Young Agent Forum Make your voice heard Young agents can help chart the industry’s future at the National Legislative Conference By Andy Beauchamp Spring in Washington, D.C., is marked by cherry blossoms—a sea of pink around the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park. Spring also marks the time when hundreds of independent insurance agents descend on our nation’s capital for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) National Legislative Conference. Beginning this year, the conference will incorporate the IIABA’s annual convention that was previously held in the fall. This combined event is set for April 23-29, with the majority of young agent-related events on April 26-29. It is vital for independent agents to maintain a large presence to lobby their interests to Congress. Members of Congress want to hear from their constituents—the voters who put them in office—and that is why independent agents are especially persuasive when meeting with their own representatives and senators. The Big “I” National Legislative Conference provides a tailor-made opportunity to get to know their legislators and to educate them on the issues that are important to the livelihood of young agents. The IIABA has been one of the most respected and powerful trade associations in the United States for decades, especially on Capitol Hill. Young agents in particular need to be involved in helping to get the word out about issues important to our individual businesses and our industry. Every day, congressional committee meetings are held and decisions are made that affect the direction our industry will go in the next few decades. You need to have a voice in charting your own future through grassroots efforts, InsurPac contributions, and attending the National Legislative Conference & Convention. Grassroots efforts are the most basic level of political involvement—working at the local level to rally around a goal and to get others energized about the cause. Grassroots efforts include making your voice heard through letters, faxes, e-mails and phone calls to your members of Congress. The purpose of these efforts is to present a strong, unified front on positions important for the good of the group. This approach has proved very effective when there is pending legislation that will affect our association and its members. The more personal contacts a member of Congress receives from independent agents on an issue the better, as this helps to solidify the position of the Big “I”, leaving no doubt in the representative’s mind that this is the best way to vote for his or her constituents. Make sure your voice is heard—do not assume someone else will speak for you! Others might not convey your message as clearly and convincingly as you would. Another way to become politically active is by contributing to our political action committee, InsurPac. As a young agent, it is imperative that you contribute every year to InsurPac to maintain and enhance our success on The Hill. You might ask, “How does my contribution to InsurPac affect how Congress votes?” First, it is important to make clear that contributions do not buy votes. Rather, when these funds are pooled, they help elect candidates who share philosophies similar to those of the Big “I,” and you, the members. These are the people who ultimately have the power to change your future! Supporting and helping to elect members of Congress who share our views on insurance and small business issues is of paramount importance when legislation affecting our industry is addressed in Congress. The Big “I,” albeit well respected on Capitol Hill, does not have the massive financial support enjoyed by the trial lawyers’ associations and many other trade groups. Your contribution to InsurPac—big or small—enables us to keep the ear of those in power when Big “I” lobbyists and grassroots members come knocking on their doors. It is essential that interest groups espousing ideas that would be harmful to the independent agency system do not sway the decisions of your representatives. Their positions could have a very negative impact on how your business is run, now and well into the future. One of the most effective ways you can get involved in political action is by attending the National Legislative Conference & Convention in April. Along with their state leaders and tenured agent and broker counterparts, young agents will present a unified front about our concerns for the industry and pending legislation. Last year, more than 200 young agents from across the country helped make this event a success. But, again, it is important to note that you simply can’t rely on others to get your message out. There are numerous issues that affect the entire industry; however, there are also issues that affect just your state or region, which you can’t depend on agents from other states to address. You may say, “I’m not sure what I would say to my congressperson; how would I prepare?” Fortunately, the IIABA does the legwork for you by providing an outstanding brochure called “Where We Stand,” position papers and talking points, all of which will be sent to you a few weeks before your trip to Capitol Hill. These publications will give you a thorough understanding of current federal legislative issues that affect the insurance industry. With a little preparation, you will be able to present those topics important to your state and livelihood to your congressional representatives and look like an old pro! Remember, you likely will know more about the issues than your congressperson, which is why you are there—to educate! If you’re a veteran who has attended National Legislative Conferences in the past, you will find the 2006 event replete with new offerings. In addition to the legislative activities, you can attend the largest insurance exhibition and trade show in the country, allowing you to make new company contacts and solidify old ones. It’s a win-win proposition with keynote speaker former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, Ret., closing out the event. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear his leadership presentation. You won’t want to miss it. Remember, helping to shape legislative decisions that will ultimately determine your future is vital for young agents—and the insurance industry. Your livelihood depends on having your voice heard! We’ll see you in Washington in April! *
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