The Power of Advocacy:
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
Lyra Rutledge | Agency E&O Senior Account Executive oregoneoteam@bigioregon.com
Melissa Reed | Director of Agency E&O oregoneoteam@bigioregon.com
April Pitz | RLI Administrator April.Pitz@iiaba.net
Mike Eliason | Big I Oregon Lobbyist mike@eliasonpa.com
Jill Tieu | Bookkeeper jillt@bigioregon.com
Marie Toney | Senior Account Executive (E&O/Cyber) oregoneoteam@bigioregon.com
Summer Cole | AVP, Agency Incubation and Development, Big I Advantage summer.cole@iiaba.net
ADVERTISER INDEX
THE DIRECTOR’S CORNER
By: Tyra Dressel Executive Director of Big I Oregon
TAKING IT ON THE ROAD IN 2025: A YEAR OF UNFORGETTABLE CONNECTIONS, LEARNING, AND GROWTH!
Get ready, because 2025 is going to be epic! We’re hitting the road, bringing our community closer together with a spectacular lineup of events designed to inspire, connect, and elevate. This is your chance to embark on a journey filled with opportunities to learn, network, and grow in exciting new ways. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, there’s something for everyone on this road trip of a lifetime. Buckle up, because it all starts this January—and we can’t wait to have you join us for every incredible moment!
Kicking Off the Year in Style: Forecast Breakfast
We’re setting the stage for a fantastic year with our first event—the much-anticipated Forecast Breakfast on January 24th at the luxurious Embassy Suites in Tigard, OR. Renowned economist John Mitchell, PhD from M&H Economic Consultants will deliver his signature forecast, packed with sharp insights, humor, and the key trends you need to know for your personal and professional success in 2025. Plus, witness the installation of our Big I Oregon Officers for 2025 and celebrate the exceptional achievements of our 2024 award winners. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this electrifying start
to the year!
A Journey of Connection and Education: Connect & Educate Symposium
We keep the momentum going with our CE Symposium on March 6th and 7th at the stunning Inn at Spanish Head in Lincoln City, OR. This two-day event is your gateway to deepening your expertise, engaging in thoughtprovoking discussions, and supercharging your professional network. Earn up to 12 hours of CE credits while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Oregon coast. This is your chance to learn, grow, and connect with peers in a beautiful, relaxed setting.
Breaking New Ground: Independent Women Summit
We are beyond excited to introduce our first-ever Independent Women Summit on March 20th in the Portland Metro Area! This groundbreaking event is all about empowering and celebrating the incredible women in our industry. Expect a day filled with bold ideas, inspiring stories, and powerful conversations. With women making up nearly 60% of the workforce, this summit is not just timely—it’s
essential. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative movement, where you’ll connect with other trailblazing women and gain tools to take your career to the next level. Together, we’re shaping the future of women in insurance!
Fun with a Purpose: Drives for Dreams
On April 24th, we’re turning up the fun at Drives for Dreams at Topgolf in Hillsboro, OR! Get ready for an afternoon of friendly competition, laughter, and high-fives—all while supporting amazing local causes. Hosted by our energetic NextGen team and open to all, this event blends fun and philanthropy in perfect harmony. Grab your friends, polish up your swing, and prepare to make a difference!
Head to the Capital: Big I National Legislative Conference
April 30th to May 2nd, pack your bags and head to Washington, D.C. for the Big I National Legislative Conference! Springtime in the capital is always a sight to behold, but even better is the chance to stand shoulder-toshoulder with independent agents as we tackle the legislative, regulatory, and legal challenges shaping our industry. This is your chance to be heard, meet with legislators, and stay ahead of the curve. It’s a powerful, can’t-miss event for anyone passionate about the future of insurance!
Elevate 2025: Two Epic One-Day Conventions!
We heard you loud and clear: you want more opportunities to attend, engage, and learn— so we’re making it happen! In 2025, our annual convention goes on the road, with two convenient one-day formats in Medford (May) and the Portland Metro Area (August). Elevate your business, expand your network, and unlock fresh opportunities with these high-energy events. Plus, they’re more accessible and affordable than ever!
Celebrating Our Partners: Premier Partner Appreciation
June brings a chance to say “thank you” to our Premier Partners at the exclusive Premier Partner Appreciation event at The Kitchen at Middleground Farms in Wilsonville, OR. With delicious food, great company, and a warm atmosphere, it’s our way of recognizing the vital contributions of those who support our success year after year. Join us for an afternoon of gratitude, networking, and celebration!
Tee Off for Success: Big I Oregon Golf Tournament
Golf lovers, mark your calendars! On October 6th, we’re heading to the lush Illahe Hills Country Club in Salem, OR, for the Big I Oregon Golf Tournament. Enjoy a day on the greens filled with friendly competition, networking, and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just out for some fun, this event promises to be a highlight of the year.
End the Year with a Bang: Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
Let’s wrap up 2025 in festive style with our Ugly Sweater Holiday Party on December 4th in the Portland Metro Area. Break out your wildest holiday gear and join us for a night of celebration, laughter, and good cheer as we toast to another fantastic year and look ahead to 2026. It’s the perfect way to cap off a year filled with incredible memories, growth, and new friendships as the NextGen team gathers us to conclude the year.
Hit the Road with Us in 2025!
This year is going to be nothing short of spectacular. With each event designed to inspire, educate, and connect, 2025 is your time to shine. From networking breakfasts to empowering summits, and philanthropic golf outings to impactful legislative conferences, the opportunities are endless. So, what are you waiting for? Join us on this unforgettable journey, and get ready for a year filled with excitement, growth, and connection.
See you on the road in 2025!
Mixologists: Dolores McKinnon, Vicky Dith & Amy Martin
NextGen Dream Team: Dallas Ross, Kaity Blacksher, Kyle Craig, Lisa Cheek & Angela Williams
Kristen Horlacher & Tim Cundari
Heather Park & Robert Funk
Craig Simonson, Joe Egli, Kent Bergstedt & Trent Hanson
Michael DeLaGrange & Vince Terlaje
John Washburn, Brett Murphy, Dellas Waldo & Patty Brandt Waldo
Adam Harris, Todd Scott, Cameron Deiss & Nathan Bauer
Kyle Craig, Lyndsay Kooistra, Courtney Atwood & Ryan McKay
Finalists for Best Themed Dress for Bayou Night!
Grace & Cole Powell
Stephen Smelley catching the moon!
Tammy Taylor & Craig Stahl
John Powell, Rachel Powell, Cole Powell & Kaity Blacksher
TJ Sullivan, Adam Harris & Tyra Dressel
Full House at the Beads & Business Expo
First Place Team Amie Thompson & Zac Schlachter with Second Place Team Joe Batmale & Joe Egli at the sold out NextGen Hosted Cornhole Tournament!
NextGen hosted another successful Trivia Competition!
Ethan Holub & Family
Late Night Fireside Chat at the Bayou
Keynote Speaker, Summer Jelinek & Big I Oregon President, Jennie Weiland
Winner of the King Cake, Austin Lesueur!
Big I Oregon Executive Director, Tyra Dressel & Husband Brock
Carlye Irwin, Monica Carlsen, Daija Tucker, Brian Itami, Danielle Fogg, Tysen Bodewig
Michelle Gallardo Visited all the Exhibitors & Filled Her Bag
The SAIF Crew, Brooke Leader, Tami Coxen, Erika Meier & Kim Turner enjoying the Mardi Gras Theme!
The Next Generation: Boston Ross & Maryn Kroloff
Beads & Business Expo Best Themed Exhibitor Winner, ServiceMaster Restore: Paco Rosas & Jay Hauser!
Big I Oregon President, Jennie Weiland, Tyler Ross, PresidentElect, Dallas Ross, National Director, Stephen Smelley & Board Member Chris Huwaldt.
Anthony Rushton and Isaac Crain of Coalition addressing the critical need for comprehensive Cyber coverage.
Room Filled for our Business Session Speaker Stephen HarringtonDescoteaux.
Fun Evening Filled to the Rafters
The Hight Street Band had people on their feet!
Will Jones, IA Magazine Editor-inChief, Interviews Mike McBride, Big “I” Chairman
Insurance Commissioner, Andrew Stolfi updates attendees on legislative issues
By: Stephen Smelley
I Oregon National Director
THE POWER OF ADVOCACY: STRENGTHENING THE FUTURE OF INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS
It’s election season and no matter your political leanings, this will be an interesting year at the polls and the outcomes that follow. Too often, people feel like their voices aren’t heard or that they can’t make a difference in the world of politics. As your Oregon State National Director on the Board of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big I), I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the powerful work our association does on behalf of independent agents across the country. From our annual trips to DC with a committed team of agents from across the state who feel like family, to the regular conversations and testimony provided by a dedicated few in Salem representing all of us, our association makes a good showing through the volunteer efforts and contributions of our members. Together, we DO make a positive difference.
At the heart of our advocacy work as an association, is our commitment to being the voice of the independent agent at both the state and national level. As independent agents in Oregon, you are part of this vital network, and today, more than ever, it’s important to recognize the role advocacy plays in safeguarding the future of our industry. We need your help and engagement as well. Every additional voice, every additional dollar can make a difference.
On the national front, the Big I meets regularly with members of Congress, federal agencies, and other influential bodies to address the critical issues facing our industry. Whether it’s working to protect
the federal tax treatment of independent agencies, fighting for the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program, protecting the Crop Insurance Program, educating Congress on cyber liability, or opposing burdensome regulatory proposals or disparate tax treatment, the association is always working to ensure your voice is heard in Washington, D.C. Given the state of this hard market, the Big I National Board took a public stand earlier this year to advocate for fair market access and compensation protection for the independent agent as a vital part of the ecosystem of protecting people and businesses against risks. We know the independent agent is on the front line of educating and providing advocacy and resources to the public in every market.
At the state level, our lobbyists are constantly engaging with local elected officials. I encourage you to read Roger Beyer’s article this month on some of the updates from INSURCON2024 and his introduction of our new lobbyist, Mike Eliason. Thank you, Roger, for years of service to the Big I Oregon and welcome Mike.
For our efforts to be successful however, we need more than just a presence in the halls of Congress or at the state capitol. Advocacy requires resources, and that’s where InsurPac, our national political action committee (PAC), and OIPAC, our state focused PAC, comes in. InsurPac and OIPAC are the engines that fuel our advocacy work, enabling us to build relationships with lawmakers who support our cause and help elect candidates who understand the importance of independent agents to the insurance industry and local economies.
Big
Goldfinch Consulting
We raised record levels of contributions to OIPAC this year at INSURCON2024. My thanks to all of you who contributed. We now need the same energy and investment at the federal level. InsurPac needs the support of independent agents like you. When you contribute to InsurPac, you are investing in the future of your business. You are helping to protect the entrepreneurial spirit that defines independent agents and ensuring that the challenges we face today don’t undermine the opportunities of tomorrow. Every dollar you contribute goes directly to supporting candidates who fight for our industry’s needs and champion our issues in Congress.
It’s easy to think that someone else will step up and take care of advocacy, or that your contribution won’t make a difference. But I assure you, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s the collective contributions of thousands of independent agents
across the country that make InsurPac one of the most effective PACs in the insurance industry. Your investment, no matter how large or small, is critical to ensuring we have the resources needed to fight on your behalf. Whether you can give $1 or $1,000, please take a moment to join those fighting on your behalf and give what you can.
I encourage you to get involved, not just by contributing to InsurPac but by taking an active role in the advocacy efforts of our association. Attend state and national meetings, meet with your local elected officials, and share your story. You are the face of this industry, and your voice matters. Together, we can continue to protect the future of independent insurance agents, ensuring that our businesses, our clients, and our communities thrive. Thank you for your continued commitment to our association, to your industry, and to each other and don’t forget to vote in November!
For more information on how to contribute to InsurPac or get involved in advocacy efforts, visit our website at www.independentagent.com/GovernmentAffairs/InsurPac or contact myself or the Big I staff anytime.
2024 Premier Partners
THANK YOU TO OUR PREMIER PARTNERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
AUTO INSURANCE ROSE 15% IN FIRST HALF OF 2024
Annemarie McPherson Spears
Personal auto insurance rates rose 15% in the first half of 2024, according to data analysis from Insurify. The average annual premium now costs $2,329. By the end of the year, Insurify predicts that rates will have increased a total of 22%.
Maryland currently has the highest personal auto rates in the U.S., with an average of $3,400 annually. New Hampshire has the lowest, at $1,000 annually. However, California, Missouri and Minnesota are predicted to see auto insurance costs increase by more than 50% in 2024.
2024’s rate increases continue the trend set in 2023, which saw premiums rise by 24% after insurers experienced record underwriting losses of $33.1 billion in 2022. While underwriting losses decreased to $17 billion in 2023, the hit was still enough to drive 2024’s first-half increases.
One factor contributing to losses is vehicle maintenance repair costs—which have increased by nearly 38% over the past five years, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While safety technologies can help drivers avoid crashes and the related premium increases, they’re also expensive to repair. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can add up to 37.6% to the total repair cost after an accident, according to AAA data, and minor damages to front radar and distance sensors can add up to $1,540.
These costs are compounded by the increasing usage of expensive-to-repair electric vehicles, auto mechanic backlogs, and vehicles getting older as Americans hold onto their cars for longer. Average vehicle ages reached a record 12.6 years in 2024, according to S&P Global Mobility.
Increasingly severe and frequent weather events are also driving rate hikes. For instance, Minnesota experienced $1.8 billion in damages following a series of hail storms in August 2023, contributing to a 55% increase in rates. Hailrelated auto claims represented 11.8% of all comprehensive claims in 2023, up from 9% in 2020, according to CCC Intelligent Solutions.
Hurricanes bring a surge of auto losses to coastal areas. For instance, during Hurricane Ian’s peak days, Sept. 25-30, 2022, nearly 52% of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina vehicle claims were total losses, according to CCC
Intelligent Solutions. 2024 is predicted to be an extremely active hurricane season.
“I think climate risk will likely start to play a role in new areas. As we experience tornadoes, hail, and flooding in places where they weren’t necessarily a major threat before, the increased frequency and severity of these events will need to be considered in pricing,” said Betsy Stella, vice president of carrier management and operations at Insurify.
On the state level, legislative changes in states like Maryland—where drivers pay 46% more than the U.S. average and rates are projected to increase by 41%—and South Carolina—where drivers pay 43% more than the rest of the country with a 38% projected rise for 2024—have increased insurers’ financial responsibility and led to higher premiums, Insurify said. California is catching up from the rate freezes during the coronavirus pandemic, leading to some insurers requesting double-digit hikes and others exiting the state entirely.
Additionally, car thefts have also driven up premiums. Missouri, which is predicted to see a 55% hike in 2024, and California, with a 54% predicted increase, are among the 10 states with the highest auto theft per capita, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
It may be hard to believe now, but auto rates won’t continue to rise forever. “Insurers implemented higher rate increases to account for changes in the frequency and severity of auto losses,” Stella said. The COVID-19 pandemic and the following inflation, especially in the price of vehicle maintenance and repairs, along with changes in driving behaviors, led to new loss trends that increased the difficulty of rate setting.”
“Some insurers have started making downward adjustments in areas where they’ve found opportunities to operate profitably while charging lower rates,” she said. “Generally, consumers will continue to see rates rise with inflation, or in areas where traffic accidents are increasing, but in some states, they could see premiums decrease a little again.”
This article was originally featured on iamagazine.com in August 2024.
Denise Moore, CIC Regional Manager
Oregon & Idaho (503) 396-2225
dmoore@iroquoisgroup.com iroquoisgroup.com
Your Agency, Only Stronger
Give your agency a competitive edge by joining The Iroquois Group, a network of independent insurance agencies that allows you to partner as much as you want. Despite our size — we
have over $3 billion in premium with our carrier partners — and national scope — we pride ourselves on our boutique-like approach, which means you get highly personalized service.
4
good reasons to consider becoming an Iroquois Member:
• No upfront fees or monthly dues.
• Stay independent — we don’t take an equity position in your agency, and you continue working directly with your carrier reps and underwriters.
• Earn more. Grow your business — increase your revenue and add needed markets to your agency’s suite of insurance products.
• You don’t need to go it alone — your local regional manager brings additional resources, relationships, and vendor partner deals to enhance your agency's value.
IS YOUR AGENCY READY TO JOIN AN ALLIANCE?
Big "I" Alliance was created to assist independent agents gain market access through membership. Our objective is to aggregate premium, identify opportunities for growth, promote protability, and provide broad communication and training to agency members on behalf of our carrier partners.
Big “I” Alliance Gold benets include:
DIRECT ACCESS TO CARRIER SYSTEMS AND UNDERWRITERS
PROFIT SHARING AND INCENTIVE ELIGIBILITY
OWNERSHIP OF EXPIRATIONS AND CARRIER CODES
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL CARRIER PARTNERSHIPS
OPTIONAL PARTICIPATION IN A MASTER AGENCY E&O PROGRAM
VENDOR PARTNERSHIPS
WHY ACCURACY CAN’T BE OVERLOOKED IN PROPERTY VALUATIONS
By: Ryan Carney and Caleb Woodby
From a catastrophic natural disaster to a ransomware attack to an essential piece of equipment breaking down, business owners need to be sure they are purchasing adequate insurance to stay ahead of any risk exposures.
Accurate property valuations are an essential component of any property insurance program. Yet, companies often unknowingly underreport the value of their property assets, potentially leaving them underinsured.
Business owners must provide complete, in-depth information about their property to support accurate valuation. This includes the size, age and use of the property, as well as any specific or unique construction details.
In the past, annual valuations changed about 2%3% each year. Recently, those changes have been as high as 5%-8%, according to The Hartford’s data. Consequently, it’s a best practice for property valuations to be revisited at least annually to ensure a business is insured for the full price of replacing an essential piece of equipment and alleviate the need to pay the difference out of pocket, which can be devastating for a business.
Reconstruction costs have been impacted by inflation, which makes it even more critical for companies to provide their insurer with the actual cost to replace property or equipment, not the book value. There is a big discrepancy between book value—which is what the company said it cost to acquire the equipment or property—rather than the full replacement value.
Best Practices for Accurate Property Valuations
Agents should help property owners consider the insurance to value (ITV) ratio—the ratio of a property’s insured value relative to what it would cost to replace that building—when purchasing property insurance.
The more information and the more detail an insurer has about the makeup of a property, the more granular and accurate the building valuation assessment will become. Agents should ask property owners to disclose the following when acquiring coverage:
• Protective features, such as sprinkler systems.
• Permanently installed or attached equipment in the building.
• Specialty construction features or building components.
Warehouses and the value of inventory sitting within them.
Additionally, companies should also consider onetime costs versus reoccurring costs during a potential loss. For example, if an operation is down for several months, the company will need to relocate its operations. This means paying rent and electricity bills at an alternative site, while still paying the bills for its existing location and the cost of the repairs there. The company will have extra expenses to cover the temporary repairs while they are making permanent repairs to the facility.
Property owners should also let their insurers know of any seasonal inventory fluctuations, such as if there is a time of year when the company might have twice as many goods as normal. Understanding peak values is crucial if there is a loss.
Companies that fail to provide an accurate valuation of their property and assets put their business at risk for long-term financial consequences. With inflationary pressures persisting and increased global risks, it’s essential that business owners partner with their agents and insurers to reassess their property valuation each year as part of their overall risk management plan.
This article was originally featured on iamagazine. com in August 2024.
The Hartford
2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
JENNIE WEILAND President
HUB International - Portland Portland, OR 23 Years
RUSS SCHWEIKERT
Immediate Past President
Ashland Insurance, Inc.
Ashland, OR 30 Years
DALLAS ROSS President-Elect
Timmco Insurance, Inc.Cornell Portland, OR 11 Years
TIM CUNDARI Finance Chair
Cundari Insurance
Portland, OR 29 Years
TYRA DRESSEL Executive Director
Big I Oregon
Portland, OR 31 Years
DELLAS WALDO Vice President
Field-Waldo Insurance Ontario, OR 7 Years
STEPHEN SMELLEY National Director
Goldfinch Consulting Beaverton, OR 37 Years
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KAITY BLACKSHER
NextGen Immediate Past Chair
Atkinson Insurance Group Portland, OR 19 Years
KRISTON COLLIER
JUUL Insurance Agency North Bend, OR 26 Years
ED DAVIS Maps Insurance Services, LLC Salem, OR 59 Years
JOE EGLI Brown Insurance Woodburn, OR 18 Years
MICHELLE GALLARDO
The Partners Group Tigard, OR 20 Years
HUWALDT MarshMcLennan Agency McMinnville, OR 29 Years
IRWIN k.p.d. Insurance Springfield, OR 22 Years
“MK” KHOTHULE Agape Community Insurance Aloha, OR 12 Years
Oak Tree Insurance Lake Oswego, OR 40 Years
LaPorte Insurance Portland, OR 22 Years TJ SULLIVAN Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions Salem, OR 27 Years
WILLIAMS NextGen Chair Huggins Insurance Salem, OR 21 Years
CHRIS
CARLYE
MPALENG
LYNDSAY KOOISTRA
STEVE LACESA
ANGELA
By: Angela Williams
NextGen Chair
Huggins Insurance
A THANKFUL HEART
I’ve had the privilege of leading the NextGen committee for the past two years and I can say from the bottom of my heart that Big I Oregon staff, agents, and Premier Partners are simply the best.
You all showed up to Forecast Breakfasts even in the middle of an ice storm. The 2024 breakfast will always be memorable for me because an absolute stranger helped me move my car in the icy parking lot to a safer place. I’m thankful for small miracles.
You guys showed up to Drives for Dreams at Top Golf in Hillsboro and bid to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant wishes to kids in need. Although some of you couldn’t attend the event, you still bid through the online auction portal to help raise money. I’m thankful for generous friends.
When the time came to thank Premier Partners, you showed up ready to say thank you, eat, and make new friends. I’m thankful for new adventures.
You guys showed up at INSURCON ready to party, have fun, learn and make new connections. I’m thankful for awesome summer nights.
Lastly, you guys showed rocking your Ugly Christmas sweaters at the annual holiday parties ready to eat, drink and be merry. I’m thankful for Joe Schofield who is not afraid to wear a reindeer outfit.
For the past two years, I have laughed with you all, danced with some of you, and traveled the United
States with a few of you. I’m thankful for core memories.
To my NextGen committee members: Dallas Ross, Tyler Ross, Kaity Blacksher, Chelsea Rossiter, Kyle Brouse, Kyle Craig, Tanner Fleming, and Lisa Cheek. Thank you for showing up at the events throughout the year ready and willing to get work done. Thank you for always having cheerful smiles and always being willing to roll with the punches. Thank you for always turning on your cameras during Zoom calls and for making each event so fun. You guys are the dream team, and I am thankful that I got to work side by side with you all.
I want to say a special thanks to Dallas Ross who always takes my phone call even on busy days. Dallas, you are so talented, and I am thankful for your ability to problem solve. You are a gem girl! To Kaity, thank you for laughing with me and for always reminding me that life isn’t always perfect but great friends make everything worthwhile. Keep smiling sister! To Kyle Craig, thank you for being the incoming 2025 NextGen chairman and for agreeing to step up with enthusiasm. Your heart to help others is beautiful and I know you were meant to lead others. I pass the baton to you, my friend.
Even though I step down as the chair of NextGen, that doesn’t mean the events end. In fact, you will see more events in 2025 so be on the lookout for dates and don’t forget to follow Big I Oregon on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Cheers to 2025!
INTRODUCING YOUR NEW LOBBYIST
By: Roger Beyer Big I Oregon Lobbyist
If you attended INSURCON2024 earlier this month, you know what a great and a very informative event it was again. If you did not, check out the new format for next year and make sure to attend one of the events scheduled near you.
Andrew Stolfi, the Oregon Insurance Commissioner, joined us again for the final morning breakfast. He touched on many topics during his presentation, but wildfire and the fire insurance market was certainly the focal point. He had new statewide information on homeowner policies which was interesting, but my main takeaway was that they are working to get the information at the zip code level so that individuals will be able to use it for their local situation. This hopefully will be out early next year, so stay tuned.
The other big news on the legislative front is that this will be my last article as your lobbyist. I decided that 16 years of lobbying following 12 years as a legislator was enough and it is time to retire and go back to the life I left to do those jobs. I will continue to work on my Christmas
tree farm, spend more time with my family and hopefully be able to fit some traveling into the schedule. I have sincerely enjoyed working for you and getting to know you and also learn about the industry and how you as agents are key to the process.
Big I Oregon has hired Mike Eliason as your new lobbyist. He was at the INSURCON2024, so if you were there, hopefully you had a chance to say hello. For those of you who didn’t get a chance to meet him, I asked him to introduce himself in this article. I have known and worked with Mike for many years and have great faith that Mike will carry on and do a great job of representing you.
Hi all!
My name is Mike Eliason, and I have the honor of being your new lobbyist, starting September 1st. I’ve had the privilege of watching Roger Beyer patrol the halls of the Capitol on your behalf for a number of years and am thrilled to have been chosen to succeed him for Big I Oregon. I’m looking forward to digging in
A little about me: I was born and raised in the Seattle-area and graduated from Western Washington University, where I met my wife of now twenty years. After a stopover in Madison, Wisconsin for a few years, we moved to Portland, settling back in the Pacific Northwest for good. I went to law school at Willamette University in Salem, which is where I began my advocacy career in 2008 with the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC). During my time at AOC, I served in almost every role conceivable at some point, including lobbyist, legal counsel, legislative director, and interim executive director. I have also represented the trade associations for the commercial construction and forest products industries in Oregon. In 2023 I started my own lobby firm, Eliason Public Affairs, and now represent a variety of clients. I couldn’t be happier that Big I Oregon is now
one of them.
My personal philosophy when it comes to advocacy is that you must be present to win. I try to ensure I am in the Capitol from the first day to the last in a legislative session and never stop trying to build and improve relationships with legislators and stakeholders. In my personal life, I live in West Linn with my wife Sally and our two boys, aged 9 and 13. I like to play sports but spend most of my time now watching them play sports instead. I am a licensed attorney and serve on the executive committee of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the Oregon State Bar.
I look forward to learning from all of you and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions or comments. You can reach me at mike@eliasonpa.com or 971-218-0945.
5 WAYS TO LEVERAGE AI ON SOCIAL MEDIA
By Peter Van Aartrijk
For some time, social media has been a crucial tool for independent insurance agencies to engage clients, showcase expertise and drive business growth. Now, with the growth and accessibility of artificial intelligence (AI), agents can make the task of managing social media accounts easier than ever.
Here are five ways you can leverage AI on social media:
1) Write a better message. Writing may not be your thing, but that is where programs like ChatGPT or Jasper.ai come in. However, they aren’t perfect.
The key is remembering that better input leads to better output. When asking any AI program to write content, include information about the platform you’re using and the “tone” you want, as well as relevant facts about your agency and the action you’re hoping to solicit.
For example, when you prompt with, “Write a 50word Facebook post about homeowners insurance from AgencyABC,” the resulting output is:
Protect your home with peace of mind! AgencyABC offers tailored homeowner’s insurance to safeguard your biggest investment. From fires to theft, we’ve got you covered. Get personalized coverage, competitive rates and responsive service. Contact us today for a free quote! #HomeInsurance #AgencyABC #ProtectYourHome
However, when you add more detail, you end up with something quite different. By asking, “Write a 50-word Facebook post about homeowners insurance from AgencyABC. Tie the message to spring tornado season. The tone should be friendly and casual. We are a family-owned agency in central Wisconsin that emphasizes personal service,” the resulting output is:
Hey, neighbors! Spring tornado season is here, but don’t stress! With AgencyABC’s homeowners insurance, your family and home are in good hands. As a family-owned agency in central Wisconsin, we prioritize personal service to keep you protected. Get peace of mind with us today! #HomeInsurance #AgencyABC
While these messages may not be right for your agency, this exercise does illustrate how your request influences the results. Remember that any content that’s generated must still be reviewed for accuracy and errors & omissions exposure, so you should always finetune the copy. In other words, use AI content generators to jumpstart the writing process, not as a total replacement.
Even if you are comfortable creating social content, don’t overlook a tool like Grammarly for proofing and spell checks.
2) Summarize existing content. Social media is all about sharing, which means you don’t need to start from scratch on every social post. If you see an article or other relevant content that’s been created
by someone else, use AI content generators to summarize the material for a post before sharing a link to the original version.
A prompt on ChatGPT to “summarize this article for a 30-word LinkedIn post,” along with a link to the Forbes article, “Does Home Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?” generated this content:
Forbes Advisor discusses the necessity of specialized tornado insurance for homeowners in high-risk areas. Ensure your property is protected against the unpredictable forces of nature.
Just add a link to the article and you’ve got a readymade LinkedIn post. Forbes and ChatGPT did the heavy lifting, but you’ll get the extra exposure you might want before tornado season.
3) Find the right hashtag. Depending on the social platform, adding a hashtag can increase exposure. If you want to add hashtags, AI tools like RiteTag and All-Hashtag can suggest hashtags to give you a broad reach that is specific to your goals and the platform you’re posting to.
4) Create unique visuals. Adding visuals, including videos, can generate more engagement than text-only posts. Smartphone cameras are sophisticated enough to generate high-resolution photos and videos.
If you need a little help, check out some free AI generators like Synthesia for videos and Canva for photos. All you have to do is enter a request, such as “tornado hitting a barn.” Try a few different descriptions until you find something that works. Adding “realistic-looking” to your request may help your output.
As long as you use it in small doses and only where appropriate, computer-generated art isn’t all bad. However, one word to remember when generating anything from AI is copyright. AI-generated content without any human input can’t be
copyrighted. However, photographers and other content creators are challenging the use of AIgenerated photos, claiming that the use of the underlying images breaching copyright.
5) Improve your posting efficiency. AI tools like HootSuite, Buffer and Sprout Social can improve how and when you post across multiple platforms. Among their many bells and whistles are analytics, scheduling calendars, comment auto-replies, content and hashtag generation and more. For agencies without a full-time social media manager, these programs are game-changers.
Even though you can often find many free AI tools, you might find a better fit using a paid subscription. Be sure to take advantage of those free trial periods to try out and compare several different services before committing to one. It’s a great way to see what’s available.
Peter van Aartrijk is principal at insurance branding firm Aartrijk. This article was originally published on the Trusted Choice® blog.
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IS YOUR AGENCY READY FOR A TECH UPGRADE?
By: Mallory Cornell
Swiss Re Approved Auditor, Virtual Agency Solutions
Determining if your insurance agency is ready to embrace technology involves assessing several key factors. Here are some questions to consider:
1. Current Technological Infrastructure: Does your agency have the necessary hardware, software, and network infrastructure to support technological advancements? Assess whether your current systems can integrate new technologies seamlessly and safely.
2. Staff Readiness and Training: Are your employees equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively adopt and utilize new technologies? Consider the level of training and support needed to ensure a smooth transition.
3. Client Demands and Expectations: What are your clients’ expectations regarding technological capabilities? Understanding client needs can help prioritize technological investments that enhance customer experience and satisfaction.
4. Compliance and Security Considerations: Are there specific regulatory requirements or security concerns that must be addressed when adopting new technologies? Ensure that any technology solutions comply with industry standards and protect client data.
5. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the potential costs and benefits of adopting new technologies. Consider both short-term expenses (e.g., implementation costs) and long-term benefits (e.g., efficiency gains and improved customer service).
6. Competitive Landscape: How are your competitors leveraging technology? Assess how technological advancements could provide your agency with a competitive edge in the market.
7. Strategic Alignment: Do technological advancements align with your agency’s overall business goals and strategic objectives? Ensure that any technology investments support your agency’s growth and operational efficiency.
8. Change Management: How will your agency manage the organizational change associated with adopting new technologies? Develop a plan to address potential resistance and ensure a smooth transition for employees.
9. Scalability and Flexibility: Consider whether the technology solutions you choose can scale as your agency grows and adapts to future changes in the insurance industry.
10. Feedback and Evaluation: Solicit feedback from stakeholders, including employees and clients, regarding their readiness for technological changes and preferences for specific technology solutions.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can determine whether your insurance agency is ready to embrace technology and identify the steps needed to integrate new technological solutions into your operations effectively.
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