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.

 

“The Big ‘I’ is pleased to announce that, in recognition of their outstanding efforts on behalf of the independent agency system to cultivate and inspire the next generation of industry leaders, the Young Agents Council of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents is the 2015 Outstanding Young Agents Committee of the Year,” said David Walker, the 2014-2015 Big “I” chairman and president of Hartland Insurance Agency in Hartland, Michigan.

 

The Young Agents Council of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents has received numerous other awards in previous years. 

 

“The Big ‘I’ Young Agents Committee is proud of the young agents all over country who support and promote the independent agency system and young agent chapters and programs in every state,” says Boyd McGehee, national Young Agents Committee chairman and president of Talladega Insurance in Talladega, Alabama. “The state young agent programs are creating the next generation of insurance leaders. They encourage political involvement, association membership, communications, community service, education and industry perpetuation through InVEST. Young agents are not just the future, we are the future.”

 

Seven other national awards of excellence recognizing the leadership of Young Agents committees in state associations were presented. 

 

Outstanding Membership Development Award: The Young Agents Council of the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents for excellent achievement in recruiting and maintaining young agent participation in association activities.

Outstanding State Committee Project: The Young Agents Committee of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents for outstanding achievement in a state committee project that benefits the community, the insurance industry and/or the independent agency system. 

 

Outstanding Communications Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia for achievement in establishing and maintaining an excellent communication vehicle for the young agents in their state.

 

Outstanding Young Agents Meeting Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana for excellence in providing and promoting an annual Young Agents meeting.

 

Outstanding Political Involvement Award: The Young Agents Council of the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents for outstanding achievement in promoting young agent participation in the legislative process.

 

Outstanding Break Through Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin for outstanding efforts of a committee that has not submitted for a young agents award in the last three years.

 

Outstanding InVEST Supporter Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin for outstanding achievement in promoting young agent involvement InVEST.

 

Walker presented the awards at the 2015 Big “I” Young Agents Leadership Institute in New Orleans. Attendees of the conference participate in top-not leadership, technology and sales seminars. They were also able to network with peers, Big “I” leaders and company representatives to develop valuable professional and personal contacts. 

“Young agents are our future leaders and the lifeline of the independent agency system,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “We are proud of our young agent committees all over the country and excited to have them moving up the ranks. Their hard work, dedication and creative projects help cultivate future industry and association leaders.”