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2002 Press Releases

IIABA Warns Consumers to Renew Flood Insurance Policies by Dec. 31 to Avoid National Program Hiatus

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 26 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) urges any consumer seeking a new flood insurance policy and those among the nation’s 4.4 million flood insurance policyholders seeking coverage changes or renewals in January to pay their premiums now in order to avoid potential problems later.

IIABA Provides Members Terrorism Insurance Guidance and Resources

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 13 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) is providing its members an in-depth summary of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (Public Law 107-297) that offers an overview of the law's major features and introduces agents and brokers to issues related to its implementation.

IIABA Applauds Oxley, Frank Plan to Offer Bill to Reauthorize Flood Insurance Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 12 - A decision by two key congressional leaders to offer legislation next year reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) means the issue will be accorded the highest priority when the new Congress convenes, says the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA).

IIABA Applauds RMA-Nebraska DOI Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 11 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) is praising an agreement reached between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the Nebraska Department of Insurance that ensures commissions affiliated with policies sold by Acceptance Insurance Company subsidiaries and reinsured by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) will be paid to agents.

New Dates for IIABA's 2003 Las Vegas InfoXchange

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 4 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) has announced new September dates for its 2003 Las Vegas InfoXchange, originally scheduled to take place in October. The annual showcase meeting will now run from Sept. 21 through Sept. 24 at Caesar’s Palace.

IIABA Praises Enactment of Terrorism Insurance Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 26 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) is praising President Bush’s leadership today after he signed the Terrorism Insurance Act into law, thus establishing a federal backstop for potential future terrorism insurance claims and providing a significant boost to the U.S. economy.

Larry Acord Is New Head of Trusted Choice Branding Initiative

ALEXANDRIA, VA, Nov. 20 - Larry Acord, a seasoned industry veteran with 25 years of experience in company and agency branding and marketing, is the new vice president of Trusted ChoiceSM, announces Robert A. Rusbuldt, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA), today.

Independent Agents & Brokers Continue to Increase Market Share in Personal, Commercial Lines

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 14 - Independent agents and brokers are capturing an increasing share of both the personal lines and commercial lines markets, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (IIABA) annual market share study confirms today.

IIABA Commends House Approval of Terrorsim Insurance Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 14 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) commends House leaders for working cooperatively to pass terrorism insurance legislation this evening, and urges the Senate to immediately follow suit and pass a bill that will restore thousands of jobs and provide a significant boost to the economy by creating a federal backstop for future terrorism insurance claims.

IIABA Optimistic on Legislative Agenda Following Historic Mid-Term Election

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 6 - The results of yesterday’s historic mid-term election have buoyed the hopes of independent agents and brokers that several critical insurance and business concerns may cross the finish line in the new 108th Congress, says Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt today.

IIABA Argues Against Preemption of West Virginia Consumer Protection Provisions

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 30 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America today joined the state of West Virginia in presenting oral arguments in a federal appeals court in opposition to a U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) opinion letter stating that key parts of the state’s insurance laws are preempted by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA).

IIABA Urges Insurers to Be More Consumer-Friendly by Fixing Anomalies in Use of Credit Information

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 24 - As insurers increasingly rely on consumer credit histories and credit-related scores during the underwriting and rating process, the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA) urges companies to proactively adopt and implement fair-minded and appropriate business practices regarding their use of credit information.

IIABA's Best Practices Goes International

Alexandria, VA 10/21/2002 The Best Practices initiative of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) has crossed the Atlantic, with Ireland’s Hibernian General Insurance entering into an exclusive two-year agreement to license and distribute two Best Practices tools to Ireland’s estimated 1,000 brokers.

IIABA Applauds Agreement On Terrorism Insurance

Washington, D.C., October 18, 2002 The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) is praising President George W. Bush's leadership and commending Congressional leaders for uniting to reach an agreement on pending terrorism insurance legislation that would create a federal backstop for future terrorism insurance claims, while recognizing that some significant hurdles still remain.

ACT Urges Companies, Vendors to Adopt New Password Formatting Guidelines

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 16 - New recommended guidelines for company and vendor password formatting have been approved by the Agents for Council Technology (ACT) to enhance security and alleviate current inefficiencies for independent insurance agents and brokers across the country.

IIABA’s Virtual University Newsletter Surpasses 10,000 Subscribers

Alexandria, VA , Oct. 8 - The official newsletter of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America’s (IIABA) Virtual University has reached its 10,000th subscriber less than three years after its inception.

IIABA and Business Leaders Meet With Bush on Terrorism Insurance

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 3 - Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Maria L. Berthoud and two independent agents, along with business and union leaders, met with President George W. Bush today at the White House to hear the President discuss the immediate need for terrorism insurance legislation.

Anders Eager to Tackle Challenges, Seize Opportunities as IIABA’s 98th President

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 24 - Raleigh businessman W. Cloyce Anders, the new president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA), made clear his intention to tackle challenges and lead the independent agency system to new heights during his inaugural speech at the closing session of the New Orleans InfoXchange.

IIABA Announces 2002-2003 Executive Committee

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 24 - W. Cloyce Anders was inaugurated as the new president of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) and Bob Fulwider was elected to the association’s Executive Committee today at the New Orleans InfoXchange.

IIABA Hosts Large Agents and Brokers Event

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 24 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) launched a new initiative focusing on large agents and brokers during a special reception and dinner held in conjunction with the New Orleans InfoXchange.

Political Commentators Spark Lively Panel Discussion of Legislative Issues at New Orleans InfoXchange

NEW ORLEANS , Sept. 24 Leading political commentators Fred Barnes and Mark Shields provided keen insight and provocative opinions on a number of timely political and legislative issues during the government affairs panel at the closing session of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America ’s (IIABA) New Orleans InfoXchange.

ACT/Best Practices Introduce Guide to Agency Business Processes and Workflows

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 23 The Agents Council for Technology (ACT) and the Council for Best Practices, programs of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA), have jointly developed a new product to help agencies create more efficient workflows that fully utilize the agency’s technology.

CEO Panelists Hopeful on Terrorism Bill, Hard Market and Branding

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 22—Ramani Ayer, CEO of The Hartford, believes there is a 50-50 chance that Congress will reach an agreement on terrorism insurance backstop legislation before it adjourns for the fall elections. Ayer made the prediction during a CEO roundtable at the opening general session of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (IIABA) New Orleans InfoXchange here today.

Greenwood Receives IIABAs Highest Individual Honor

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 22 - William B. Greenwood today received the most distinguished honor the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) bestows upon an individual when he was presented with the Woodworth Memorial Award during the opening general session of the Associations New Orleans InfoXchange.

Independent Agents Examine Positives, Negatives of HO2000 At IIABA New Orleans InfoXchange Workshop

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 22—A new homeowners program developed by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) has significant changes in limits and language that need to be explained to the typical homeowner, instructors told independent agents today during a continuing-education (CE) workshop at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (IIABA) New Orleans InfoXchange.

Ahart Details IIABA Achievements During Challenging Past Year

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 22 - Thomas B. Ahart, CPCU, AAI, outgoing president of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA), said that the association has seen an incredible amount of challenge and change during his presidency and noted that the implementation of the Trusted ChoiceSM branding program was one of the association’s finest contributions ever to the independent agency system.

IIABA Honors Five Individuals With Presidential Citations

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 21 - Five dedicated individuals who have made particularly remarkable contributions to the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) and the independent agency system during the past year were honored today with special 2002 Presidential Citations.

Company Leaders Urge Young Agents to Take Advantage of Thriving Industry, New Technology

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 21—Insurance industry leaders provided insight on critical issues affecting the future of the independent agency system during the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (IIABA) 27th Annual Young Agent Leadership Conference held in conjunction with the New Orleans InfoXchange.

Alabama, New Mexico State Associations Honored With L.P. McCord National Education Award

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 21—Independent Insurance Agents in Alabama and New Mexico were recognized today for their outstanding commitment to education as the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) presented the two state associations with the L.P. McCord National Education Award.

IIABAs Diversity Task Force Reveals Newest Training Opportunity for Minority and Urban Agents

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 21 - Further maximizing its effort to foster a profitable independent agency force that reflects, represents, and capitalizes on the opportunities of the diverse U.S. population, IIABAs joint-industry Diversity Task Force unveiled its Diversity Professional Development Series today at the New Orleans InfoXchange.

SAFECO, Travelers and Harleysville Receive IIABAs Best Practices Award of Excellence

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 21 - SAFECO, Travelers and Harleysville were recognized today by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) for their outstanding efforts in promoting and marketing the tools, seminars and philosophies of the Associations Best Practices initiative.

ACT Issues Major Statement for Improved Agent-Company Interfaces

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 21 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Americas (IIABA) Agents Council for Technology (ACT) has released a major new statement on the need for more effective agent-company interfaces that will free agents for more productive client service and sales activities.

IIABA Applauds Agent/Broker Exemption From Patriot Act Money-Laundering Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 20 A Treasury Department decision to exempt the property-casualty and health operations of independent agents and brokers from the USA Patriot Act's anti-money laundering regulations is the right decision and removes an unnecessary reporting requirement from agents, says Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt.

Indiana Earns Third Consecutive Outstanding Young Agent Committee of the Year Award

The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) today presented its highest young agents accolade to the Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana (IIAI).

Future One Reveals Preliminary Findings Of 2002 Agency Universe Study

NEW ORLEANS, September 20 Future One, a collaboration of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) and 19 leading independent agency companies, has introduced key preliminary findings from the 2002 Agency Universe Study—the most comprehensive demographic study of the independent agency system.

IIABA Points Congress to Pragmatic Reform Approach

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 17 The problems of state oversight are significant, requiring reform of the system, but Congress can best modernize state rules through federal legislation, not regulation, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) spokesman Ronald A. Smith, CPCU told a congressional panel here today.

IIABA Calls On State Securities Regulators To Accurately Identify Fraud Perpetrators

Washington, D.C. August 26 A news release on investment fraud scams issued today by a state securities regulator group grossly misidentifies the perpetrators as independent insurance agents, says Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt.

Trusted Choice sm Achieves Positive Impression with Consumers

ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 13 The Trusted ChoiceSM television advertising that debuted in two pilot markets last spring had a significant impact on consumer awareness of the new brand developed by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) and its company partners, according to research conducted before and after the ad campaign.

IIABA's Soto is Selected as Panelist for President Bush's Economic Forum

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 12 Alex Soto, CPCU, ARM, a member of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (IIABA)Executive Committee, will participate in a White House-led economic forum hosted by President Bush and Vice President Cheney tomorrow in Waco, Texas.

IIABA HAILS NAIC STATE LICENSING CERTIFICATIONS

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 8 Today's National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) preliminary determination that 35 states are in compliance with Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) licensing provisions is very positive news, although agents and brokers still need every state to be reciprocal in their licensing, says Robert A. Rusbuldt, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA).

Kemper Insurance Companies Joins Trusted Choice Branding Initiative

ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 5 Kemper Insurance Companies, a nationally recognized insurance brand, has joined Trusted Choice sm, a new consumer marketing brand that highlights the benefits independent agents and brokers offer: choice, customization and advocacy, announces Ronald A. Smith, CPCU, chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (IIABA) Communications/Branding Task Force.

IIABA Calls For Medical Malpractice Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. July 29 Americans face a new threat to their health care in the form of a medical malpractice litigation crisis that if left unchecked will make quality health care harder to find, says Robert A. Rusbuldt, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA).

IIABA Outlines Models For Auto Reform To NCSL

DENVER, COLO. July 26 Today's auto insurance oversight system suffers from a lack of efficiency, cost effectiveness, and timely decision-making, but greater regulatory reliance on market competition would help streamline and depoliticize the process, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) testified today.

IIABA YOUNG AGENTS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE READIED

ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 26 Young agents from across the country will gather in New Orleans to enjoy prominent speakers, scrumptious cuisine, outstanding music and the 27th Annual Young Agents Leadership Conference.

Barbara Jenkins Named 2001 ACSR of the Year

ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 23 Virginia customer service representative Barbara S. Jenkins, AAI, ACSR, is the 2001 National Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) of the Year, announces the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) today.

IIABA Taking On A Leadership Role With Business Partners To Fight Burgeoning Asbestos Litigation

Washington, D.C., July 19 The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) is ratcheting up its work and grassroots advocacy on the growing asbestos-litigation problem that has insurance companies and business inexorably in the crosshairs, announces President Thomas B. Ahart, CPCU, AAI.

IIABA Joins Asbestos Alliance

Washington,D.C., July 17 The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) has joined the Asbestos Alliance, a coalition of businesses, associations and other groups advocating a fair solution to the growing asbestos-litigation problem, announces CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt.

Tony Alessandra To Share Winning Business Strategies At IIABA New Orleans

ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 16 Noted business speaker Dr. Tony Alessandra will share his well-targeted insight on marketing, sales, service and relationship-building with attendees at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (IIABA) upcoming New Orleans InfoXchange.

IIABA Cites Problems With Conyers Mold Bill

Washington, D.C., July 11 A recently introduced bill that proposes to mitigate the effects of mold in homes and commercial buildings puts the proverbial cart before the horse, says Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) spokeswoman Maria L. Berthoud.

InsurBanc Expanding to 15 Additional States

FARMINGTON, CONN., July 10 InsurBanc, the federal savings bank developed by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) to serve agents and brokers as well as their clients, has won regulatory approval to expand its operations to 15 additional states—three on a full service basis and 12 on a limited service capacity, announces bank CEO Michael Herlihy.

Big "I" Pushes Class Action Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 2 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') is pleased the House of Representatives is moving forward on legislation to reform the nation's class-action litigation system.