In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Selective/Big “I” Flood partnership, agents writing business with Selective Flood through Big “I” Flood receive a package of dedicated benefits. These enhancements take the Big “I” Flood program with Selective to a whole new level.
Rhode Island Employers can No Longer Discipline Employees for Out-of-Work Recreational Weed Use
Pursuant to the new law legalizing recreational marijuana in Rhode Island, private employers are now prohibited from firing or taking other disciplinary action against an employee for recreational marijuana use outside the workplace. 

Employers still can legally limit discussions of recreational marijuana use in the workplace, prohibit employees from coming to work smelling like recreational marijuana and hold employees to performance and professionalism standards. Employers are not required to inform employees of their right to use recreational marijuana outside the workplace.

Businesses facing an employee discipline issue involving recreational marijuana use are encouraged to contact their employment law counsel prior to taking adverse action.
The Big “I” Professional Liability Risk Management team invites Big “I” members to watch a complimentary new webinar, “Five Minute E&O Fixes: Tips, Tricks and Tiny Tweaks That Help Protect Your Agency.” 

Have you ever attended an E&O Risk Management seminar and thought, “Wow, those are all such great ideas to help me prevent having an E&O claim, but they all seem like it will take a long time to get them done.”

Well, the Big “I” risk management team heard you thinking that and thought, “What can someone do in five minutes or less in their daily work that will have a big impact on E&O prevention?” And now we have some answers.

Watch “Five Minute E&O Fixes: Tips, Tricks and Tiny Tweaks That Help Protect Your Agency” with some risk management wizards who will overview several different things that are easy to do that will help keep you out of E&O harm’s way.

Cheryl Koch, David Donohue, and Brian Butcher are the wizards who will give you some magic that will help you stay away from the E&O evil that besets you daily.
Is your Agency ready for rising interest rates?
In its fight against raging inflation, the Federal Reserve has raised rates twice since March and is expected to raise rates again in mid-June. More importantly, the Fed has set a year-end target for rates that is 2-2.5% higher than where we started in 2022.
IIARI and IMS Connection to IMS 

Independent Market Solutions (IMS) was established in 2007 with the goal of creating greater market access for member agents. In 2019, the Independent Insurance Agents of Rhode Island (IIARI) made the investment to be a part of IMS and, since that time, we have grown market availability in Rhode Island to include quite a few participating carriers. 

The purpose of IMS is to provide member agents access to quality insurance markets and alternatives that may be otherwise unavailable. IMS creates marketplace leverage through its negotiated contracts, which can be particularly helpful for smaller or rural agents. 
 
IIARI's membership allows your agency to sign-up for the program and gain carrier appointments as an IMS sub-producer at no additional cost. Agencies are paid competitive commissions, enjoy 100 percent ownership of expirations, and can participate in earned contingencies. Additionally, several IMS markets feature the opportunity to “graduate” to a direct appointment once certain production goals are met – again, at no additional cost to your agency.   
 
IIARI is a proud owner of IMS, along with other state association colleagues. Learn more about the carriers IMS can help connect you with here. 
Looking for a new designation? Need CE Credits?
Take a look at our full educational calendar for 2022!
July 20 (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Hybrid Class | 6 CE Credits
AUG 29-SEPT 1 (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Hybrid Class
Submit your entries at iiaba.net. The winner will be announced in the fall.
Digital Extras
Download the 2020-2021 BIG I Markets National Product Guide

Big “I” Markets is IIABA’s FREE online market access program. We provide Big “I” members with access to specialty/niche coverages, program business and hard-to-find markets.
Maine Agency Faces Backlash, Loses 3 Carriers After Juneteenth Posting

An independent insurance agency in Millinocket, Maine has lost three of its carrier partners and continues to face backlash on social media and in its community after posting a racially-charged sign on its door on Monday, the Juneteenth holiday.
Want to Compete? Offer Remote Work


It’s no secret that today’s job candidate is looking for a different work-life balance. The pandemic and the subsequent onset of the Great Resignation has pushed employees to re-evaluate everything.




Thanks to our Diamond sponsor -
The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company.
Do you have some agency news to share? Please send agency news and changes to tdrowne@iiari.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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