e-Insight - April 2020 - Non-Member

APRIL 2020

INSIGHT

NAVIGATING OUR NEW “ NORMAL” REMOTE WORK RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS LEADERS AND EMPLOYEES

Plus

COVID-19 UPDATES FROM IIA OF IL

TRUST US TO SERVE THEM FAITHFULLY Our industry-leading House of Worship package helps cover the particular risks faced by churches and religious centers, from property coverage for the facility and its artistic furnishings to liability coverage for pastors and staff.

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AUTO | HOME | FARM | BUSINESS

grinnellmutual.com “Trust in Tomorrow.” and “Grinnell Mutual” are registered trademarks of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2020.

Editor & Graphic Design - Rachel Romines

|

Advertising - Tami Hubbell

CONTENTS

April 2020

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IIA of IL Working for You During COVID-19

By Evan Manning

How Coronavirus Will Impact Agents and Brokers

By Reagan Consulting

Navigating a Remote Workforce as a Business Leader: Now and Planning for the Future

By Jennifer Jacobs, SHRM-CP

Workplace Flexibility and Remote Work Best Practices

By Sharon Emek

Working From Home: Tips for Creating a New Normal

By Lauren Williams

Thoughts on Cyber Security from IIA of IL Tech Guru

By Nathan Boyd

Protect Yourself from Coronavirus Scams

By Scambusters

E&O Risk Management and the Coronavirus

By SwissRe Corporate Solutions

Katie School of Insurance Hosts Diversity Event

By Phil Lackman

In This Issue

The Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIA of IL) has been providing members with a sustainable competitive advantage since 1899.

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President’s Message Trusted Choice Government

e-Insight Associate News

31 34 36 37 38

IIA of IL News Board of Directors Profiles Industry News People in the News Classifieds

info@iiaofil.org | www.iiaofil.org | (800) 628-6436 or (217) 793-6660 | Fax: (217) 793-6744

2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2019

Insight is the official publication of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIA of IL). The magazine is published monthly for the members of the IIA of IL, with the office located at 4360 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62711-7009; Consumer Website: www.ChooseIndependent.com. The IIA of IL welcomes letters discussing concerns of the insurance industry, articles, editorials, other matters of interest to the membership. The editor reserves the right to edit and select submissions for publication. Address submissions for review to Rachel Romines at rromines@iiaofil.org. For advertising information, contact Tami Hubbell at thubbell@iiaofil.org.

ADVERTISERS

Board of Directors Executive Committee

Chairman of the Board | Patrick Muldowney (312) 595-7192 | patrick.muldowney@alliant.com

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APPLIED UNDERWRITERS

President | Bill Wirth (618) 939-6368 | billw@wirthagency.com

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY GUARD INS. GROUP

President-Elect | George Daly (708) 845-3311 | george.daly@thehortongroup.com

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EPAYPOLICY

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CIRCLES CONCIERGE SERVICE

Vice President | Jay Peterson, AFIS, LUTCF (217) 935-6605 | jay@peterson.insurance Secretary/Treasurer | Bennie Jones (312) 960-6206 | bjones@rmsoa.com IIABA National Director Gregory A. Sandrock, CIC, AFIS (815) 438-3923 | gregsandrock@2cornerstone.com

Regional Directors Region 1 | Lisa Lukens (618) 942-2556 | salibainsurance@gmail.com Region 2 | Joseph Heneghan (618) 639-2244 | joe.heneghan@hwcrins.com Region 3 | Christopher Leming (217) 321-3185 | cleming@troxellins.com Region 4 | Bart Hartauer, CIC (815) 223-1795 | hartauer@hartauer.com

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GRINNELL MUTUAL REINSURANCE COMPANY IMT INSURANCE INSURANCE PROGRAM MANAGERS GROUP

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KEYSTONE INSURANCE GROUP

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RLI HOME BUSINESS

27

SWISSRE/WESTPORT

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UTICA NATIONAL INSURANCE GROUP

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W.A. SCHICKEDANZ/INTERSTATE RISK PLACEMENT

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WEST BEND MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.

Region 5 | Nick Gunn, CIC (309) 691-1300 | nickgunn@nixonagency.com Region 6 | Thomas Evans, Jr. (779) 220-6564 | tevans@crumhalsted.com Region 7 | Neidra Crosby, CPIA, CISR (708) 597-8731 | ncrosby@insxchg.com Region 8 | Andrew Allan (773) 891-8000 | aallan@lakeviewins.com Region 9 | Ed Boltz, JD (630) 443-7300 | eboltz@crumhalsted.com Region 10 | Christopher Bassler, CLCS (847) 480-0800 | cbassler@basslerins.com At-Large Director | William Durkin (312) 629-0725 | durkinb@danielandhenry.com At-Large Director | Michael-Charles Hilson (708) 333-3378 | mhilson@gbgins.com At-Large Director | Ryan Hite (309) 688-7316 | ryan.hite@eaglerockins.com At-Large Director | Patrick Taphorn, CIC, CSRM (309) 347-2177 | ptaphorn@unland.com

Committee Chairs Budget & Finance | Bennie Jones (312) 960-6200 | bjones@rmsoa.com Education | Teresa Fleming, CIC, CISR (815) 849-5219 | tess@leffelmanassoc.com Farm Agents Council | Randy Jacobs (309) 365-3231 | rjacobs@mtco.com Government Relations | Kevin Lesch (630) 830-3232 | klesch@arachasgroup.com IIAPAC | Dustin Peterson (217) 935-6605 | dustin@peterson.insurance

IIA of Illinois Staff Director of Information and Technology Shannon Churchill - (217) 321-3004 - schurchill@iiaofil.org

Director of Government Relations Evan Manning - (217) 321-3002 - emanning@iiaofil.org

Director of Education and Agency Resources Brett Gerger - (217) 321-3006 - bgerger@iiaofil.org

Office Administrator Kristi Osmond - (217) 321-3007 - kosmond@iiaofil.org

Accounting & Admin Services Tami Hubbell - (217) 321-3016 - thubbell@iiaofil.org

Director of Communications Rachel Romines - (217) 321-3024 - rromines@iiaofil.org

Director of Human Resources, Board Admin Jennifer Jacobs - (217) 321-3013 - jjacobs@iiaofil.org

Director of Membership Services Tom Ross, CRIS, CPIA - (217) 321-3003 - tross@iiaofil.org

Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Mark Kuchar - (217) 321-3015 - mkuchar@iiaofil.org

Products & Services Administrator Janet White, CISR - (217) 321-3010 - jwhite.indep12@insuremail.net

Chief Executive Officer Phil Lackman - (217) 321-3005 - plackman@iiaofil.org

Director of Prof. Liability & Ins. Products Carol Wilson, CPIA - (217) 321-3011 - cwilson.indep12@insuremail.net

Central/Southern Marketing Representative Lori Mahorney - (217) 415-7550 - lmahorney@iiaofil.org

Planning & Coordination | Cindy K. Jackman, CIC, CISR (800) 878-9891 x8745 | cjackman@arlingtonroe.com Young Agents | Allyson Padilla (618) 393-2195 | allyson@blanksinsurance.com

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president's message | INSIGHT

Our Association is Here for ALL of Us IIA of IL Members, Despite the current state of affairs with COVID-19, more than anything, I hope this letter finds you and your family staying healthy.

Over the past weeks, many of our member agencies throughout the state have adapted to working remotely and most importantly, our clients continue to be well served. The IIA office staff in Springfield has also adapted to working remotely and business continues as normal as normal can be. As an association, we’ve been adapting as needed. In March, prior to Executive Order 2020-10 being issued, we proactively modified our quarterly IIA of IL board meeting by conducting a “virtual board meeting” rather than asking board members throughout the state to travel to Springfield. We’ve made arrangements to change or postpone a number of upcoming events and classes and will continue to communicate as timelines unfold.

Your IIA of IL staff has been working tirelessly developing and updating the IIA of IL COVID-19 Resource Page at www.iiaofil.org/Covid-19-Resources. If you haven’t done so already, please bookmark and review this valuable resource. As agents, many of us are receiving multiple phone calls on a daily basis asking about Business Income coverage. Within this resource page, you will find a number of articles and/or webinars addressing this issue.

You will also find important information from E & O carriers on this page as well.

Clearly, this pandemic and the related consequences of the Stay at Home Order, as well as the order that went into effect on March 16th banning indoor eating and drinking, are having an immediate impact everywhere. Without some form of immediate relief, the results will likely be devastating for some of our clients. Obviously, the long term impact remains unknown. Fortunately, as an industry, we provide essential products/services that everyone needs. However, the longer businesses remain closed, the more their sales and payrolls will be reduced. As a result, eventually our member agencies, some more than others, will feel the financial impact as well.

Eventually this will pass and life will get back to the way it was just weeks ago. We won’t think twice about attending school activities, going out to dinner with friends and family, or planning vacations. Meanwhile, enjoy every minute of any extra time you may be getting to spend with your loved ones (even if your children keep beating you at your favorite card game).

Wishing you all the best.

Bill Wirth - IIA of IL President - (618) 939-6368 - billw@wirthagency.com april 2020

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Free to do what's right for you.SM

TrustedChoice.com Makes Changes to “Recommended Agencies” Feature TrustedChoice.com has recently announced improvements to the recommendation engine on TrustedChoice.com giving an enhanced experience to insurance shoppers and agents.

It’s easy to activate your Member Plus agency profile. Go to www.iiaofil.org/Portals/1/Documents/ MemberPlusUpgrade.pdf to view step-by-step instructions.

Effective March 31, TrustedChoice.com no longer actively recommends agencies to insurance shoppers visiting TrustedChoice.com, unless the agency being recommended is properly registered with an Advantage agency profile or a Member Plus agency profile.

All other Trusted Choice agencies will continue to be listed in the Trusted Choice Agency Directory, as they always have. Because the IIA of IL is a State SEO Partner of TrustedChoice.com, all Illinois members are eligible to activate their Member Plus profile for FREE right away.

Once you activate your Member Plus profile, you will stay in the recommendation engine. When an insurance shopper enters their needs in the recommendation engine, Member Plus agencies will be recommended so long as they match those needs.

april 2020

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Taking care of everything from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

ASSIST. INFORM. SUPPORT. If your organization has been directly affected by the worldwide health threat, Circles Concierge can help alleviate some of the difficulties associated with this temporary situation by assisting with:

Information about COVID-19 in the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov

Support Alternative Travel Arrangements

Employee

Sourcing office supplies & remote workspace needs

Solutions to extend company culture to a remote workforce

check-ins

Coronavirus advisory information World Health Organization www.who.int/emergencies Coronavirus Q&A World Health Organization www.who.int/news-room

CONTACT US TODAY www.iiaofil.org/circles

Shannon Churchill, IIA of IL schurchill@iiaofil.org | (217) 321-3004

e INSIGHT -

online journal at www.iiaofil.org/Resources/Insight

AP RI L 20 20

INSIGH T

NAVIG OUR N ATING “ NORM EW” AL REMOT EW

ORK RESOU BUSIN RCES FOR E AND E SS LEADER MPLOY S EES

Plus

COVID -1 UPDAT 9 FROM ES IIA OF IL

Check out the IIA of IL COVID-19 Resource Website Updated

Updated Daily

- IIA of IL Updates - Insurance Issues - Agency Operations - Additional Resources & Articles and Illinois Information - Outbreak Information, Maps and Updates - Quick Tips and Questions You Should be Asking in Your Agency

april 2020

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HOME BUSINESS INSURANCE

DO YOU HAVE A CLIENT WHO RUNS A SMALL BUSINESS FROM HOME? WILL THEIR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE PROVIDE COVERAGE WHEN…

PROTECTION FOR HOME-BASED BUSINESSES!

• Business equipment is stolen out of their vehicle? . . . . . . . . . . . .

NO!

• They accidentally knock over the display next to them at an exhibition or show?

NO!

. . . . .

• Groceries spill onto inventory in the trunk of their car? . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NO!

• A power surge damages their computer and fax machine? . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NO!

• Someone steals their cash box?

NO!

. . . . . . .

Your customers are not home free with most homeowners policies. What would happen if your client had inventory damaged or stolen? Typical homeowners insurance does not cover those losses for people if they run a small business out of their home.

We are pleased to offer the perfect coverage for your in-home business: RLI’s Home Business Insurance policy.

Features: • Liability limits up to $1 million • • Business property protection up to $100,000 (with $250 deductible) • Optional Coverages Include: Money & Securities, Garagekeepers, Unmanned Aircraft (state restrictions apply)

Most homeowners and renters policies do not cover liability or damage to property from business activities.

• Electronic data processing coverage (optional in CA & FL) Policies are underwritten by RLI Insurance Company *Premiums start at $150 for $300,000 liability and $5,000 business personal property in the lowest rated class in the lowest rated territory. Actual price may be higher depending on your individual characteristics and coverages that you select. Not all businesses will qualify for coverage.

F O R M O R E INFO RMATION GO TO: www.iiaofil.org/Products-Services and click on Coverage for Your Clients or call Carol Wilson at (217) 321-3011 or Janet White at (217) 321-3010.

• Loss of income coverage • Premiums starting as low as $150 annually*

Rated A+ by A.M. Best Rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s RL I C O RP. C O M H B I -M K 5 0 3 AG T ( 0 5 / 1 7 )

Utica National’s Agents’

Errors & Omissions Coverage Options How Does Your Insurance Stack Up? We offer a number of coverages specifically designed to be added to your Agents’ Errors & Omissions Policy. We recommend the coverages checked below for your specific needs.

Coverage Contingent Catastrophe Extra Expense provides the extra funds your agency needs

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to continue to service your clients after a catastrophe1 strikes. It covers expenses such as temporary claim office set-up, overtime, temporary workers, etc. Many times these expenses are not covered under Business Income/Extra Expense if your property wasn’t damaged. This is just $100 per year.

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Cybersurance is needed in case a hacker or thief takes personally identifiable information. It covers both data and paper breach and includes Security and Privacy Breach Liability as well as Breach Notice Response Coverage. Premiums start at $506.

3 3 1

Employment Practices Liability is coverage for allegations of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, etc., from employees.

Liability to Third Parties extends Employment Practices Liability to cover allegations of discrimination and harassment from vendors, suppliers, service providers and business invitees.

Coverage trigger is a catastrophe declared by ISO’s Property Claim Service (PCS).

Contact us for more information.

This summary represents an outline of coverage available from the companies of the Utica National Insurance Group. No coverage is provided by this summary.

All coverages are individually underwritten. Coverage availability, terms and conditions are dictated by the policy and may vary by state. In the event of a loss, the terms of the policy issued will determine the coverage provided. For questions on coverages, contact your independent agent.

9-A-2564 Ed. 12-19

Go to tinyurl.com/ePayPolicy to get started!

INSIGHT | associate news Thank you to our Associate Members.

Diamond Level Members

Platinum Level

Progressive Surplus Line Association of Illinois

Gold Level AAA Insurance Arlington/Roe

Silver Level Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company Imperial PFS IMT Insurance

Nationwide West Bend Mutual Insurance Co.

Bronze Level A. J. Wayne & Associates AFCO Credit Corporation AMERISAFE AmWINS Brokerage of the Midwest, LLC Auto-Owners Insurance Co. Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Companies Columbia Insurance Group Continental Western Group Donald Gaddis Company, Inc. Donegal Insurance Group Encompass Insurance Encova Insurance Erie Insurance Group Foremost Insurance Group Forreston Mutual Insurance Company Frankenmuth Insurance Grange Insurance Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund Illinois Public Risk Fund Indiana Farmers Insurance Insurance Program Managers Group J C Restoration J M Wilson Kemper Keystone Insurance Group, Inc. 30

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Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance Madison Mutual Insurance Company MarshBerry & Company Maximum Independent Brokerage, LLC Mercury Insurance Group MetLife Auto & Home Midwest Insurance Company miEdge PEOPLE Previsor Insurance ProAg Management Inc RT Specialty - Naperville Selective Insurance Company of America ServiceMaster DSI Society Insurance Specialty Risk of America Transcom General Agency Travelers UIG - The Agent Agency United Fire Group Universal Property & Casualty Utica National Insurance Group W. A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc./Interstate Risk Placement Western National Insurance Westfield april 2020

iia of il news | INSIGHT

Education Classes

Please Note: At press time, all May classroom education sessions are being held as scheduled. If you register for a session, and the class is rescheduled, you will be contacted. View the latest information on the IIA of IL website at www.iiaofil.org.

may

april

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E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto Webinar E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Webinar E&O: Roadmap to Personal Auto & Umbrella Webinar E&O: Commercial Property Coverage Gaps Webinar E&O Roadmap To Homeowners Endorsements Webinar E&O/HO Endorsements/Inland Marine Webinar Agents E&O: Duties, Operations, Checklists and More Webinar E&O Roadmap To Policy Analysis Webinar E&O Risk Management Webinar Ethics and the Law Webinar Culture, Ethics, and E&O Webinar

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CISR-Life and Health Essentials Rolling Meadows CIC-Commercial Property Rolling Meadows Pre-Licensing-Property & Casualty Springfield E&O Roadmap to Personal Auto Webinar E&O Roadmap To HO Endorsements Webinar Ethics and E&O Webinar CISR-Commercial Casualty 2 Springfield Ethical Dilemmas Webinar CISR-Agency Operations Tinley Park E&O: Commercial Liability Coverage Gaps Webinar E&O: Roadmap to Homeowners Insurance Webinar E&O Roadmap To Policy Anaylsis Webinar E&O Risk Management Webinar Agents E&O Webinar Pre-Licensing Course Life & Health Springfield

New Members member agencies Guardian Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Homewood, IL Illinois Bankers Business Services, Inc. Springfield, IL

april 2020

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iia of il news | INSIGHT

Katie School of Insurance Hosts Diversity Event

By Phil Lackman The Katie School of Insurance at Illinois State University hosted “The Power of an Inclusive Workforce� on campus Tuesday, March 3rd. The purpose of the event, open to all students at ISU, was to showcase the myriad employment opportunities open to college graduates in the industry and the efforts of the industry to implement programs hiring and retaining individuals with diverse backgrounds.

IIA of IL was a sponsor of the event and IIA of IL Secretary/ Treasurer and IIABA Diversity Council Chair, Bennie Jones, participated on a panel of industry representatives focusing on diversity and inclusion efforts within their companies to address the demographic changes nationwide which are driving changes with insurance consumers.

Jim Jones, Director of the Katie School, opened the event and highlighted the significant economic contributions the insurance industry makes in Illinois, highlighting the IIA of IL Economic Impact Study and the multitude of employment opportunities within the industry.

april 2020

Association members Jeremy Eden, owner of Eden Insurance and Financial Services in Bloomington, Kristin Peterson, an agent with Compass Insurance Partners in Gibson City, and Jennifer Jacobs, IIA of IL Director of Human Resources, represented the association during the industry networking event for students and spoke with dozens of students about careers within the independent agency system. The Horton Group, IIA of IL member, was also a sponsor, along with Associate Members CHUBB, Pekin Insurance, Selective Insurance and Travelers.

As a 1982 ISU graduate, I was impressed by the number of students in attendance and excited for the future of the industry.

Phil Lackman is the CEO of the IIA of IL and can be reached at plackman@iiaofil.org or (217) 321-3005.

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Board of Directors Pro

Randy Jacobs, CIC Farm Agents Council Chair

Payne Insurance Agency, A Compass Insurance Partner Lexington, IL Producer Number of Years with Agency: 25 Year You Started in Insurance: 1995 Education: BS in Agricultural Economics University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign 1987 Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: Past: - Lexington Jaycees - Lexington Education Advancement Foundation - Lexington Community Center Board of Directors Present: - Smith Library Board What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today?

The major challenges facing the Association today are getting the membership fully engaged with all the Association has to offer and making everyone aware of the broad spectrum of services the Association provides.

Also, the Association faces challenges in addressing agency perpetuation beyond M & A activity; e.g., recruiting young talent to the independent agency system, and collaboration with entities such as The Katie School of Insurance at ISU. What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges?

The Association’s staff does an incredible job making the membership aware of all the Association has to offer – it’s up to us to take advantage of all products and services that will benefit our agencies, whether it’s education or E&O coverage and other products and services. The Association should continue to explore ways to attract young talent to the independent agency system through avenues that young people use, such as through online events and sites,

Kevin Lesch, CBC Government Relations Committee Chair Árachas Group, LLC, Elgin, IL President

Number of Years with Agency: 20 Year You Started in Insurance: 2000 Education: University of Illinois at Chicago, Hartford School of Insurance

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and continue to collaborate with colleges and universities to provide internship opportunities in the industry.

What do you see at the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership?

Since 1995, the greatest benefit I have gotten from involvement with the IIA-IL and the Farm Agents group has been networking - getting to know fellow agents and company personnel on a personal basis. As an agent in a rural community, discussions with other agents facing similar challenges helps me remember that our agency isn’t out on an island dealing with these challenges.

Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: - Bartlett Chamber of Commerce – Treasurer - DuPage IIA – Treasurer - Chicagoland IIA - Board Member - Sockers Youth Foundation, LTD – President - IIA of IL - Past Region 10 Director - IL Young Agent of the Year What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today?

Continuing to provide our members benefits to help their agencies sustain growth and market share. april 2020

rofiles

Cindy Jackman, CISR, CIC Planning & Coordination Committee Chair

Arlington/Roe, Carbondale, IL Marketing Manager for Central & Southern IL Number of Years with Agency: 2 Year You Started in Insurance: 1984 Education: John A Logan, SIU Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: - IIA of IL Past Chairman, President, President-Elect, Vice President, Regional Director - IIA of IL Past Young Agents Committee Member - IIA of IL Past Trusted Choice Committee Member - Board Member/Chairman, Southern Region Independent Insurance Agents IL - Board Member/Chairman, Southern IL Soccer League - Board Member, Giant City School Athletic Booster Club - Board Member, Crab Orchard Water Dist.

- Board Member, Perry/Jackson County Child Advocacy Center Awards/Accreditations: - Accredited Customer Service Representative, National Alliance for Insurance - Certified Customer Service Representative, National Alliance for Insurance - Certified Insurance Counselor, National Alliance for Insurance - Regional Director of the Year, IIA of IL - 2012 Key Award Recipient – Pekin Life Insurance - Illinois Agent of the Year – Illinois 1752 Club - Charles M Cartwright Award – IIA of IL What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today?

Mergers & Acquisitions Keeping up with the ever changing, fast paced Technology

What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges?

M&A: The agents sometimes don’t take the time to see what all they can gain from the resources at the Association. Using some of our services/ products may help align their agency for options other than merging/selling to a larger agency. We have improved on the delivery of our message to the agents by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. We need to keep marching on & spread the good word. Tech: We’re developing the Tech Committee/Task Force which will help keep us at the top of our tech game and relay the newest threats/opportunities for our members.

What do you see at the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership?

The Association’s got your back! If your agency needs legal advice - come to the Association. If you need resources for markets - come to the Assoc. If you need help finding your next employee - come to the Assoc. If you need prelicensing or CE - come to the Assoc. If you want to network with like-minded insurance people - come to the Assoc. If you need help understanding a company contract - come to the Assoc. The resources are unlimited and underused by many of our agents. The greatest benefit of IIA of IL membership is being able to call 1-800-628-6436 for answers.

What advice do you have to share with someone considering a volunteer position with the IIA of IL? Don’t think twice - just do it. The rewards far outweigh the time commitment.

What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges?

Continue to look into tech that can have a major impact on our membership.

What do you see at the greatest benefit to IIA of IL membership?

Advocacy, Education, Professionalism What advice do you have to share with someone considering a volunteer position with the IIA of IL? If you ever have doubts about our industry or the people in our industry, you will find no greater solace then being involved and surrounding yourself with the brilliant people of the IIA who give of themselves and share their experiences to ensure our industry remains great. april 2020

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INSIGHT | industry news West Bend Reports Outstanding Results for Eighth Consecutive Year Kevin Steiner, president and CEO of West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, recently reported the company ended 2019 with another year of outstanding financial results, making it the eighth consecutive year in which the company’s performance exceeded that of the insurance industry, as well as many of its competitors.

West Bend ended the year with a combined ratio of 93.0%, and despite a very competitive marketplace and decreasing workers’ compensation rates, grew by 7.2%. Total direct written premium at the end of 2019 was $1.359 billion, bringing West Bend’s five-year compound annual growth rate to 6.6%.

West Bend Mutual Insurance was recognized with several awards in 2019, including ranking number two in the large company category of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Top Workplaces in Southeast Wisconsin, being named a Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance by Fortune Magazine, being ranked fourth as a Best Place to Work in Insurance for the tenth consecutive year and for the seventh year overall for insurance providers, and receiving a Gold Workplace Health Achievement from the American Heart Association. West Bend is also included on the Ward Group’s list of the 50 top-performing property and casualty insurers domiciled in the U.S.

Nationwide Foundation Donates $5 Million to Combat COVID-19

The Nationwide Foundation has announced that it is making $5 million in contributions to local and national charities to support the coronavirus response. The foundation is a private non-profit to which Nationwide companies are donors.

“As communities experience impacts related to the pandemic, many non-profit organizations stand on the front lines, providing basic necessities, wellness services and support to those in need,” said Kirt Walker, CEO of Nationwide and chairman of the Nationwide Foundation.

“Finances, staff, programs and resources are being stretched as these non-profits not only serve their communities but feel the impact themselves. During these challenging times, we each have a responsibility, when we can, to lift those around us.”

The Nationwide Foundation has approved $1 million each in national response grants to the American Red Cross, Feeding America and the United Way. It has also approved up to $2 million in grants to be distributed in communities where Nationwide companies operate. The grants will assist the communities in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Grinnell Mutual Recognizes Agents And Mutual Companies for Outstanding Achievement Grinnell Mutual recognized a group of 53 independent agents and 14 mutual insurance companies for outstanding achievement in the insurance profession and superior performance for Grinnell Mutual in 2019 by naming them to its 2020 President’s Club.

“Grinnell Mutual and its board of directors is happy to honor our top agents and mutual managers,” said Jeff Menary, Grinnell Mutual’s president and CEO. “We always look forward to getting reacquainted with old friends and making new ones. This year’s event in the Bahamas will be exciting and memorable and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone there.”

Congratulations to the following Illinois Agencies: Central Illinois Agents Group Jacksonville Compass Insurance Partners Cissna Park Diamond Bros Insurance Paris First Insurance Group Plano Hanford Insurance Agency Geneseo Hugh F. Miller Insurance Agency Rock Falls Insurance Providers Group of Illinois Rantoul Meyer-Jochums Agency Minonk Tomco Insurance Agency Charleston Congratulations to the following Mutual Companies: Heartland Mutual Belleville, Ill. La Prairie Mutual Henry, Ill. Western Illinois Mutual Carthage, Ill.

For more information on the Nationwide Foundation, go to www.nationwide.com/about-us/nationwide-foundation.jsp.

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people in the news | INSIGHT

In Memoriam

Ronald Joseph “R.J.” Pohl, 74, of Urbana passed away March 5, 2020 at home.

Kenneth Eugene “Ken” Wagler, 79, of Peoria passed on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Apostolic Christian Skylines in Peoria. He was formerly of Washington.

R.J. was born Nov. 15, 1945, in Highland, son of Joseph and Kathryn (Shelby) Pohl. He married Sharon Wallace on Aug. 1, 1970, in Marine. She survives.

Born May 27, 1940, in Peoria to Cletus E. and Dolores M. (Marchand) Wagler, he married Michele (Bishop) Paylor in Peoria. They later divorced. He then married Peggy L. Pieper on February 2, 1980, in Washington. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Sean Pohl of Dallas and Jason Pohl (Yardley) of San Francisco; and a daughter, Kendra Iffland (David) of Savoy. Five grandchildren also survive, Hazel and Everly Iffland and Selah Pohl, Tyler Pohl and Mason Pohl.

Also surviving are one daughter, Teresa (William) Blackburn of Liberty Township, Ohio; one son, Brian (Candice) Wagler of Warrensburg, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Dalton and Dane Wagler, Taylor and Private William Kenneth Blackburn, Jessica M. Crook and Olivia, Allyson and Connor Morrissey; and one niece, Joy (Dave) French of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two stepdaughters, Lori Michelle Crook on December 3, 2018, and Lisa Renee Morrissey on October 28, 2016; and one sister, Phyllis Appell.

Ken graduated from Peoria Central High School in 1958.

He later graduated from Wentworth Military Junior College with an associate’s degree in business and finished college at Bradley University.

He was a third-generation owner of Wagler Insurance Agency in Peoria, starting his career in 1960. He served as president for the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois in 2002 and later served on the Board of Directors.

Ken was a former member and past president of the Northside Optimists Club of Peoria. He was also the public announcer for the Peoria Blades Hockey Team for many years.

A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Ken was a caring person that had a sensitive side and offered wisdom and encouragement to everyone he came in contact with. He enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Canada, golfing, telling stories and being a jokester.

Ken was a very artistic person who enjoyed painting. He loved participating as Frosty the Snowman in the Peoria Santa Claus Parade and visiting area schools during the holidays.

The IIA of IL staff and Board of Directors are saddened by the loss of Ken and offer condolences to his family and friends.

R.J. served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant and then worked as an independent insurance agent for over 30 years, finishing his career as the owner of Ring-Wil & Associates in Belleville. He was a strong supporter of the insurance industry and education for its agents. He was very active in the Illinois Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA), serving as President from 19901991 and helped facilitate the merger of the PIA with the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois.

The IIA of IL staff and Board of Directors send their deepest condolences to the family and friends of R.J. Pohl.

Thomas K. Sprague, Jr., age 95, passed away December 13, 2019, surrounded by family. He was born March 22, 1924, in Joliet, IL to Martha (Streitz) and Thomas K. Sprague, Sr. Tom is survived by his adoring wife, JoAnn (nee Fehrenbacher), married in 1950. Tom and JoAnn celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on October 14, 2019.

They made their home in Joliet where they raised their three children, Thomas K. III (Mary “Mimi” Minarich), Carlene (Charles) Kinzie and John; his children and six grandchildren were an immense source of pride; Jonathan Sprague, Griffin (Alexandra Michel) Kinzie, Trevor Kinzie, Spencer Kinzie, Charles Sprague and Elizabeth Sprague.

Tom enjoyed frequent Sprague and Fehrenbacher family reunions with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1943 where he was a member of the ROTC, preparing him to enter the Army. Tom was proud of his military services. He was stationed in Cherbourg, France during WWII in 1944, returning after V-E Day to the Illinois Army National Guard 44th Division and later served during the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant, Infantry, until his honorable discharge in 1953.

Tom was mentored by his aunt, Mable Sprague Kase, in the insurance business after returning from WWII. He built his insurance business for over 40 years and was dedicated to serving his clients in the Will County area. He was an active member and past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois. He was awarded the C.M. Cartwright Merit Award for his excellence in the insurance industry.

The staff and Board of Directors of the IIA of IL are saddened by the news of Tom’s passing and send their deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

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INSIGHT | classifieds for the insurance professional by the insurance professional

PERSONAL LINES CSR - PART TIME.

AGENCY WANTED.

Email resume to: bill.ntovas@caroinsurance.com

Visit www.ciagonline.com for contact information.

28. Caro Insurance Services, Orland Park, IL is seeking a qualified Personal Lines CSR. The position requires an individual to have insurance - Personal Lines - experience, quoting, processing endorsements, excellent customer service and communication skills. Illinois P&C License is desired. Part-time, approximately 15-20 hours per week; salary $18-21 per hour.

AGENCY/AGENTS/PRODUCERS WANTED.

02. Forest Park/Oak Park agency for over 60 years, will meet your needs by providing space, markets, marketing & sales support, automation, merging with or purchasing your agency. Perpetuation/ Succession Plans, BuySell Agreements also available. We have experienced, educated and dedicated staff for you and your clients.

Have access to our numerous companies, office services and many other resources. Retain ownership in your book with contingency. Please look closely at us- we are an agency you want to do business with! We’ve done it before, we know how- we make it easy! Visit our website at forestagency.com/agents.html, or call for a confidential discussion and a list of Agency benefits.

Dan Browne will provide an agency evaluation/appraisal at little cost to you. Please call:

20. Since 2004, Central Illinois Agents Group LLC has been providing independent agents with a variety of markets with contingency opportunities. Agents have availability to several markets that they may not be able to sustain or maintain on their own. We have markets for personal, commercial, agricultural and crop insurance lines. Let us help you get to the next level.

OPPORTUNITIES/SPACE AVAILABLE/RETAIN OWNERSHIP

13. We are a 100 year old Northbrook agency looking to discuss any mutually beneficial opportunity. Our producers, mergers, clusters and agency purchases receive 50% commissions on new and renewal business without any expenses. We can provide: office space, phones, agency management system, service renewals and changes. The companies we represent are: Badger Mutual, Employers Mutual, General Casualty, Guide One, Hartford, Kemper, Progressive, Rockford Mutual, Safeco, State Auto, Travelers and Met Life. Contact:

Nancy Solomon Martini, Miller & Schloss, Inc. (847) 291-1313 Ron@martini-miller.com

Dan Browne or Cathy Hall Forest Insurance (708) 383-9000 www.forestinsured.com/mergers-acquisitions

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supports its agency partners in their industry endeavors. We encourage and help facilitate intellectual capital sharing among partners. One way we do this is with an agency-led group called Emerging Leaders. Their focus is progressive, innovative solutions in technology, perpetuation, and sales management. We pride ourselves on building a platform that will sustain independent insurance agencies over the long haul.

Because independence works better together.

Contact Matthew Fink: 570.473.4643 | mfink@keystoneinsgrp.com keystoneinsgrp.com april 2020

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