GREEN MOUNTAIN AGENT A PUBLICATION OF VERMONT INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION
December 2016
Green Mountain Agent is a publication of
In This Issue: 600 Blair Park Road Suite 100 Williston, VT 05495 Phone: 802-229-5884 Fax: 802-876-7912 www.viaa.org VIAA Officers President Peter Richards Vice President Erin Odell Secretary/Treasurer Paul Plunkett IIABA & PIA State National Director Ron Bixby
Directors
December 2016 4 Message from the President 6 Election Report 10 Big “I” University Q&A 12 2016 in Photos 17 Help Wanted 22 YAC News Brief
Features 24 Carrier Co-op 29 Sales Success: Attitude of Gratitude 32 E&O Corner
News
Chip Ams Daniel Rodcliff Alan Kinney
Staff Executive Director Mary Eversole meversole@viaa.org
GMA Publication Design Thorin Markison thorinmarkison.com
34 In Memoriam: Ira Munn Boardman III 35 Concord Group
Message from the President Where Did this Year Go! As another year draws to a close most of you will be in the midst of preparations for this festive season! I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of VIAA and our operational partners for the tremendous effort they put in day in and day out to make sure that member’s needs are met. Many of us do not see all the demands placed on staff, but their work is greatly appreciated. To my fellow Board Members, I thank them for their dedication in governing VIAA and for their tremendous commitment to the success of the organization. VIAA is exceptionally grateful for the generous and continuous support from our company partners. Lastly, to you the members, my sincere appreciation for your support of VIAA and the pride you demonstrate by being members of a Vermont made association. Your engagement is a source of strength for VIAA. I hope this holiday season is an exceptionally good and safe one and that the New Year brings you much health, happiness and prosperity.
Pete Richards, VIAA President
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Vermont Insurance Agents Association SM
Government & Puplic Affairs Group
Election Report John Hollar
The Vermont Paradox The nation awoke on November 9th to face the grim reality of a country that is more sharply divided along educational, cultural, ethnic and economic lines than at any time in generations. Yet in ultra-blue Vermont, where the despair over a Donald Trump presidency is palpable, voters exercised a degree of independence that is both unique among the states and consistent with the state’s long history of cross-party voting.
that accused him of being anti-choice, an assertion that he was easily able to rebut. Scott ran no negative ads against Minter, and the attacks on him underscored his image as a “nice guy” and likely caused voters to respond sympathetically to him.
Voters followed a more traditional path as they went down the ballot, electing Democrats to every other statewide office. Democrat/ Progressive David Zuckerman soundly defeated Republican Randy Brock for Lt. Governor, 52-46. An organic farmer with a Hillary Clinton defeated Trump in Vermont by a 61-33 margin – a spread that was bested only by ponytail whose campaign focused on marijuana legalization, Zuckerman caricaturizes an Hawaii. At the same time, Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Scott solidly defeated Democrat Sue Minter image of Vermont that makes some uneasy. by a vote of 53-44. That margin was far greater Democrats picked up two Senate seats to than most insiders predicted. In electing Scott, further consolidate control of that body, voters followed a 55-year tradition of changing gaining a margin of 23-7. Although the Senate gubernatorial parties in open-seat elections leadership will change, voters reelected every incumbent committee chair. Of the five new At the outset of the campaign, Scott was senators, four previously served in the House. widely viewed as voters’ default choice. His calm presence and moderate conservatism Similarly, while the House leadership will presented the perfect antidote to an electorate change with the retirement of House Speaker that had clearly rejected the unsteady Shap Smith, D-Morristown, the makeup of activism of incumbent Gov. Peter Shumlin. that body will remain virtually the same, Minter ran a solid campaign, outspending Scott with Democrats holding an 84-52 majority (along with seven Independents and seven and focusing on liberal Democratic themes Progressives). Notably, Republicans retained that would seem to resonate in a state that just enough seats to sustain a veto. remains gaga over U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. Sanders gave Minter a strong, albeit late Scott’s election in the face of Vermont’s endorsement, and she was also endorsed by overwhelming support for Clinton and a equally popular President Barack Obama. But Democratic legislature underscores the she struggled to give voters a reason to reject paradox that defines the state’s politics: While Scott, whose moderate and relatively vague Vermonters support a progressive political candidate positions presented little threat to system, those politics threaten the stability Vermonters’ support for strong government. that voters also value. Scott and legislative Democrats are going to struggle to make sense Scott also benefited from a large reservoir of of that paradox over the next two years. voter trust; something that Shumlin lacked in his final term. Ironically, Scott’s image was strengthened by a major and misleading ad campaign by Planned Parenthood 6
Vermont 2016 Election Results * Denotes incumbent Federal Offices PRESIDENT Hillary Clinton (D)
61%
Donald Trump (R)
33%
U.S. SENATE
STATE TREASURER *Beth Pearce (D)
82%
Don Schramm (Prg)
13%
Vermont Legislature HOUSE 84 Democrats
-1
52 Republicans
-1
*Patrick Leahy (D)
61%
7 Independents
+1
Scott Milne (R)
33%
7 Progressives
+1
U.S. HOUSE
SENATE
*Peter Welch (D)
90%
21 Democrats
+2
Erica Clawson (LU)
10%
7 Republicans
-2
2 Progressives
(+/- 0)
State Offices
Government and Public Affairs Group
GOVERNOR Phil Scott (R)
53%
Sue Minter (D)
44%
LT. GOVERNOR David Zuckerman (D)
52%
Randy Brock (R)
46%
ATTORNEY GENERAL T.J. Donovan (D)
67%
Deborah Bucknam (R)
29%
Downs Rachlin’s Government and Public Affairs professionals help the state’s critical industries to achieve key objectives involving government, the press and the public.
John Hollar | Joseph Choquette III | Lucie Garand | Rebecca Lewandoski
For more information about this election report, please contact us at 802-225-5500.
SECRETARY OF STATE *James Condos (D)
90%
Mal Herbert (LU)
10%
STATE AUDITOR *Doug Hoffer (D)
56%
Dan Feliciano (R)
39%
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The 12 of
DAYS
Never use lighted candles near trees or boughs
SAFETY
Keep poisonous plants out of reach of children and pets
2
5
Choose an artificial tree that is labeled fire resistant
Turn off all tree lights and decorations when not in use
8 11
When preparing a meal, wash hands, utensils, sink and anything else that touches raw meat
Keep trees away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources
If using a natural tree, make sure it is well watered
When putting up decorations, use a step stool or ladder to reach high places
Reheat leftovers to at least 165˚F
3
6 9 12
Make sure your tree has a stable platform
1 4 7
Check holiday lights for fraying, bare spots, gaps in the insulation or excessive kinking in the wire
Designate a sober driver
10
Happy Holidays
Big “I” University
Coverage A Limit
Can an Underwriter Refuse to Add Value of Solar Panels? Bill Wilson
Bill Wilson An agent’s client installs solar paneling and equipment to his house. Although the solar equipment is permanently attached to the dwelling, the homeowners carrier refuses to add its value to the HO policy on the basis that the energy which isn’t consumed is sold by the electric company on the market. Q: “I’m pretty sure this ordinary homeowner hasn’t entered the utility marketplace, nor is he engaged in any business. Why would the insurer refuse to include this new home improvement on the HO policy? Why is this situation any different than if the insured upgraded his boiler to a newer, more energyefficient model to save on home heating costs?” A: “Assuming we’re talking about an ISO HO-3, even if the insured uses the solar panels to generate income, there is no exclusion under Coverage A for business property. Therefore, there is coverage for damage to the solar equipment. The policy
10
might only cover equipment for actual cash value if the HO 04 90 replacement cost endorsement is not attached, but if it’s brand-new equipment, actual cash value and replacement cost are probably very similar. I don’t know that you can force the insurer to increase the limit, but if they think that’s justified on the basis that there’s no coverage, they’re wrong—again assuming it’s an ISO form. The equitable and customer-focused thing to do is increase the limit as requested. Then, if they don’t like the exposure, they can non-renew.” UPDATE: The next day, the agent responded, “The underwriter has just agreed to endorse the policy to include the value of the new solar panels. Thanks for all your help!” Bill Wilson is director of the Big “I” Virtual University.
COULD YOUR CUSTOMERS USE A
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CONSIDER THIS: Existing homeowners and auto insurance may not be enough to cover a lawsuit or judgment. A personal umbrella policy will substantially increase your customer’s overall liability coverage beyond the basic coverage provided under homeowners and auto insurance policies. A SMART WAY TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. You’ll find an RLI personal umbrella policy is a good idea. • $1 million in additional insurance • Backed by a financially secure, A+ rated company • Customers keep their current homeowner/auto insurer • Excess UM/UIM available • New drivers accepted — no age limit on drivers • Up to one DWI/DUI per household allowed • Auto limits as low as 100/300/50 in certain cases
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2016 in Photos
Annual Business Meeting
12
2016 in Photos
110th Annual Convention 13
2016 in Photos
Young Agents Casino Night
14
2016 in Photos
Golf Tournament
View all the photos from the Business Meeting, Convention, Casino Night & Golf Tournament HERE 15
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HELP WANTED
PERSONAL LINES SERVICE Customer Service is the top priority of this position. Efficient servicing will be required in this position in order to maintain excellent customer relations. This position will coordinate the processing of personal lines new and renewal business. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: • Manage & prepare quotations. • Complete and upload new business applications. • Manage new accounts in Agency Automation System • Respond to company memos or e-mail in timely manner. • Maintain positive relationships and keep direct communication with company underwriters and staff. • Keep informed and up to date on industry and company issues. • Improve/refine sales techniques through continuing education. • Maintain account files in accordance with established procedures. • Complete performance objectives as directed by the Manager. • Perform other specific duties as requested by the Manager. • Some processing on assigned accounts, including: daily mail, ordering of renewal or new coverage’s, invoicing, binders, company and/or client correspondence, suspense and follow-up, computer information input and client and/or policy information update.
• Check policies, endorsements, and other policy documents for accuracy. • Manage adding coverages to existing accounts. • Market, quoting, and placing new and renewal risks. Set up complete policy applications and/or specifications as required for new or renewal business in conjunction with clients’ needs and in conjunction with producer instructions. • Maintain Pipeline weekly with sold business. • Coordinate with accounting department in collecting premiums promptly or taking action in accordance with agency credit program. • Individual will also process any task as needed to relieve the loads of others in the department. Education/Experience/ Licenses/Certifications • High School diploma required; college degree preferred. • Three to five years in company or agency underwriting. • Agency experience preferred • Property/Casualty License required Submit Cover Letter and Resume to: Robin Bilodeau robin.bilodeau@nfp.com
• Maintain control on renewal expirations and binders. 17
HELP WANTED
Personal Lines Insurance Agent The Crowley Agency has been in business since 1947 providing excellent service and products to our many loyal customers. We currently have an open position for a licensed personal lines agent with the opportunity to grow into commercial lines. The ideal candidate would be personable, possess excellent communication skills and really enjoy helping people. This is a full time position with office hours and basic computer skills are required. We offer competitive salary, commision & benefits based on experience and qualifications. Please send your resume to Gail McKenna at gailm@crowleyagency.com For more details regarding our products and the companies that we represent please visit our website: CrowleyAgency.com
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?
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Insurance products underwritten by Westport Insurance Corporation, Overland Park, Kansas. Westport is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Insurance products mentioned may not be available in all states. Please contact your state administrator or Westport for availability in your state
HELP WANTED
New England Excess Exchange, Ltd. is seeking Commercial and Personal Lines Producers to join our growing team! NEEE, Ltd. is a family owned and operated E&S brokerage firm, established in 1981, based in Barre, Vermont with 48 employees. The ideal applicant for Commercial or Personal Lines would have a bachelors degree or commiserate insurance experience. That said, we’ve found the most successful underwriters are detail oriented and driven with strong organizational skills while having an analytical mind and welcoming personality. This individual will need to obtain their state Property and Casualty license and maintain the Continuing Education units as directed by state regulatory guidelines, with our aide; but, we will train them in the role and, at least initially, have the renewals and a submission flow from which they can develop professional relationships and the experience needed to grow a book of business. If they can efficiently multitask, while delivering a high degree of accuracy, they will enjoy a very successful and lucrative career here at NEEE, Ltd. These are commission structured positions with a generous draw to allow for livable bi‐weekly pay between quarterly commission opportunities. Primary Expectations:
Provide superior customer service to our agents and partner companies Develop relationships with agents and markets Accountable for underwriting decisions Manage a large volume of calls and emails with timely responses Ability to work independently and within a team Excellent oral and written communication
Applicants can submit their resume to Renee Grzankowski, rgrzankowski@neee.com.
VERMONT
Vermont Young Agents Elect New Leadership Team at Annual Meeting The Vermont Young Agents Committee elected a new leadership team at their Annual Meeting which was held on November 17 in Burlington. Commissioner Michael Pieciak addressed the group and provided an update on the work at the Department of Financial Regulation. John Hollar, VIAA’s Lobbyist, from Downs Rachlin Martin, provided an election recap and preview of the 2017 Legislative Session. The YACS also attended sales training with Phil Schuman of The Schuman Group. The day ended with a social hour overlooking beautiful Lake Champlain.
Vermont Young Agents 2017 Leadership Team Chairperson: Brady Hecht, Patriot Insurance Company Co-Chairperson: Aislyn Vaughn, NFP P&C Secretary: Kody Lyon, Noyle Johnson Group Treasurer: Kelly Schavone, Jamieson Insurance Events Coordinator: Jessica Fleury, The Richards Group Media Relations: Monica Moore, PuroClean Legislative Coordinator: Michael O’Leary
John Hollar VIAA Lobbyist
Commissioner. Michael Pieciak 22
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Use Carrier Co-op for Agency Success in 2017 Did you know that 50% or more of carrier co-op marketing funds for agencies go unused every year? Today’s insurance consumer has multiple options and hoping they drive by your agency or find your agency website isn’t a marketing plan. Don’t get me wrong, your agency website CAN be an effective marketing tool. But most aren’t. The unfortunate truth is that most agency websites aren’t good at helping new prospects find the agency. Most agency websites only rank for one keyword: the name of the agency. So if the prospect looks for your agency by searching in Google with your name, they will find you. But if they search for auto insurance my state, or business insurance this town, most agencies don’t appear. Help is only a phone call away! TrustedChoice.com Advantage subscriptions are often considered a reimbursable expense under many insurance companies’ co-op marketing plans. The following companies have approved policies to extend co-op to the purchase of and Advantage profile: • Auto Owners Insurance • Ohio Mutual Insurance Group • Westfield Insurance
24
Other carriers have extended their coop programs to Advantage profiles when asked, so just because one of your lead carriers isn’t named above doesn’t mean that they won’t provide support. How does it work? The primary way that an Advantage profile helps your agency is because a Google search returns TrustedChoice.com content in position one, two or three on page one for over 10,500 insurance key words. That means that Google believes that the TrustedChoice.com topic on those keywords is one of the top three most authoritative on the internet. After the buyer does their research and looks to find an agency who can write their business, nearby Advantage agencies are prominently featured. Get your agency off to a great marketing start in 2017 by signing up for an Advantage profile today! Call TrustedChoice.com today at 855372-0070 for more information.
THE MEETING SPACE YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR
Register Today! viaa.org/education-center/2016-continuing-education-calendar/
Attitude of Gratitude Phil Schuman Here’s an exercise I urge you to try this holiday season. The results can quite simply be life changing. Tomorrow for a full day from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep allow yourself to think and speak only from a positive frame of mind. Begin each day with a brief spoken affirmation of appreciation which will set a positive tone for the rest of the day. Negative thoughts and expressions of doubt, blame or self-pity are easier to go to, but instead turn them to feelings and spoken affirmations of confidence, accountability and gratitude. The law of attraction dictates that this will lead to greater abundance in your life. Whether positive or negative, what we feel is what we attract. What’s the easiest way to change your mindset? Instead of focusing on the dozen or so things in your life that aren’t where you want them to be (which is what most of us do!), instead focus on the hundreds and thousands of things that are going right, starting with the most basic gift we often forget to be grateful for: that we woke up today to enjoy another day! Instead of complaining that we “have to” go grocery shopping or we “have to” pick up the kids from school; instead re-frame your thoughts and words so that we see these as the gifts they really are: we “get to” go grocery shopping and we “get to” pick up the kids from school. Once we look outside the bubble of the privileged life we live in, we realize the majority of rest of the world doesn’t have the same gifts we enjoy and take for granted every day. But why is this relevant to the world of selling? Because when we’re feeling a deep sense of appreciation for all we have it’s far easier to keep a positive mindset throughout our daily sales efforts. Selling is a game where rejection and setbacks are a fact of our daily lives, and without
an overriding positive mental attitude, the job of a salesperson is made far more difficult. A sense of gratitude helps put disappointing outcomes into perspective, enables us to bounce back quickly from setbacks, and gives us a suit of armor when we’re out in the field helping us to appreciate that the “no’s” are a part of the process to getting to the “yes’s.” Gratitude also helps us conquer fear – an enemy which when left unmanaged can prevent us from taking action in selling. Adopting a constant sense of gratitude does far more than delivering benefits to our own mindset. Prospects perceive us to be more confident when they sense our positive attitude on the world which helps us gain their sense of trust in us and our products. Think about someone you know who is always a downer. They seem less confident in themselves and far fewer people want to be around them. Although it’s easier to jump to negative thoughts than positive, when we do stay negative we often find we’re doing it alone! People want to be around positive people – it’s contagious! Consider that in terms of building a business relationship the sales process is about helping prospects to first know you, then like you, and finally trust you. When you’re approaching them with a positive, grateful nature, this process is far easier to accomplish. Selling is about empowering the prospect to feel the same sense of enthusiasm about your product as you do – and it’s impossible to feel genuinely enthusiastic without an underlying foundation of gratitude. It’s also healthier to be a happier, more positive person. It makes life more fun, and certainly makes life better for those around you! The deepest human need is to feel appreciated and when you’re truly showing gratitude to your prospects and customers, they in turn will respond to you and your offerings far more readily. 29
Gratitude encourages self-confidence and optimism – essential attributes for any salesperson. Gratitude aligns your mindset with all the things that have gone right for you, not what hasn’t, and opens your mind to what’s possible around the corner or with the next prospecting call you make. Instead of thinking: “what if the prospect says no?” instead get into the habit of saying to yourself: “what if the prospect says yes!” This also helps us master the “assumption mindset” – to speak with prospects in terms of “when” they buy, not in terms of “if.” Start with challenging yourself to feeling truly grateful for a full 24 hours. Once you’ve accomplished this do it again for a full week. Then for a full month. You’ll find once you’ve been consistently grateful for a full 21 days this new mindset will start to become a habit and your whole life will change. After all, what happens to us isn’t always the important thing; it’s how we perceive it to be that can be our ultimate reality. Even when deals don’t go our way, rather than moaning and
digging ourselves into a hole, instead in a state of gratitude we figure out how to learn from the lost sales which will make us far more effective in our future sales efforts. All good things flow from a source of gratitude, from healthier relationships in business and life to better results in selling. This holiday season and from this point forward adopt a consistent attitude of gratitude. Like a magnet this mindset will help attract into your life and business that which is healthier, more rewarding and more prosperous. As the great Eckhart Tolle says: “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” Happy Selling! The Schuman Group empowers sales teams with real world tools through sales training, coaching and consulting services.
www.schuman-group.com
Perpetuate the Industry? Check.
Don’t wait until the office is empty to find new talent – support InVEST and find new recruits now. InVEST is a free, classroom to career program designed to increase awareness of the insurance industry with high school and college students. And, InVEST has been making huge strides over the last year. With a new student center, career center and more scholarship dollars than ever before, InVEST is touching more and more students daily. InVEST, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is supported by financial contributions from insurance companies and individuals, in addition to the active involvement of hundreds of insurance professionals. For volunteer and donor opportunities visit www.investprogram.org.
Everything you insure is on your shoulders
Who do you trust to have your back? VIAS offers the most prestigious Errors & Omissions carrier(s) in the country: Westport Insurance Company & Utica National Insurance Group
For a quote or for more information contact Helen Collins at hcollins@viaa.org or 1-844-609-1481
www.iiaba.net/eohappens
VIAS is a subsidiary of Vermont Insurance Agents Association viaa.org
What If Your Client Asks You If They Should Report a Claim under Their Policy? What If Your Client Asks You If They Should by Daniel J. Hammond, CPCU, AIS, AIC, AINS, ARe Report a Claim under Their Policy? Many Errors and Omissions (E&O) claims involve clients alleging that they told their agents about situations that were then
by Daniel J. Hammond, CPCU, AIS, AIC, AINS, ARe
never reported to the clients’ carriers. The agent often tells his or her E&O claim adjuster that the client did talk to him or her about the situation and that the client did not want to report it. Many Errors and Omissions (E&O) claims involve clients alleging that they told their agents about situations that were then never reported to the clients’ carriers. The agent often tells his or her E&O claim adjuster that the client did talk to him or her If clients ask you whether they should report a claim, the answer is that their insurance policy spells out the claim reporting about the situation and that the client did not want to report it. requirements and that they likely need to report the claim right away and provide the details specified in the reporting provisions of their policy. If clients ask you whether they should report a claim, the answer is that their insurance policy spells out the claim reporting requirements and that they likely need to report the claim right away and provide the details specified in the reporting If it is the client’s decision not to report a claim, document this in writing to the client and include it in your file. provisions of their policy. Remember the following when dealing with agency client claim reporting: If it is the client’s decision not to report a claim, document this in writing to the client and include it in your file.
› › sure to report to all applicable policies (primary, umbrella, etc.). If you are uncertain as to whether a policy ›› Be Do not tell a client not to report a claim. is applicable, report the claim. not take it upon yourself to make an insurance coverage decision as a reason to not report a client’s claim. › Do submitting a loss notice form on behalf of a client, consider placing the carrier on notice with a cover sheet ›› When Be sure to report to all applicable policies (primary, umbrella, etc.). If you are uncertain as to whether a policy
Do not tell a client not to report a claim. Remember when dealing agency client claim reporting: Dothe notfollowing take it upon yourself towith make an insurance coverage decision as a reason to not report a client’s claim.
› › › ›
that the agency accepts no responsibility for reliance upon, and has not undertaken verification of, the information is applicable, report the claim. contained in the loss notice and that the carrier needs to verify all information with the agency client. When submitting a loss notice form on behalf of a client, consider placing the carrier on notice with a cover sheet Many policies require reporting claims directly to the carrier. Consider from an E&O perspective whether it may benefit that the agency accepts no responsibility for reliance upon, and has not undertaken verification of, the information the agency to have clients report directly to their carriers rather than having your agency accept the responsibility and contained in the loss notice and that the carrier needs to verify all information with the agency client. potential liability surrounding claim-reporting issues. Many policies require reporting claims directly to the carrier. Consider from an E&O perspective whether it may benefit Keep your agency file well documented. the agency to have clients report directly to their carriers rather than having your agency accept the responsibility and
potential liability surrounding claim-reporting issues. Whether it is reporting a claim or reporting a potential claim under your E&O policy, or fielding a claim-reporting question from Keep your agency file well documented. a client, a good rule of thumb is to immediately submit a claim to the carrier and let the claim adjusters take care of the rest.
›
Whether it is reporting a claim or reporting a potential claim under your E&O policy, or fielding a claim-reporting question from a client, a good rule of thumb is to immediately submit a claim to the carrier and let the claim adjusters take care of the rest.
The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not for purposes of providing legal advice.You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not for purposes of providing legal advice.You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.
32
5-R-1190 Ed. 10-16
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In Memoriam Ira Munn Boardman III 1958 - 2016 Ira Munn Boardman III died Sunday, November 27, 2016 in Ellenburg, New York after becoming lost for eight days in the Adirondacks during a hunting trip. A loving and committed father, Munn leaves behind his two children, Ira Munn Boardman IV and Rachael M. Boardman. His pride for their accomplishments was evident in the time he spent helping them to fulfill their passions for hockey and horses. Munn was born on February 27, 1958 in Burlington, Vermont, the son of Lillian Schroeder Boardman and Ira Munn Boardman, Jr. He graduated from Rice Memorial High School and earned a business degree at Assumption College in Worcester, MA. After graduating from college, he joined Hickok & Boardman Insurance Agency in 1981 and experienced a long and successful insurance career. Until retirement in 2014, Munn was instrumental in building and maintaining a varied client base in the St. Alban’s office. He was known for his work ethic, unpretentious style, warmth and good humor; many clients still remain close friends today. An avid outdoorsman his entire life, Munn’s early years were spent mastering the art of trout fishing at the Lake Mansfield Trout Club, hunting the woods of Stowe at his family deer camp, and duck hunting in South Hero on the shores of Lake Champlain. Over the years, Munn participated in the Lake Champlain Invitational Fishing Derby, sometimes bringing in that elusive 10 pounder. He also traveled to the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Alberta as well as the states of Wyoming and Montana to hunt a range of game including 34
white tail deer, bear, timber wolf and more. Munn’s final years were spent doing what he lovedfarming and hunting on his 500 plus acres in the Adirondacks. Thank you to the thousands of family and friends, as well as the 30 agencies that supported Munn’s search day after day with boots on the ground, prayers and kindness. We especially thank the Ellenburg Center Fire Department, Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers, and New York State Police who were unrelenting in their focus to find Munn. In addition to his children, Munn leaves behind his mother, Lillian to whom he was a devoted son, his siblings Linda Boardman, Deborah Boardman Davis (Grant), Scott Boardman (Carol), his former wife, Colleen M. Boardman and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Ira Munn Boardman, Jr. Visiting hours will take place on Thursday, December 1 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Corbin & Palmer, Inc., 9 Pleasant Street, Essex Junction, VT. A celebration of Munn’s life will take place on Friday, December 2 at 11:00 am, Christ the King Church, 136 Locust Street, Burlington, VT. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Forest Ranger Scholarship Foundation, Inc. PO Box 72, Warrensburg, New York 12885.
Company News CONCORD GROUP INSURANCE COMPANIES AND DENIS, RICKER & BROWN CELEBRATE 40 YEAR RELATIONSHIP The Concord Group Insurance Companies and Denis, Ricker & Brown Insurance Agency recently celebrated their 40 year partnership of providing home, auto and business insurance to Vermont neighbors by gathering at La Puerta Negra in Montpelier to reflect on the longevity of their relationship. John Natale, Vice President of Marketing at The Concord Group stated, “We’re proud to have Denis, Ricker & Brown as our local representative. Together, we’ve been protecting our Vermont neighbors’ homes, cars and businesses for over forty years. Peter Ricker and the Denis, Ricker & Brown team provide excellent service to our policyholders. Peter and his staff truly care about their customers.” Denis Ricker & Brown, a member of the Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group had members of the executive team and frontline staff in attendance for the event. Vice President of Hickok & Boardman and General Manager of Denis Ricker & Brown, Peter J. Ricker said, “We feel privileged to represent The Concord Group. Together, our emphasis has always been on the people and providing the best insurance products to meet the needs of our customers. Concord Group’s Green Mountain Insurance Company was founded here in Montpelier 100 years ago and has been part of the fabric of our community and is one of the many reasons we encourage our neighbors to give us a call and ask why we recommend The Concord Group!”
Sarah Miller (Concord Group Marketing Representative) Presents Peter Ricker With 40 Year Anniversary Plaque
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Company News CONCORD GENERAL MUTUAL AFFILIATES WITH AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE GROUP Concord General Mutual is pleased to announce its proposed affiliation with Auto-Owners Insurance Group, a highly rated, multi-line insurance company headquartered in Lansing, Michigan. Auto-Owners, like Concord General Mutual, is a well-established, mutual insurer with a long history of outstanding customer service doing business exclusively through independent insurance agents. Combining the efforts of these two companies will allow each to better serve their customers as well as enhance their financial stability. “The combining of capabilities will allow us to expand our product and premium base and help support the Concord name in the region,” said Linda Day, Concord’s Chairman and CEO. “We are pleased to be affiliating with a strong company that shares our values and commitment to our customers, our independent agency partners, and the people who work at Concord Group.” Auto-Owners, a Fortune 500 company for the last 14 years, is an A.M. Best A++ (Superior)
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rated multi-line property and casualty insurer, one of only 10 carrier groups to receive Best’s highest rating. They also own a Life Company and an Excess & Surplus lines insurer. The group has combined writings exceeding $6 billion in premium with assets exceeding $22 billion. They have received numerous awards from national organizations for customer service and quality. Concord is excited about the future with Auto-Owners, as the affiliation will allow it to expand its commercial product offerings, grow its workforce, strengthen agency relationships, improve efficiencies, and bring greater value to its customers. The affiliation is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals, and approval from Concord’s policyholders, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017. Concord management will remain in place after the closing.
Vermont Insurance Agents Association Partner Program Diamond Partners
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Bronze Partners Berkshire Hathaway GUARD CNA Meadowbrook TPA Associates New England Excess Exchange, LTD NGM Insurance
Patriot Insurance Company
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