TERRITORY UPDATE Jim Smith Director Territory 2 IBAO
and ensure they continue to have access to continuing education opportunities. Whether through C.A.I.B., licensing courses or continuing education courses, get involved and become more professional brokers in the process.
Team spirit
Taking Steps Now to be Ready for the Future As a first year director, I am honoured to be associated with IBAO staff and amazed at the dedication and determination displayed by President Chris Floyd, our executive team and the entire board. The last two years have been ones of transition, with many new staff members having been appointed. I congratulate Randy Carroll and the selection committee on making such stellar choices. This group is dynamic and ready to help us all move forward in these challenging times. Make the effort to engage with both staff and board members. Remember, we are here to provide leadership and assistance as we, “Get Ready for Tomorrow Today.” Territory 2 encompasses the affiliates of Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. The small population and large geographic area makes the work of IBAO more challenging. The delivery of education is difficult as the territory does not receive the level of participation necessary to make courses viable. That being the case, distance education through webinars and the like will afford the territory the opportunity to better engage members
Distance education through webinars and the like will afford the territory the opportunity to better engage members. 04 May 2014 / THE ONTARIO BROKER
One of the territory’s initiatives this year is to revitalize our affiliates. Representatives for Sudbury, for example, recently met to discuss the perpetuation of the local association. Our mission, including the engagement of more YBC members and the level of community involvement, were among the issues discussed at the meeting. The reaction from new and younger volunteers who have stepped up has been very encouraging. We anticipate great things for 2014. The Sault Ste. Marie affiliate has been quite active, with community involvement playing a central role in activities. The association sponsored a hockey game involving the Greyhounds, part of the Ontario Hockey League, a great venue in which to offer Bipper giveaways and showcase member offices. More than 3,000 people attended the event. Strong leadership and strong member involvement makes the Sault affiliate a strong contributor to the success of IBAO in the North. In Timmins, the association has been active in spreading the word on telematics and other relevant issues. Remember also that the annual golf tournament is coming up in August. Sign up now to see some fellow brokers and enjoy a day on the links.
Keeping up to date Territory 2’s regional meeting was held in North Bay on April 30 to May 1. Membership and insurer participation was strong and a great number of key issues were discussed. The work done by IBAO staff and board members has been tremendous. Territory 2 members and representatives thank President Floyd and staff members Brett Boadway and Lola Thake for updating us on the many initiatives. Whether it is the telematics initiative, work on the consent issue, pamphlets
Brokers need to communicate with their local representatives and share the good work that brokers do to promote our profession while safeguarding the Ontario consumer. regarding anti-fraud, work towards an e-signature solution or Canada’s new anti-spam legislation — the information was welcomed by members who are encouraged to learn more. It is worth mentioning that “duty of care” was prominent in both the errors and omissions seminar and in territory meetings. Discussions revolved around the duty owed to clients not just at the time of sale, but also at renewal and throughout the service process. “Treat a renewal the same way as new business” was the mantra. It was strongly recommended that all coverages be reviewed at every renewal, and that the situation of each client be studied, with a mind to making required changes to coverage to ensure any new needs are met. Members are advised to contact IBAO for more information on this important issue.
Communicate and share The recently called provincial election affords brokers the opportunity to engage representatives on issues that are important to brokers and consumers alike. Regardless of political bent, brokers need to communicate with their local representatives and share the good work that brokers do to promote our profession while safeguarding the Ontario consumer. The IBAO is hard at work on many issues. Call Brett Boadway to ensure you are familiar with our position on issues of concern, or to become a political action volunteer. A strong consistent message is key to broker success. The time to get involved with IBAO is now. Working together, we can perpetuate the broker channel and ensure our relevance in the 21st century.