September 29, 2017
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Hannah Huston To Receive IIAN's "Spirit of Nebraska" Award
Annual Convention Awards Dinner October In Lincoln October 12   
Hannah Huston of Lincoln has been chosen by IIAN's Executive Committee to receive IIAN's "Spirit of Nebraska" award.  This award is presented periodically to a living individual who has achieved national prominence and made a major contribution to the well-being of the citizens of Nebraska.  Huston is the daughter of IIAN member Jay Huston, CIC, of Grand Island, and is now developing a budding music career after placing third in the final round of NBC's "The Voice" in 2016.  Since then she has been performing live in Nebraska, writing, and recording - and is partnering with "Team Jack" to raise money for pediatric brain cancer.   Prior recipients of the award include Jeff Raikes, Clayton Anderson, Christina Hixson, and Tom Osborne.   
     The award itself is an original bronze sculpture by Nebraska artist Michael Montag, and is scheduled to be presented to Huston at the October 12 awards dinner during IIAN's 110th Annual Convention in Lincoln.  IIAN members can register online for the convention here.  
Do The Carrier Satisfaction Survey - You Could Win Up To $3,000
The Big "I" has partnered with J.D. Power on a research study to better understand agents' experiences and satisfaction with their insurer partners.   All licensed agents in Big "I" member agencies are invited to participate by clicking here.  

Lincoln nextgen chair Brian Bradley kicks off the September 7 lunch and learn.
nextgen - 
IIAN's Young Agents Gather For September Learning & Networking Events
 
More than 40 young agents from Lincoln and mid-Nebraska gathered in September for two learning-networking events.  A September 7 "lunch and learn" at Venue restaurant in Lincoln was chaired by Lincoln nextgen chair Brian Bradley - Cheryl Hansen of the Referral Institute showed agents how to avoid the common mistakes that keep them cold calling, prospecting, and networking with no ROI. 
     And the September 19 event at Awarii dues in Axtell featured a sales workshop by insurance sales pro Ken Smith, networking lunch, and golf in the afternoon.  The event was hosted by
Western and Central Nebraska nextgen chairs Zak Morken, Cody Krull, and Doug Brummels.
 
Interested in getting involved?
Contact Jeremiah Gudding, IIAN Marketing Director - jeremiah.gudding@biginebraska.org.
     
Making The Most Of Your Membership?
Take 3 minutes to watch a fast-paced video by your National association's CEO on valuable Big "I" member services you may not currently be taking advantage of.  
Click above for 3-minute membership benefits video
Click above for 3-minute membership benefits video
 
And Don't Forget The Big "I" Virtual University
The "VU" offers valuable technical resources and learning opportunities for Big "I" members.  Got a question about your agency technology or a coverage conundrum?  Consider turning to VU and its faculty experts.  Learn about VU's "Ask An Expert" Tool, online Library of insurance information, and webinars with this 2-minute online video.
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
"Big Six" Releases Tax Reform Framework - Hearings This Fall
This week, the "Big Six"- which consists of Trump Administration officials and GOP leaders in Congress-released a framework for tax reform.   The document is meant to guide the tax writing committees in the House and the Senate as they begin to hold hearings on tax reform and draft specific legislative proposals.  Charles Symington, IIABA senior VP of government affairs, commented:   "The Big 'I' is encouraged by the release of today's tax reform framework.  The majority of IIABA member businesses file at individual tax rates because they are organized as pass-through entities such as Subchapter S Corporations, Partnerships and Sole Proprietorships. Lowering the tax rate for small businesses is essential to enable our members to grow their businesses and hire more employees.  The Big "I" also believes that as Congress considers tax reform, it must ensure all Americans have the retirement savings tools they need. The Big "I" looks forward to working with the Administration and Congress as they flesh out the details for this much-needed reform of our tax code."    Read more about proposed rate cuts.

Court Strikes Down Overtime Rule-Victory For Big "I" Members
I n a major victory for Big "I" members  and their customers, a summary judgment was granted earlier this month by a U.S. District Court judge to strike down an overreaching Obama Administration regulation on overtime pay.  The Big "I" strongly opposed the rule with the U.S. Department of Labor over the last year, and joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, other business groups, and state governments in lawsuits against the DOL - the only insurance trade association to join this effort.   The Big "I" will continue to work with the DOL and the Trump Administration to pursue appropriate small business regulations.  Click here for more information and what agents need  to do now.
Source:  IA Magazine

Congress Continues To Take Aim At Crop Insurance

Legislation was introduced recently in both chambers of Congress that would reduce the target rate of return for crop insurance companies from the current target of 14.5% to 9.6%.  It's another direct attack on private sector delivery of crop insurance, similar to the proposal for a $3 billion cut that Big "I" members and the crop insurance industry successfully fought back in 2015 - and it's identical to a recommendation made by the  GAO earlier this month.
As Congress debates the Farm Bill, the Big "I" will be a leader in defending this program for farmers across the country.  
Source:  IA Magazine
UPCOMING EVENTS
Network & Have Fun :   Join 58 exhibitors at the trade fair, golf at 5-star Eagle Hills, meet up at Happy Hour in the Haymarket, and enjoy the "Oktoberfest" Taproom  and Awards dinner!

Learn:   Earn up to 19 CEU's  - Falling Through The CGL Cracks -D&O/Fiduciary/EPL/Malpractice/Cbyer, Personal Lines Hot Topics - Ride & Home Sharing + Liability Exposures, Becoming A Risk Manager, E&O Loss Control - Policy Analysis & Sales/Retention   

PLUS!   Sponsored by ne xtgen - IIAN's Young Agents: Creating the agency of the future - managing for increased sales and outstanding customer service, boosting your online marketing, and strategies for marketing and sales success. 
 
Click here for online registration, all the details, and hotel information!

We invite you to join us to raise funds for the new IIAN Talent Network program and the IIAN Foundation's college scholarships for Nebraska students.   Read more . . .
Woodland Hills, located near Eagle, is Nebraska's only 5-star course (Golf Digest). Fun contests and games are planned, along with a great day of golf!    Tournament details
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to our newest Big "I" members!
Elkhorn Valley Ag, LLC
Garron Frank - O'Neill

Krull Agency
Daniel Swartzkopf - Hastings
Wade Insurance
Diane Wade - Weeping Water

Krull Agency
Greg Adams - Kenesaw
IIAN PARTNER OF THE MONTH
Thank You!
Their support enables IIAN to present affordable, high-quality member programs.


Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska
(402) 476-2951
office@biginebraska.org
http://www.iian.org