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.

2006 Young Agents Midwest Conference - Last Chance to Register

For the fourth year, the Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota Associations have joined together to sponsor the 2006 Midwest Conference.  This exciting and educational event, designed for newer insurance professionals and their families will be held June 15-17 at the Kalahari Resort & Conference Center in the Wisconsin Dells. The site is the home of the largest indoor waterpark in the United States.  Don’t miss this opportunity!

Earn up to 11 hours of CE (Illinois License) for attending the following learning sessions:

• E&O Loss Prevention - This program will target the most common mistakes made by agents and service personnel that lead to client lawsuits against the agency.  Legal principles of agent liability, reducing the uncertainty of coverage, client and insurer responsibilities and model procedures to adopt to reduce errors will be examined. This course does not count towards a discount on your E&O.

• How an Insurance Company Works - Richard Keith, President of IMT Insurance Co., promises to keep it light, as he discusses several vital facets of our business. He will explain the major components of insurance company financial statements, what factors influence an A.M. Best Rating, how reinsurance plays a giant role in standard insurance markets and how agencies are selected (or not selected) for appointment by a company. He’ll also show how you can enhance your relationships with underwriters and other company personnel.

• Personal Lines Potpourri - In this session we will look at some wild and wacky claims scenarios in all lines of insurance.  Participants will be quizzed on the occurrence and then the ultimate question “Who/What pays?” will be asked.  A few examples include: Commercial vehicles using in racing contests. Does coverage apply to property damage by police chasing a fugitive? Which policy pays for stolen keys: auto or homeowners? How does completed operations apply to a damaged mirror? Is market value the actual cash value for antiques?

• Unusual Claims and Serious Insurance Games - Familiar Feud! Double Jeopardy! Ph.D. Bowl! Who Wants to be a Zillionaire? $25 Pyramid! In our closing session, Virginia Bates hosts her insurance version of familiar game shows. She cautions that the game is very serious.  “Every time that you answer the phone or reply to a client’s e-mail, you are ‘on the line’,” she observes. In this session, we will take the pressure off…no loss of prospects, no financial loss, no possible E&O claim, no money or relationships on the line; only the chance to take a chance.

Social activities include two fabulous dinner events and a ride on a World War II amphibious Duck.  Kids have their own private party on Friday evening to allow parents to enjoy quality adult time.  Don’t miss this wonderful family getaway!  For more information click here.

Following the success of the past internship programs, PIIAI is again seeking agencies interested in hiring qualified intern candidates from some of the top universities in the state. The summer program offers a pool of young talent available to participating agencies allowing the agencies to mold the future of the industry.  If you chose to hire an intern through this program, your agency will be responsible for compensation and guiding the student through an eight-week program that allows them to experience the independent agency system. Different from previous years the 2006 program will be completely on-line.  Students will have the opportunity to search the list of agencies looking to fill positions and agencies can search the database of students.  If your agency is interested in participating in this program please go to the Internship website at http://www.piiai.org/internship/ and fill out the agency sign-up form.

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, 2006. 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.

Thank you to our Young Agents Sponsors! 
Their financial contributions have enabled PIIAI to offer activities to young agents at substantial cost savings.
AAA Insurance, Allied Insurance, The Andover Cos., Arlington/Roe & Company, Inc., CCMSI, Century-National Ins. Co., Cincinnati Insurance, Constitutional Casualty Co., Consumers Insurance Company, Drive Insurance from Progressive, Erie Insurance Group, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance, General Casualty Co., Grange Insurance Companies, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Co., Hanover Insurance Company, Hastings Mutual Ins. Company, IMT Insurance Company, Insight Insurance, Interstate Risk Placement Inc., MetLife Auto & Home, Pekin Insurance, Rockford Mutual Insurance Company, SECURA, Standard Mutual Insurance Company, United Fire Group, Victoria Insurance Company, W.A. Schickedanz Agency Inc., West Bend Mutual Insurance Co.