-7600 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piawest.com 14 NCOIL Update P IA attended the meetings of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), which were held in Washington, D.C. simultaneously with the PIA National meetings. Some highlights: All States Compact on Track: On February 29, NCOIL’s State-Federal Relations Committee decided to send a letter to insurance committee leadership and insurance commissioners from non-member states of the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Compact (IIPRC). The letter, sponsored by NCOIL President Rep. Brian Kennedy (RI), outlines the many advantages of joining the compact, including promoting state uniformity and increasing speed-to-market for certain life insurance products, and urges non-member states to enact compacting legislation. As with the NAIC, an NCOIL working group is considering the further developments and expansion plans that the life sector has for the purpose, use and functions of the current all states compact for life. Implementation of Study on State Authority: On February 28, during a meeting of the Insurance Legislators Foundation (ILF) Board, a select subcommittee comprised of NCOIL officers and past presidents, discussed efforts to implement recommendations contained in an ILF Study on State Authority. NCOIL President Rep. Brian Kennedy (RI) — following Executive Committee adoption of the study recommendations at the 2007 Annual Meeting — formed the subcommittee and charged it with considering such implementation. NCOIL President Brian Kennedy expressed appreciation for PIA’s fundamental role in their groundbreaking study on state authority to the PIA National Board of Directors during his speech March 2. www.pianet.com affiliates affiliates ALABAMA PIA of Alabama, 1276 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL 36109 PHONE: (334) 244-7422 • FAX: (334) 244-9921 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaal.com ARKANSAS PIA of Arkansas Inc., 10 Corporate Hill Dr., Suite 130, Little Rock, AR 72205 PHONE: (501) 225-1645 • FAX: (501) 225-2550 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaar.com CA/NV/AZ/NM PIA Group, 3205 Northeast 78th St #104, Vancouver, WA 98665 PHONE: (888) 246-4466 • FAX: (360) 571-7600 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piawest.com COLORADO PHONE: (703) 836-9340 • FAX: (703) 836-1279 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.pianet.com CONNECTICUT PIA of Connecticut, P.O. Box 997, Glenmont, NY 12077-0997 PHONE: (800) 424-4244 • FAX: (518) 434-2342 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaonline.org DELAWARE Insurance Agents & Brokers of Delaware P.O. Box 2023, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-0763 PHONE: (717) 795-9100 • FAX: (717) 795-8347 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.iabgroup.com FLORIDA PIA of Florida, Inc., 1390 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312-1766 PHONE: (850) 893-8245 • (800) 277-1171 FL only • FAX: (850) 893-8316 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piafl.org NEBRASKA/IOWA PIA of Nebraska/Iowa, 920 South 107th Avenue, Suite 305, Omaha, NE 68114 PHONE: (402) 392-1611 • FAX: (402) 392-2228 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.pianebraska.com NEW HAMPSHIRE PIA of New Hampshire, P.O. Box 997, Glenmont NY 12077-0997 PHONE: (800) 424-4244 • FAX: (518) 434-2342 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaonline.org NEW JERSEY PIA New Jersey, P.O. Box 997, Glenmont NY 12077-0997 PHONE: (800) 424-4244 • FAX: (518) 434-2342 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaonline.org NEW YORK PIA New York, P.O. Box 997, Glenmont NY 12077-0997 PHONE: (800) 424-4244 • FAX: (518) 434-2342 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaonline.org NORTH CAROLINA PIANC, 16976 Justice Branch Road, Littleton, NC 27850 PHONE: (704) 892-4645 • (877) 337-4262 • FAX: (704) 892-4645 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaofnc.com NORTH DAKOTA PIA of North Dakota 1211 Memorial Hwy Holiday Park Office #6, Bismarck, ND 58504-5213 PHONE: (701) 223-5025 • (800) 733-1050 ND&MN only FAX: (701) 223-9456 • e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piand.com OHIO PIA of Ohio, Inc., 600 Cross Pointe Road, Gahanna, OH 43230 PHONE: (614) 552-8000 • (800) 555-1742 • FAX: (614) 552-0115 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.ohiopia.com OKLAHOMA PIA of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 12921, Oklahoma City, OK 73157 PHONE: (405) 942-1119 • FAX: (405) 943-4380 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaok.com OREGON/IDAHO PIA of Oregon/Idaho, 3205 Northeast 78th Street, #104, Vancouver, WA 98665 PHONE: (503) 287-7570 • FAX: (360) 571-7600 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piawest.com PENNSYLVANIA Insurance Agents & Brokers of Pennsylvania P.O. Box 2023, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-0763 PHONE: (717) 795-9100 • FAX: (717) 795-8347 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.iabgroup.com PUERTO RICO & CARIBBEAN PIA of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Inc PO Box 192389, San Juan, PR 00919-2389 PHONE: (787) 792-7849 • FAX: (787) 792-4745 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaofpr.com RHODE ISLAND PHONE: (703) 836-9340 • FAX: (703) 836-1279 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.pianet.com SOUTH CAROLINA PIA of South Carolina, PO Box 21367, Columbia, SC 29221-1367 PHONE: (803) 772-0557 • (888) 742-6372 • FAX: (803) 772-0846 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piasc.net SOUTH DAKOTA PHONE: (703) 836-9340 • FAX: (703) 836-1279 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.pianet.com TENNESSEE PIA of Tennessee Inc, 504 Autumn Springs Court Suite A-2, Franklin, TN 37067 PHONE: (615) 771-1177 • FAX: (615) 771-3456 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piatn.com TEXAS Texas Insurance Professionals, P. O. Box 90908, Austin, TX 78709-0908 PHONE: (512) 301-0226 • FAX: (512) 301-0265 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piatx.org UTAH Utah Association of Independent Insurance Agents 4885 S. 900 E., Suite 302, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 PHONE: (801) 269-1200 • FAX: (801) 269-1265 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.uaiia.org VERMONT Vermont Insurance Agents Association, P.O. Box 1387, Montpelier, VT 05601 PHONE: (802) 229-5884 • FAX: (802) 223-0868 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.viaa.org VIRGINIA/DC PIA Assn of Virginia & DC, 8751 Park Central Dr., Ste 140, Richmond, VA 23227 PHONE: (804) 264-2582 • FAX: (804) 266-1075 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piavadc.com WASHINGTON/ALASKA PIA of WA/AK, 3205 Northeast 78th Street, #104, Vancouver, WA 98665 PHONE: (360) 571-7100 • FAX: (360) 571-7600 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piawest.com WEST VIRGINIA PHONE: (703) 836-9340 • FAX: (703) 836-1279 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.pianet.com WISCONSIN PIA of Wisconsin, Inc., 6401 Odana Road, Madison, WI 53719-1126 PHONE: (608) 274-8188 • (800) 261-7429 • FAX: (608) 274-8195 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.piaw.org WYOMING Assoc. of Wyoming Ins. Agents, PO Box 799, Sundance, WY 82729-0799 PHONE: (307) 283-2052 • FAX: (775) 796-3122 e-mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.awia.com March 2008 PIA Prepares to Release Radio Ads for Professional Insurance Agents A s this issue of PIA Connection goes to press, PIA National is only weeks away from releasing a series of 28 radio advertisements as part of the PIA Branding Program, Local Agents Serving Main Street America.SM Like the program’s print advertisements, these ads tout the importance of turning to a Professional Insurance Agent when purchasing insurance for one’s auto, home, business or life. They stress the personal service and choice that only Professional Insurance Agents provide. They shine a bright light on the advantages of working with Professional Insurance Agents and the deficiencies of direct writers and captive agents. And they remind listeners that PIA members are local, Main Street agents, who live in their communities. Like their print counterparts, these ads will be available to PIA members free of charge and can be tagged with your agency contact information. We encourage PIA members to check with their appointed carriers to see if they qualify for coop dollars that might be available for these new radio advertisements. Starting in mid-April, these ads will be available through PIA National’s website at www.pianet.com/piabrandingprogram. Additionally, PIA will offer additional tips to assist agents in their radio advertising campaigns. Join us as we take the next big step forward in demonstrating that Professional Insurance Agents are Local Agents Serving Main Street America.SM Visit the PIA Main Street Store at www.PIANET.com or use the information below to act now. Insurance Products ■ Errors and Omissions Insurance Solid E&O protection built around your unique needs. (800) 742-6900 Ext. 382 ■ Penn National Insurance Agent’s Umbrella Program Comprehensive and affordable excess insurance protection includes E&O and Business Liability coverage with available endorsements for EPL and Personal Coverage. Call your local PIA affiliate or (800) 742-6900 Ext. 382 ■ The Insurance On-line Network (ION) Easy-to-use, on-line, multi-carrier, term life quoting system. www.PIANET.com/ION ■ Agency Revenue Tools Employee worksite marketing using your appointed markets at regular commission rates. (703) 518-1363 ■ Hartford Flood Insurance ■ Central Licensing Bureau Easy enrollment process, competitive commissions, advanced Internet services, plus a variety of programs and surplus lines. Call (888) 410-2963 x73932 or visit www.hartfordfloodinsurance.com Save time and money by using CLB for all your agency licensing needs. (501) 664-8044 ■ Unimerica Products ■ Free Subscription Basic, Voluntary and Dependent Term Life; Long Term Disability; Short Term Disability; ADD; Hospital Indemnity (800) 336-4759; www.piatrust.com PIA members, receive a free subscription to Rough Notes magazine at www.pianet.com/FreeSubscriptions ■ Mines Press Calendar Products Financial Services Personalized calendars at member only prices. (800) 447-6788 ■ Bank of America Financial Products ■ Omnia Employee Profiling Tell the BoA operator you are a member of the “National Association of Professional Insurance Agents.” Personal cards: (800) 932-2775. Business cards: (800) 598-8791. Gold Option Loan Program: (888) 332-5233. CDs: (800) 900-6653. Skills and personality testing. Contact Sean Neumeyer at (800) 525-7117 Ext. 1242. “PIA Plus” Products/Discounts ■ Consumer Brochures Answer clients’ questions with professional brochures from PIA. (703) 518-1353. ■ Online Data Backup & Recovery Backup critical files to a secure, remote location through Courtesy Computers, the insurance agency specialists. www.pianet.com/courtesy ■ Rough Notes Agency OnLine ■ Catastrophe Major Medical ■ PIA Logo Wear & Gear The $2,000,000 Catastrophe Major Medical Insurance Plan picks up where your basic coverage leaves off! (800) 503-9230; https://www.personal-plans.com/pia Shirts, jackets, mugs and more with the PIA Main Street Logo featuring PIA’s new tagline, Local Agents Serving Main Street America . http://promotiontechnology.com/pia.html Helps identify risk exposures and provides detailed coverage analysis. Avail. to PIA members for $400 annually (reg. $1,699). Call 800-428-4384. Use your PIA member ID# above name on mailing label. ■ GE Auto Warranty Services ■ On-Line CE and Skills Courses ■ Sircon’s Producer Workbench Available to agents in participating states at www.PIANET.com/Education For other educational programming, including designation programs, please contact your local PIA affiliate. Meet your licensing and renewal needs quickly and easily on the web. PIA memberonly 15% discount. Visit www.PIANET.com/ Sircon ■ United Parcel Service ■ Alamo Car Rental Receive reduced rates on many popular overnight and 2nd day air shipping options. Call (800) 325-7000 or your local UPS representative and mention “Bid Code #CP990007896.” Market a proven vehicle service contract program to auto dealerships. (800) 782-9753. ■ PIA Health Quality health insurance for you, your employees and families through a top insurer in your area. Coverage and product availability vary by state. (800) 742-6900 Ext. 382 SM Get unlimited mileage and up to 20% off already low retail rates. 1-800-GO-ALAMO (1-800-462-5266) (I.D. # 93140) Visit www.PIANET.com for additional Member Benefits including the PIA Branding Program, Guide to Successful Planning, Perpetuation Central, Agency Agreement Review Service, PIA logos and more. Help Build Your Family’s Financial Future With PIA Trust Insurance Plans INSURANCE PLANS DESIGNED WITH LOCAL AGENTS IN MIND As a PIA Member* serving Main Street America, you and your employees have access to a variety of high-quality, competitively priced insurance plans. A contribution to PIAPAC is like buying insurance on your future. PIAPAC is the Professional Insurance Agents Political Action Committee. The PAC contributes to the campaigns of candidates for federal office who support our issues and share the proinsurance, pro-business perspective of PIA members. By supporting these candidates, PIAPAC helps maintain an environment in which Professional Insurance Agents can thrive. Please take a moment now to support PIAPAC. Visit www.pianet.com/PIAPAC or contact PIAPAC at (703) 518-1365, [email protected] Insuring the Future of Professional Insurance Agents Plans available include: ! Basic Term Life** ! Voluntary Term Life ! Dependent Term Life ! Hospital Indemnity ! Long Term Disability ! Short Term Disability PIA SERVICES GROUP INSURANCE FUND ! Business Overhead Expense ! Accidental Death & Dismemberment For additional information, contact your local PIA Affiliate or call the Plan Administrator at 1-800-336-4759. Information also available on-line at www.piatrust.com. *PIA National membership, when required, must be current at all times. **Only available if 100% employer paid and if the employer and 100% of the employees enroll. No medical underwriting necessary up to guaranteed issue limits. Policies or provisions may vary or be unavailable in some states. Policies have exclusions or limitations which may affect any benefits payable. Underwritten by Unimerica Insurance Company, Portland, ME. Administered by Lockton Risk Services. 400 N. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 PRSRT STANDARD U.S POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #593 MERRIFIELD, VA