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.

Young Agents Sponsor Cardinal Baseball Package - Few Tickets Remaining!

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.

Trusted Choice – Big “I” Junior Golf Classic
The 37th Trusted Choice – Big “I” Junior Golf Classic (formerly known as IIAJC) is being held July 6-7, 2005 at the Lick Creek Golf Course in Pekin. The tournament, sponsored by the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, is the second oldest national junior golfing tournament, ranked only behind the USGA Junior Championship. Local tournaments are being held throughout the state and qualifiers will advance to the State Tournament.

PIIAI is currently seeking young agents to assist with the State Tournament. Volunteers are asked to donate their time to work on either Wednesday, June 6 or Thursday, July 7. We prefer people to volunteer for the day, which is generally from 8AM-3PM, but any amount of time you can donate will be appreciated. Duties may include ball spotting, serving refreshments, transporting players, or assisting with the tournament in general. You will be assigned your responsibilities when you report to the tournament.

Please take advantage of this opportunity to assist with a prestigious junior golf tournament while fulfilling a much needed service to your association. Simply complete the Call for Volunteers Form by June 15.

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

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. For more information, click here.

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.

May 7	Cardinal Baseball Package
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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