INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF WISCONSIN OPEN DOOR POLICY THANK YOU! “I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.” Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote best summarizes my sentiment as we embark on our 115th year. Thank you to all of our members (our friends) for allowing IIAW staff to serve you for another year. Your membership has elevated us to the 8th largest trade association in the state representing and serving independent agents across Wisconsin. And while we are an agent- focused association, I would be misguided if I didn’t extend our sincere appreciation to our exclusive company partners, because without their support we couldn’t do everything that we do to support the independent agent. We greatly appreciate all the companies that continue to support and promote the independent agency channel. Lastly, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our more than 100 committee members who attended our Fall Planning Session > Matt Banaszynski is the Executive Vice on September 17 at the Lake Lawn Resort in President of the Delavan, Wisconsin. These volunteers donate Independent Insurance their time and intellect to help the association Agents of Wisconsin. and its members continue to succeed and create Contact him at matt@ iiaw.com. new, innovative member services. IIAW BOARD OF DIRECTORS JOB DESCRIPTION MISSION The fundamental purpose and objective of the IIAW is to promote and represent the common business interests of independent insurance agents within the insurance industry in the state of Wisconsin, before the Wisconsin State Legislature and other public bodies, and before the public. To this end, the IIAW shall promote insurance education among its members and encourage a greater public understanding of the working of the insurance business and the American Agency Systems; produce publications and programs of the highest quality designed to enhance the professional development of its membership; communicate with and explain to federal, state and local governing bodies, insurance companies, and the public the ramifications of matter of direct interest to its members and their conduct of the business of insurance; and generally to promote and encourage friendly relationships among its members, with insurance companies, and the public. POSITION The Board will support the work of Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by IIAW’s Executive Vice President (EVP), the Board-EVP relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Specific Board member responsibilities include: LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE & OVERSIGHT • Serving as a trusted advisor to the EVP as s/he develops and implements IIAW’s strategic plan. • Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by IIAW for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings. • Approving IIAW’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities. • Contributing, on an annual basis, a minimum of $200 to Insuring Wisconsin Conduit and $100 to InsurPAC. • Assisting the EVP and board chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members an leaders. • Partnering with the EVP and other board members to ensure that board resolutions and objectives are executed. • Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments. • Representing IIAW to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization. • Ensuring IIAW’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the members IIAW serves. • Assist in facilitating the process in which IIAW provides quotes for their agency’s errors and omissions insurance on an annual basis. 24 | OCTOBER 2013 The IIAW plans to continue the strategic planning theme this November. The association has hired a consultant to lead a strategic planning session with the board of directors, past presidents and staff to evaluate our performance, direction and develop 5, 10, and 15-year strategic plans. Our objective is to ensure we are positioned to help our members succeed and meet their evolving needs. More information will be shared with the entire membership once the strategic planning retreat is complete. SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR THE IIAW BOARD OF DIRECTORS In an effort to be more inclusive and engage our membership, we have reformed our nominating process to allow members to nominate themselves or a peer to serve on the board of directors. A Declaration of Candidacy form has been included in this magazine as an insert. The nominating committee will then review the nominations and make a final recommendation to the full membership at the annual convention. The nomination form can be found in this magazine or on our Website at www.iiaw.com. To help interested individuals gain a better understanding of a board member’s job and its responsibilities, I have included the job description below. Every agent is encouraged to apply. Please send this form or direct any questions to me at matt@iiaw.com, or Matt Banaszynski, 725 John Nolen Dr., Madison, WI 53713. FUNDRAISING The IIAW Board Members will consider IIAW a priority and help make annual solicitations for membership and support that reflect that priority. So that IIAW can credibly solicit due from exclusive and supporting companies, organizations, and individuals. In addition, Board members are required to help solicit contributions to the Associations fundraising efforts such as Insuring Wisconsin Conduit, InsurPAC, Sales and Leadership and Autumn Retreat Conferences, and other special, non-exclusive company events and fundraisers. ! Trusted Choice ® IF#@BC54!6?!@!3>54!9?! ! ! 389-:!;&*9&4&/8!<7:('27=! >?-''&7+!=*:/!75!@A/A.+!%-/:-*/!=:-'-+/-B!98!/2-!?.*44-:!@,-+/'!37..&//--!*+B!! /2-!CC@!75!<-'/-:+!*+B!D7:/2E-'/-:+!<&'67+'&+F! 7!#$!#%&'()!8(9&'! /0)&1!"#$%&'(!312!34)5! 2-30)(-41!?A,%#B;+! 5(6&1!=>44!@!C>44!6?! ! %&'(!)*+*,-.-+/!#!%&'(!1:*+'5-:!>?-''&7+!=*:/!75!@A/A.+!%-/:-*/F! :!#$!#%&'()*!+,,%-.&'! /0)&1!"#$%&'(!312!34)5! 2-30)(-41!?A,%#B;+! 5(6&1!C>44!6?!@!)3>44!9?! ! BOARD TERMS/PARTICIPATION & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS The IIAW’s Board Members will serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. Each Director shall be entitled to one vote on all matters coming before the Board. The Boards of Directors are to refer to Article V of the Bylaws for additional information on their Powers and Responsibilities. Board meetings will be held on a quarterly basis and are expected to attend all the board meetings. In addition, Board members are required to serve as a board liaison on IIAW volunteer committees of their choosing. Attendance is required to the best of the board members ability. QUALIFICATIONS This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about IIAW’s mission and who has a track record of board leadership. Selected Board members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. His/her accomplishments will allow him/her to attract other wellqualified, high-performing Board members. Only persons who are voting members of the IIAW are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS: • Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. • A commitment to and understanding of IIAW’s beneficiaries, preferably based on experience. • Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals. • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of IIAW’s beneficiaries. • Active participation in the IIAW and its programs. • Other qualifications as outlined under the bylaws of the IIAW. Service on the IIAW’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board members’ duties as approved by the Executive Vice President. Members of the Board of Directors are to refer to the bylaws for additional information on the governance and operation of the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin. WISCONSIN INDEPENDENT AGENT C+'A:*+6-!G7/=7A::&0!G-:'7+*4!#!37..-:6&*4!;&+-'!37H-:*,-! ;!#$!#%&'()*!+,,%-.&'! /0)&1!"#$%&'(!3C!+,-!.%/'0&'(!342!34)5!! 2-30)(-4*1!9':+;<''!+,-!6778'$%,! 5(6&1!=>54!6?!@!)3>54!9?! "/2&6*4!?/*+B*:B'!I7:!12-!C+'A:*+6-!G:75-''&7+*4!! ;!#$!#%&'()*!+,,%-.&'!! /0)&1!"#$%&'(!5)D!+,-!.%/'0&'(!))2!34)5! 2-30)(-4*1!E+;!F8+A('!+,-!?+-AG%,! 5(6&1!=>54!6?!@!)3>54!9?!!HD"#$%&'(!5)G$!G'GGA%,>!)3>44!@!1>44!9?I! "/2&6'0!<2-+!12-!C.=7''&94-!J*==-+'!!<$=!#2+>>?!! ;!#$!#%&'()*!+,,%-.&'!! /0)&1!J'#'0&'(!)42!34)5! 2-30)(-4*1!?+-AG%,! 5(6&1!C>44!6?!@!)>44!9?!! ! ! ! 8@A!B@A$!C<8@AB+5C@5$A!8@A!5E$>$!C@>$>G!F2$+>$!D@!5@!CC+=H#@B! 5@!A$#$CJ$!KLM!@88!+>!$<5$A!FA@B@!#@/$1!5E+!!