THE DIRECTOR’S CORNER Stronger Together

By: Tyra Dressel

Executive Director of Big I Oregon

“We are stronger together than we are alone.” - Walter Payton

STRONGER TOGETHER

As I reflect on the many things we’ve accomplished this past year, one phrase continues to ring true, “Stronger Together.” It is the collective effort of everyone who touches this association. The hard work, commitment, positive attitude, flexibility, resourcefulness, and creativity of everyone affiliated with this organization make us shine, especially during challenging times.

At our October Board Meeting, we were happy to report all the gains we have made as an organization. We indeed have been “turning lemons into lemonade,” which I said was Big I Oregon’s mantra in our previous magazine. It continues to be true. We have been making strides in every area and all during a tumultuous time. Our membership is up, new partnerships have formed, E&O remains robust, adaptive & competitive, virtual events have become even more engaging, and we have had in-person events again! The Ugly Sweater Holiday Party in December was the perfect way to start back face to face and “uglier than ever”! It was great to see everyone and reminded me just how much I love the interactive nature of our association. One of the key elements to our success as an organization has been the incredible resources that we can utilize. Not only is it the contributions of our local partners, but we have help available to us all around the country. One of my goals is to make sure we are taking advantage of all the available tools. This has been an exciting part of my job as I realize how much stronger we are when we bring fresh ideas to our association. We have taken ideas that have proven successful in other associations and implemented them for our members. In return, other states have learned from us, making us all Stronger Together. Here is a quick recap of some of what we have been working on over recent months:

• Premier Partners: 2021 proved to be a record year with our newly formed Premier Partner Program in 2020. Once again, we are breaking records with our 2022 partners committing to the “year of the independent agent.” Our agents and partners are ready to get back in person. Their desire to grow, innovate and thrive within the independent agency system is nothing short of inspiring.

Look to our partners when you are marketing for your clients and referring business.

• Connecting: I regularly meet virtually with leaders from the same size states to discuss ways to collaborate. At one of these meetings, I learned about Grupio, the event app we are now using. It gives our attendees many ways to connect, share photos and keep up with event happenings. It was a total pleasure to spend time with our Immediate Past President, Mark Atkinson, to interview him for our e-newsletter. It reminded me of the amazingly talented people with extraordinary stories, who I have come to know in my 28 years with Big I Oregon! So much wisdom and talent. Thank you, Mark, for sharing with our members. We look forward to interviewing an agency member each month.

• Education: In 2021 we said farewell to Rick Fletcher, our longtime Law & Ethics instructor. Tim Cundari, a current board member, has given back to the association through teaching a virtual ethics course that was engaging and informative.In addition, Agents & Brokers Education Network (ABEN) has so much to offer in terms of educational prowess. Our association is going full throttle to see what more we can provide to our members and non-members. Over the following weeks and months, we will tap into the vast educational courses in neighboring states and work to bring them to Big I Oregon. Watch for continued growth in our ABEN offerings!

• Evolving: The Midwinter Education Symposium is now the Connect & Educate Symposium (CE Symposium). Since it has been years since we have held the event in the middle of winter, it was time for a change. The Connect & Educate Symposium has the same incredible venue, Inn at Spanish Head, 12 hours of top-notch education and newly added social events so that attendees can fully engage. Back by popular demand, David Thompson, CPCU, AAI, API, CRIS, is sure to enlighten and entertain you. Join us March 10-11, 2022!

• Pure Energy: NextGen is in constant motion and bringing great ideas to the table. From the virtual Gratitude & Giving event in October, raising money for Oregon Make-A-Wish, to the in-person Ugly Sweater Holiday gathering in December, NextGen has boundless ideas to bring to our community! Their focus is on education, sales training, networking, connecting with company partners, and state-wide community “give-back”! Check out their page in this magazine for a complete list of events and to see their inspiring committee members. These are the future leaders of our organization. If you have a NextGen colleague in your agency, have them reach out and get involved today!

• Planning: And that we do! We have changed our convention location for 2022; InsurCon 2022 is at the beautiful Sunriver Resort, August 21-23, 2022! We connected with our Board of Directors to determine what is on the minds of our agency members to make this event even better than the last. We received insightful feedback and are working to make the magic happen! It’s hard to believe that 2019 was our last gathering. We are committed to making this year’s annual convention even more memorable than the last. Stay tuned for the event line up and it’s never too early to book your room! 541-996-2161 Make sure to say you are with Big I Oregon!

There is work to be done, connections to be made, fun to be had and I am thrilled to be a part of it all. Yes, there have been challenges and unpredictability, but the good news is we have weathered the storm and become more efficient, resilient, and Stronger Together!