Oregon Agent | Q3 2023

Big I Oregon

PO Box 68366 Portland, OR 97268

Phone: 503-274-4000

Fax: 503-274-0062

Toll Free: 866-774-4226

Big I Oregon Staff

Tyra Dressel | Executive Director tyra@bigioregon.com

Christine Muduryan | Member Engagement Director christine@bigioregon.com

Melissa Reed | Director of Agency E&O oregoneoteam@bigioregon.com

Lyra Roberts | Agency E&O Senior Account Executive oregoneoteam@bigioregon.com

April Pitz | RLI Administrator April.Pitz@iiaba.net

Roger Beyer | Big I Oregon Lobbyist roger@rwbeyer.com

Jill Tieu | Bookkeeper jillt@bigioregon.com

CONTENTS

Step right up and secure your spot Under the Big Top for INSURCON2023. Registration for our August 20-22 annual convention is now open!

- PAGES 6-7

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE......................................5

Several Strategies to Adopt to Stay Competitive

THE DIRECTOR’S CORNER...............................6 Register for INSURCON2023 Today

COMMERCIAL LINES...........................................12-13

What is the Businessowners Policy?

NEXTGEN........................................................................16

Thank You for Supporting NextGen’s Drive for Dreams!

PERSONAL LINES...................................................18-19

Vacation Season is Open Season for Burglars

AGENCY OPERATIONS......................................22-23

6 Hiring Trends for 2023

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE........................................26-27

Get Your Legislative Questions Answered at INSURCON2023

E&O.....................................................................................30-31

4 Terms to Avoid When Advertising Your Insurance Agency

SEVERAL STRATEGIES TO ADOPT TO STAY COMPETITIVE

opportunities. Agents must leverage emerging technologies, enhance their digital presence, and redefine their service offerings to align with customer needs.

By: Russ Schweikert Big I Oregon President Ashland Insurance, Inc.

In today’s rapidly evolving insurance landscape, independent insurance agents face the challenge of adapting to dynamic market conditions while providing excellent service to their clients. Being agile has become imperative for success in this industry. This discussion explores the concept of agility and its significance for independent insurance agents in the current market environment. We will delve into key strategies and tools that agents can employ to enhance their agility, enabling them to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate potential disruptions with confidence.

Agility, in the context of independent insurance agents, refers to the ability to swiftly respond to changing market demands, customer expectations, and industry trends. It involves being flexible, adaptable, and innovative in the face of challenges and opportunities. With the insurance landscape experiencing disruptions from technological advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving customer preferences, being agile is crucial for agents to stay competitive.

The current market conditions for independent insurance agents are marked by several influential factors. These include increased digitalization and connectivity, rising customer expectations for personalized experiences, regulatory shifts, and the entry of “insuretech” startups. These conditions necessitate a proactive approach to remain relevant and capture new business

To cultivate agility, independent insurance agents can adopt several strategies. Firstly, embracing technology is paramount. Agents should leverage customer relationship management (CRM) tools, data analytics, and automation to streamline processes, enhance customer interactions, and gain insights for informed decision-making. Secondly, agents must prioritize continuous learning to keep pace with industry developments and acquire new skills. This includes staying updated on regulatory changes, market trends, and emerging risks. Thirdly, networking and collaboration are crucial for building strong relationships with clients, insurers, and industry peers. Partnering with “insuretech” firms and exploring niche markets can provide opportunities for growth. Finally, maintaining a clientcentric approach is vital. By understanding and anticipating customer needs, agents can tailor their services, offer personalized solutions, and build long-term relationships.

Embracing agility as an independent insurance agent brings numerous benefits. By responding swiftly to market shifts, agents can seize emerging opportunities and remain competitive. Agility also enables agents to adapt their business models, diversify their product portfolios, and effectively manage risks. Furthermore, being agile fosters innovation and positions agents as trusted advisors to their clients.

Looking ahead, the future holds both challenges and prospects for independent insurance agents. Technology will continue to transform the industry, with

artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics playing significant roles. Agents must stay at the forefront of these developments and harness them to enhance their agility. Additionally, a focus on customer experience and personalized services will be paramount. By fostering agility and embracing change, independent insurance agents can thrive in the evolving market conditions and continue to deliver value to their clients.

In the face of changing market conditions, being agile is no longer an option but a necessity for independent insurance agents. By leveraging technology, embracing continuous learning, fostering collaborations, and maintaining a client-centric approach, agents can navigate the evolving landscape and achieve sustainable success.

Big I Oregon is our biggest asset! Tyra and her team stand ready to help us understand and utilize the array of benefits available to members of our state and national

associations. Here is a look at some of the products and services that can help us move with agility through the unprecedented market and climate conditions:

• Market Access

• Agency Management Recruitment & Training

• Professional Development

• Perpetuation Planning

Advocacy

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Virtual University

• Research Library

• Ask An Expert

• On-Demand Learning Resources

E&O Coverage

• ACT (Agents Council for Technology)

• Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Trending Tech

• Customer Experience

• Trusted Choice

• Website Analysis

• Custom Marketing Materials

• Marketing Reimbursement

• Social Media Resources

• Trusted Choice logo

By: Tyra Dressel Executive Director of Big I Oregon

REGISTER FOR INSURCON2023

Come one, come all and join us in Sunriver for INSURCON2023, August 20th – 22nd!

This year’s theme, Under the Big Top, is so fitting as we’re all together under the independent insurance agent industry umbrella and boy do we have a show for you! Thank you to everyone who completed our survey following last year’s INSURCON2022. We appreciate the feedback and have taken it all into consideration when planning this year’s convention. One thing that is very clear is that you want to roll the dice again and your wish is our command! Following our cocktail lounge with exhibitors, our final evening will feature a casino followed by Pitchin for PACs, a cornhole tournament, hosted by our NextGen to raise funds for InsurPAC, our national PAC and OIPAC, our state PAC. Last year’s winners Dellas Waldo and his wife Patty Brandt Waldo will be looking for a challenge so be sure and sign up for the tournament and pitch to be this year’s Cornstars while supporting our PACs!

Our Big Top Business Sessions will feature speakers you won’t want to miss:

• Chuck Blondino, Author of new book, The Remarkable Insurance Agency, will teach us how to increase revenue while having fun with clients, community and marketing.

John Costello, National Big I Chairperson, USI Insurance Services will share all the latest and greatest Big I is doing for us.

• Anitra Rivera, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Big I’s Agent Development, Research and Education will help us understand the opportunities to elevate equity, activate diversity, and lead inclusively.

• Frank Somma, will teach us how to Communicate with Charisma, Connect Deeply, Create Trust, and Crush Sales Goals.

• Brian Foote, BELFOR Property Restoration, received rave reviews when he presented ethics for us last year. Great news, he is back again to present an approved three-hour ethics class.

• Karla Martinez, Consumer Liaison & Stephanie Noren, Lead Investigator, both from Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, Department of Consumer & Business Services will be presenting Oregon Insurance RegulationWorking Together to Build a Resilient Oregon, an approved three-hour law class.

• Andrew R. Stolfi, Director, Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), Oregon’s Insurance Commissioner & Roger Beyer, Big I Oregon Lobbyist will speak during our final day’s breakfast session. See Roger’s article for details on their presentation.

Back by popular demand is our Sunday golf tournament on the award-winning Meadows course. For those who don’t want to golf we have a refreshing alternate activity, a margarita “on the rocks” instruction & competition. Monday afternoon, our NextGen group is hosting an engaging and fun custom trivia competition. Gather friends and colleagues, bring your competitive spirit, and your inner fortune teller and join in the fun. INSURCON2023 is the largest industry tradeshow in Oregon featuring exhibitors offering products and services to help you grow your business and the independent agency network. One of the great benefits of being in person, is peer-to-peer networking through educational sessions and social events. With a variety of content, you will walk away with valuable information and tools to implement, no matter your agency size or your position. We can’t wait to see you Under the Big Top!!

Register now at bit.ly/3Chbckf

Sunday ,8/20

12 p.m.: Golf Tournament, Meadows Course

• 1 p.m. Shotgun Start

• Boxed Lunch and Drink Tickets Included

12 p.m.: Alternate ActivityMargarita Making, Tasting & Competition

• Taco & Nacho Bar Included

6 p.m. Opening Night Dinner & Party

Monday , 8/21

Business Sessions

Including:

• Chuck Blondino, Author of new book, The Remarkable Insurance Agency

• John Costello, National Big 'I' Chairperson, USI Insurance Services

• Anitra Rivera, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Big I’s Agent Development, Research and Education will help us understand the opportunities to elevate equity, activate diversity, and lead inclusively

• Frank Somma, Communicate with Charisma, Connect Deeply, Create Trust, Crush Sales Goals

Exhibitor Showcase/Lunch

1:30 p.m.: Trivia Competition - Hosted by NextGen. Everyone is encouraged to register!

, 8/22

7:30 a.m.: Legislative Breakfast featuring Oregon Insurance Commissioner, Andrew Stolfi

Hosted by Big I Oregon Lobbyist, Roger Beyer

CE (Law) - Presented by Stephanie Noren, Lead Investigator & Karla Martinez, Consumer Liaison, Oregon Division of Financial Regulation and Department of Consumer & Business Services

12 p.m.: INSURCON2023 Adjourns

1:30 p.m.: CE (Ethics)Presented by Brian Foote, BELFOR Property Restoration

Exhibitor Showcase/Cocktails

All registrants will also receive 6 CE credit vouchers for ABEN (a $168 value) for use at their convenience. ABEN is a collection of Big 'I' affiliated state associations that formed the Agents & Brokers Education Network (ABEN) to offer professional insurance training using live webcast technology. bit.ly/3Chbckf

Dinner, Casino Night After-Party & Cornhole Tournament, Pitching for PACS - Hosted by NextGen. Everyone is encouraged to register!

AGENCY NEED A TUNE-UP?

WE CAN HELP.

You’ve built your business on independence. But when it’s time to fine-tune agency operations, call on the Big “I” Best Practices experts. We analyze the nation’s leading agencies to provide an in-depth look under the hood and create resources to help all independent agencies move ahead. Advance your agency to the next level.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO MOVE FORWARD, THE BIG “I” HAS YOUR BACK

independentagent.com/bestpractices

nice makes you smile.

At Western National Insurance, nice is what’s guided us for over 100 years. And we’re just getting started.

Western National Insurance. The power of nice.

WHAT IS THE BUSINESSOWNERS POLICY?

By: Nancy Germond

The businessowners policy (BOP) is one of the most widely used commercial insurance policies on the market today. Its versatility and its broad coverage offerings can make it a great solution for many smallto-midsize business owners. The BOP combines a variety of needed coverages in one policy, making risk management and managing renewals much easier for small business owners.

What Coverage Does the Typical BOP Policy Provide?

While the Insurance Services Office (ISO) BOP form is one commonly used form providing coverage for businesses, many commercial insurers develop their own BOP forms to dovetail coverage to many different industries. Typically, these are the coverages the BOP provides.

• Commercial property insurance covering buildings. The BOP does not cover flood and earthquake exposures.

• Business personal property, such as computers and other business equipment

• Personal property of others, for example, a computer repair person who takes in computers for repair (bailment)

Business income and extra expense surrounding business income losses arising from a covered loss under the policy

• Premises operations and liability, for example if a business customer trips and falls at your insured’s location

• Contractual liability such as coverage for the usual contracts used in small business, such as lease agreements

Personal and advertising injury, which can cover allegations of libel, slander and trademark or copyright infringement

Be aware that not all BOPs automatically cover personal and advertising injury, so be sure to evaluate each carrier’s form to determine coverage

Employee dishonesty, for example if an employee steals money from his or her employer

• Theft of money and securities, which can arise when an employee makes a bank deposit or

other theft risks such as burglary or robbery

• Forgery and alteration can cover incidents where the insured accepts an altered money order, for example

• Equipment breakdown, which can cover electrical, mechanical and computer equipment against malfunctions

What Coverages Should I Include on the BOP?

There is no business auto coverage under the BOP. Many regional carriers use their own or the ISO business auto coverage form and include coverage for autos separately but alongside the BOP policy.

Hired and non-owned auto coverage is a critical protection for most businesses. This coverage can provide liability coverage for your insureds when they rent a vehicle, or their employees drive their own vehicles on their employers’ errands. This is a liabilityonly coverage and does not cover the cost of the employee’s vehicle or a leased vehicle. Many agents will only write a BOP with this important added coverage.

Remember, though, the BOP may require an endorsement to add this coverage, while some carriers include it automatically.

Additionally, even though the BOP covers premises liability, you should always offer an umbrella policy to provide an additional layer of liability coverage. With verdicts going higher each year, almost any small business should understand the importance of an umbrella policy. Document a declination with a properly signed declaration form or in your agency management system through email when your insured rejects umbrella coverage.

The BOP will not protect your insured against allegations of professional negligence. For example, if your insured provides accounting advice, the BOP may be perfect to protect your insured against general liability negligence allegations such as a slip in fall in the accountant’s office. However, it will not provide coverage for your accountant who provides professional advice. The same holds true for contractors and others who offer professional opinions and guidance. Your insured will need

Executive Director, Risk Management and Big I Education

professional liability coverage under a separate policy.

Finally, the BOP may not offer liquor liability for restaurants. Even food trucks that serve alcohol may face liquor liability, and the added risk of an assault occurring as a result of overindulgence. These are two important exposures to consider. Many business owners think if they have liquor liability coverage, they also have coverage for assaults that may occur. This may not be the case, so be sure to evaluate coverage forms if your restaurants serve liquor or offer bring-your-own bottle availability.

How Do Insurers Rate and Underwrite BOPs?

Traditionally, insurers developed the BOP for typical small businesses like florists, small retail stores and other “main-street” insureds. Over the years, however, many carriers have grown their appetite, and included formerly nonstarter businesses such as contractors and restaurants.

Typical rating appetites are below.

• Under 35,000 square feet in total floor area

• Under $6 million in annual gross sales per location

• Building height usually under four stories

Typical rating criteria are below. Territory (crime and weather are important variables in eligibility)

• Building construction

• Access to public fire protection

• Building occupancy, usually not writing manufacturing exposures

• Fire protection including sprinklers and Ansul systems to protect cooking areas

Deductible

Each insurer has its own criteria for rating BOPs, so it may be a great idea to ask a few of your carriers to present a brief seminar on their BOP features versus their competitors.

The great thing about insurance is that as societal needs change, insurance changes to meet those changes. Enter the “Micro-BOP.”

What is the Micro-BOP?

Designed by Insurance Services Office (ISO) and available in most states in 2020, the micro-BOP can meet the needs of the small business enterprise. For those professionals working from home or in shared spaces such as a kiosk in a mall, this trimmer version of ISO’s BOP can meet the needs of that market segment.

Here are the key underwriting limitations for the micro-BOP.

• Less than $500,000 in gross annual sales or revenue

• Fewer than five employees, including the owner These businesses are ineligible for the micro-BOP but will be better served by a traditional BOP or a commercial general liability and commercial

property policy. Businesses operating from a commercial building for more than 90 days (unless a shared space)

• Businesses specializing in furnishing rented or leased equipment

• Businesses with any sales of alcohol Manufacturers of personal care or consumed products

Business operating as licensed construction contractors

• Wholesale distributors

• Auto repair

• Businesses that subcontract work

The form offers limited property coverage, but the liability coverage is similar to that of the regular BOP. Additionally, the micro BOP in contrast to the full BOP offers named-perils property coverage as opposed to all-risk coverage. Named-perils coverage provides coverage only for the perils listed in the policy form. In contrast, all-risk coverage provides comprehensive coverage from all loss causes not specifically excluded.

Another important feature of many micro-BOPs is they do not exclude professional services, so your clients who engage in consulting, writing, graphic design, or other professions may find the micro-BOP a perfect fit.

The micro-BOP may be the answer for your insureds who are gig workers or who work from shared spaces. This linked article provides more information on the micro-BOP. The micro-BOP is a great marketing tool for those gig workers who currently shop coverage online or go uninsured.

Gear social media posts to the many advantages, the easy underwriting requirements and the benefits of coverage, and you can build your commercial business with the micro-BOP.

Conclusion

The BOP is a convenient and affordable insurance coverage package designed for a variety of small businesses. It’s a great way to get your start in commercial lines before tackling more complex coverages like the commercial property policy or the comprehensive general liability insurance form.

Once you’ve written the business’s BOP, be sure to ask if you can quote their personal business, as well. Then, it’s only one step away from offering your BOP clients other life-related products such as critical illness coverage or disability coverage.

The BOP is a solid gateway into your building your commercial lines career. While the BOP is not the answer for more complex business enterprises, it is solid protection for many of your smaller commercial clients without professional liability exposures.

This article was originally published on independentagent.com in May 2023.

If they can dream it, we can place it.

A TREE HOUSE RENTAL? THEY SAID, “BRING IT.”

Every risk starts with a big, bold idea. And at RPS, we believe that every risk deserves the most secure placement. That’s why we never say no when it comes to finding trusted markets for unprecedented business ventures. Let’s talk about what’s new, what’s next and what’s possible.

To learn more, contact: Joe Kelsch 480.758.6503 Joe_Kelsch@RPSins.com www.rpsins.com

By: Angela Williams

NextGen Chair Huggins Insurance

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING NEXTGEN’S DRIVE FOR DREAMS!

Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do much.” Boy was this quote ever so true at the NextGen Drives for Dreams event that took place in April. Our financial goal was to raise $7,500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation as we wanted to adopt a wish kid, grant a wish and help change someone’s life forever. At the event we heard from Mason, a former Wish Kid, and he told us his story and how he overcame lymphoma. Mason’s story was powerful and his adoration for the Make-A-Wish Foundation was inspiring. Mason said it best when he said, “For kids, it can be so powerful to be encouraged by someone you look up to, so that’s why I think granting wishes is so important.” I am proud to say, you guys showed up BIG TIME and the $7,500 goal was crushed! There are so many thank yous to shout out. Thank you to everyone and companies who donated auction items. Thank you to all who came to the event in person. Thank you to everyone who bid on auction items. Thank you for answering the call and literally making dreams come true.

So, what’s next? INSURCON2023 in Sunriver of course! Who is ready to party? Please join the NextGen group as we host an exciting Trivia Competition on Monday August 21st at 1:30pm. The trivia competition is open to everyone, and we would love to see you all there. Our winners will take home a coveted trivia trophy and have trivia bragging rights. To wrap up the fun Monday festivities, NextGen is also hosting a cornhole tournament after dinner on Monday, August 21st. Register you and your team today for both the trivia competition and the cornhole tournament. You won’t want to miss out on these two great events.

See you in Sunriver!

Big I NextGen Leadership Committee

Who is NextGen?

NextGen is part of the Big I of OR association of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers NextGen is focused on supporting and developing independent insurance professionals who are under 45 years of age or have less than five years of experience in the industry

What does NextGen do?

Sales training

Continuing education

Networking opportunities

Connection with company representatives

Fun Events (Topgolf, bowling, trivia & more!)

Are you looking to get involved?

Contact

Com

Dallas Ross Social Media

Chelsea Rossiter Secretary The Partners Group

Angela Williams Chair Huggins Insurance

Kyle Brouse Committee Member Salem Insurance Agency

VACATION SEASON IS OPEN SEASON FOR BURGLARS

By: Nancy Germond

Americans not only love to travel, many have second homes where they live for extended periods. However, vacation time provides prime opportunities for burglars, who may target retirement havens or homes that appear unoccupied.

Here are a few tips you can share with your insureds to help prevent a break-in.

Let a trusted neighbor know how to get in touch

When I was a risk manager for a public entity, I received a call one Sunday night on a sewer backup. “It’s a big one,” the public works director warned me, so I drove to the location. A lightning strike earlier that day had hit a sewer lift station. The problem? The newly built home had no sewer backflow preventer installed, and the entire area’s lift station had malfunctioned and dumped its massive load into the home. The neighbors knew the owners were out of state at their daughter’s wedding, but had no phone number to reach them. We made the decision to hire a locksmith and enter the home to remove everything we could salvage. However, if the homeowner had provided a neighbor with a phone number before their trip, we’d have been on much safer legal grounds.

If your homeowner has an alarm, he or she can usually set specific codes so the homeowner knows who entered the home. A trusted

neighbor can be a lifesaver if the a water leak or burglary occurs. That neighbor may also be willing to pick up newspapers or flyers left in the homeowner’s absence. Keeping the home maintained helps prevent the appearance of an unoccupied home.

Recommend putting lights on timers

Because many burglaries occur at night, lighting the home’s exterior and putting interior lights on timers can help deter a breakin. Driveways, security lights that come on when someone approaches the property, and interior lighting set to come on at dusk are all great ways to prevent crime.

Remind clients to stay on the “down low” on social media

Never alert the media, and by this, I mean social media. It’s always tempting to post those lovely vacation photos or to check in at the airport citing a great destination. However, if no one is watching the home, that can be an open invitation for a break-in. Remind your clients that while it’s great to post pictures, it may be safer to post upon their return home. If they do decide to post, they might refer glowingly to their (imaginary?) housesitter so it’s clear someone is caretaking their home.

Protect the family jewels

Recommend your clients remove expensive jewelry or other valuables in their homes. A few days before they leave, suggest they go

Executive Director, Risk Management & Education Big ‘I’

through their home to collect valuables like jewelry, guns, even credit cards they may leave behind, and secure them in their bank’s safety deposit box. It’s also a great time to remind your insureds about the benefits of scheduling valuable items like jewelry and cameras.

Remind them to check any special limits on their homeowners policies for firearms, jewelry, cash and other personal property. Avoid listing special limits because homeowners and dwelling policies can provide various personal property limits.

This article is an opportunity to invite your insureds to call you to discuss questions they have on their homeowners or dwelling poliicies. You can review their limits, using these conversations as an opportunity to cross-sell or improve coverage.

Protect computers with a strong password

Many of us now travel with our laptops, which contain a great deal of personal identifying

information. Your clients’ home computers are also a hot commodity for today’s burglars. Your clients should use a hard-to-break password to protect all their computers, whether laptop or desktop, travel or home-based.

Vacations should be a stress-free time

Vacations and long summer visits should be stress free. No one wants a call from the police department, or to return home to a house that’s been vandalized. Summer is a great time to remind your clients that installing a home alarm system can provide a credit on their homeowner’s policy. Burglar alarms are no longer “nice-to-have” accessories, they’re becoming a necessity for peace of mind for many of today’s homeowners.

While there’s no guarantee that homeowners can avoid a burglary, these tips can help your clients feel more secure when they travel or temporarily relocate to cooler climates.

This article was originally published on iamagazine.com in May 2022.

2023 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

LaPorte Insurance Portland, OR 21 Years

RUSS SCHWEIKERT President Agency/Company Relations Chair Ashland Insurance, Inc. Ashland, OR 29 Years

LYNDSAY KOOISTRA Immediate Past President

Membership Chair

DEBORAH MOHR Vice President DEI Chair Deborah Mohr Consulting Forest Grove, OR 27 Years

TIM CUNDARI Finance Chair Education Chair Cundari Insurance Portland, OR 28 Years

STEPHEN SMELLEY National Director

Product & Services Chair Goldfinch Consulting Beaverton, OR 36 Years

TYRA DRESSEL Executive Director Big I Oregon Portland, OR 30 Years

JENNIE WEILAND President-Elect Events Advisory Chair HUB International Northwest Portland, OR 22 Years

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KAITY BLACKSHER

NextGen Immediate Past Chair Atkinson Insurance Group Portland, OR 18 Years

KRISTON CORRELL

JUUL Insurance Agency North Bend, OR 25 Years

MICHELLE GALLARDO

The Partner’s Group Tigard, OR 19 Years

CHRIS HUWALDT PayneWest Insurance McMinnville, OR 28 Years

TJ SULLIVAN

Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions Sheridan, OR 26 Years

DELLAS WALDO

ANGELA WILLIAMS

ED DAVIS

NextGen Chair

Legislative & Government Affairs Chair

Huggins Insurance Salem, OR

Maps Insurance Services Salem, OR 58 Years

STEVE LACESA

Oak Tree Insurance Lake Oswego, OR 39 Years

DALLAS ROSS Procurement Chair Timmco Insurance - Cornell Portland, OR 10 Years

Field-Waldo Insurance, Inc. Ontario, OR 6 Years

ANGELA WILLIAMS

NextGen Chair

Huggins Insurance Salem, OR 20 Years

6 HIRING TRENDS FOR 2023

By: WAHVE

Post pandemic the world of hiring continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of work. The pandemic accelerated many of the trends that were already underway, and new ones are emerging as well. Here are six key trends in hiring that we can expect to see this year.

1. Remote work is here to stay.

The pandemic has forced many companies to adopt remote work, and they have discovered that it can be highly effective. As a result, remote work is likely to become a permanent feature of many companies’ hiring strategies. This means that companies will be looking for candidates who have experience working remotely and are comfortable with virtual communication tools.

2. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will be a top priority.

As companies continue to focus on DEI, they will be looking for ways to ensure that their hiring practices are inclusive and equitable. This includes

everything from removing bias from job descriptions to ensuring that interview panels are diverse.

3. Skills-based hiring will become more prevalent.

As the pace of change continues to accelerate, companies are increasingly looking for candidates who have the skills they need to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. This means that traditional qualifications, such as degrees, will become less important, and companies will focus more on assessing candidates’ skills and competencies.

4. AI and automation will play a bigger role in hiring.

AI and automation are already being used to screen resumes and conduct initial interviews, and this trend is likely to continue in 2023. Companies will be looking for ways to streamline their hiring processes and reduce bias, and AI and automation can help with both.

5. Employee experience will be a key differentiator.

As the job market becomes more competitive, companies will need to

differentiate themselves by providing a great employee experience. This means everything from offering competitive compensation and benefits to creating a positive and supportive work environment. Companies that prioritize employee experience will be more successful in attracting and retaining top talent.

6. Upskilling and reskilling will be a priority.

As technology continues to evolve, the skills that companies need are also changing. In 2023, companies will be looking for ways to upskill and reskill their existing employees to keep pace with these changes. This means investing in training programs and providing opportunities for employees to learn and grow.

The hiring landscape is evolving rapidly, and companies that want to succeed in 2023 an beyond will need to stay ahead of these trends. By focusing on remote work, DEI, skills-based hiring, AI and automation, employee experience, and upskilling and reskilling, companies can attract and retain top talent and build a strong workforce for the future.

Work At Home Vintage Experts (WAHVE) is a one-of-a-kind contract staffing approach bringing together pretiring vintage professionals and businesses to create a win-win: comopanies get highly skilled workers with the exact talent they need, and retiring workers get to continue their career working from home.

Learn more about WAHVE at wahve.com.

Proudly Advocating on Behalf of our Industry

2023 BIG “I” LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

By: Stephen Smelley, Big I Oregon National Director

Big I Oregon’s delegation has now logged another successful trip to the Big I Legislative Conference, in Washington DC. We lobbied on behalf of our members and the clients we serve. Oregon represented well by bringing the largest grassroots advocacy team from the west coast this year. Our numbers exceeded Washington and California combined. Representing Big I Oregon were Kaity and Todd Blackscher, Tyra Dressel, Michelle Gallardo, Lyndsay Kooistra, Dallas Ross, Russ Schweikert, LeeAnn and Stephen Smelley and Craig and Angela Williams. We heard updates from Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa, Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers from Washington, Senator Jon Tester from Montana and Majority Whip, Tom Emmer from Minnesota. There were additional sightings and brief meetings with other elected officials on the Hill and at the InsurPAC major donor reception. It was a very busy week on the Hill with numerous committee meetings. To add to the excitement of DC we were there when the House Members voted on the debt ceiling and expense cuts.

Our Oregon team spent Thursday on the Hill meeting with Oregon’s elected officials and their staff. We were fortunate to have face to face meetings with Representative Val Hoyle as well as her legislative aid, Staff of Representative Andrea Salinas (we saw the Congresswoman briefly in passing as she headed for a vote), Staffers for Senator Merkley and Representative Bonamici as well as Representative Bentz and his senior policy advisor. Congressman Bentz heads the Natural Resources Committee who was in session when we arrived at his office. His staff cleared an office in the building next to the committee hearing room for us to meet with the Congressman right at our appointed time (after he gaveled his committee meeting to adjournment).

We all know first-hand that it can be intimidating, frustrating or overwhelming to try to make a difference in our divided country and yet it is necessary to step up and participate if we believe in making a difference. The Big I work on the Hill continues well after our visits with regular follow up and continuous work by our Big I National Government Affairs Team. They do this every day so that we can focus on our clients and families here at home. While we bring an impressively large group to DC, other states outraise us in InsurPAC contributions. If you don’t have the time to do the research, make the calls, go to the meetings and hearings that impact our lives and the lives of our clients you still can make a difference and participate. It is as simple as contributing to InsurPAC. If every member agency of Big I Oregon contributed $100, Oregon would be designated an Eagle State! Please consider donating today to support the work that is ongoing on your behalf and on behalf of our insurance buying public.

You may donate to InsurPac here: www.independentagent.com/GovernmentAffairs/InsurPac and OIPAC here: www.bigioregon.com/Advocacy/Pages/OIPACContribution

To get involved, please reach out to our InsurPac/OIPAC Chair, Dallas Ross, dallasr@timmco.com

GET YOUR LEGISLATIVE QUESTIONS ANSWERED AT INSURCON2023

By: Roger Beyer Big I Oregon Lobbyist

The Oregon Legislative session slowly ground to a standstill when on May 3rd, ten senate republicans and the lone independent chose to deny a quorum so that floor sessions could not be conducted. In Oregon, at least 2/3 of senators or representatives must be present to conduct business. This means that there have been no bills voted on in the Senate since that day, and at this point, in the first week of June, it could mean no more voting will take place this session.

The protest is over multiple things, but the final straw appears to be a bill dealing with abortion and sex change operations for minors. What I found most disturbing was when it came to light that the Senate President had not spoken to the Republican Leader for weeks prior to this. If the two leaders of the assembly aren’t speaking to each other, a disaster is almost guaranteed, regardless of the specific issue that ignites the spark.

What does this mean for Big I Oregon members?

They have passed a budget resolution which funds the government through September 15th of this year, so nothing in the government will shut down prior to that day. I expect that once the constitutional end date is reached on June 25th, then a negotiated special session will be called to pass budget bills to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year.

The only policy bills I was working on for Big I Oregon, we are either opposed to or neutral, so if they don’t pass, it doesn’t affect members negatively. Other policy bills we had been working on have either already died in committee or have passed the Senate. Either way, they are not affected.

So Big I Oregon members can focus on the upcoming INSURCON2023 in August at Sunriver.

This year I am happy to report that Andrew Stolfi, the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), will be our guest for the final day breakfast session. In Oregon, this person is also the Insurance Commissioner. Andrew has been in this role since 2020 and prior to

that he was head of the division of financial regulation with DCBS for two years. He worked in insurance regulation for many years, both overseas and in other states before coming to Oregon.

Andrew will join me for a discussion about where he sees the industry going in Oregon. While a lot of the department’s focus lately has been about health insurance, I plan to also get him to talk about his vision for property and casualty insurance.

The past two legislative sessions, the division has introduced P&C bills dealing with auto insurance which the industry has successfully fought against. Hopefully he will enlighten us on their plans for this in the future.

They have also been involved with fire insurance changes and I will get his opinion

on how that process is working and what his plans are to prevent carriers from leaving the market, like we are seeing in California.

Finally, regarding the ongoing issue of insurance regulation, should insurance be subject to the Unlawful Trade Practices Act? Can DCBS do an adequate job of regulating under the current statutory structure and, if so, do they? If not, what should be changed so they can do the job they are charged to do?

These are some of the questions I currently have for Andrew and hope to get answers to. We will also address audience questions, so don’t miss this opportunity to have your questions answered by Oregon’s Chief Insurance Regulator on August 22nd in Sunriver.

I hope to see all of you there.

4 TERMS TO AVOID WHEN ADVERTISING YOUR INSURANCE AGENCY

By: Dana A. Gittleman, Esq. Shareholder in the Philadelphia Office of Marshall Dennehey

Insurance, like any industry, is a business. It is therefore inherently important to attract and maintain customers, often done by touting an agency’s competence, customer service and commitment to excellence in online or print advertisements. While growing and developing a customer base is paramount, care must be taken to avoid creating a special relationship or heightened duty to advise through the use of certain terminology.

The use of certain words or phrases can suggest an insurance professional is acting as a risk advisor or fiduciary as opposed to the typical arm’s-length business relationship. A fiduciary is held to a higher standard of good faith and a duty to safeguard the insured’s interest, even in the absence of the insured’s specific request for a particular product or coverage.

Here are four words and phrases to avoid in insurance agency advertisements to help mitigate risk in 2023:

1) “Advisor” or “consultant.” Insurance professionals procure the coverage requested by their customers. This may involve providing coverage and carrier options as well as premium amounts. However, the role of an advisor or consultant is far more onerous and advising a customer—as opposed to simply taking their insurance “order”— suggests a higher responsibility and the ceding of decision-making power. Such influence may be sufficient to impute a special relationship or a fiduciary duty to advise. See Yenchi v. Ameriprise Financial.

Offering management or service fee agreements or risk assessments, which go beyond the mere procurement role, can have the same effect.

2) “Experts.” By definition, experts have authoritative knowledge and experience in a discipline. Establishing oneself as an “expert” in a particular area of coverage may seem advantageous, but overstating

expertise can invite reliance by an insurance customer, giving rise to a special relationship finding. See Sadler v. The Loomis Company.

3) “Guaranteed coverage.” Offering guarantees is risky, no matter the circumstance. Offering guarantees of coverage when the insurance agent is not the party underwriting the risk or investigating and evaluating the claim is considered perilous and unwise.

Insurance agents and brokers procure coverage, may assist with submitting claims on their customers’ behalf, and may facilitate transmittal of information from their customer to the insurance company. What insurance agents don’t do is make underwriting decisions, nor do they investigate and evaluate claims. Those tasks are completed by the insurer.

Insurance professionals should avoid suggesting that their customer’s risk is covered, or that coverage will be afforded for a loss. These statements or assurances can expose the agent or broker to liability for decisions made by a wholly separate entity.

4) “Contract.” Contracts are legally enforceable agreements—either oral or written. Generally, a commitment by an insurance professional to procure insurance or a commitment by an insurance customer to pay insurance premiums is not a contract. Suggesting the existence or formation of a contract between an insurance agent or broker and its insurance customer may give rise to legal duties to perform which would not otherwise be applied or expected. It is best to avoid using this term in client solicitations.