Preserving a Legacy From its humble beginnings as a volunteer-run association operating out of an insurance agency, to an association guided by volunteers and staffed by professionals in its headquarters office, the association has undoubtedly seen many changes in the last 125 years. But if there has been one constant, it is that talented and dedicated people have cared enough about the industry and its cause to fight for fair and sound legislative proposals, preserve professionalism in the business, provide a competitive advantage for association members, and preserve the legacy of this organization. Following is a profile of those who have been instrumental in leading and preserving the Big I Illinois legacy, and a snapshot of where they were headquartered.
Shirley Moisant
Though not a paid employee of the association, Shirley Moisant was Past President of the Illinois Association of Insurance Agents in 1913-1914, and then served for many years as the Secretary. He was the first Editor and Publisher of Association News which he produced monthly in the 1920s for approximately 1500 subscribers. In 1935, the name of was changed to The American Agency Bulletin and all association members received a complimentary copy. From 1914 to 1934, Shirley Moisant’s Insurance Office, Kankakee, IL served as the first association headquarters.
Lillian Laurie Herring
In 1934, guided by President Alvin S. Keys of Springfield, an agreement was made with the Insurance Federation of Illinois, to use its office in the Insurance Exchange Building in Chicago as the headquarters of the Illinois Association of Insurance Agents. The association headquarters remained in room 616 Insurance Exchange Building until 1957. Lillian Herring, Acting Secretary of the Insurance Federation of Illinois, was named Secretary of the Illinois Association of Insurance Agents in 1938 and became the organization’s first paid Secretary. In 1942, Lillian Herring took over publication of the Bulletin from Shirley Moisant.
12
Insight
September 2024