Media | 2015 Press Releases

Big “I” Honors the Legacy of Rep. Mike Oxley

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 2, 2016—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) mourns the passing of longtime friend and Congressman Mike Oxley (R-Ohio).

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Big I Advantage® Names Jim Hanley Director of Agency Professional Liability Risk Management

Alexandria, Virginia, Dec. 28, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Big “I” Professional Liability Program has named James Hanley, RPLU, the new director of agency professional liability risk management. Hanley will lead the risk management program for the Big “I” and Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Professional Liability Insurance Program.

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House Passes Omnibus Bill with Big “I” Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 18, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today praised the U.S. House of Representative for passing legislation that delays the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) 40% excise tax or “Cadillac tax” as part of a larger bill to fund the government. The legislation passed the House by a _-_ vote. The bill delays the “Cadillac tax” for two years and also enacts the “Policyholder Protection Act” which ensures that insurance companies will be able to operate as intended by making the protection of policyholder assets their first priority.

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Senate Passes Omnibus Bill with Big “I” Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 18, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today praised the U.S. Senate for passing legislation that delays the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) 40% excise tax or “Cadillac tax” as part of a larger bill to fund the government. The legislation passed the Senate by a 65-33 vote. The bill delays the “Cadillac tax” for two years and also enacts the “Policyholder Protection Act” which ensures that insurance companies will be able to operate as intended by making the protection of policyholder assets their first priority.

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Big “I” to Host Political Panel Featuring Bob Beckel and Tucker Carlson

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 17, 2015 — Veteran Washington insiders and political commentators Bob Beckel and Tucker Carlson will headline the political panel at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) annual Legislative Conference this spring.

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Protect Yourself Against Holiday/Winter Fires

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Dec. 17, 2015 — The holiday season is brightened with creative decorations using candles and electric lights, and colder weather offers the chance to finally start cozy fires in unused fireplaces. Unfortunately, winter is also a prime time for fire-related injuries, property damage and even deaths. Trusted Choice® agents and spokespeople can help families prepare for fire risks and hazards that may come during the colder months.

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Big “I” Praises House for Protecting Crop Insurance Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 3, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for today’s passage of a five year highway funding bill which includes a provision to restore $3 billion in cuts to the budget baseline of the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP).

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Big “I” Applauds Senate’s Protection of Crop Insurance Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 3, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) applauds the U.S. Senate for today’s passage of a five year highway bill that includes a provision to restore $3 billion in cuts to the budget baseline of the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP).

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Big “I” Applauds House Passage of the “Policyholder Protection Act”

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov 16, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for today’s passage of H.R. 1478, the “Policyholder Protection Act,” by Reps. Bill Posey (R-Florida) and Brad Sherman (D-California). The bill passed by a process called suspension of the rules, which is reserved for noncontroversial legislation. This common-sense legislation reinforces the strong consumer protections contained within the state insurance regulatory system. The “Policyholder Protection Act” has had the Big “I’s” endorsement since it was first introduced last spring.

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Big “I” 2015 Best Practices Study Released

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Nov. 9, 2015 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has released its 2015 Best Practices Study which found modest declines in organic growth but steady profitability across the group of 196 Best Practices Agencies studied.

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Big “I” Applauds Committee Action on the “Policyholder Protection Act”

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov 4, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee for today’s passage of H.R. 1478, the “Policyholder Protection Act,” by Reps. Bill Posey (R-Florida) and Brad Sherman (D-California) in a 57-0 vote. This legislation clarifies that state insurance regulators have the authority to protect the capital of insurance companies that are part of larger financial institutions.

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Have a Happy and Safe Halloween from Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2015 — Halloween is creeping up fast and many consumers may not realize how frightening this scary night could be for their personal safety, their property or their bank accounts. Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents can help families and businesses better prepare for Halloween hazards that may approach in disguise or under the cloak of dark.

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Big “I” Applauds Full House Action on the “Retail Investor Protection Act"

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 27, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for today’s passage of H.R. 1090, the “Retail Investor Protection Act,” by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Missouri). The bill helps ensure that the investment marketplace will continue to be widely available and affordable to all types of investors.

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Big “I” Applauds House Passage of Reconciliation Bill Repealing ACA’s “Cadillac Tax”

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 23, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expressed its support for the U.S. House of Representative’s passage of legislation repealing the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) 40% excise tax or “Cadillac tax.” H.R. 3762, the “Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act,” passed the House by a 240-189 vote. The legislation repeals the “Cadillac tax” in addition to repealing other concerning ACA provisions.

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Big "I" Names Federal Government Affairs Counsel

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 22, 2015 — Jennifer Webb has joined the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Capitol Hill team as federal government affairs counsel.

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Big “I” Opposes Expansion of the Risk Retention Act

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 21, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) opposes the “Nonprofit Property Protection Act” introduced today by Reps. Dennis Ross (R-Florida) and Ed Perlmutter (D-Colorado) that would broadly expand the scope of the Liability Risk Retention Act to allow many Risk Retention Groups (RRGs) to offer all lines of commercial insurance. Currently, federal law only permits RRGs to offer commercial liability coverage.

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InVEST Program Announces Teacher of the Year

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 19, 2015 – Denise Tucker, who teaches at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Texas, is the 2015 InVEST Teacher of the Year Award. The program is a key driver to attract new talent to the insurance industry.

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Big “I” Diversity Task Force Receives ERG & Council Honors Award™

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 16, 2015—The Big “I” Diversity Task Force has received a 2015 TOP 25 ERG & Diversity Council Honors Award –the only annual national award that recognizes, honors and celebrates the outstanding contributions and achievements of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and Diversity Council groups.

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Michigan Agent is IIABA Young Agent of the Year

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 15, 2015 —The National Young Agents Committee (YAC) of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) presented the Outstanding Young Agent of the Year award to Lisa Lemanski of the Young Agents Council of the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA). Lemanski is an independent insurance agent and office manager of Meiers Lombardini Lemanski Insurance, an East Lansing-based independent insurance agency that offers personal, business and life insurance products.

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Kansas Agent Elected to National IIABA Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 14, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) installed Bob Fee, AAI, CPCU, of Hutchinson, Kansas, as the newest members of the association’s executive committee at the recent Big “I” Leadership Conference in New Orleans.

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Connecticut Agent Rises on National Association Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 13, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) installed Spencer M. Houldin of Roxbury, Connecticut, as the association’s chairman-elect at the recent Fall Leadership Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Oklahoma Agent Rises on National Big “I” Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 8, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) installed Vaughn Graham, CPCU, CIC, AFSB, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the association’s vice chairman at the recent Big “I” Leadership Conference in New Orleans.

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Oklahoma Agent Selected for National InVEST Board

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom-to-career education program, is pleased to announce that Ryan N. Teubner, CIC, has been appointed to its national board. Tuebner is an independent insurance agent at Rich & Cartmill Insurance and Bonds headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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Louisiana Agent to Lead National Association

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 6, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has installed Randy Lanoix of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, as the association’s chairman at the recent Big “I” Leadership Conference in New Orleans.

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Chicago Area Agent Presented with Dach Award

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 5, 2015 – The InVEST program awarded Michael-Charles “Mike” Hilson, vice president of G.B.G, Inc., a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agency in South Holland, Illinois, with the Dach Award which honors an insurance industry volunteer who has made tremendous contributions in fostering the growth and development of InVEST. The InVEST program is a key driver to attract new talent to the insurance industry.

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Big “I” Installs New Leadership Team

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 3, 2015 — Randy Lanoix was installed today as the new chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”), with Spencer Houldin as chairman-elect, Vaughn Graham as vice chairman and Bob Fee as an at-large executive committee member. The new officers begin their terms at the conclusion of the board meeting held in conjunction with the Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference this weekend in New Orleans.

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Media Advisory: Big “I” to Hold Leadership Conference in New Orleans

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 2, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) will hold the following events Oct. 3, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana, as part of the association’s annual Leadership Conference.

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Florida Earns Outstanding Big “I” Young Agents Committee Award

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 2, 2015 —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 today to the Young Agents Council of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents during the annual Fall Leadership Conference in New Orleans.

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Big “I” Issues 2015 Excellence in Insurance Education Awards

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 1, 2015—Big “I” independent insurance agent associations in 22 states were recently recognized by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) with Excellence in Insurance Education (EIE) Awards at the association’s Education Convocation in New Orleans.

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Big “I” Applauds Senate Passage of Small Group Health Insurance Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 1, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expressed its gratitude for the U.S. Senate’s passage of H.R. 1624, the “Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act.”

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Big “I” to Hold Leadership Conference in New Orleans

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 1, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) will hold the following events Oct. 2-3, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana, as part of the association’s annual Leadership Conference.

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Big “I” Applauds Committee Action on Retail Investor Protection Act

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 30, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) applauds the U.S. House Financial Services Committee for today’s action on H.R. 1090, the “Retail Investor Protection Act,” by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Missouri). The committee considered H.R. 1090 and reported the bill for consideration by the full House.

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Nashua Agent Joins InVEST Board

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 30, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom-to-career education program, is pleased to announce that Bryan Bernier has been appointed to its national board. Bernier is senior account executive at Eaton & Berube Insurance Agency, Inc. in Nashua, New Hampshire.

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IIABA to Host Dr. Paul Viollis Keynote Address and Discussion on Cybercrime

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 29, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) will host a keynote address by cybersecurity expert Dr. Paul Viollis on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. CDT in New Orleans, as part of the association’s annual Leadership Conference.

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InVEST Introduces New Chair

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 29, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom-to-career education program, is pleased to announce that Cynthia Hower, CIC, has been appointed as chair of its national board. Hower is president of Kellerman Insurance, Inc., a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agency in Holton, Kansas.

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Statement by IIABA President & CEO Bob Rusbuldt on Speaker John Boehner

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 28, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today released the following statement by Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I” president and CEO, regarding the retirement announcement by Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner (R-Ohio).

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Big “I” Applauds House Passage of Small Group Health Insurance Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 28, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expressed its gratitude for the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of H.R. 1624, the “Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act.”

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Big “I” Applauds Senate Introduction of Legislation to Repeal ACA’s Excise Tax

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 17, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expressed its support for Senate legislation which would repeal the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) 40% excise tax or “Cadillac tax.” Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nevada) and Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico) are the legislation’s lead sponsors.

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Risk Innovations Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 16, 2015 – Risk Innovations is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. Risk Innovations, headquartered in Atlanta, has joined 69 other leading insurance companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

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Trusted Choice® Social Media Campaign Raises $150,000 for Make-A-Wish®

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 2, 2015 – Trusted Choice®, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers, exceeded its goal of 15,000 Facebook “shares” during the month of August in its fifth annual social media campaign to raise money for Make-A-Wish®.

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ACT Creates Resources to Help Agent Community Combat Data Breaches and Cyberattacks

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 27, 2015 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT) has released a series of resources to help independent agents protect their agencies from cyber threats, prepare in the event of a disaster and understand risks.

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23 Orlando Area College and High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 21, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to the following 23 Orlando area college and high school students pursuing insurance-related degrees. The scholarship winners are from William R. Boone High School in Orlando, Lake Brantley High School in Longwood, Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando and the University of Central Florida.

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Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 21, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to the following nine students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

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Dryden High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 21, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to the following four students from Dryden High School in Dryden, New York.

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Van Wert High School Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 20, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $1000 scholarship to Bryan Mills from Van Wert High School in Van Wert, Ohio.

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Deep Run High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 20, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to the following three students from Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, Virginia.

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Roosevelt Senior High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 20, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded $500 scholarships to Monique Lucas and Stacey Porter from Roosevelt Senior High School in Washington, D.C.

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Lake Region Vocational Center Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 19, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Isaac Pierce from Lake Region Vocational Center in Naples, Maine.

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Charlotte High School Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 19, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Loren R. Smalley from Charlotte High School in Charlotte, Michigan.

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Pinkerton Academy Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 19, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Jeffrey Graham from Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire.

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Big “I” Diversity Task Force Receives ERG & Council Honors Award™

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 18, 2015—The Big “I” Diversity Task Force is a recipient of a 2015 TOP 25 ERG & Diversity Council Honors Award –the only annual national award that recognizes, honors and celebrates the outstanding contributions and achievements of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and Diversity Council groups.

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Heritage Insurance Company Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 17, 2015 – Heritage Insurance Company is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers.

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Citrix Joins Agents Council for Technology

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 10, 2015—Citrix is the newest company partner of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT).

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Nebraska and Kansas Teen Golfers Win 47th Annual Trusted Choice® Big "I" National Championship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 7, 2015 – Haley Thiele of Wahoo, Nebraska, and Wells Padgett of Wichita, Kansas, won the girls and boys divisions, respectively, at the 47th annual Trusted Choice® Big 'I' National Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas.

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

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 3, 2015–Trusted Choice®, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers, is proud to announce its fifth annual summer social media campaign to raise money for Make-A-Wish®. During the month of August, Trusted Choice® will donate $10 to the wish granting organization for “shares” from the Trusted Choice® Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TrustedChoice).

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Gaithersburg High School Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 3, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Angela Rivera Chavez from Gaithersburg High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

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Joseph P Keefe Technical High School Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 3, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Johnluke Nassar from Joseph P Keefe Technical High School in Framingham, Massachusetts.

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Big “I” Joins “Alliance to Fight the 40”

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 28, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) joined with a diverse group of public and private sector employers, unions, and other health insurance stakeholders to announce the launch of “The Alliance to Fight the 40: Stop the 40% Tax on Health Benefits” (“Fight the 40”). The Alliance is dedicated to repealing the 40% tax on employee health benefits (the so-called “Cadillac tax”) imposed by the Affordable Care Act to ensure that employer-sponsored health coverage remains a meaningful and affordable option for working Americans.

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Zachary High School Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 23, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Victor Lee from Zachary High School in Zachary, Louisiana.

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BEST Academy High School Students Receive InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 15, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarships to QuinDarrius Culbreth and Cortez James from BEST Academy High School in Atlanta.

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Connecticut Students Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 13, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to the following four Connecticut students.

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Cabot High School Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 9, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Grant Tarvin from Cabot High School in Cabot, Arkansas.

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Grossmont Community College Student Receives InVEST Scholarship

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 9, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Nellie Parks from Grossmont Community College in El Cajon, California.

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InVEST Awards 88 Academic Student Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 2, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded $77,000 in scholarships to 88 students pursuing insurance-related degrees. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry.

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People’s Trust Insurance Company Joins Trusted Choice®

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 1, 2015 – People’s Trust Insurance Company is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. People’s Trust Insurance Company, headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, has joined 68 other leading insurance companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.

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Big “I” Comments on Supreme Court Ruling on Disparate Impact Claims Under the Fair Housing Act

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 26, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today released the following statement by Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external and government affairs:

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Big “I” Applauds Introduction of Flood Insurance Bill in Senate and House

WASHINGTON, D.C., June. 25, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today applauded Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nevada) and Jon Tester (D-Montana) and Reps. Dennis Ross (R-Florida) and Patrick Murphy (D-Florida) for introducing the “Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act.” This bill is particularly important to the Big “I” because it clarifies that a private flood policy can satisfy the mandatory purchase requirement for flood insurance under the terms of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

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Big “I” Applauds Senate Introduction of MLR Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 24, 2015 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expressed its support for S. 1661, the “Access to Independent Health Insurance Advisors Act,’’ bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sens. Chris Coons (D-Delaware) and Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia). The bill would clarify that agent compensation is not part of the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) formula as enacted in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

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InVEST Launches New Website and Free eBook

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, June 11, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom-to-career education program, is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, www.investprogram.org, and a new interactive eBook. All resources continue to be free.

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Big “I” to Host FREE Webinar on Biggest Homeowners Insurance Change in 40 Years

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, June 10, 2015 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Virtual University (VU) will host a free one-hour webinar titled, “Biggest Homeowners Insurance Change in 40 Years Explained” on Wednesday, July 8 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

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Senate Banking Committee Moves Financial Services Relief Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today praised the U.S. Senate Banking Committee for considering the “Financial Regulatory Improvement Act of 2015” and reporting it to the full Senate. Considered one of the largest financial services overhaul bills since Dodd-Frank, the Big “I” appreciates the inclusion of several important insurance consumer protections in the bill.

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InsureSign Joins Agents Council for Technology

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, May 14, 2015 —InsureSign is the newest company partner of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT).

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House Majority Whip Steve Scalise Discusses Flood, ACA and Taxes at Big “I” Fly In

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 2015—U.S. House of Representatives Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) delivered a keynote address to the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) membership at its annual Legislative Conference.

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Big “I” Issues Agent Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 25, 2015 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) this week bestowed three prestigious agent awards at the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.

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New York’s Dick Poppa Honored with Jeff Yates Award

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 25, 2015 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (IIABA or the Big “I”) has awarded Dick Poppa, CAE, AAI, with the Jeff Yates Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor the association bestows on a non-agent for a lifetime of work in the independent agency system.

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California’s Jim Armitage Honored with Woodworth Memorial Award

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 24, 2015 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (IIABA or the Big “I”) has awarded Jim Armitage with the Woodworth Memorial Award, the highest honor the association bestows on one of its members, during the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.

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Montana Young Agent Receives Maurice Herndon Scholarship

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 23, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America National Young Agents Committee (YAC) welcomes Montana young agent Jeremy Norby, recipient of the 2015 Maurice Herndon Scholarship award, to Washington, D.C. this week for the Big “I” Legislative Conference. Norby is an independent insurance agent at the Seitz Insurance Agency in Sidney, Montana.

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Rep. Kyrsten Sinema Addresses the Big “I” Young Agents & InsurPac Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 23, 2015—Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona) addressed the Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon yesterday during the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.

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Sen. Mike Crapo is Big “I” Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 22, 2015—U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) is the Gerald Solomon-Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Legislator of the Year for 2014.

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Big “I” Presents Young Agent and InsurPac Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 22, 2015 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today presented numerous awards at the Annual Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon. The event was held during the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.

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Trusted Choice® and Big “I” Young Agents Committee to Celebrate Wish Kid

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 21, 2015 –Trusted Choice® and the Big “I” Young Agents Committee will host the official send-off party for Wish Kid Jackie, 16, on Wednesday, April 22 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Rep. Kyrsten Sinema to Address Big “I” Young Agents & InsurPac Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 21, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona) will address the Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon at the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.

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Demographics and Diversity Expert to Address Big “I”

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Paul Taylor will address the association’s Diversity Task Force and leadership at a special event during the annual Legislative Conference on Friday, April 24, at 10:30 a.m. EDT.

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Gov. John Kasich to Address the Big “I”

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 15, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich (R) will address its board of directors on Friday, April 24, 2015.

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Sen. Heidi Heitkamp to Address the Big “I”

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 15, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota) will address the association’s membership on Thursday, April 23, 2015.

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House Majority Whip Steve Scalise to Address Big “I”

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 7, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that U.S. House of Representatives Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) will address the association’s membership on Thursday, April 23, 2015.

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Rep. Patrick Murphy to Address Big “I” Young Agents & InsurPac Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 31, 2015—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Florida) will address the Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon at the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.

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Study Reveals Stability and Growth in P-C Insurance Market

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, March 12, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has released the results of the 2015 Market Share Study (based on 2013 data) which reveal that independent insurance agents and brokers (collectively “IAs”) continue to dominate commercial lines while rivaling direct response writers and captive carriers in personal lines business.

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Drivers, Local Authorities Deal with Tough Winter’s Potholes

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, March 10, 2015 — Poor road conditions have cost consumers and the insurance industry at least $27 billion over a five year period, according to a 2014 survey commissioned by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”). The survey also reveals that from 2009 to 2014 half of car owners experienced damage to their vehicles as a result of potholes. As millions of Americans encounter potholes as the rough winter wraps, Trusted Choice® urges drivers to be cautious now and as repairs continue.

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InVEST Introduces New Agent Board Member

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, March 2, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom-to-career education program, is pleased to announce that David Hale has been appointed to its national board. Hale is president, founder and owner of Hale & Associates, Inc., a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agency in Fairbanks, Alaska.

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TrustedChoice.com Welcomes W. R. Berkley Corporation as Investor

MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 20, 2015) – TrustedChoice.com today announced that W. R. Berkley Corporation has joined the industry initiative as an investor and commercial lines participant.

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Federal Crop Insurance Program in the Bulls Eye Again

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 12, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) is strongly opposed to S. 463, a bill introduced by Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Arizona), and H.R. 892, by Rep. John Duncan (R-Tennessee), which seeks to eliminate premium support for the Harvest Price Option (HPO) an important risk management tool for producers. Both bills were introduced today.

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Big “I” Applauds House Introduction of MLR Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 9, 2015 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expressed its support for bipartisan legislation, the “Access to Professional Health Insurance Advisors Act of 2015,’’ sponsored by Reps. Billy Long (R-Missouri) and Kurt Schrader (D-Oregon). The bill would clarify that agent compensation is not part of the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) formula as enacted in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

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InVEST Introduces New Agent Board Member

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Feb. 4, 2015 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom-to-career education program, is pleased to announce that Cynthia Hower, CIC, has been appointed to its national board. Hower is president of Kellerman Insurance, Inc., a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agency in Holton, Kansas.

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Federal Crop Insurance Program Again Targeted for Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 4, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) is strongly opposed to S. 345, a bill introduced yesterday by Sens. Pat Toomey (R-Pennsylvania) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) which seeks to limit the level of premium subsidy provided by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to agricultural producers. The bill was introduced one day after the release of President Barack Obama’s budget which also called for deep cuts to the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP).

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Top Insurance Industry CEOs to Address Big “I” Members

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Feb. 3, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced the participants s for a top insurance carrier CEO panel discussion that will occur on Friday, April 24, during its annual Legislative Conference.

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Big “I” Political Action Committee Surpasses Historic $1 Million Mark in 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan.15, 2015 — The Big “I” today announced that its political action committee (PAC), InsurPac, raised $1,026,123 during the 2014 calendar year setting a new record for receipts in a calendar year and breaking the annual one million dollar mark for the third time since its inception.

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TRIA & NARAB II Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 12, 2015 — In one of the biggest legislative victories for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) in a decade, a bill extending the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) program and establishing the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers (NARAB II) was today signed into law by President Barack Obama. The Big “I” praised the President for signing H.R. 26, the “Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015,” into law.

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Big “I” Thanks Congress for Passage of TRIA & NARAB II Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 8, 2015 — In one of the biggest legislative victories for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) in a decade, a bill extending the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) program and establishing the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers (NARAB II) has passed both chambers and is expected to be signed into law by the President in the coming days. Today, the Big “I” praised the U.S. Senate for passing H.R. 26, the “Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015,” in the first days of the 114th Congress following yesterday’s House vote on the same bill.

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Big “I” Praises House Passage of Employer Mandate Relief Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 8, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 30, the “Save American Workers Act of 2015,” by Rep. Todd Young (R-Indiana) which would change the definition of a full-time employee (FTE) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to an individual who works 40 hours per week.

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Big “I” Praises House Action on Terrorism Insurance Bill & NARAB II

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 7, 2015 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 26, the “Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015” in the first days of the 114th Congress. The legislation would extend for six years the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) program which expired Dec. 31, 2014 leaving much of the commercial property/casualty market and important segments of the U.S. economy at risk to a terrorist attack. This important legislation also includes the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers (NARAB II) legislation that would establish a permanent NARAB to streamline agent licensing to benefit small businesses and many insurance consumers.

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