Young agents recognized

2007 OUTSTANDING YOUNG AGENTS COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR
NORTH CAROLINA

For the second consecutive year, the Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) was named the Outstanding Young Agents Committee of the Year by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). A key to the group’s success is a well-structured committee that operates through subcommittees with members pledging to meet specific expectations.

The YAC’s 2007 state project was to raise $70,000 and build a Habitat for Humanity house. By mid-November the entire amount had been raised, and construction is set to begin in the spring. Another YAC project was raising more than $54,000 to fund a scholarship endowment for insurance majors at University of North Carolina-Charlotte. The 2007 IIANC Young Agents Conference attracted nearly 400 attendees.

IIANC young agents consistently lead the nation in PAC contri-butions. In 2006, their contribution of $16,332 to InsurPac represented 14% of the total InsurPac funds given by young agents countrywide. They contributed an additional $10,267 to the state PAC. The committee raises awareness by discussing PAC and legislative issues at every event.

To communicate with members, the committee maintains a Young Agents Web site and an e-communities forum, and updates young agents through e-mails. Recruitment is an ongoing activity and includes calling every young agent in North Carolina at least once a year to connect with and invite them to get involved in the YAC. The committee has also established an InVest program at a high school and a community college and is working to expand those programs.

2007 OUTSTANDING YOUNG AGENTS COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP
ALABAMA

To increase its membership last year, the Young Agents Committee of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents (AIIA) conducted a member survey to update its database and to identify potential new members. Other promotions included hosting a booth at the annual state convention trade show. The YAC communicated with members and potential members through association publications.

2006-2007 YAC events included: YAC Committee Day, YAC board meetings, Mid-Year Conference, Young Agents Legislative Conference, Excalibur Foundation meetings and annual Young Agents Sales Conference. All YAC events are free to attend, except the annual Young Agents Conference, which drew close to 300 attendees last year. With the AIIA’s assistance, the committee founded the Excalibur Education Foundation to endow a university scholarship for an insurance student. The Foundation has awarded six $2,500 scholarships while raising funds to permanently endow the scholarship.

2007 OUTSTANDING MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AWARD and 2007 OUTSTANDING POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT AWARD
ILLINOIS

With a membership of more than 800, the Young Agents Committee of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois’ (PIIAI) recruitment efforts last year included sending a welcome letter to new association members and mailing a four-color promotional brochure. A postcard recruitment campaign was developed for young agent referrals; local YAC members followed up by contacting potential members. To encourage participation, scholarships are provided for first-time convention participants. PIIAI’s annual Young Agent of the Year Award also promotes Illinois young agents.

More than 40 young agents converged on the state Capitol during the 2007 Insurance Industry Legislative Day, and eight of the 45 delegates to the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention in Washington, D.C., were YAC members. They met with Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Barack Obama’s staff, then divided into groups to meet with 17 of Illinois’ 19 congressional representatives. YAC members serve on the state Government Relations Committee. In 2007, for the first time ever, Illinois YACs met and surpassed their InsurPac goal of $5,000, raising $9,230.

2007 OUTSTANDING STATE COMMITTEE PROJECT
MINNESOTA

During the 2007 Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (MIIAB) Annual Convention, the Young Insurance Professionals Committee (YIP) hosted a trivia question game show event called “Trusted Choice or No Choice,” mimicking the game show “Deal or No Deal.” Company sponsorship provided funds for the event; the grand prize was a 2007 Mini-Cooper. The fun event promoted the YIP and generated interest in the group.

2007 OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATIONS AWARD
MICHIGAN

The Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) Young Agents Council communicated with members, agency principals and industry partners through a systematic, targeted and branded effort. Methods included the YAC’s Web site, e-newsletter, marketing letters, postcard reminders, and articles in Michigan Agent magazine. The Web site (www.miyac.com) was revamped using Microsoft’s SharePoint to be more user-friendly and to allow better dissemination of information.

2007 OUTSTANDING YOUNG AGENTS MEETING AWARD
CALIFORNIA

Held in Napa Valley, California, IBA West’s Young Brokers and Agents Conference last June saw a 24% increase in young agent attendees and a 14% increase in company sponsor reps, for a total attendance of 300 attendees, reps, family and staff. Featuring a new professional development and sales training track, the conference included a trade show, first-timers reception, CE classes, presentation of two scholarships, golf tournament, and local tours and entertainment. *