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2006 Press Releases

Big "I" Opposes A.G. Intervention in Incentive Compensation

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 21, 2006--The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') is disappointed to see another settlement out of New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer's office that bans the payment of contingent compensation that is entirely legal. The settlement is with Chubb Corp. and was joined by the attorneys general of Connecticut and Illinois.

Big "I" Lauds Bush Signing of Health Savings Account Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 20, 2006--The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') celebrated the holidays with an important victory, as President George W. Bush signed H.R. 6111, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, into law today.

28.5 Million Party Hosts Likely Underinsured, Finds Trusted Choice

Most of the 28.5 million Americans who plan to host a party between Thanksgiving and the Super Bowl are underinsured, according to a new study by Trusted Choice.

Big "I" Disagrees With Spitzer Decision on Incentive Compensation

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 30, 2006--The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') disagrees with, and is disappointed by, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer's decision that four leading companies can no longer offer incentive compensation to agents and brokers selling their products.

State Auto Insurance Co. Joins Trusted Choice

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 14, 2006- The State Auto Insurance Companies have become the latest independent agency system insurance group to join the Trusted Choice consumer brand movement. State Auto, based in Columbus, Ohio, offers personal and business insurance through 3,000 independent agencies in 27 states.

Bill O'Reilly to Address Big "I" Convention

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 13, 2006- Bill O'Reilly will address independent insurance agents and brokers on Friday, April 27, 2007 at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (Big 'I') Convention.

Westfield Insurance Joins Trusted Choice

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 08, 2006-Westfield Insurance, based near Cleveland, Ohio, is the newest independent agency system insurance company to join the brand movement Trusted Choice. Westfield Insurance provides commercial and personal insurance to customers in 17 states and surety services in 28 states.

Big "I" Files Reply Brief in Zurich Settlement Case

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 23, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc. (Big 'I') filed a reply brief on October 20, 2006 refuting the opposition to its amicus curiae brief filed last month in New Jersey federal court. The class action lawsuit concerns the producer compensation and disclosure issue and related Zurich Settlement agreement.

Trusted Choice Ad Campaign Launches

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 5, 2006-Trusted Choice television advertising returns next week when ads touting the benefits of using the more than 6,600 participating agencies hit the nation's airwaves.

Big "I" Opposes Federal Charter Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 28, 2006 -- The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') opposes H.R. 6225, introduced today by Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Big 'I' opposes legislation such as H.R. 6225 and S. 2509, introduced earlier this year in the Senate, which would create an optional federal charter (OFC).

Big "I" Supports Senate Introduction of Intangible Assets Tax Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 28, 2006 -- The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') supports a bill introduced today in the Senate that would allow purchasers of eligible small businesses to write off as much as $5 million of acquired intangible assets over the course of a five-year period.

Big "I" Seeks Continued Federal Role In Terrorism Insurance

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 27, 2006 -- A continued federal role is needed to ensure the availability of terrorism risk insurance, and it is essential for the federal government to look ahead now, before backstop legislation expires, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') said today.

Big "I" Praises House for Step Forward on Regulatory Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 27, 2006 -- The House of Representatives took a step forward today in reforming state insurance regulation by passing H.R. 5637, the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2006. The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') supports the bill, sponsored by Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Fla.) and Rep. Dennis Moore (D-Kan.).

Big "I" Files Amicus Brief on Zurich Settlement in Federal Lawsuit

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 25, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big 'I') filed an amicus curiae brief in opposition to part of the proposed class settlement with Zurich in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Evans to Lead Trusted Choice

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 20, 2006-Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') Senior Vice-President Dave Evans is the new executive director of Trusted Choice.

Surplus Lines Bill Is First Step Toward Uniformity

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 19, 2006 - Alex Soto, president of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I'), testified today before a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee that a recently introduced surplus lines bill is a crucial first step in uniformity in producer licensing.

North Carolina Earns Outstanding Young Agents Committee Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 18, 2006-The Young Agents Committee (YAC) of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') presented its most prestigious annual award to the Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina.

Preferred Employers Insurance Company Joins Trusted Choice

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 14, 2006-Preferred Employers Insurance Company, a key California workers' compensation insurer, is the latest company to join the growing Trusted Choice consumer brand movement. Preferred Employers has differentiated itself by providing easy, convenient access to services, providing a stable insurance market for small business owners and working closely with a very select group of professional insurance agents.

Big "I" Testifies Natural Disaster Legislation Needed

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 13, 2006 -- The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') testified today before a subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee on the crucial need for natural disaster legislation.

Florida's Soto Inaugurated as Big "I" President

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 11, 2006-Alex Soto, CPCU, ARM, was inaugurated Saturday as the new president of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I'), with Robert E. Fulwider and C. Brett Nilsson, CIC, assuming the offices of president-elect and vice president, respectively. The new officers were sworn in at the Big 'I' Leadership Conference in New Orleans.

Trusted Choice to Run National TV Ads Monthly

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 6, 2006-Consumers will be seeing more of Trusted Choice when the brand program begins running TV ad flights monthly starting in September.

Continental Western Group Joins Trusted Choice

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 28, 2006-Continental Western Group, a leading property casualty insurer offering highly specialized, tailored commercial products and services that meet the broad needs of business customersthroughout the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, is the newest regional independent agency company to join the fast-growing Trusted Choice consumer brand movement.

Big "I" Partners With Fireman's Fund

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 21, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') is partnering with Fireman's Fund Insurance Company to offer a nationally endorsed program for insurance agents Errors & Omissions (Agents E&O) coverage. This new product adds an additional market to the Big 'I' National Professional Liability Program.

Big "I" Virtual University Adds 50th Expert

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 16, 2006-The Big 'I' Virtual University (VU) has appointed Michael Podoshen, CPCU, ARM, former assistant vice president of personal lines and corporate risk manager for Insurance Services Office, Inc. as its 50th expert. Podoshen brings extensive expertise surrounding insurance service offices, as well as loss control and risk management, to the VU.

Union Standard Insurance Joins Trusted Choice

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 14, 2006-Union Standard Insurance Group, a leading property casualty insurance group offering many highly specialized, tailored commercial products and services that meet the broad needs of business customers throughout Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, has become the latest regional agency system company to join the growing Trusted Choice consumer brand movement.

Big "I" Supports Bill to Establish Disaster Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 27, 2006 -- The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') expresses its strong support for the introduction of a bipartisan natural-disaster commission bill late Wednesday in the House of Representatives.

Big "I" Supports Long Term Solution for Terrorism Insurance

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 25, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') submitted Congressional testimony today in support of a long-term solution for terrorism insurance after the expiration of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act (TRIEA) on Dec. 31, 2007.

Berkley Mid-Atlantic Group Joins Trusted Choice

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 25, 2006-Berkley Mid-Atlantic Group, a leading property casualty insurance group offering many highly specialized, tailored commercial products and services designed to meet the broad needs of business customers in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and the District of Columbia, has become the latest regional independent agency system company to join the growing Trusted Choice consumer brand movement.

Big "I" Teams Up With Habitat For Humanity

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 24, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') has arranged with the New Orleans chapter of Habitat for Humanity to spend a day during the Big 'I' Fall Leadership Conference and board meeting volunteering with the rebuilding work in areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina last year.

Big "I" Advocates Targeted Approach to Regulatory Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 11, 2006 -- The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') testified today before the Senate Banking Committee in support of targeted 'federal tools,' and in opposition to federal regulation, to enhance and reform the existing state-based insurance regulatory system.

W.R. Berkley Corporation Joins Trusted Choice

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 10, 2006-The W.R. Berkley Corporation, one of the nation's premier commercial lines property-casualty insurance companies, based in Greenwich, Conn., has become the newest independent agency system insurance company to join the growing Trusted Choice consumer brand movement. W.R. Berkley Corp.'s participating operating units are: Acadia Insurance Company, Berkley Mid-Atlantic Group, Continental Western Group, Preferred Employers Insurance Company and Union Standard Insurance Group.

Big "I" Hires Koonce As New Federal Lobbyist

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 10, 2006 -- The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') has expanded its Capitol Hill staff by hiring Thomas C. Koonce as its new assistant vice president for federal government affairs, effective July 17.

Trusted Choice Summer Ad Blitz Kicks Off June 19

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 1, 2006-Trusted Choice is launching a major summer advertising campaign that will give participating agencies the perfect opportunity to run local tie-in advertising.

Big "I" Supports House Passage of Agriculture Approps Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2006-The Big 'I' praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the 2007 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which includes an important provision to maintain a viable crop insurance program for family farms. The House signed off on the prohibition of Premium Reduction Plan (PRP) funding in passing the bill, sponsored by Chairman Henry Bonilla (R-Texas), late Tuesday night.

Trusted Choice Reaches 6,000th Agency Milestone

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 22, 2006-Trusted Choice, the consumer marketing brand for independent insurance agencies and brokerage firms, has reached its 2006 goal of 6,000 participating agencies eight months ahead of schedule.

Going Bare: Millions of Renters Lack Insurance Coverage, Survey Shows

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 22, 2006-Almost 25 million U.S. families renting their homes are going bare on insurance coverage, leaving themselves vulnerable to serious property and liability losses. Many renters without coverage own valuable, high-tech equipment and face higher risk related to pets, a new national survey conducted by Trusted Choice finds.

Big "I" Says Legal and Effective Incentive Compensation Still Under Fire

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 15, 2006-Following the recent settlements entered into by two national insurers, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') warns that the attack on a legal and effective compensation system is ongoing.

Big "I" Supports Passage of Tax Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 12, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') praised the House and the Senate for passing a crucial tax-cut bill supported by independent insurance agents and brokers.

General Colin Powell Addresses Big "I" Convention

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 3, 2006-Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) addressed independent agents and brokers from across America and several countries at the general session of the Big 'I' Convention.

Big "I" Young Agents' President's Panel Discusses Future of Independent Agency System

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 2, 2006-Several prominent insurance industry leaders discussed current industry trends, the state and future of the industry as well as effects from last year's hurricane season at the Big 'I' Convention.

CEO Panel Discusses Top Industry Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 2, 2006-Federal and state legislative and regulatory issues, market trends, technology initiatives and the state of the industry post-Katrina took center stage at a high-powered CEO panel held at the closing general session of the Big 'I' National Legislative Conference & Convention.

Big "I" Honors Hofmann, West Virginia Agents

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') has honored a leading a longtime agent leader and one of its state associations for their legislative accomplishments in 2005.

Big "I" Honors Kingston as Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') has presented the Gerald Solomon-Legislator of the Year Award to U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) for his efforts in Congress on a number of important insurance issues. The award was presented late Wednesday at the Big 'I' National Legislative Conference & Convention.

Wilson Honored with Woodworth Award

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 2006-David F. 'Bud' Wilson today received the most distinguished honor the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') bestows upon an individual when he was presented with the Woodworth Memorial Award today during the Big 'I' National Legislative Conference and Convention. Wilson is CEO of Wilson Insurance Agency in Chula Vista, Calif.

Majority Leader Boehner and Senator Pryor Address Big "I" Legislative Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 2006-House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) addressed almost 2,000 independent insurance agents and brokers at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (the Big 'I') National Legislative Conference this morning.

Rep. Jindal Speaks to Young Agents

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 26, 2006-Congressman Bobby Jindal (R-La.) spoke to young independent agents and brokers from nearly all 50 states, along with the state and national InsurPac leaders, at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (the Big 'I') National Legislative Conference today. Jindal addressed the Young Agent-InsurPac Luncheon.

Iowa's Fulwider Nominated as Big "I" President-Elect; Utah's Nilsson Elected Next Vice President

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 25, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (the Big 'I') National Board has nominated Robert E. Fulwider as the association's president-elect and has elected C. Brett Nilsson, CIC, as the Association's next vice president.

Big "I" Strongly Opposes Optional Federal Regulation Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 5, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') strongly opposes S. 2509, the National Insurance Act of 2006, introduced today by Sen. John Sununu (R-N.H.) and Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.).

Hartford Steam Boiler 33rd Company to Join Trusted Choice Brand Movement

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 4, 2006-The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, a leading specialty insurer and reinsurer based in Hartford, Conn., has become the 33rd agency system company to join the growing Trusted Choice consumer brand movement.

Big "I" Calls For Terrorism Insurance Solution

NEW YORK CITY, March 29, 2006 -- The Big 'I' called today for the creation of an effective, long-term mechanism to manage the unique risk posed by terrorist attacks.

Young Agents President's Panel Named

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 27, 2006-A panel of insurance industry leaders will share their insights with young agent members of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') on critical issues affecting the future of the independent agency system during the Big 'I' National Legislative Conference & Convention.

Independent Agents and Brokers Show Growth in P-C Lines

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 20, 2006-The results of the 2004 market share study by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc. (IIABA), reinforces the consumer and business acceptance of the independent agency and broker distribution model, and emphasizes the very real opportunities for growth that are present for independent agencies and brokers.

Big "I" Commends Congress for Increasing House Borrowing Authority

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 20, 2006 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') applauds Senate approval of legislation which would extend the borrowing authority of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to $20.775 billion. The Big 'I' has advocated actively for the increase, which became necessary after the active 2005 hurricane season.

Majority Leader Boehner to Address Big "I"

WASHINGTON, D.C., Mar. 6, 2006 - House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) will speak to members of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') during its National Legislative Conference and Convention on April 27.

Big "I" Virtual University Adds 98 New Courses

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 28, 2006-The Big 'I' Virtual University is rolling out 98 new courses aimed at helping agents further develop their business and technology skills.

ACT Outlines Agency Preferences For Carrier Electronic Communications

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 27, 2006-ACT's latest report, 'Independent Agency Preferences for Carrier Electronic Communications,' discusses how agents would like to receive electronic communications from their carriers for specific types of notices and transactions, so that agencies can benefit from a consistent communications approach.

House Majority Leader to Speak to Big "I"

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 26, 2007—House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) will speak to members of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (the Big “I”) during its Legislative Conference & Convention in April.

Big "I" Announces All-Star CEO Panel for Convention

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 21, 2006-Five top insurance industry leaders will participate in a CEO panel discussion during the closing general session on Friday, April 28, at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's National Legislative Conference & Convention in Washington, D.C.

Trusted Choice to Kick Off 2006 Advertising

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 3, 2006-The Trusted Choice agency brand program is revving up its nationwide advertising activities for 2006, which kicks off Feb. 8 with a national Internet ad campaign on www.homestore.com and includes the return of the successful Trusted Choice Month promotional campaign in May.

IIABA Calls For Implementation of Real-Time Multiple-Company Rating

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 30, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) is calling for the industry to accelerate current efforts to implement real-time multiple-company rating.

Big "I" Young Agents Committee Will Host Exciting Events in 2006

ALEXANDRIA, Va., January 17, 2006-The Big 'I' National Young Agents Committee (YAC) is hosting many exciting and informative seminars and events at the National Legislative Conference & Convention in April and the new Young Agents Leadership Institute Sept. 8-10.

ACSR Scholarships Available

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10, 2006-The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA), in close cooperation with the National Association of Insurance Women International (NAIW), has established a new scholarship program to further promote and assist insurance agents' and brokers' commitment to excellence.

Big "I" Katrina Relief Fund Tops $400K

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 09, 2006- The Big 'I' Katrina Relief Fund has awarded grants to more than 70 applicants from the Gulf Coast insurance community.

Big "I" Unveils 2006 Legislative Package

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 5, 2006 -- The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (the Big 'I') hopes to follow up on a very successful 2005 by advocating aggressively for a number of legislative reforms, at both the federal and state levels, in 2006.