Risky Business | Champions of Change

A global pandemic does not necessarily allow one to “fight the old”. We had to urgently accept a new working environment and then build new workflows to adapt and sustain the business. I am proud to say the team at the IIAW did not stop there. Throughout the last 16 months, I had the privilege of witnessing a group of individuals pull together (often virtually) and push forward on membership benefits that went above and beyond what has ever been offered by a traditional insurance trade association. We started a technology company. We worked tirelessly at the Capitol to responsibly represent agents as we have always promised to do. We expanded our team.

Over the next few months, you will continue to see how our efforts will impact your business. For example, we professionally recorded legal webinars to help agents adapt to regulatory changes (see our Education Calendar online for more information). You will see the launch of the new insurance technology company, Catalyit. The expanded portfolio of Agency Solutions to mitigate E&O exposures and assist with change and growth will continue to grow with your needs. The in-house support for agency questions will broaden and restructure for ease of access. There will be a more streamlined and targeted approach to specific interest areas – you will get the information you need. It’s exciting to be a part of the passion that is the

Shifting our energy on building the new was not always easy, but change never is. What was easy was making the decision to grow our team. One addition to our team is an individual with a passion for insurance and the experience to be a thought-leader and resource for agents. Jeff Thiel loves the industry too much to stay retired for more than 6 months! He is now part of the IIAW and will act as a resource and advisor for our agents and he will continue to build our portfolio of member benefits. Our second addition to the team is passionate about the industry, thanks to growing up in the business. Ian Tisonik has joined the IIAW and he will help to drive the delivery of essential operational and technology resources for independent agents.

I invite you all to meet these new faces, learn about new resources and reconnect with the Association at InsurCon2021 on August 10-11 at the Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center. The old and traditional “Association Membership” is now the new and essential community for independent agents to grow together towards a bright future.

West Bend is pleased to announce Steve Leitch, of Leitch Insurance Agency Inc. in River Falls, Wisconsin, is the recipient of the 2020 W.E. “Mike” Koehler Distinguished Agent Award!

The Distinguished Agent Award was named in honor of Mike Koehler, an independent insurance agent and volunteer who, throughout his life, tirelessly served the industry, independent agents’ associations, and his community of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Steve’s professional excellence and years of service to the industry and his community make him a very worthy recipient of this award.

Steve’s father, Paul Leitch, started Leitch Insurance in 1983. Steve joined the agency in 1987 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Risk Management. He then purchased the agency in 2003. Through organic growth and agency acquisitions in Prescott and Hudson, Wisconsin, Leitch Insurance has more than doubled in volume since 2012.

In addition to leading a successful agency, Steve has devoted countless hours to the industry and community.

As an active member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (IIAW) Steve’s held many roles. He’s currently the state national director, a member of the board of directors, and a member of the agency services committee. Previously, he served as president and a member of numerous other committees.

He’s also served on several agent advisory boards, including West Bend’s.

Steve is an active supporter of the River Falls community, providing his time and expertise to a variety of organizations. He’s been a charter member of the River Hills Rotary Club since 1999. As a member, he’s been active in fundraising efforts and several highway cleanups each year. He currently serves on both the board of directors and the board of trustees for First National Bank of River Falls. He’s also vice chair on the River Falls Area Hospital board of trustees. Additionally, Steve works with the River Falls Economic Development Committee and St. Croix Valley Innovation Center. Previously, he’s served on the board for the River Falls Community Foundation, belonged to the River Falls Police and Fire Commission, and volunteered at Greenwood Elementary School, helping third graders develop a website about local businesses.

Steve has proudly shared his commitment to the industry and community volunteerism with his family. Two of his four sons, Ryan and Brandon, work for Leitch Insurance and have been active in the IIAW Emerging Leaders Committee. Ryan won the IIAW’s Emerging Leader of the Year Award in 2019. Ryan has also served as president of the River Falls Lions Club and the Prescott Kiwanis Club.

“We’ve been doing business with the Leitch Insurance Agency for nearly 40 years,” said Kelly Tighe, West Bend’s senior vice president – Sales. “The Leitch Insurance Agency is an operation built on trust, integrity, and service to their customers. Steve has given back to the industry and to his community in many different ways, modeling what the Mike Koehler award is all about. Steve is the type of agent who makes our industry look good, and we’re proud to have him represent West Bend.”

In recognition of the award, West bend donated $5,000 to the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) in Steve’s name. Congratulations, Steve!

Unlike many other carriers, West Bend believes in the value of long-term relationships. That’s why many of our personal lines underwriters, like Nick, have worked with their agents for so long. Nick puts a high value on West Bend’s continuing education program, in part, because he learns alongside his agents and gets their perspectives. And that makes the relationships that much stronger.