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2011 Press Releases

President Signs Extension of National Flood Insurance Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 23, 2011 — The Big “I” commended President Barack Obama for signing H.R. 2055, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act,” (known as the mini-bus) which extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until May 31, 2012, into law.

National Flood Insurance Program Set for Extension

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 16, 2011 — The Big “I” today commended the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 2055, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act,” (known as the mini-bus) which extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until May 31, 2012.

Big “I” Commends House Committee Action on the “Insurance Data Protection Act”

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 8, 2011 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today commended the U.S. House of Representatives’ Financial Services Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing, and Community Opportunity for their support of the “Insurance Data Protection Act of 2011.”

What if Your Holiday Gifts are Stolen?

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 7, 2011 - Turn the news on during the holiday season and unfortunately and inevitably, you’ll see stories of how a “Grinch” stole someone’s gifts from a car or from under a Christmas tree.

Big “I” Applauds Senate Passage of Flood Extension

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 7, 2011 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today praised the U.S. Senate for their passage of an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The legislation keeps the NFIP running through May 31, 2012.

SFM Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 6, 2011 – SFM–The Work Comp Experts is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. SFM, headquartered in Bloomington, Minn., has joined 65 other leading insurance companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

Big “I” Responds to Administration’s MLR Decision

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 2, 2011 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcement of the Obama administration’s final rule on Medical Loss Ratios (MLRs). The recommendations by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) were not accepted.

Big “I” Praises NAIC Resolution On Medical Loss Ratios

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 22, 2011 – The Big “I” today expressed support for a National Association of Insurance Commissioners resolution asking Congress and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to take action to provide relief for agents and brokers from the medical loss ratios as enacted under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

InVEST Introduces New Board Member

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 21, 2011 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, recently appointed James Bradner to its national board. Bradner is president of select business and personal lines of Towne Insurance Agency, LLC, in Virginia Beach, Va.

InVEST Introduces New Board Member

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 8, 2011 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, recently appointed Lynn W. Mathis, CPCU, to its national board. Mathis is president and chief operating officer of Williams, Turner & Mathis, Inc. in Atlanta, Ga.

Big “I” Comments on Delaware and Pennsylvania Association Membership Announcements

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 1, 2011 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) was informed today by the Insurance Agents & Brokers of Pennsylvania (IA&B of PA) and the Delaware Association of Insurance Agents & Brokers (DAIAB) that they would have just one national association effective Jan. 1, 2012. The Big 'I' released a statement from IIABA Chairman Mike Donohoe.

InVEST Introduces New Board Member

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 26, 2011 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, recently appointed Kelley L. Erstine to its national board. Erstine is CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC).

UPC Insurance Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 25, 2011 – United Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPC) is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. UPC, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla. has joined 63 other leading insurance companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

Have a Safe Halloween from Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 17, 2011 — Halloween is just around the corner and many consumers may not realize how scary this eerie night might really be for their personal safety, their property…or their wallets. Trusted Choice® independent agents can help families better prepare for Halloween hazards that may come in disguise or under the cloak of dark.

Franklin Mutual Insurance Company Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 14, 2011 – The Franklin Mutual Insurance Company (FMI) is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. FMI, headquartered in Branchville, N.J., has joined 62 other leading insurance companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

Big “I” Study Suggests Industry May Be On Road to Recovery

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 13, 2011 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) announced today the release of its 2011 Best Practices Study which found that organic growth improved, albeit modestly, and profitability held constant across most of the study’s six revenue groups.

Oklahoma Agent Rises on National Big “I” Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 12, 2011 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has announced that Robert “Bobby” Bramlett was installed as chairman-elect of the IIABA’s executive committee at the association’s 2011 Fall Leadership Conference in Minneapolis, Minn.

InVEST and NAAIA Announce Collaboration

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 10, 2011 – The National African-American Insurance Association (NAAIA) recently announced a collaboration effort with InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program.

Big "I" Applauds House Passage of Continuing Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 4, 2011 -- The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for their passage of the FY 2012 Continuing Resolution (CR). This action will keep the National Flood Insurance Program running until Nov. 18.

Big “I” Issues 2011 Excellence in Insurance Education Awards

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 30, 2011 — Big “I” independent insurance agent associations in 18 were recognized by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) with Excellence in Insurance Education (EIE) Awards at the recent education convocation in Minneapolis, Minn.

Connecticut Agent Joins National Big “I” Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 29, 2011 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has announced that Spencer M. Houldin of Roxbury, Conn. was installed as the newest member of IIABA’s executive committee at the association’s 2011 Fall Leadership Conference in Minneapolis, Minn.

New Hampshire Agent Rises on National Association Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 28, 2011 — Thomas J. Minkler, CIC, was installed as vice chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) at the association’s recent Leadership Conference in Minneapolis, Minn.

Michigan Earns Outstanding Big "I" Young Agents Committee Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26, 2011 — The National Young Agents Committee (YAC) of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) presented its most prestigious annual award to the Young Agents Council of the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents.

Minnesota Agent to Lead National Association

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Sept. 21, 2011 — Michael “Mike” R. Donohoe of Mankato, Minn. was installed as the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) chairman at the conclusion of the Big “I” Leadership Conference Sept. 13-17 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Big "I" Presents Company Partners Best Practices Awards

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 20, 2011 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') presented insurance carriers America First Insurance Company, Central Insurance Companies and Travelers with the prestigious Best Practices Award of Excellence at the recent education convocation in Minneapolis, Minn.

Big "I" Installs New Leadership Team

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Sept. 16, 2011 — Michael Donohoe has been inaugurated as the new chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I'), with Bobby Bramlett as chairman elect, Tom Minkler as vice chairman and Spencer Houldin as the new executive committee member.

InVEST Introduces New Board Member

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 15, 2011 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, recently appointed Nancy Langton to its national board. Langton is a founding partner of New Level Partners LLC, in Princeton, N.J.

Big "I" Applauds Senate Committee Passage of Flood Insurance Reform Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 8, 2011 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I) today praised the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking and Urban Affairs for their work on the 'Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act'.

San Diego County Executive and Educator Awarded InVEST Program Teacher of the Year

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 18, 2011 – The InVEST program awarded Bob Captain, an insurance executive with Barney & Barney LLC in San Diego and Grossmont College faculty member, with the InVEST Teacher of the Year Award.

Trusted Choice® Uses Facebook to Raise $171,590 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8, 2011 – Trusted Choice®, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers recently wrapped up a special social media campaign to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

Mississippi and North Carolina Teen Golfers Win 43nd Annual Trusted Choice® Big "I" National Championship

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8, 2011 - Trusted Choice® announced that Ally McDonald of Fulton, Miss. and J.T. Poston of Hickory, N.C., won the girls and boys divisions, respectively, at the recent 43nd Annual Trusted Choice® Big 'I' National Championship in Madison, Miss.

Forrester Research Vice President/Principal Analyst to Address Big "I" Special Joint Event

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 4, 2011 — The Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT), Education Convocation and Young Agents Committee will host a presentation by James L. McQuivey, Ph.D., Forrester Research vice president and principal analyst, titled 'Welcome to the Era of Experience: How You’ll Have to Adapt to a Hybrid Digital/Personal Customer Relationship.'

Big “I” Testifies Before Congress at Insurance Oversight Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 28, 2011 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) along with the Council of Independent Agents & Brokers (CIAB) jointly testified today on the need for agent licensing reform and the progress of the insurance reforms enacted in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank).

Young Agents to Host Carrier Presidents’ Panel

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 27, 2011 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America National Young Agents Committee (YAC) today announced the insurance carrier presidents' panel that will take place as part of the Big 'I' Fall Leadership Conference in Minneapolis, Minn.

Travelers Sales Executive Presented with Dach Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 25, 2011 – The InVEST program awarded John Gist, Travelers of Florida sales executive, with the Dach Award which honors an insurance industry volunteer who has made tremendous contributions in fostering the growth and development of InVEST.

Trusted Choice® Raises Money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® with Social Media Campaign

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 22, 2011 – Trusted Choice®, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers, has launched a special social media campaign to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

American Modern Insurance Group Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19, 2011 – American Modern Insurance Group is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. American Modern, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, has joined 61 other leading insurance companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

ACT to Host Free Webinar: "Facebook for Insurance Professionals"

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 18, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's Agents Council for Technology (ACT) will host a free one hour webinar titled 'Facebook for Insurance Professionals' on Aug. 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

Big "I" Applauds House Passage of Flood Insurance Reform Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 12, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 1309, the 'Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2011.'

InVEST Awards 54 Academic Student Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 20, 2011 - InVEST, the insurance industry's premier classroom to career education program, has awarded $47,000 in scholarships to 54 students pursuing insurance-related degrees.

Columbia Lloyds Insurance Company Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 9, 2011 – Columbia Lloyds Insurance Company (CLIC) is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers.

Big "I" Markets and Travel Insured Intl. Form New Partnership

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7, 2011 - The Independent Agents & Brokers of America Big 'I' Markets has formed a new partnership with Travel Insured International & the leading independently-owned travel insurer, to provide members with two of the travel insurance industry's leading comprehensive travel insurance plans.

Hurricane Season Opens June 1st

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 25, 2011 - As the United States experiences and recovers from tumultuous weather, with parts of the South and Midwest reeling from the destruction of fierce recent tornados and flooding, forecasters predict shifting weather patterns and many named storms as hurricane season officially begins next week on June 1.

InVEST Introduces New Board Member

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 19, 2011- InVEST, the insurance industry's premier classroom to career education program, recently appointed John O’Leary, The Hanover assistant vice president of talent acquisition, to its national board.

Big "I" Applauds House Committee Passage of Flood Insurance Reform Bill

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today issued the following statement lauding passage of H.R. 1309, the “Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2011,” in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services.

Big "I" Praises ‘YAC Gives Back’ Fundraiser as a Success

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 28, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') Young Agents Committee (YAC) sponsored a successful casino night fundraiser titled 'YAC Gives Back: A Benefit for InVEST Scholarships' in conjunction with the Big 'I' Legislative Conference & Convention and the annual InVEST Silent and Live auction.

ACT to Host Free Webinar- "LinkedIn for Insurance Professionals"

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 26, 2011 - The Independent Agents & Brokers of America's Agents Council for Technology (ACT) will host a free one hour webinar titled 'LinkedIn for Insurance Professionals' on May 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

In Wake of Tragic Events in Japan, the Big "I" Encourages Donations to Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 21, 2011 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') stands ready to help meet disaster assistance needs through the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund and recently made a contribution to the relief efforts in Japan after the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Trusted Choice® Presents Dan Fulwider Award for Community Involvement to Maryland Agency

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 20, 2011 – Trusted Choice® has awarded the annual Dan Fulwider Award for Community Involvement to Kenny and Denise Abrams of the Abrams Insurance Agency in Baltimore.

Top Insurance CEOs Discuss the Economy & Industry Challenges with the Big “I” Membership

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 19, 2011 - The economy was top of mind during Friday's CEO panel at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (IIABA the Big 'I') Legislative Conference & Convention.

1099 Repeal Bill Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 15, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') praised President Barack Obama for signing H.R. 4, the 'Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011' into law.

Hofmann Honored with Woodworth Memorial Award

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 15, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (the Big 'I') yesterday awarded Bill Hofmann with the Woodworth Memorial Award, the highest honor the association bestows on one of its members, at the Big 'I' Legislative Conference & Convention.

Rep. Heath Shuler Addresses Big"I" Young Agents & InsurPac Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 15, 2011 — Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) addressed the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Annual Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon at the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention this week.

Rep. Neugebauer is Big "I" Legislator of the Year

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 14, 2011 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') recognized Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) as the Gerald Solomon-IIABA Legislator of the Year for 2010.

Big “I” Issues Agent Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 14, 2011 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) yesterday bestowed three prestigious awards at the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention.

NeighborWorks America Diversity Expert to Address Big "I"

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 14, 2011 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today announced that Todd Pittman, NeighborWorks America director corporate partnership development, will address the Diversity Luncheon held during the association’s Legislative Conference & Convention on Friday, April 15, at 11:45 a.m.

Speaker of the House John Boehner & Sen. Mary Landrieu Address the Big "I"

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 14, 2011 - Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), today addressed the membership of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of American (IIABA or the Big 'I').

Big “I” to Host Diversity Forum

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 8, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Dr. Elizabeth Holmes, Roosevelt Thomas Consulting SVP & chief learning officer, will deliver the keynote address at the annual Legislative Conference & Convention Diversity Forum.

Senate Sends 1099 Repeal Bill to President’s Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 5, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today praised the U.S. Senate for passing H.R. 4, the 'Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011.'

Big “I” to Host Free Webinar titled "Not Your Grandfather’s Diversity"

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 31, 2011 — The Independent Agents & Brokers of America will host a free one hour webinar titled “Not Your Grandfather’s Diversity” on March 31, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

Sen. Mary Landrieu to Address the Big "I"

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 23, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today announced that Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), will address the association's membership on Thursday, April 14.

Big "I" Praises House Introduction of MLR Clarification Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 17, 2011 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America today expressed its strong support for bipartisan legislation, the 'Access to Professional Health Insurance Advisors Act of 2011' which would clarify that agent compensation is not part of the Medical Loss Ratios (MLRs) formula as enacted in the health care overhaul law.

Big “I” Praises Reintroduction of NARAB II

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 16, 2011 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expressed its strong support for a bipartisan insurance agent licensing reform bill, H.R. 1112 , titled the 'National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform' (NARAB II).

Top Insurance CEOs to Address Big "I" Legislative Conference & Convention

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 14, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today announced the insurance carrier CEO panelists for its annual Legislative Conference & Convention.

Big "I" Testifies Before Congress on National Flood Insurance Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Insurance and Housing at a hearing titled, 'Legislative Proposals to Reform the National Flood Insurance Program.'

Big "I" Testify Before Congress on National Flood Insurance Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 10, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') will testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Insurance and Housing at a hearing titled, 'Legislative Proposals to Reform the National Flood Insurance Program' on Friday, March 11, 2011.

AmFed Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 9, 2011 - AmFed National Insurance Company is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. AmFed, headquartered in Ridgeland, Miss. has joined 59 other leading insurance companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

Rep. Heath Shuler to Address Big "I" Young Agents and InsurPac Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 8, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') announced that Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) will address the Annual Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon at the Big 'I' Legislative Conference & Convention.

Big "I" Applauds House Passage of Repeal of Burdensome IRS Form 1099 Provision

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 3, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a bill to repeal the burdensome IRS form 1099 provisions that were passed into law as part of last year’s health care reform law.

Big “I” Vice President Receives CPCU Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 1, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) is proud to announce that Bill Wilson, CPCU, ARM, AIM, AAM, Big “I” associate vice president of education & research and Big “I” Virtual University director, is the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) Society's 2010 George M. Gottheimer Memorial Award recipient.

Big "I" Best Practices Study Top Performers Participants Meet to Discuss Industry

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 24, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, recently hosted a Best Practices Symposium event in Palm Springs and recognized the top agencies and supporting companies.

The Big “I” Celebrates ACSR Tribute Day

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 23, 2011 - Today marks the annual ACSR Tribute Day in honor of the graduates of the Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) program, a joint effort of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) and The Institutes.

Big "I" Names New Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 17, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') announced that Jennifer McPhillips has been promoted to Big 'I' senior director of federal government affairs and will serve as one of the association's Democrat lobbyists on the bipartisan Capitol Hill team.

InVEST is Now in More Than 200 Classrooms

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 7, 2011 - InVEST, the insurance industry's premier classroom to career education program, recently hit a huge milestone as it surpassed the 200 mark in the number of high schools and community colleges across the country that have embraced its financial literacy and career training program.

Big "I" Applauds Passage of Amendment to Repeal Burdensome IRS Form 1099 Provision

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 2, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today issued the following statement lauding passage of an amendment in the United States Senate that would repeal a provision in the new health care law that will require all businesses to file a Form 1099 for any business-to-business transaction for goods or services over $600 (cumulative throughout the tax year) starting in 2012.

Speaker of the House John Boehner to Address the Big "I"

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 26, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big 'I') today announced that Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), Speaker of the House of Representatives, will address the association's membership on Thursday, April 14.

Grange Insurance Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 19, 2011 - Grange Insurance is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. Grange, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, has joined 57 other leading insurance companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

Big "I" Praises House Passage of PPACA Repeal Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 19, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 2, which would fully repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Big "I" Sends HHS Comment Letter on Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 6, 2011 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big 'I') today sent formal comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding their recently issued final interim rule on Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). In their comments, the Big 'I' strongly urged HHS to amend the final interim rule to exclude agent commissions from the MLR formula altogether.

ACT to Host Free Webinar on Implementing an Effective Information Security Program in your Agency

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 3, 2010 - The Independent Agents & Brokers of America's Agents Council for Technology (ACT) today announced they will be hosting a free one hour webinar titled 'Implementing an Effective Information Security Program in your Agency' on Jan. 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.