Welcome to the Young Agent's Advocate, an electronic newsletter published by the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois. If you are a young agent (under the age of 40), we invite you to join our young agents mailing list. Simply send an e-mail to Shannon Churchill that includes your name and agency, and we'll add you to our database.

Last Call for WhirlyBall!   

The PIIAI Young Agents Committee presents an evening of WhirlyBall! WhirlyBall is an exciting combination of basketball, polo and hockey, played with a Jai-Alai type plastic scoop and a plastic whiffle ball the size of a softball. Two teams challenge each other, with each player riding in an electrically powered machine, similar to a bumper car, called a WhirlyBug. The object is to throw the ball into a 15-inch net target on goals situated on both ends of a 4,000 sq. ft. court. It's an easy game to play and is competitive for EVERYONE of all ages and sizes.

The WhirlyBall tournament will be held from 7-10 pm on Friday, March 18 at the WhirlyBall center in Lombard. At only $40 per person/$70 per couple, the package includes dinner, beverages, court time and equipment. Click here for registration materials.

Young Agents Sponsor Cardinal Baseball Package

The Young Agents Committee is again sponsoring a VIP Baseball Package Saturday, May 7th, to watch the St. Louis Cardinals battle the San Diego Padres. Registration is $60 per person (with costs offset by company partners) or $110 per couple. The package includes tickets to the exclusive Diamond Suite; lunch, beverages and snacks throughout the game; social area with personal bartender and closed circuit television; and more. Tickets are limited to 42 people and will be made available to young agents and spouses/guests on a first-come basis. For more information click here.

Looking for Qualified Young Talent for Your Agency?

Following the success of last year’s program, PIIAI is again seeking agencies interested in hiring qualified intern candidates from some of the top universities in the state. The summer intern program offers a pool of young talent available to participating agencies while introducing the students to a career in insurance. If you chose to hire an intern through this program, your agency will be responsible for compensating the intern and guiding the student through an eight-week program that gives the intern a chance to experience the many aspects of the independent agency system. If your agency is interested in participating in this program, contact Shannon Churchill at the PIIAI office, (800) 628-6436, ext. 3004.

Midwest Young Agents Conference Information Coming Soon

The third annual Midwest Young Agents Conference, hosted by Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, will be held June 16-18 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The program is loaded with timely educational sessions, a special insurance company executives panel, family events, and a host of activities for participants of all ages. A brochure containing hotel information, agenda, registration form and other details will be hitting your mailbox in early April.

PIIAI Seeks Young Agent of the Year

Nominations are now being accepted for the PIIAI Young Agent of the Year Award. This annual award recognizes the achievements of young agents in Illinois and will be presented during the PIIAI Annual Convention, September 14-16, 2005, at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, Illinois. For more information, click here.

PIIAI Accepting College Scholarship Applications

The Young Agents Committee, in conjunction with PIIAI, is sponsoring four college sponsorships: G.A. Mavon Memorial Scholarship ($1,000 per semester), Roy & Harriet Robinson Scholarship ($500 per semester), Keith Payne Memorial Scholarship ($500 per semester), and Independent Insurance Agents of Kane County Scholarship ($500 per year). To be eligible, students must be a resident of Illinois (IIAKC recipient must be a resident of Kane County); have junior or senior status in college; be in a business degree program with an interest in insurance; be a full-time student; write a brief essay; and have a letter of recommendation from a PIIAI sponsor (current member in good standing or retired member). This is an excellent program to offer to clients and/or agency personnel with college-bound children. Deadline for submission is July 1, 2005. Click here for more information and to print a copy of the scholarship application.

For more information on upcoming classes, visit the PIIAI Education Center.

March 18	Young Agents WhirlyBall Tournament, Lombard, IL
April 20-22	IIABA Federal Legislative Conference, Washington, DC
June 16-18	Young Agents Midwest Conference, Wisconsin Dells, WI
September 9-11	IIABA Young Agents Leadership Conference, New York, NY
September 14-16	PIIAI Convention, Springfield, IL

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