We Have A New President, Annual Award Winners, Spooktacular IIAN Convention In Kearney, More . . .

Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska E-Bulletin

November 9, 2016

ASSOCIATION NEWS

KRAE DUTOIT IS IIAN'S NEW PRESIDENT
New IIAN Officers & Directors Elected At 109th Annual Convention in Kearney

IIAN members elected new officers and directors at the association's annual member meeting on Wednesday, October 26 in Kearney, at the Big "I" Leadership luncheon during IIAN's 109th annual convention. IIAN's new president is Krae E. Dutoit, with Gary Thompson Agency, Grand Island. Also elected were J. Greg Zimmer, Zimmer Insurance Group, Lincoln - Vice President; and Sandra E. Ryks, UNICO Group, LaVista - Secretary-Treasurer. Three IIAN directors were also elected: Todd Anderson - Todd Anderson Insurance, York; Vincent Christensen - Christensen Insurance, St. Paul, and Cole Williams, AIP - Insurance Associates, Norfolk. Read more about them.

Member Engagement Is Presidential Vision for 2017
After taking the oath of office at the convention President's Luncheon on October 27, President Dutoit talked to IIAN members about his goal for the association and members in the coming year - to build on real progress in member participation made over the last 12 months, and continue to increase member engagement with IIAN - whether it's attending educational events and conventions, joining IIAN's new Legislative Advisoroy Council, getting involved with Young Agents activities, or volunteering to serve on a committee or task force.


	Steve Mason proudly displays his third IIAN DistinguishedService Award in 12 years

Annual IIAN Awards Presented October 26

Outgoing IIAN president Mike Jones, CIC presented IIAN's annual agent and company awards at the Big "I" Awards Dinner on October 26 in Kearney.

Member agents honored were: Distinguished Service - Stephen A. Mason; Committee Chairperson of the Year - Rob Schmitt, CIC, Omaha; and Young Agent of the Year - Elliot Bassett, AIP, Omaha.

Member company representatives honored were: Company Representative of the Year - Laura Hays, Liberty Mutual ; and Five Star Company of the Year - Continental Western Group , Amy Argo, Resident Vice President.

Christensen Insurance, St. Paul, was recognized as "Trusted Choice® Agency of the Year", and John Deardorff, along with Elliott Bassett and Lori Ruzicka, all of Omaha, received special citations, for leading two new IIAN initiatives, and President Jones also recognized John Deardorff, IIAN PAC Chairman Vince Christensen, and IIAN Director of Operations Nancy Robeson for being recognized by IIABA with prestigious National awards in 2016, and Bob Hoppe, who was appointed to the National InsurPac Board of Trustees. More about their achievements, and photos.

It Was A "Spooktacular" Event!

109th Annual IIAN Convention Draws 400 To Kearney, October 25-27

Just over 400 IIAN members and company representatives attended IIAN's 109 th annual convention held at the Younes Convention Center in Kearney, October 25-27. "It was great to see so many IIAN members from 'greater Nebraska' at the convention - especially over 110 young agents and 68 first-timers," commented Krae Dutoit of Grand Island, who was elected and installed as IIAN's new president during the convention. "Thanks to Annual Convention committee chairperson Peggy McDonald, CIC and all of our Convention committee members, for putting together such a fun and educational event."

In addition to great networking and learning, everyone had a great time with the Halloween theme!

Read all about it, see who won the costumer contest - plus lots of photos!

Excellence In Education Recognized October 26

16 New CISR Designees Honored

IIAN held its annual CISR Conferment Ceremony on October 26 in Kearney, as part of the association's 109th annual convention. The ceremony recognizes those who have achieved the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) professional designation and/or the CISR Elite professional distinction.

The CISR designation was achieved by 15 insurance professionals who completed the five-course program of study during the past year, and the CISR Elite distinction was bestowed on one individual who completed all nine courses required.

See all of the honorees here.

Mindy Haag, John Deardorff, Peggy McDonald, and Jim Cavanaugh get in the "spirit" in the Big "I" haunted cemetery at the Wine & Beer Tasting on October 26 - featuring local libations from Kinkaider Brewery and Mac's Creek Winery!

COMMUNITY RELATIONS UPDATE

21st Annual Jacupke Memorial Golf Tournaments Raise $14,700
For IIAN Foundation Scholarship & College Programs

This year's Jacupke Memorial Golf Tournament was held in two locations - September 27 at Eagle Hills in Papillion, and October 12 at Awarii Dunes near Axtell. A total of 110 golfers, along with 25 hole sponsors, enjoyed nice fall weather, and raised $14,700 to support the Foundation's scholarships and programs for Nebraska college students. Almost $90,000 in scholarships has been awarded to date! See this year's scholarship winners.

Thanks to Tournament co-chairs Mike Glaser and Tom Greco, along with Foundation fundraising chairman Dave Chastain, as well as tournament sponsor Nebraska Agency Services Corporation, for another successful fundraising event!

IIAN and Trusted Choice Help Raise $60,000 For Make-A-Wish

November 5 Scottsbluff Tailgate Fundraiser Grants Big Wishes

IIAN past president Katie Kochenower and Marketing Director Jeremiah Gudding represented IIAN and Trusted Choice at the Tailgate For Wishes Tailgater on November 5 in Scottsbluff, joining the Scottsbluff community to raise over $60,000 to help grant wishes for kids with life-threatening medical conditions. Two wishes were announced during the event - one young boy will realize his dream of competing on Wheel of Fortune and meeting Vanna White, and one little girl is headed to Hawaii (which she pronounced "Ohio" through most of the evening).

This is the third Make-A-Wish fundraiser IIAN and Trusted Choice has sponsored this year across Nebraska - and we'll be the major sponsor for the Blue Jeans Ball in Omaha on April 8, 2017. IIAN is committed to sponsoring such a great cause, and promoting our Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent brand to community leaders across the state.