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Young Agent ForuM The votes are in—Will you be there to make them count? Young agents play a key role in IIABA’s Legislative Conference & Convention By Joey O'Connor, CIC In November 2006, Americans made their voices heard by electing many new congressional representatives and senators, many of whom aren’t knowledgeable about the independent agency system. These legislators will be preparing to enact legislation to shape and direct our country’s future. They will be looking for feedback from their constituents to help shape policy, and you can be part this important process by participating in the upcoming Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Legislative Conference & Convention. It appears that Congress has a renewed sense of urgency to “make something happen” on the legislative front. Will you—as a young agent who is concerned about your future livelihood—be part of the massive grass-roots effort in our nation’s capital, April 25-27? Throughout the congressional year, committee meetings are held and decisions are made that affect the direction of our industry. Personally talking to legislators about sound business practices that benefit consumers and agents alike is a vital part of being involved in this decision-making process. Many different groups try to influence the way we conduct our daily business by lobbying Congress, but who knows better about what’s good for your business than you? Don’t be silent or apathetic and regret it later because policies, laws and regulations were enacted without your input. The Big “I” continues to be one of the most respected associations in the United States and always enjoys a warm reception on Capitol Hill. When legislators want to know the details and potential impact of legislation affecting the independent agency system, they turn to young agents and seasoned agents alike—agents with whom they’ve had personal contact. The Legislative Conference & Convention presents a great opportunity to mingle with the industry’s top leaders as well as young agents from across the country and to have one-on-one interaction with your members of Congress. Many battlefronts will be emerging in Congress, from contingent commission income to the national flood program to natural disaster legislation. Will you be there to help inform and urge Congress to enact constructive, sound, pro-business legislation? Get involved and be passionate about what you do, and communicate those values and principles to your clients and to the lawmakers on Capitol Hill. If you’ve never been to the Legislative Conference & Convention, you may be unsure of what to do or say in the presence of elected officials. That’s where our Big “I” staff members, executive officers and industry leaders come in. They work tirelessly to establish the agenda and issues we need to address. You will be prepped at a pre-conference legislative meeting and supplied with notes to help you present your message to your legislators. The only prerequisite is dedication, passion and willingness to make sure our voice is heard collectively. If you are a first-time attendee, the Big “I” offers scholarships through state associations to help defray trip expenses. The national Big “I” also awards the $1,000 Maurice Herndon Scholarship, in memory of the late Maurice G. Herndon, who directed the Washington, D.C., office of the Big “I” from 1949 to 1976. For more information about these scholarships, go to www.independentagent.com and click on Young Agents or contact Katie Cosgrove at katie.cosgrove@iiaba.net. If you have attended previous Legislative Conferences, then you understand the value of attending this gathering. To make the most of your time and money, the Big “I” has incorporated its annual convention into the Legislative Conference, featuring an extensive array of exhibits by company, broker and vendor sponsors. Many companies support young agents and other association programs, and this is a great time to express our appreciation by visiting their booths. We might even be the first to learn about innovations and new products that they are developing! The way we conduct our business and represent our companies and clients is really quite remarkable, and I believe that very few associations and industries do it better. We want to protect this system that operates so well. Working with elected leaders protects the system and encourages progress. Okay, let’s review: One-on-one meetings with congressional representatives and senators; networking with Big “I” staff members, officers/leaders and young agents from around the country; trade show exhibits with many national companies and brokers; and being inspired by ending keynote speaker Bill O’Reilly, all in one excitement-filled package in our nation’s capital. Priceless! * The author |
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