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.

Wrigley Field Rooftop Event vs

St.Paul Travelers and the PIIAI YAC have joined forces to sponsor the St. Louis Cardinals vs. the Chicago Cubs premier Rooftop Event on Thursday, August 11 th. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 7 th. Watch your e-mail for a copy of the registration form. Due to the limited number of tickets, sales will be made on first paid, first served basis.

2005 IIABA YA Sales & Leadership Conference

The ultimate experience for the next generation of industry leaders, the IIABA Sales & Leadership Conference brings together young agents and brokers from across the country to network with peers and company partners, develop sales and leadership skills, and learn about the latest industry trends and technology. Whether you're new to the industry or already in a leadership role in your agency or association, this event will help all young agents and brokers regardless of experience to create a solid foundation for long-term success.

The IIABA Young Agents Sales & Leadership Conference will be held September 9-11, in New York, NY. When you register for the conference, you are automatically registered for the Big “I” Convention at NO ADDITIONAL COST. You’ll definitely want to plan on staying through Monday, September 12 th for the Big “I” closing general session featuring former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. For more information visit http://na.iiaa.org/Convention/05/home.htm

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.

Last Chance to Register for Midwest Conference

The third annual Midwest Young Agents Conference, hosted by Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, 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. The conference has been approved for 11 hours of Continuing Education Units, with sessions including:

• “Errors & Omissions Loss Control” Bonus Continuing Education Session – Dick Hartzen, Buffalo Grove , IL
• “The Future for Young Insurance Professionals” – Insurance Company Executives Panel
• “Proper Use of Certificates of Insurance” – Chuck Schramm, CPCU, ARM, Rolling Meadows, IL
• “Tapping Into the IIABA Virtual University” – Mike Donahue, Mankato , MN
• “Selling Coverage/Not Price” – Chris Amrhein, AAA, Lorton , VA

If you are planning to attend the event, you should register now! Click here for more information about the conference or contact the PIIAI office at (800) 628-6436 for a brochure.

PIIAI Seeks Young Agent of the Year - Deadline Quickly Approaching!

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.

June 16-18	Young Agents Midwest Conference, Wisconsin Dells, WI
August 11	Wrigley Field Rooftop Event, Chicago, IL
September 9-11	IIABA Young Agents Leadership Conference, New York, NY
September 14-16	PIIAI Convention, Springfield, IL

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