Issue #237 - 6..2023

YIP Roundtable on Navigating the Challenges of Insurance

The Young Insurance Professionals (YIPs) will be holding a Navigating the Challenges of Insurance panel discussion at the 8 am Convention Breakfast on Thursday, August 10th at the Glendale Renaissance. While geared towards new/young agents the content will bring value to all attendees with new thoughts and ideas.

Participating Panel Members:

• Steve Brown - Westpac
• Why do I need to fill out these time consuming ACORDs and Supplementals?
• How to get YOUR submissions to the "top of the pile"
• Whitney Hoelzen - Strong Tower Insurance Group/Glendale Insurance
• How and Why she started attending Young Agent events
• How has the IIABAZ and YIP been helpful in your career and in becoming our 2023-2024 President?
• Andrea House - MUSIC (Mesa Underwriters Specialty Ins Company)
• Why is properly insuring to value more important than ever, and what are some of the consequences around undervaluation?
• Let's Talk Wildfire! - Wildfire exposure tools, resources, and what else to consider beyond the "wildfire score"
• Justin West - Selective Insurance
• What's going on in the wide world of claims?
• How to get your insured "moved thru the claims process" more efficiently
• Shannon Austin - Secura
• How do I get an appointment with Secura/Standard Markets in general?
• What does the quoting/binding/servicing process look like and where to go with questions?
• Zach Burton - LeBaron & Carroll LLC
• How and Why he started attending Young Agent events
• How has the IIABAZ and YIP been helpful in his career becoming a 2x Committee Chair and Award Winner

Join in on the conversation. Check out more Convention programs or register for the event.

Arizona State Legislature Still in Longest Running Session

The Legislature did not adjourn for the year after finalizing the budget, which is very unusual. Instead, they took a month break (May 11-June 11) only to break again after a couple of days wrapping up some key bills. Both Chambers are set to return on July 31st.

Previous Sessions have never extended beyond July 1st going back to the 1960s.

When will Session end? It's anyone's guess. Rumors abound. Scuttlebutt has it that they will sine die sometime in August. There are rumblings of not adjourning at all this year. And then there are other rumors that the Legislature would like to be full-time, year-round. Of course, there is no consensus in both parties and even both Chambers.

In the meantime, legislation passed this Session is all in limbo. It can only go into effect 90 days after Session ends, unless otherwise specified in the bill.

Senate confirmation hearings for the Governor's Director Nominees are also on hold, including Director of the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, Barbara Richardson.

ATTENTION-YOU COULD SAVE 10% ON YOUR E&O POLICY

by taking the Loss Control Credit Class with IIABAZ.

Questions on how to start the process?

Connect with Joni Fairbrother at joni@iiabaz.com or Mona Enriquez at mona@iiabaz.com in our E&O Department. 

Big "I" Issues Apology for Rusbuldt Remarks

The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (The Big “I”) would like to sincerely apologize for an unfortunate interview segment that was conducted at the Big “I” Legislative Conference between president & CEO Bob Rusbuldt and Fox News host Jesse Watters in April of 2023. 

CNN reported on the interview on June 28, 2023, and we want to clarify the Big “I” position on what was said.

The Big “I” strives to be a fair, open, and inclusive organization and we do not condone racist, sexist, or homophobic statements or behavior. In response to this incident, we had Mr. Rusbuldt relinquish his operational duties immediately following the Legislative Conference and in advance of his retirement in September. It is disappointing to see Mr. Rusbuldt end his 37-year career at the Big “I” in this way. 

Much more distressing, however, is the hurt and discomfort so many of our members, partners and staff experienced as a result of his remarks. We do not in any way condone or agree with any of Mr. Rusbuldt’s statements, but we must take full responsibility for them.  

We deeply regret that this incident occurred at an event that is intended to celebrate our organization and its membership. We have been working with our DEI team internally and externally since the event on ways to foster a more inclusive and respectful culture and ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

TechCompare Marketing Reimbursement Dollars Available

Do you utilize Levitate, ClientCircle, Thyrv or other email marketing systems? Use your Marketing Reimbursement Program dollars with select TechCompare Vendors. Reimbursements are made at 50% of cost with a maximum reimbursement amount of $1,000 per agency for 2023 expenses. Funds are available to all members – even if your agency has used the program in the past. Funds will replenish for all members in 2024.

Click here if you want $1,000!

IIABAZ Wins 2023 Diamond Excellence in Insurance Education Award

The Diamond award recognizes state associations and staff who have made significant contributions to insurance education for members and the industry. Being a eight-time Diamond recipient, IIABAZ has focused on offering quality CE classes. Courses are offered in-person, through live webinars, and on-demand. Through courses, members also learn about what is going on in the legislature and how it will affect their agency.

Contact Ray Garcia or Hunter Rackham in our Education Department for any questions on our education offerings.

Helpful Links

• Insurance License Search
• Continuing Education Transcript Search
• Insurance License Application
• DIFI Enforcement Actions, Hearings and Reports
• NCCI Arizona WC State Advisory Resource Site

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