The Tennessee Insuror May/June 2022 by Insurors of Tennessee

THE TENNESSEE

INSUROR

Season of Socials

Building the Future of Our Industry Today Through Young Agents

May/June 2022 Volume 33 | Number 3

BlueCross Healthy Place—Good for Tennessee

11 14

Insurance and Changing Weather Patterns

Insurors Launches New Member Portal ‘InfoHub’

Leadership is defined by results, not a ributes.

Tommy Sneed, Jr. Sneed Insurance

– Peter Drucker

Van Robins

Robins Insurance Agency

To thrive as an agency of the future, owners must empower their next generation of leaders. Keystone supports your agency’s rising insurance professionals regardless of the position they hold or their ultimate career goals. We provide the resources they need to excel their business efforts and connect them to peers within our community of agents who have moved up through the ranks of their own agency and arrived at the top!

Katherine Smith

Strate Insurance Group

That’s how independence works better together.

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION Michele Bicknell 570.473.2148 mbicknell@keystoneinsgrp.com

Willie Towler Sneed Insurance

contents

THE TENNESSEE

INSUROR Vol. XXXIII, Number 3 May/June 2022 Phone 615.385.1898 Toll Free: 1.800.264.1898 Email: marketing@insurors.org Editor: Ron Travis Publisher: MarketWise, Inc

Building the Future of Our Industry Today Through Young Agents

INSURORS OFFICERS

President ......................................................... Norfleet Anthony III IIABA National Director .............................. Cindi Gresham, CIC VP Region I ................................................................... Bobby Sain VP Region II, President-elect ............ Matt Swallows, CIC, CRM VP Region III ................................... Kym Clevenger, CPCU, CACW Treasurer .................................................... John McInturff III, ARM Secretary ........................................................ Richard Whitley, CIC Director, Region I ...................................... Eric Collison, CIC, CRM Director, Region I ................................ Jamie Williams, CIC, ARM Director, Region I ............................................................. Cy Young Director, Region II .................................................... Reno Benson Director, Region II ........................................................... Chip Piper Director, Region II ...................................... Paul Steele, CIC, CRM Director, Region III .................................................... Tim Goss, CIC Director, Region III .......................................... Bill Oldham III, CIC Director, Region III ........ Cindy Widener Winn, CPA, CIC, CBIA Director, Young Agents ................................. Matt Felgendreher Immediate Past President ...................................... Bob McIntire

ADVERTISING

Display advertising rates, deadlines and specifications may be obtained by writing to Insurors of Tennessee, 2500 21st Avenue South, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37212, calling 615.385.1898, e-mailing marketing@insurors.org or online at www.insurors.org The Tennessee Insuror is provided to all Insurors of Tennessee members and associate members as a member service.

INSURORS OF TENNESSEE 2500 21st Avenue South, Suite 200 Nashville, TN 37212-0539 www.insurors.org

The Tennessee Insuror

Season of Socials

6 11 14 17 18

BlueCross Healthy Place—Good for Tennessee Insurance and Changing Weather Patterns Insurors Launches New Member Portal "InfoHub" Florida Property & Casualty Crisis Worsens Bailey Special Risk, Inc.—Transitioning Into the Future

departments 21

From Your President Local Events and Gatherings Fuel Growth for Members and Our Industry

From Your IIABA National Director Back to Normal?

From Your CEO BIG I Legislative Conference Wrap

Tennessee Young Agents '22 Future Leaders Spotlight - Elam Miller Young Agents Update

Partners for Tennessee - Thank you for your support!

Government & Legal Update State Advocacy Update: State Election Primer

Association Update

Company Briefs

Agents Serving Our Community

Insurors of Tennessee Staff Directory

Education Calendar

Meetings - Mark Your Calendars

Your Big "I" Big ‘I’ Submits Testimony for Senate NFIP Hearing; Reauthorization Bill Introduced in the House

Directory of Advertisers 3

Season of Socials: Throughout the month of May, the Insurors of Tennessee held several Young Agents events across the state in each geographic region to bring young agents and the future leaders of our industry together to get to know each other and build relationships. It is these relationships that are formed early in careers that create lasting friendships and professional connections that directly benefit the future leaders of our industry and the Insurors of Tennessee as an association. The Young Agents chapters across the state also provide an important place for members of our industry from agency producers to company representatives to share experiences and learn from each other in addition to education initiatives that focus on the unique and specific needs of those just entering the industry. The following is a brief update on the events that occurred across the state in the month of May. May 5 (Knoxville) The first Young Agents event was held in Knoxville at Token Game Tavern where Region III agents came out to network, play arcade and pinball games, and enjoy great food. This event gave everyone the chance to reconnect with each other and welcome the new members to the group.

Building the Future

to host events with plenty of space because Region II really brought the numbers! It was great to have so many Young Agents there to connect. “It is so cool to see how the connections made from being involved in Young Agents have grown over the years and created lifelong friends!” stated one region II member. May 19 (Memphis) The Young Agents social tour moved West to the Grind City Brewing Co. in Memphis. A beautiful day, a food truck, and a friendly competition of cornhole made for a great time with the crew in Region I. “When is the next event?” was the question most asked here and at the other socials. May 24 (Nashville) The Young Agents Spring event series final stop was in Nashville at Top Golf. This event was sponsored by BBSi. Members who attended had a great time meeting BBSi reps Dion Matos and Mickey Horton, networking with other agents, and competing for longest shot! All around it was a great event and we would like to offer a special thanks to BBSi for their generosity.

May 12 (Chattanooga) Insurors travelled to Chattanooga, Region II, to meet several Young Agents at Naked River Brewing Co. Thankfully, the Insurors of Tennessee knows how

The Tennessee Insuror

of Our Industry Today Through Young Agents We would like to thank all of our company partners whose partnership contributions help fund the work of Young Agents Committee throughout the year. Without your contributions and sponsorships, Young Agents would not be as successful in uniting members accross the state of Tennessee. Matt Felgendreher, Young Agents President, was very pleased with the participation of young agents across the state this past May and looks forward to building on that success for the remainder of the year. Congratulations to all those who worked to make these events a success! According to Matt, the group is already working on events for this Fall and welcomes partners to host or sponsor an event. You may wish to contact him at mfelgendreher@irmllc.com.

The Tennessee Insuror

If you are an agency principal or company executive, we encourage you to have your producers and company representatives attend these events and get involved in initiatives at the local and state levels. The Young Agents are the future of our organizations, this association, and our industry. Engagement with the Young Agents is down payment on the future. In response to the frequently asked question about when is the next event for Young Agents, the answer is July 9-10 at the Agency Growth Conference in Nashville. Communications have been sent to members well in advance for the past two months. Insurors of Tennessee hopes to see Young Agents from all regions join together in Nashville for the annual Agency Growth Conference where great speaker sessions, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities are available for all Insurors of Tennessee members. u

MISSION We’re building BlueCross Healthy Places to provide our neighbors with opportunities for healthy activity and to help strengthen the bonds that form the backbone of our communities.

BlueCross Healthy Place- Good for Tennesseans The BlueCross Healthy Place program is the signature cause of the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, focusing 75% of its annual giving on the program. BlueCross Healthy Place develops community spaces that help neighbors connect, form new relationships and enjoy healthy activity. The program launched in 2018 with the goal of focused giving that has a sustained impact over time on communities across Tennessee. The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation is building BlueCross Healthy Places across the state, in communities large and small, urban and rural. There are currently twenty projects already open or under construction. Communities are the foundation of the BlueCross Healthy Place program. Each completed project is unique and tailored to the needs of the area it serves. All BlueCross Healthy Places are free and open to the public. They are accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. BlueCross Healthy Places may include a variety of features including playgrounds, sports fields/courts, challenge courses, fitness equipment, splash pads/water features, walking paths and community pavilions. The idea is to create safe and fun areas to encourage individuals and families, of all ages and abilities, to gather, play and exercise. Fun for Everyone We’re reaching all areas of the state – urban and rural, large and small. Each BlueCross Healthy Place is free and open to the public, and they’re accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities, so all of our neighbors can enjoy them. The average annual investment in the program is around $8 million. Since the program’s inception in 2018, the BlueCross Foundation has invested $34.8 million in its projects across Tennessee, working with both government entities and nonprofit organizations. 6

How to get a BlueCross Health Place in your community? The foundation accepts proposals for BlueCross Healthy Place grants August 1-31 each year. If you would like to learn more visit www.bluecrosshealthyplaces.com for full details and how to apply for a grant in your area. Currently, there are twenty-two projects statewide: fifteen completed, five in progress, and two to be announced soon. Completed projects with photos follow:

Alamo Crockett County High School

Baxter Baxter Seminary Park

Chapel Hill Henry Horton State Park

Chattanooga Highland Park

Chattanooga St. Elmo Park

The Tennessee Insuror

0622-0590 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. See our full policy at mtsu.edu/iec.

HELP RECRUIT THE NEXT GENERATION You understand that there are great opportunities in the insurance industry for young people. Help recruit the next generation to MTSU’s nationally ranked Risk Management and Insurance program, the only one of its kind in Tennessee. Refer students to our degree program in insurance, where they may obtain internships, study abroad, and even work toward professional licensure while in school. MTSU offers a dedicated risk management lab with specialized technology to give every student a head start in their new career. You can make a difference for these students and for your industry as a whole.

Learn more at

mtsu.edu/insurance The Tennessee Insuror

Farragut Town Hall Park

Memphis David Carnes Park

Shelbyville H.V. Griffin Park

Huntland Huntland City Park

Murfreesboro Barfield Crescent Park

Woodlawn Woodlawn Park

Johnson City Kiwanis Park

Nashville Northwest Family YMCA

Kingsport Kingsport Miracle League Complex

Paris Eiffel Tower Park

Projects currently in progress are: Knoxville – Morningside Park Lawrenceburg – Rotary Park Memphis – Foote Park Middleton – Middleton City Park Red Boiling Springs – Old Lake Road Park These parks are amazing gifts to our Tennessee communities. The Insurors of Tennessee wishes to thank BlueCross Blue Shield of Tennessee Foundation for "giving back" to Tennessee communities. u

Success is a journey, and we’re with you at every step. At MEM and Previsor, we’re more than a work comp carrier – we’re a partner. We cover businesses in AR, IA, IL, KS, MO, NE and TN. Our new appetite guide helps you: • Explore our top industries • Search speciﬁc class codes • Quote with conﬁdence • Build your book of business with us Visit previsorinsurance.com/appetite/.

previsorinsurance.com | mem-ins.com 1.800.442.0593 8

The Tennessee Insuror

Feed Your Success

With a Broad Manufacturing Appetite. EMC provides tailored protection for the needs of countless types of manufacturers — plus robust loss control, claims and medical management services to help maximize their uptime. And as our agency partner, you can count on a high-performing program that helps your business thrive. Ask us how the EMC Manufacturing Program can feed your success today.

Check us out:

emcins.com/manufacturing-insurance

The Tennessee Insuror

she’s MAde for THIS work we’re made for

WORKERS’ COMP

We know what it’s like to be passionate about what you do, it’s how we feel about workers’ comp. For over 30 years we’ve been helping employers protect their businesses, and most importantly, their employees. We focus on your insurance coverage so you can stay focused on doing what you love. Discover the LUBA Difference at LUBAwc.com/madeforthis 888.884.5822 • Rated A- Excellent by

The Tennessee Insuror

Insurance and Changing Weather Patterns Insurance and weather are inextricably linked. It is the insurance industry that puts catastrophe teams on the ground immediately following tornado outbreaks, hurricane landfalls or other weather-related events to rapidly help families, businesses and communities get back up on their feet in the aftermath. In fact, the in-flow of insurance dollars into impacted communities is a vital part of recovery and revitalization efforts from a macroeconomic perspective across a region.

A visible satellite image of Hurricane Ida approaching land in the Gulf of Mexico taken by NOAA's GOES-16 (GOES East) satellite at 4:10 am (EDT) on August 29, 2021.

To be clear, the insurance industry plans for large scale weather events through sophisticated catastrophe modeling to ensure property and casualty products are priced to reflect the exposure. However, increasingly modeling is becoming more of a challenge with both increasing frequency and severity of catastrophic weather events. Globally, the trend is more apparent. • In 2021, natural disasters caused overall losses of US$ 280bn, of which roughly US$ 120bn were insured • Alongside 2005 and 2011, the year 2021 proved to be the second costliest ever for the insurance sector (record year 2017: US$ 146bn, inflation-adjusted) – overall losses from natural disasters were the fourth highest to date (record year 2011: US$ 355bn) • Hurricane Ida was the year’s costliest natural disaster, with overall losses of US$ 65bn (insured losses of US$ 36bn) • In Europe, flash floods after extreme rainfall caused losses of US$ 54bn (€46bn) – the costliest natural disaster on record in Germany • Many of the weather catastrophes fit in with the expected consequences of climate change, making greater loss preparedness and climate protection a matter of urgency Source: Munich Re Hurricane Ida Strikes Gulf Coast of U.S. The costliest natural disaster in 2021 was Hurricane Ida, which made landfall on August 29, 56 miles south of New Orleans as a major hurricane (Category 4, the second-most destructive), with wind speeds of around 150 mph. Tens of thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed. The New Orleans levee system, which was strengthened following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, withstood the storm surges, thereby preventing much higher losses. Hurricane Ida then tracked to the northeast, causing severe flooding, in particular in New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area. Overall, Hurricane Ida caused losses of US$ 65bn, of which approximately US$ 36bn were insured (55%). A total of 114 people lost their lives. Hard on the heels of the previous record-setting 30 named tropical storms in 2020, storm activity in the 2021 hurricane The Tennessee Insuror

season was again significantly above the long-term average (14.3 for the period 1991 to 2020), with 21 named tropical storms. 2022 Projected to Have 14-21 Named Tropical Storms or Hurricanes Forecasters at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, are predicting above-average hurricane activity this year — which would make it the seventh consecutive above-average hurricane season. NOAA’s outlook for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 65% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. For the 2022 hurricane season, NOAA is forecasting a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. The increased activity anticipated this hurricane season is attributed to several climate factors, including the ongoing La Niña that is likely to persist throughout the hurricane season, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon. An enhanced west African monsoon supports stronger African Easterly Waves, which seed many of the strongest and longest-lived hurricanes during most seasons. The way in which climate change impacts the strength and frequency of tropical cyclones is a continuous area of study for NOAA scientists. 11

Premium financing made easy with the Imperial PFS® suite of industry-leading technology to start your digital transformation

HANK KNIGHT | Sales Executive | 502.561.9991 | hank.knight@ipfs.com 1. Imperial PFS is a trade name affiliated with IPFS Corporation® (IPFS®), a premium finance company. Access to products and services described herein may be subject to change and are subject to IPFS’ standard terms and conditions in all respects, including those specifically applicable to use of IPFS’ website, mobile application, and IPFS’ eForms Disclosure and Consent Agreement. 2. Our electronic payment processing provider charges a technology fee where permitted by law. Copyright © 2022 IPFS Corporation. All rights reserved.

The Tennessee Insuror

Hurricane Ida caused losses of US$ 65bn, of which approximately US$ 36bn were insured (55%). A total of 114 people lost their lives. Insurance Agencies should Alert Personal and Business Insurance Clients To help clients think about and prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes, insurance agencies play an important role in alerting customers to the threat and the need to prepare well in advance. It is an opportunity for outreach to clients in advance of potential weather-related events each year. Tennessee agencies frequently have insureds with vacation properties or business interests in coastal areas. Furthermore, hurricane damage can happen well inland as is being demonstrated with greater regularity over the past several years. Now is the time to communicate via social media, or e-mailers to help clients prepare. u

"The images of natural disasters in 2021 are disturbing. Climate research increasingly confirms that extreme weather has become more likely. Societies need to urgently adapt to increasing weather risks and make climate protection a priority. Insurers meet their responsibilities by covering a portion of the risks and losses. By applying risk-adequate premiums, they put a price on natural hazards, thereby encouraging carefully considered behavior to limit the losses." Torsten Jeworrek Member of the Board of Management, Munich Re

Celebrating 75 Years Of Providing Competitive, Affordable Insurance. National Security has provided competitive, affordable insurance to policyholders for 75 years. We also provide our agents with competitive commissions, excellent customer service and experienced company adjusters. As a Southeastern based regional company, National Security prides itself on fast, efficient service from a friendly small town company. Our agent website provides fast quotes, online policy issuance, and real-time policy information. Find out more about our products by calling 1-800239-2358 or visiting nationalsecuritygroup.com.

Elba, Alabama Elba, Alabama

Dwelling Fire • Limited Homeowners • Comprehensive Mobile Homeowners • Vacant Property • Life & Health The Tennessee Insuror

Insurors Launches New Member Portal ‘InfoHub’ to Streamline Membership Access Insurors of Tennessee has unveiled a new tool for members to manage their relationship with the association. In conjunction with the overall website update, a member exclusive portal – ‘InfoHub’ – is now ready for members to use. The ‘InfoHub’ is a one-stop location for members to access: • Individual and Agency Contact Information • Membership Status • Billing Information & History • Membership Directory • Email Subscription Preferences • Event Registrations • Exclusive Member-Only Resources Contact Information Members can now self-administrate their individual and business contact information. In the increasing digital space, Insurors understands that websites, addresses, phone numbers and job roles can change throughout the year. Insurors wanted to allow members the freedom to update their contact information as it happens so that association news and information can be as accurate as possible. Billing Information Members are now able to see their billing information and billing history. ‘InfoHub’ access allows members to view any open invoices as well as look back at prior purchases with the ability to download invoices for prior purchases. Membership Directory Agency members will be able to view a membership directory of fellow agency members and associate members.

Email Subscription Preferences Insurors utilizes email marketing daily to keep members upto-date on all relevant industry and association information. Association staff aims to target relevant information based on several criteria and interests. Members are able to manage their preferences for association updates in regard to the Monthly Bulletin, Region, Marketplace Update, WINS: Women In Insurance, and Young Agents. Insurors does not want any members to miss out on industry and association updates! Event Registration Members will have access to register for events through a detailed ‘Events’ module within the InfoHub. A calendar layout helps visualize upcoming events with icons labeling which events a member has registered. Exclusive Member-Only Resources As Members become more familiar with using the InfoHub, beneficial resources will start “living” in the InfoHub. • Marketplace updates • Legislative articles • The Tennessee Insuror • Big ‘I’ Programs • More! Insurors expects the InfoHub to become a convenient tool for members to maximize their membership experience with the association! Associate Member access to directory is only provided through our Partner Program. Contact CEO Ron Travis to join the Insurors of Tennessee Partner Program today! Contact Jake Smith ( jsmith@insurors.org) with any questions involving InfoHub access and usage. u

The Tennessee Insuror

Smart Agencies Have a Strong Web Presence Your website is your hub for everything you do online.

What Can We Do For You Online?

Marketing for the 21st Century Agency

• Website Design • Video Production • Branding

• SEO and PPC • Social Media • Print

Invest in a New Website, Receive $500 Back Agencies that purchase a new insurance website through Titan Web Marketing Solutions will be reimbursed $500 back directly from Trusted Choice.

To learn more about our marketing services and website tools, contact Titan Digital at 615.890.3600

or visit TitanInsWebsites.com

Endorsed Partner of

We do more. So you can grow more. The right products and programs to help you compete.

The Tennessee Insuror

Florida Property & Casualty Crisis Worsens as Hurricane Season Begins Source: Insurance Information Institute

Already this year, three Florida insurers have been declared insolvent due to their failure to obtain full reinsurance as the 2022 Hurricane Season bears down. “We have the potential of a massive failure of Florida insurers, probably the worst on record,” says Insurance Information Institute communications director Mark Friedlander. According to Friedlander, the 2 $ billion reinsurance fund created in legislation Governor Desantis signed into law at the end of May isn’t nearly enough, and private reinsurers are pulling back from the market because of its high level of property claims and litigation. “It needed to be at least double the amount of the funds that were allocated for reinsurance coverage for hurricane season and open to other perils as well,” Friedlander said.

Most recently, insurance rating agency Demotech announced that it had withdrawn its financial stability rating for Southern Fidelity Insurance Company after the insurer placed a moratorium on writing new business and processing renewals in Florida until it secured enough reinsurance for hurricane season. When the Tallahassee, Fla.-based insurer failed to do so by the June 1 start of the season, the OIR ordered it to “wind down operations,” indicating the company could become the fourth Florida residential insurer to fail this year, following the liquidations of St. Johns, Avatar, and Lighthouse. u There is a 65% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center's 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast. Jun 1, 2022

At Stonetrust, we know a little something about showing up when it matters most, and we strive to always be there for the independent insurance agents and policyholders that trust us with their business. Along with offering workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance, Stonetrust works to help companies prevent accidents and remain Stonetrust Safe - an entire system of in-house processes

and services designed to achieve safety goals and keep premiums and claim costs down.

800.311.0997

STONETRUSTINSURANCE.COM The Tennessee Insuror

Bailey Special Risk, Inc. – Transitioning into the Future

NTS

"32

m • questions@bsrins.com

We specialize so you don't have to.

y • Data Privacy & Security Liability

Janet Smith President Bailey Special Risks, Inc. (BSR) is a specialty insurance wholesaler located in Hendersonville, Tennessee offering Professional Liability, Management Liability, Privacy & Security/ Cyber Liability and other select coverages. They provide insurance products through licensed and contracted retail insurance agencies throughout the United States. The company was founded in 1989 and is widely recognized as a subject matter expert in these areas with a firmly established reputation for exceptional service. In 2009, Janet Smith, Sandy Hall and Vickie Harmon purchased BSR with Janet serving as President and the primary marketing representative for the firm. Beginning then, the three principals worked together with clear purpose to make BSR a premier provider of insurance products and services in support of their independent agency partners. With the purchase they made the strategic decision to focus their efforts more tightly in the area of professional liability and cyber which turned out to be prescient based on the evolving business landscape. The collective leadership provided by Janet, Sandy and Vickie along with the hard work and commitment of their staff has continued the success of the firm and positioned it well for continued growth and success. BSR and its members have proven to be resilient, purpose-driven and committed to excellence in all they do. During her tenure as President of BSR, Janet Smith worked tirelessly with determination and foresight to drive the success of the company. She is widely known across the industry based on her active involvement with the Insurors of Tennessee as well as other professional associations across the country. Janet has been instrumental in propelling the company forward and meeting the inherent challenges associated with running an insurance brokerage in today’s market. After many years of service and dedication, Janet is retiring effective July 1, 2022, to enjoy her family, travel and to explore other interests. 18

Sandy Hall, CIC VP and Future President

Vickie Harmon, CMA, CSCA CFO and VP Operations

Sandy Hall who will serve as President and Vickie Harmon who will continue as Chief Financial Officer, will assume full ownership of the firm. They look forward to continuing their shared vision to keep BSR at the forefront of knowledge and expertise in professional lines coverages. Both are committed to remaining a locally owned brokerage with a strong commitment to providing trusted insurance products and exceptional customer service to their retailer partners. Sandy Hall is a licensed agent in all 50 states and a designated Commercial Insurance Counselor. After joining BSR in 2002 she became Vice President in 2009. She is a member the Professional Liability Underwriting Society and the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association as well as a graduate of Western Kentucky University. Sandy participates in the many Insurors events throughout the state and is currently on the planning committee for WINS - Women In Insurance. Vickie Harmon is a graduate of the University of AlabamaHuntsville where she earned a Master of Accountancy degree. She joined BSR in 2001 and has been Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice-President of Operations since the purchase in 2009. She is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants and holds two of their designations - Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA). Additionally, Vickie is a dedicated volunteer with the International Association of Insurance Professionals. Everyone at BSR wishes Janet Smith all the best as she retires and embarks on this new chapter of her life. Bailey Special Risk looks to the future with a continued promise to provide best in class service to their retail agencies. They seek to be a trusted resource to help independent agencies solve their professional liability coverage challenges. Sandy and Vickie will continue BSR's staunch support of the Insurors of Tennessee and industry groups across the country. u The Tennessee Insuror

The Tennessee Insuror

We answer to main street, not Wall Street.

For more information about our products, please contact one of our territory managers at 615-889-2740. Brent Potts ext 7514 Jane Kinard ext 7518

As a mutual company, we are owned by our policyholders. We focus our

Andy Wilder ext 7545

time, attention, and resources on delivering superior financial strength and stability, a comprehensive product portfolio, and most of all, on doing what’s right for policyholders. To us, policyholders are much more than insurance consumers. And because of that, all of our business decisions are made with a policyholder-first focus.

www.PennNationalInsurance.com

The Tennessee Insuror

From Your President Norfleet Anthony, III

presented by

Local Events and Gatherings Fuel Growth for Members and Our Industry In case there was any doubt, mother nature is confirming to us that Summer is upon us in Tennessee. With sweltering temperatures in the triple digits across the state, outdoor activities have been challenging. Hopefully, this month does not foretell what the rest of the Summer has in store. As this column is written, we just concluded the annual Northwest Tennessee Insurors Chapter Golf Event for local members and guests. While it was oppressively hot, we enjoyed each other’s company, the friendly competition, and an excellent dinner at the end of the day. Over ninety people were part of this event. These local gatherings that happen in the various geographic regions across the state at the local chapter level and among specific groups such as Young Agents and Women in Insurance (WINS) help form the connective tissue that binds us all together statewide giving the association greater strength and resiliency. These events and gatherings also help us develop the future leaders of the association and fuel the growth and development of our industry from a broader perspective. Another vital part of these business meetings and social events throughout the year is the opportunity for agency principals and staff to gather and share experiences relative to insurance industry trends, operational challenges, market opportunities and a whole host of issues. Furthermore, these meetings provide agency principals and staff with the opportunity to meet with company representatives, vendors, and others in a more relaxed setting to build business relationships, trust, and better communications. The Tennessee Insuror

2022 Agency Growth Conference Consistent with the aforementioned, the Insurors of Tennessee is presenting the 2022 Agency Growth Conference on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, to be held at the Hilton Hotel and Conference center at 3801 Cleghorn Ave in Nashville in the Green Hills area.

town music venues and other attractions. This 'crown jewel' of our events features many enjoyable activities and engagements within our association. We strive to host a quality trade show for our carriers and vendors to exhibit their new products to our agency members. Along with our trade show, we host speaker

Hilton Hotel and Conference center at 3801 Cleghorn Ave

The conference has a strong slate of speakers who will address timely and compelling topics that are important to agency principals and producers now. There will also be plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy spending time together with your industry colleagues. Please go to the Insurors of Tennessee website to learn more and register at insurors. org/agency-growth-conference/ . InsureFest 2022 While on the topic of meetings, be sure to save the date for the 129th Insurors of Tennessee Annual Conference being called InsureFest this year. The conference is set for October 15-18 at the spectacular J.W. Marriott hotel located just across from the Music City Center and just a few blocks from Nashville’s down-

sessions, golf outings, clay shoots, tours, CE opportunities, social hours, football parties, live music, and our longstanding association breakfast where we recognize the agents and company reps who are making tremendous impacts in Insurors of Tennessee. We have an exceptional event planned for this year and will be providing more details and information in the coming days and weeks. In the interim, go ahead and register for InsureFest 2022 at insurors.org/annual-convention/ . u

Partne Partner t r Platform

More than just software, Partner is who we are



Endorsed by Insurors of Tennessee



AMS & CRM provider to leading Tennessee agencies



Grow your agency and support your client relationships in a single uniﬁed system

Connect Agency App Client Portal Website

AMS + CRM Clients, Policies, Claims Financial Management Data Analytics

Communicate

Partne Partner t r Platform

Marketing Automation Drip Campaigns Content Library

More than just software, Partner is who we are

Mass Text Messaging

Sales

Allies Integrations Industry Partners Downloads

“The Partner Platform and the team that supports the program are high quality. They made the transition to Partner easy, provided a great conversion and training experience and the system has everything we wanted in a modern agency management system. For any agency looking for an intuitive system with plenty of capabilities that are simple to use, I’d recommend they give the Partner Platform a look.” -Bob McIntire, President McIntire & Associates Insurance, Former President of Insurors of Tennessee

Contact the Partner Team, sales@sisware.com or call 614.334.9698 22

The Tennessee Insuror

From Your IIABA National Director Cindi Gresham, CIC

Back to Normal? Usually, this time of year we start talking about the upcoming Big I TN / Insurors of Tennessee Convention. Well let’s get back to normal and talk about it!

We start off Saturday evening with a football watch party at the hotel. Come and cheer on your favorite team at the beautiful JW Marriott Nashville Hotel.

Last year with Covid-19 many of our members and partner carriers were unable to attend the convention in Muscle Shoals. We hope all of our members and Partner Carriers will be able to attend this year’s event. There will be something for everyone, young, old, female, male, agent, or carrier. We want to see you there.

Sunday is filled with events that include the Trade show, a General Session, WINS (Women in Insurance) event, Young Agents Networking session and the opening night Party at Top Golf. Transportation to Top Golf is arranged so that everyone can enjoy Top Golf and have a great time.

The 129th Annual convention will be back in Nashville, October 15th – 18th at the JW Marriott Nashville Hotel. Our Association staff, Ron Travis, Jake Smith and the entire Big I TN/Insurors of Tennessee team have worked hard to make this an educational and fun convention for all. Connect with old friends or meet new ones.

The Tennessee Insuror

Monday is Day 2 of the Trade show starting bright and early. Be sure to visit our vendors at the trade show and register for a door prize. The afternoon offers Golf, Clay Shooting or our CE Event at the Tennessee Museum sponsored by Martin & Zerfoss Insurance, or maybe you just want to relax or see the sights of Nashville. Let’s get back to normal with our Company night dinners or joining

friends for a special meal together. Tuesday morning brings a close to our convention with Association Day breakfast and Annual Business Meeting. Be sure to stay for the door prizes. Remember you have to be present that day to win. If you have not yet registered, please do so. It’s time to get back to normal and connect with our peers and partners across the state. Go to Insurors.org to register for the convention. Also be sure to make your hotel reservation at https://book. passkey.com/event/50209040/owner/49264631/home I am looking forward to the convention and catching up with friends that I have not seen. I’m ready to get back to normal, and I hope to see you there. u

It shouldn’t take four days with no power, water, or communication to find out who your friends are.

BUT SOMETIMES IT DOES. And that’s the Silver Lining®.

The Tennessee Insuror

From Your CEO Ron Travis

presented by

BIG I Legislative Conference Wrap-up Your association has been busy on several fronts this Spring and early Summer, to serve the needs of Insurors of Tennessee members and to support a healthy and vibrant insurance industry at the state and national levels. In fact, at the end of April, one of the largest contingents of Insurors of Tennessee members and officers in recent years travelled to Washington D.C. for the BIG I Legislative Conference. During the conference, we had the opportunity to meet with members of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation to discuss a range of items of importance to members including: 1) Maintain tax fairness for small businesses. The Big “I" supports H.R. 1381/S. 480, the “Main Street Tax Certainty Act," which would make the 20% small business deduction permanent. The deduction, which is currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2025, is heavily relied upon by many Big “I" members to expand their small businesses, hire more employees and better serve their communities. The Big “I" opposes any attempts to increase taxes on small businesses, especially when many are still struggling because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Big “I" opposes efforts to cap or eliminate the small business deduction, raise individual and corporate rates, boost the capital gains rate, or make changes to stepped-up basis. 2) Secure a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). With the NFIP extended on a short-term basis, the Big “I" supports a long-term reauthorization of a modernized NFIP that would increase take-up rates, both in the NFIP and the private market. Specifically, the Big “I" supports H.R. 4699, the “Continuous Coverage for Flood Insurance Act" and S. 2915, the The Tennessee Insuror

“Flood Insurance Consumer Choice Act." Both bills would allow for private flood insurance to satisfy continuous coverage requirements, which ensures that if consumers leave the NFIP for the private market and later must return, they can do so without penalty. The Big “I" opposes any policies that would harm the Write-Your-Own (WYO) Program including WYO reimbursement reductions. As FEMA continues the transition to Risk Rating 2.0, the Big “I" believes that if properly implemented it has the potential to improve the NFIP experience for agents and consumers. However, the regulatory rollout of the program will be critical in determining its success. 3) Protect the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP). The current Farm Bill expires in 2023 and it will be critical to support policies strengthening the stability and effectiveness of the FCIP. The Big “I" supports a strong and robust FCIP that provides certainty for our farmers and communities and will continue to oppose legislative and regulatory efforts to weaken the efficient and effective private sector delivery of crop insurance. 4) Oppose federal intrusion into insurance underwriting. The Big “I" supports a strong and modernized state-based system of insurance regulation that protects consumers and drives innovation. As one of the staunchest defenders of the state-based regulatory system, the Big “I" opposes unwarranted attempts by the federal government to interfere in each state's ability to regulate their respective markets. As a result, the Big “I" opposes H.R. 1270, the “Prohibit Auto Insurance Discrimination (PAID) Act," which unduly preempts state oversight of automobile insurance underwriting. 5) Defend state regulation of data security for insurance consumers. As a

state-regulated industry that is already subject to a variety of federal data security statutory requirements, the Big “I" supports leaving data security standards and enforcement to state regulators who are in the best position to oversee the marketplace for insurance consumers. If Congress considers a national data security standard, it is important that any legislation be scalable and reasonable, while recognizing the significant differences between large and small businesses. 6) Preserve employer-sponsored health insurance. It is imperative that Congress protect the employer-sponsored health care system for the more than 180 million Americans who depend on it. The Big “I" would object to any policies that damage the way that the majority of Americans receive their health insurance. As a result, the Big “I" opposes S. 386, the “Medicare-X Choice Act," which would create a public option, and H.R. 1976, the “Medicare for All Act," which would replace the current, employer-sponsored healthcare system and force all Americans into a one-sizefits-all government-run program. 7) Advocate for legal protections for independent insurance agents. Despite being illegal at the federal level, many states offer medical marijuana, have decriminalized recreational marijuana, or have given full legal status to cannabis. The Big “I" supports H.R. 1996/S. 910, the “SAFE Banking Act," which creates a safe harbor for agents and brokers who choose to do business with cannabis-related legitimate businesses in those states. This legislation would protect Big “I" members and other financial services providers from criminal and civil liability. u 25

Tennessee Young Agents '22 Future Leaders Spotlight

presented by

Elam Miller • Miller Loughry Beach Insurance Services, Murfreesboro Elam Miller is a Senior Vice-President and Insurance Advisor with Miller Loughry Beach Insurance Services, an affiliate of Pinnacle Financial Partners, with offices in Murfreesboro and Nashville, Tennessee. After graduating from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Elam moved to Oxford, Mississippi to attend the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) where he earned a degree in public policy leadership which aligned with his great interest in pursuing a career in advocacy and government affairs. While at Ole Miss, Elam was elected to serve as student body president in his senior year representing more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is interesting to note that he was one of the first students in University of Mississippi history to be elected as both president in his senior year and vice-president his junior year. He gained invaluable experience serving on important committees at the university integral to the operations of the university and in support of student life at the school. This was Elam’s first opportunity to leverage his interest and passion for advocacy and service.

Tell us about what you have been doing since you graduated from Ole Miss in 2019.

After graduating from Ole Miss, I had the opportunity to work as a government relations aide at Bivens & Associates, LLC, a Nashville based advocacy firm focused on the Tennessee State Legislature and the Governor’s office. I then served as an aide on the leadership team of the Commission on Presidential Debates where I supported the group in their efforts to work with the campaigns to setup presidential debates for the 2020 Presidential Election. After the Commission on Presidential Debates position concluded, I then joined the Nashville based law firm Bass, Berry, and Sims PLC as a lobbyist aide. During this time, I also attended Vanderbilt University and earned a master’s degree in Public Policy. Shortly after my graduation from Vanderbilt, my family roots 26

and history in the insurance business called me back “home” to Miller Loughry Beach Insurance Services. My grandfather, E. (Ebby) Miller founded the business in 1949 and my father Eddie Miller joined the agency shortly after graduation from college and is now a principal. So, I am now carrying forward the family tradition.

What has been your experience in the insurance business to this point?

It has been great! I had the opportunity to attend the Cincinnati Insurance Companies new agent program which was an excellent introduction to the insurance business and what it takes to be successful. I am learning a tremendous amount about the intricacies and complexities of insurance from my peers in the agency who have many years of experience. One of the things I enjoy most is being able to learn about how unique each business and industry segment is relative to their insurance and risk management requirements. There is a lot to know and understand. I have also been able to draw upon my education and experience in advocacy on behalf of my clients and prospective clients. It turns out, many of those skills and abilities translate well to the insurance industry.

How do you spend your time away from business?

I am a musician and was part of a cover band in college. We played classic rock and alternative rock music. I played bass guitar and still enjoy playing bass today. So, I still dabble in the music scene a bit. I also enjoy playing recreational league soccer. As a spectator, I am a big Tennessee Titans fan and a dedicated Ole Miss baseball, football, and basketball fan. Looking forward, I would like to serve my community in local government in some capacity whether it be on a board or an elected position representing the people. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Elam. We wish you the best as you go forward in your career. u So far this year, all three featured in the Future Leaders Spotlight including Jonathan Peters, Jonathan Lugo and Elam Miller all have music skills. This was purely happenstance. It seems appropriate that these Future Leaders have music chops in a state where music plays such an important role in our heritage and everyday life. It seems like we may be on our way to some kind of IOT band as we go forward. The Tennessee Insuror

Perpetuate the future of our industry by empowering and educating the younger generation of agents. By Matt Felgendreher, President of Young Agents and Insurors of Tennessee Board Member The month of May consisted of 4 separate events across the state. Events were held in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Each event was hosted by our regional committee representatives who did a wonderful job driving interest and attendance. We host these social gatherings to encourage the young agent community to come together for networking, comradery, and education purposes. These socials also provide a platform for the Insurors of Tennessee to inform their member agents on the objectives of association, which include lobbying for independent agents, continuing education, and exclusive access to sales tools and other agency resources. Our ultimate goal is to prepare the future leaders of our industry for success while also ensuring that they utilize the association along the way. We expect our presence and efforts will also encourage attendance to the upcoming Agency Growth Conference and Convention. We’ll be hosting additional socials this Fall to build on the momentum and participation that we’ve enjoyed to date. Watch for future event information here in future magazines.

Are you making the Right Choice for their Business? BSIG Makes It Easy With Choice Classes For Middle Market Risks

Middle Market Choice Classes* Below is just a broad listing. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please contact us.

• General Contractors • Building Trade Contractors • Utility Contractors • Land Improvement Contractors • Pavement Maintenance-Non DOT

• Services Contractors • Building Cleaning & Maintenance Contractors • Construction Material Suppliers • Manufacturing • Wholesale and Distributing

* All classes may not be available in all states.

Our Claim Commitment • 24/7/365 loss reporting-including online • • Accelerated auto and property estimating and repair options • • “Fast Track” medical only claims handling program • • Tele-emergent medicine program-connects injured workers to medical care, not “triage” •

Here are a few more photos from the May events... u

Want to know more? Bill Vanderslice, Regional Vice-President 615-932-5508 | bvanderslice@berkleysig.com or your Middle Market Underwriter

Your Back-in-Business Insurance Company®

berkleysig.com

Berkley Southeast Insurance Group is a member company of W. R. Berkley Corporation, whose insurance company subsidiaries are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M.Best. Products and services are provided by one or more insurance company subsidiaries of W. R. Berkley Corporation. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and the precise coverage afforded by any insurer is subject to the actual terms and conditions of the policies as issued. A M

BEST

The Tennessee Insuror

0719-38

PARTNERS FOR TENNESSEE

certified

diamond 2022

Thank you for your supPort of Tennessee Independent Agents The generous support of Insurors of Tennessee partners is a key component of our ability to deliver a wide range of services and support to members and to ensure we maintain a healthy and vibrant insurance industry in Tennessee. The strength of this organization is born out of the engagement and involvement of our industry partners and members.

certified

Platinum 2022

certified

Gold 2022

certified

silver 2022

certified

bronze 2022 28

ACCIDENT FUND INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA • AMTRUST • ASSOCIATED INSUR CINCINNATI INSURANCE • EMC INSURANCE • GRAHAM-ROGERS INSURANCE • HIP PREVISOR INURANCES • UTICA NATIONAL

FLOOD INSURANCE



RANCE ADMINISTRATORS, INC • BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY GUARD INS. • BURNS & WILCOX • CELINA INSURANCE GROUP PPO INSURANCE • KEY RISK | A BERKLEY COMPANY • METHOD INSURANCE • MIDWEST INSURANCE • OPENLY

The Tennessee Insuror

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

EXPECT MORE solutions You expect a company to have your back. We do. Our commercial lines products, tools and resources can help provide value to your commercial clients and support your business growth. Expect more. Expect Nationwide.

Visit Nationwide.com/ExpectMore

PROUD PARTNER of INDEPENDENTS 30 Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, Nationwide is on your side and other marks displayed are service marks of Nationwide The Tennessee Insuror Mutual Insurance Company, unless otherwise disclosed. © 2020 Nationwide CMR-0576AO.1 (12/20)

Government & Legal Update State Advocacy Update: State Election Primer With the Tennessee General Assembly having adjourned for the year, lawmakers have returned to their home districts and shifted their focus toward the upcoming 2022 elections. With the August 4th primaries for state and federal offices around the corner, we wanted to provide a brief overview of the election landscape and the four proposed constitutional amendments that will be on the general election ballot in November. Key Dates State & Federal Primary Voter Registration Deadline July 5 Early Voting (State & Federal Primary) July 15 – July 30 Election Day (State & Federal Primary) Thursday, Aug. 4 State & Federal General Election Voter Registration Deadline Oct. 11 General Election Early Voting Oct. 19 – Nov. 3 General Election Absentee Ballot Request Deadline Nov. 1 Election Day (State & Federal General) Tuesday, Nov. 8 U.S. House of Representatives All nine U.S. House seats in Tennessee are on the ballot this Fall (as they are every two years). Eight incumbents are seeking reelection, the only exception being Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Nashville) who is retiring after having held the 5th District seat since 2003. A newly redrawn fifth district will feature a competitive Republican primary (nine candidates have qualified for the ballot). Heidi Campbell, who currently represents Nashville in the state senate, is running unopposed in the Democratic primary. The new-look fifth, which now includes portions of reliably “red” Wilson, Williamson, and Maury Counties, is forecasted to favor Republicans in the general election. Incumbents Diana Harshbarger (R-District 1), Tim Burchett (RDistrict 2), Scott DesJarlais (R-District 4), and John Rose (R-District 6) are running unopposed in their respective primaries, while primary opponents have qualified to run against Chuck Fleischmann (R-District 3), David Kustoff (R-District 8), and Steve Cohen (D-District 9). Governor Governor Bill Lee is running unopposed in the Republican primary. Three candidates have qualified for the Democratic priThe Tennessee Insuror

mary, and eight candidates have qualified to be on the ballot as independents. Results of a May 26, 2022 poll by Vanderbilt University had Governor Lee’s approval rating at 56 percent. He is expected to easily win another four-year term in office. State House of Representatives The Tennessee Constitution requires all 99 state representative seats to be elected every two years. There are fifteen open seats for the state house due to a combination of retirements, resignations, and redistricting: District 13 (Murfreesboro/Smyrna) District 18 (Knoxville) District 24 (Cleveland) District 26 (Hixson/Chattanooga) District 32 (Kingston/Harriman) District 35 (Gallatin) District 52 (Nashville) District 59 (Nashville)

District 61 (Franklin) District 63 (Franklin) District 67 (Clarksville) District 69 (Dickson) District 71 (Waynesboro) District 75 (Clarksville) District 79 (Lexington)

44 incumbents (31 Republicans and 13 Democrats) do not face a primary or general challenger and will retain their seats. Republicans will need to win 35 of the 45 contested seats to maintain their “supermajority” (i.e. controlling two-thirds of the chamber) control, which is widely expected. State Senate State senators are elected to fouryear terms, with half the body running every two years. This year, 17 of 33 state senate seats (all odd-numbered districts) are on the ballot. Currently, Republicans hold 27 of 33 seats. There are four open seats: District 1 (McMinn, Meigs, Rhea, part of Bradley Counties) District 19 (Part of Davidson Co.) District 31 (Part of Shelby Co.) District 33 (Part of Shelby Co.) Five incumbents (four Republicans and one Democrat) are running unopposed in the primary and general elections. Three incumbents, all Republicans, face primary opponents but are heavily favored to retain their seats. Republicans are expected to maintain their 27-6 advantage in the 113th General Assembly. 31

Scan the QR for a quick and direct link to donate to InsurPACTN

Constitutional Amendments Below is a rundown of the four constitutional amendments that will be on the November 8 ballot, courtesy of the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Website. You can read resolutions in detail at https://sos.tn.gov/announcements/proposed-constitutional-amendments. Proposed Amendments for the November 2022 Ballot Four proposed amendments will appear on the November 8, 2022 ballot directly after the candidates for governor. Amendments are presented as yes or no questions. A "yes" vote is a vote to amend the Constitution and adopt the proposed language in the amendment. A "no" vote is a vote not to amend the Constitution and keep the current language in the Constitution unchanged. For an amendment to pass and become part of the Constitution, two things must happen: 1. The amendment must get more "yes" votes than "no" votes; and 2. The number of "yes" votes must be a majority of the votes cast in the gubernatorial election. To determine the votes needed, all votes for all candidates for governor are added together. This number is divided by two or halved. The number of "yes" votes must exceed that number. If the number of "yes" votes exceeds the number, the Constitutional amendment passes and becomes part of the Constitution. SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 648 (111th) & SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 (112th) A RESOLUTION to propose an amendment to Article XI, of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to the right to work. 32

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 154 (111th) & SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10 (112th) A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to Article II and Article III of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to the exercise of the powers and duties of the Governor during disability. SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 159 (111th) & SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 80 (112th) A RESOLUTION to propose an amendment to Article I, Section 33 of the Constitution of Tennessee, to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude. SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 178 (111th) & SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 55 (112th) A RESOLUTION to propose an amendment to Article IX of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to disqualifications. Help Us Help You! As your Insurors of Tennessee Government Affairs Committee and Political Action Committee board survey the election landscape and hit the road to identify candidates running for office worthy of our support, there’s no better time to help make sure we have the resources to contribute to campaigns in a meaningful way. Doing so is easy: visit https://www.insurors.org/donate-to-insurpactn/. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of the staff at Insurors with questions. We greatly appreciate your support! About the Author—Trey Moore is the government and legal consultant for Insurors. He operates Trey Moore Consulting in Nashville and formerly served as senior public policy counsel for one of Nashville’s largest law firms. Trey has over a decade of experience in representing clients before the Tennessee General Assembly and state government. u The Tennessee Insuror

TOGETHER

WORKING

“Exclusive member agencies, collaborating to bring the best insurance solutions to their clients.” The Allison Insurance Group - Jackson Assured Insurance Consultants, LLC - Morristown Bagley & Bagley Insurance - Fayetteville Boyle Insurance Agency, Inc. - Memphis Burke, Powers & Harty - Bristol Carnal-Roberts Agency, Inc. - Lexington Frank E. Neal & Company, Inc. - Nashville Goss Insurance - Hixson Higgins Insurance - Clarksville/Hopkinsville, KY Inter-Agency Insurance Services - Knoxville The 38 Tennessee Insuror

Martin & Zerfoss, Inc. - Nashville McInturff, Milligan & Brooks - Greeneville Miller | Loughry | Beach Insurance Services - Murfreesboro Ownby Insurance Service, Inc. - Sevierville Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency - Carthage Smith-Berclair Insurance, Inc. - Memphis S.N. Anthony, Inc. - Ripley Sunbelt Insurance Group - Chattanooga Tigrett & Pennington Inc. - Dyersburg Watauga Insurance, Inc. - Johnson City

Get more information now at www.securerisk.com

33 The Tennessee Insuror

423-560-6077 MOUNTAIN EMPIRE AGENCY ALLIANCE

meaa4u.com/insurors

INDEPENDENT DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN ALONE Join the region’s leading agency partnership to grow or start your independent agency.

MEAA IS PROUDLY A MASTER AGENCY OF MEAA SERVES THE FOLLOWING TN COUNTIES. VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL TERRITORY LIST. Anderson, Bedford, Bledsoe, Blount, Bradley, Campbell, Cannon, Carter, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Coffee, Cumberland, Davidson, Dekalb, Fentress, Franklin, Giles, Grainger, Greene, Grundy, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Lincoln, Loudon, Macon, Marion, Marshall, Maury, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Moore, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Rutherford, Scott, Sequatchie, Sevier, Smith, Sullivan, Trousdale, Unicoi, Union, Van Buren, Warren, Washington, Wayne, White, Williamson, and Wilson

The Tennessee Insuror

Association Update Northwest Tennessee Insurors Chapter Holds Annual Event The Northwest Tennessee Chapter of the Insurors of Tennessee held their 2022 Annual Golf Tournament and Dinner at the The Farms Golf Club in Dyersburg on June 16. The event was a great success with over 90 people participating in either the golf tournament, the dinner or both. In addition to the great golf outing, Matt Russell, President of the local chapter and organizer of the event said, “people really look forward to the dinner that features slowly smoked thick pork chops prepared by a local grill master and delicious sides prepared by the golf club.” He has had several company representatives and independent agency staff say they always look forward to the very thick pork chops that are slow cooked on site in a smoker most of the day. Despite excessive heat and humidity this year, everyone enjoyed the comradery and competition of the golf tournament. After a day of strong drives and excellent putting by many of the participants among the various foursomes, the Insurors of Tennessee team comprised of Ron Travis, Jake Smith, Cy Young and Caleb Meriwether took first place honors. Congratulations to the winners and all who took part in the tournament. Matt Russell from Westan Insurance is President of the Insurors of Northwest Tennessee and Walt Bradshaw of Bradshaw Insurance is Treasurer of the local chapter. Thank you to Matt, Walt and the members of the local chapter for making this event happen and continuing this important tradition in the second week of June each year. We offer a special thank you to the company representatives and others who attended and supported this year’s tournament and dinner.

Founded in 1950 by Mose and Garrison Siskin in Chattanooga, Siskin Children's Institute achieves its mission of diagnosis, treatment and support for children with special needs through pediatric healthcare services, education, home and community-based programs and outreach services.

Sevierville Agency Ownby Insurance Service Celebrates 70 Years June 21, 2022, Sevierville, Tenn. – Sevierville independent insurance agency Ownby Insurance Service, Inc. is celebrating their 70th year in business this June. Founded in 1952 by Clyde Ownby, the agency had humble beginnings as Clyde sought to insure the individuals and businesses that call East Tennessee home. The agency has grown substantially over time, but their mission is still the same – make customers the top priority and provide them with honest and fair service to help them protect themselves, their loved ones, and their businesses that make the community what it is today.

BCBS Host Ice Cream Social For Children BCBS TeamBlue employee volunteers recently supported the Siskin Chidren's Institute by hosting an ice cream social for kindergarten graduation. They helped serve the children and their families to celebrate their accomplishment. The Tennessee Insuror

Seventy years later, the agency is still proud to be a familyowned business. Clyde’s son, Mike Ownby, and grandson, 35

Association Update continued Kevin Ownby, continue the tradition as owners of the company. In celebration of the 70th year milestone, the agency has made a commitment to donate to numerous community organizations throughout the remainder of 2022. The first donation will be in support of the local Sevier County Fire Chief’s Association, in partnership with VFIS, an insurance company that provides coverage for emergency organizations in recognition of their tireless efforts to protect the public in Sevier County. Ownby Insurance Service will be announcing the additional community organizations throughout the year as they continue to give back and celebrate 70 years in business.

Women In Insurance: WINS Events The WINS committee met this month to discuss plans for the upcoming fall events! The community is growing and the committee strives to create opportunities for its members year-round. We are especially excited to announce the

next event will follow the CIC Commercial Casualty class in Knoxville on August 10. The event will be held at the Embassy Suites in Knoxville shortly after the class ends. Women taking the CIC class may choose to stay and join the WINS group for networking, light bites and good times! If you aren't taking the class but want to come to the event, we look forward to seeing you at 5:00 pm (EDT)! A special thank you to RT Specialty for sponsoring this event! The committee agenda then turned to discuss the upcoming Agency Growth Conference held on July 9-10 at the Hilton Nashville Green Hills. We hope to see members attending to learn, grow, network and discussed how we can support other women within our agencies. The final agenda item was the Annual Convention set for October 15-17. WINS will host the final 2022 WINS breakout session on Sunday, October 16 from 3:00–4:00 pm. Come enjoy a fun and challenging trivia game with lite bites and soft drinks. That wraps it up. We hope to see several women in insurance join us for these events and grow within our community! u

We’re right here to do more. To help support both your physical and mental health while giving back to our communities is to go beyond what is expected from a health insurance company. And that’s exactly why we do it.

BCBS004258_L2rr_2021BrandPrint_Mom&2Kids_TnInsurorMag_7.5x4.875.indd 1

The Tennessee Insuror

2/2/22 12:00 PM

PROFESSIONAL L I A B I L I T Y.

TO ERR IS HUMAN. To avoid errors, visit E&O Guardian! FREE ACCESS FOR BIG “I” MEMBERS!

The new E&O Guardian insurance agency risk management web site is designed to arm Big “I” members with information and tools to mitigate agency errors and omissions. Big “I” members can tap into a variety of educational materials designed to safeguard your agency. Explore the site and dive into specialty agency risk management articles on a wide variety of topics, recorded webinars, sample checklists, sample letters, an archive of newsletters, and more.

E&O GUARDIAN

www.independentagent.com/EOGuardian37

The Tennessee Insuror 5/22

[YOU] Can be here

[EXPERIENCE.]

The Summit Advantage.®

Reaching a summit takes years of training and experience. We’re here to educate our businesses, and help them achieve their safety goals. A safe workplace with healthy employees makes for the best view at the top.

summitholdings.com Policies are underwritten by Bridgefield Casualty Insurance Company and Bridgefield Employers Insurance Company, authorized insurers in AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN and TX; BusinessFirst Insurance Company, authorized in FL, GA, IN, KY, NC, SC and TN. ©2020 Summit Consulting LLC (DBA Summit, the people who know workers’ comp LLC), PO Box 988, Lakeland, FL 33802.

The Tennessee Insuror

Company Briefs Caty Hartley Towson, Md. – Harford Mutual Insurance Group is proud to announce that IT Project Manager Caty Hartley has graduated from the Towson University Professional Leadership Program for Women, a professional development program dedicated to increasing the capacity for leadership and influence for women leaders in Greater Baltimore. Hartley graduated on May 17, 2022, and was a member of the seventh cohort of the leadership program. “The Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute Professional Leadership Program for Women is much different than any other leadership program or course that I have been a part of,” said Hartley. “This program was transformational and focused on self-awareness, core values, strengths, innovation, self-care, mindful leadership, and personal growth. I was surrounded by amazing, driven, brave, and passionate women who inspire me and make me want to be a better leader.” Harford Mutual is committed to fostering advancement and leadership opportunities for all employees, especially women. Assistant Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Communications Stacey Rebbert preceded Hartley, graduating from the Towson University Professional Leadership Program for Women in 2021. Hartley joined Harford Mutual Insurance Group in February of 2010 as a Claims Examiner and became an IT Project Manager in 2021. Hartley supervises and leads a team while overseeing multi-million-dollar core system replacement projects. Hartley earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Towson University. She also holds the Associate in Claims (AIC), Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), and Project Management Professional (PMP) designations.

Acuity Announces Contest for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week To celebrate the efforts of drivers nationwide, Acuity is sponsoring its annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Contest. The contest is open to all truck drivers, trucking company owners, and trucking industry professionals, as well as The Tennessee Insuror

anyone with a personal connection to a truck driver or a truck driver’s family. This year’s contest theme is “Heroes in Trucking – Tell us your story!” Entrants are encouraged to celebrate and share stories of how truck drivers and those involved in the trucking industry demonstrate their professionalism, character, or generosity. Some examples may include: • Drivers or companies who perform community service or support charitable organizations. • Drivers who are known for their safe driving record or commitment to the industry. • Drivers or company owners who are particularly supportive of other drivers and their families. • Other ways drivers or industry professionals have heart or have gone above and beyond. There are over $8,000 in prizes. In addition, Acuity will donate to three trucking-related charities. Each contest entrant will be able to vote on which of these organizations they would like Acuity to support. Entries must be submitted online between June 1 and July 20, 2022. For more information, including official rules, judging criteria, and submission instructions, visit acuity.com/contest.

Acuity Wins 2022 BBB Torch Award for Ethics Acuity is named a 2022 Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award for Ethics Winner. A Torch Award is the most prestigious honor BBB presents to businesses that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to integrity and ethical practices. “We are tremendously honored to be recognized by BBB with a Torch Award for Ethics and hope that our ethical business practices are an inspiration to others,” said Acuity President and CEO Ben Salzmann. “The BBB’s focus on ethics is vital for the world today. We all must kindle an even stronger focus on ethics to support all positive aspects of humanity. This focus must start at the community level, in daily life, and rise to a global inspiration. We can make a difference.” Acuity’s selection as a winner from the BBB was based on an independent panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders who evaluated the insurer’s commitment to ethics across the areas of character, culture, customers, and community. Since 2003, BBB has honored businesses and nonprofit organizations of all sizes that meet the highest standard of ethics and trust among their employees, customers, and local communities, embodying BBB's mission to advance marketplace trust. 39

Company Briefs continued People Moves: McGriff Names Curtis VP for Captives, Alternative Risks McGriff Insurance Services, a retail insurance broker based in Huntsville, Alabama, has named Bud Curtis vice president and alternative risk business development manager. McGriff, a subsidiary of Truist Insurance Holdings, the sixth largest insurance broker in the U.S., said in a news release that Curtis has 45 years experience with alternative risk and captive insurance. He will work with clients to promote captive programs and other risk-transfer plans. Curtis, a Huntsville area resident and graduate of Georgia Tech University, is a member of the Tennessee Captive Insurance Association and serves as a board member for several risk retention groups.

Tennessee Regulators Tout Insurance Industry Growth in the State Tennessee regulators are crowing about the considerable

growth in the insurance industry the state has seen in the last two years. Insurance Commissioner Carter Lawrence said in a bulletin posted Tuesday that the 294,000 insurance professionals in the state this year, was 10% higher than in 2021 and was at its highest level in almost 40 years. The state also saw 45 new insurers enter the market in 2021, bringing the total number to 1,959.

Keystone Names Nalley Tennessee VP Keystone Insurers Group, which calls itself the fourth largest participant-owned insurance agency network in the country, has named Carolyn Nalley as new Tennessee state vice president. Nalley was previously at The Hartford as a senior small-commercial sales representative, Keystone said in a news release. At Keystone, she will oversee carrier growth and engagement with service divisions. She takes over for Michele Bicknell, who was recently named Mid-South regional vice president.

Bailey Special RiSkS, inc.

We specialize so you don’t have to.

SERVING INDEPENDENT AGENTS & THEIR CLIENTS SINCE 1989

"32

1.800.768.7475 • www.bsrins.com • questions@bsrins.com

Professional Liability • Management Liability • Data Privacy & Security Liability 40

The Tennessee Insuror

DREAMS not dollars. PEOPLE not line items.

FRIENDSHIPS not relationships.

THAT’S

WHAT WE’RE AIMING FOR.

Because we’re a different kind of local bank. One that’s been proudly helping Tennessee businesses –people we consider friends – for more than 16 years.

5614 Franklin Pike Circle, Brentwood, TN 37027 I 2106 Crestmoor Road, Nashville, TN 37215 615.515.2265 I 866.866.2265 I www.insbanktn.com I Open Mon. - Fri., from 8:30 AM – 4 PM.

The Tennessee Insuror

TOP FIVE REASONS AGENTS LOVE

WORKING WITH US! 1 2 Acuity has a 20year track record of beating the industry by more than double the growth and a full eight points on the combined ratio.

Unparalleled Financial Strength RATED #1 COMPANY FOR

World-Class Claims Service

Responsive and RelationshipBased Underwriting

Stable and Consistent Market

Impeccable Culture

WORK-LIFE

BALANCE DURING COVID-19

Consistently recognized as one of the best places to work in the nation.

SELL ACUITY!

The Tennessee Insuror

Company Briefs continued Finding success thanks to Project SEARCH JESSE THOMPSON | Jun 24, 2022

BlueCross supports career paths and real-world education through a variety of means, including our hands-on internships for college students, accelerated bachelor’s degrees via the BlueSky Tennessee Institute, and tuition reimbursement and job-rotation opportunities for our employees. One of the most meaningful ways we encourage growth and development is through our support of the Project SEARCH program. Founded at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center by Erin Riehle and Susie Rutkowski, Project SEARCH gives highfunctioning young adults with intellectual or learning disabilities the opportunity to earn immersive workforce experience and develop skills to seek competitive employment. The program offers training in budgeting, social skills, leadership, disability awareness, independent living skills and more. The program has been implemented in communities across the country and around the world. BlueCross established Chattanooga’s first Project SEARCH program in 2018, creating

job rotations in our customer support, environmental services, facilities management, and mailroom operations. Rotations become more challenging as the year advances, allowing the interns to explore their strengths, develop their interests and identify areas where they can improve. A welcome return During the 2021-2022 school year—and following a necessary program pivot to the YMCA due to the COVID-19 pandemic—10 Hamilton County students took part in BlueCross internships on site at the company’s Chattanooga headquarters through Project SEARCH. A recent graduation ceremony,

Retirement Benefits and Recruiting to Hire and Retain Top Talent Our services allow business owners to create a custom support suite out of any of our service tiers. Whether you are interested payroll and consulting services, or you’re interested in the full PEO offering, you have access to Staffing and Recruiting Support and a 401(k) Benefit Plan to maximize your business’s potential.

Call today or visit www.bbsi.com/nashville to learn more. Dion Matos - Area Manager

760.445.5909 Dion.Matos@bbsi.com The Tennessee Insuror

Company Briefs continued attended by family, teachers, and BlueCross mentors and colleagues, honored the students and their accomplishments. “Self-advocacy is vital to success in the workforce and being an adult,” Roy Vaughn, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for BlueCross, told gathered students and loved ones at the graduation ceremony. “Our goal has been to provide real-world experiences to prepare you for your future career. Throughout each of your internship placements this year, you and your peers have demonstrated excellence and have made outstanding contributions.” For Project SEARCH Instructor and Coordinator Bridget Fischer, leading this year’s group through their program experience at BlueCross was all about encouraging them to exit their comfort zones. Bridget stressed how the Project SEARCH graduates are ready to take on the next challenges that await them. “And when you feel like you can’t, or don’t, or won’t, remember all that you accomplished in the short year,” she added. “Access those tools we’ve given you and push through because you know how to.”

44 2022 JM Wilson TNInsur OUTLINES.indd

Agency Promotes Shulz to Expand Tennessee as Captive Domicile The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance has named Michael Shulz to be director of business development for the insurance division, promoting the growth of Tennessee-based captive insurance companies. Tennessee already ranks 10th in the world for the number of captives, with more than 500, which have gross written premiums of more than $2 billion, the department said in a news release. Shulz will work to expand the use of captives as a tool for companies to manage risk and self-insure aspects of their business. Shulz, who has served as director of six regulatory programs in TDCI’s Division of Regulatory Boards, will succeed Joshua Clark, who is returning to the private sector, the department said. Shulz has been with the department since 2020. He spent more than a decade with former U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, as assistant press secretary, legislative correspondent and field representative. u

12/6/21 2:37 PM The Tennessee Insuror

INNOVATIVE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS.

PARTNERSHIP FOCUSED.

RLI is a proud member of the Big “I”. Contact us to gain access to comprehensive insurance solutions and protect your commercial and personal lines customers from the unique risks they face. From our specialized solutions to our focus on building strong relationships with the agents we work with, we’re different. And at RLI, DIFFERENT WORKS .

The Tennessee Insuror

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH BIG “I” MARKETS:

• Home Business • Personal Umbrella Learn more about our specialty insurance solutions at RLICORP.COM .

Agents Serving Our Community Meet the Raborn Agency Raborn Insurance, Smyrna, has served the insurance and risk management needs of businesses and families since 1973. The agency is very much a family business. Derek and Baker Raborn are both principals in the Raborn Agency that was founded by their father, Dub Raborn. While Dub has been retired for more than twenty years, he was very community minded and service oriented. Dub ensured the agency engaged in the community from the very beginning. Wayne Blair is also a principal in the agency. Together the three principals have been working to carry forward the family legacy. The agency continues to be involved in the community with Derek, Baker and Wayne actively participating in the Rotary Club of Smyrna. One of the events they proudly support each year is the Wings of Freedom Fish Fry organized by the Rotary Club of Smyrna, which is the main service project for the organization. Since its inception, the Wings of Freedom Fish Fry has raised and returned over $1.7 million to the community improving the quality of life for children and families.

Derek Raborn, Wayne Blair and Baker Raborn of Raborn Insurance Agency, Smyrna, cooking for the Wings of Freedom Fish Fry held at the Smyrna Airport

By partnering with local organizations and organizing events like the Wings of Freedom Fish Fry, the Rotary Club of Smyrna has been able to provide food, shelter, education and other support to those in need. Raborn Agency is proud to be a part of this effort to support the needs of people in the Smyrna area. Derek Raborn says, “Participation in the event is an opportunity to give back to the community and have a direct impact on people who simply need a hand up.” u

Workers’ Compensation We distinguish our Workers’ Compensation coverage by providing value-added services before, during, and after a claim. Upfront loss control measures Responsive claims handling Facilitation of quality medical care (when an accident does occur) We’ve been successfully protecting our policyholders and their employees since 1983. Browse all of our products at www.guard.com.

APPLY TO BE AN AGENT: WWW.GUARD.COM/APPLY/ Our Workers’ Compensation policy is available nationwide except in monopolistic states: ND, OH, WA, and WY.

The Tennessee Insuror

Insurors of Tennessee Staff Directory The Insurors of Tennessee is fully staffed to serve your needs as members and associate members. To introduce and orient you to the staff, we are providing you with this quick reference directory to introduce you to the staff. Please contact them anytime you needs assistance or have a question.

Stephen Holmes, CPCU, CIC, CISR sholmes@insurors.org 615.515.2609

E&O/Education Consultant Don Cunningham, Jr. CIC, CPCU

dcunningham@insurors.org 615.515.2602

Administrative Assistant Kimberly Clune

kclune@insurors.org 615.515.2600

Trey Moore

Kyra Garrison kgarrison@insurors.org 615.515.2605

Government Affairs Consultant

Not Pictured

Marketing Assistant

Teresa Durham, CPCU, AIC, AU, CIC tdurham@insurors.org 615.515.2607

Jake Smith jsmith@insurors.org 615.515.2604

Insurance & Education Specialist

Accounting Specialist

Colleen Vance cvance@insurors.org 615.515.2603

Director of Operations

Director of For-Profit

Executive Director

Ron Travis rtravis@insurors.org 615.515.2606

tmoore@insurors.org

Office: 800.264.1898 | 615.385.1898 | info@insurors.org | www.insurors.org The Tennessee Insuror

47 47

Education Calendar The Insurors of Tennessee offers education opportunities to member agents across a wide range of insurance specialties that satisfy individuals at many different experience levels. If you are looking to further your career, seeking a professional designation, or need to satisfy continuing education requirements, check out the variety of courses available. Additional course options and details of each class can be found online or by contacting Teresa Durham at tdurham@insurors.org or 615.515.2607. Register for CISR & CIC at www.insurors.org under education. The following is a list of "in person" courses available in Tennessee this year.

CISR 9/27 9/28 9/29 12/6 12/7

CIC

Fee: $186

CE: 7

CISR Personal Lines Misc. CISR Personal Lines Misc. CISR Personal Lines Misc. CISR Commercial Property CISR Commercial Property Fee: $430

Johnson City Knoxville Chattanooga Nashville Memphis

CE: 16

8/10-11 CIC Commercial Casualty I 9/28-29 CIC Commercial Multiline 11/9-10 CIC Company Operations

Knoxville Nashville Nashville

Additional courses for designation programs are offered ondemand at your own pace and as live webinars. The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org. Advanced Curriculum Rating = 20 CPE Credits. For more information regarding administrative policies such as complaint and refund, please contact our offices at 800-633-2165.

Additional Courses Additional courses are available On-Demand and as Live webinars at the IIABA Virtual University *check the VU site for course offerings, CE and pricing (independentagent.com/vu) From The National Alliance (www.scic.com) Choose from the following programs CIC, CRM, CISR, CPRM, CSRM, Dynamics, RGS, MEGA, PROFOCUS, WTH, Intro, Producer School, Ethics, Flood and other. Choose by topic, location, delivery method and/or date. From The Institutes (ceu.com/customer/insurors-tn ) Insurors of Tennessee has partnered with CEU, powered by The Institutes, to provide you with relevant and convenient online insurance continuing education (CE) courses. Through our partnership with CEU, you will enjoy a 35% discount on any of CEU’s relevant, practical courses when you log in. More than 150 course topics ABEN Webcasts (insurors.aben.tv) To the right is a partial listing of up[coming webcasts. 48

ABEN Webcasts (insurors.aben.tv) Active Shooter/Workplace Violence Ins. 7/5 7/22 8/2 8/25 Contracts Agents Should Read 7/5 7/22 8/2 8/25 Flood Program Overview - NFIP Then/Now 7/5 7/22 8/2 8/25 E&O - Roadmap to Pers. Auto & Umbrella Ins. - #1 7/6 7/11 8/3 8/15 E&O - Roadmap to Pers. Auto & Umbrella Ins. - #2 7/6 7/11 8/3 8/15 E&O - Commercial Property Coverage Gaps - #1 7/7 7/15 8/4 8/19 E&O - Commercial Property Coverage Gaps - #2 7/7 7/15 8/4 8/19 E&O - Roadmap to Homeowners Ins. - #1 7/1 7/18 8/5 8/15 E&O - Roadmap to Homeowners Ins. - #2 7/1 7/18 8/5 8/15 E&O - Homeowners Endors. & Personal IM - #1 7/21 7/25 8/1 8/18 E&O - Homeowners Endors. & Personal IM - #2 7/21 7/25 8/1 8/18 Directors and Officers Liability Insurance 7/12 7/27 8/9 8/23 Premium Auditing–What Every Agent Must Know 7/13 7/22 8/10 8/26 Law of Ins. Contracts & ‘Rules’ of Policy Interpret. 7/13 7/22 8/10 8/26 Torts, Negligence and Legal Liability 7/13 7/22 8/10 8/26 Commercial Prop. Underwriting & Rating: COPE 7/13 7/22 8/10 8/26 Risk Mgmt. & Ins.: Why Agents Are NOT Risk Mgrs. 7/13 7/22 8/10 8/26 Understanding the Ins. Industry: From Regs to Ops. 7/13 7/22 8/10 8/26 Basics of Prop. Values & Coinsurance Conditions 7/13 7/22 8/10 8/26 Contractual Risk Transfer, Addl. Insureds & Certs. 7/13 7/22 8/10 8/26 Insurance Accounting for Dummies and Geniuses 7/14 7/27 8/11 8/24 Cyber Security and Insurance Risk Management 7/14 8/11 E&O - Roadmap to Policy Analysis - #1 7/8 7/27 8/12 8/24 E&O - Roadmap to Policy Analysis - #2 7/8 7/27 8/12 8/24 Business Auto Claims That Cause Problems 7/13 7/26 8/10 8/30

CE: 2 $48 CE :2 $48 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 2 $48 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 4 $96 CE: 3 $72 CE: 2 $48 CE: 3 $72 CE: 3 $72 CE: 2 $48

The Tennessee Insuror

Meetings- Mark Your Calendars Insurors Agency Growth Conference July 9–10, 2022 Nashville

Insurors WINS Event August 23, 2022 Knoxville

Big I Leadership Conference September 14–18, 2022 Niagara Falls, NY

This event is geared toward any agents who are looking to grow their business! The focus is on growing your agency, networking, continuing education, association engagement, marketing, sales, and more! Register today! insurors.org

Insurors 129th Annual Convention October 15-18, 2022 Nashville

Big I E&O Program Conference November 13-15, 2022 Kansas City, MO

Southern Agents Conference December 2–4, 2022 Atlanta, GA

The Tennessee Insuror

ONE SIZE FITS ONE.

Selective is committed to working with independent agents in Tennessee just like you. Together, we can provide Commercial, Personal, and Flood coverage for each unique customer. Contact Dan Schilling, Territory Manager, at dan.schilling@selective.com and help your customers Be Uniquely Insured.

© 2021 Selective Ins. Group, Inc., Branchville, NJ. Products vary by jurisdiction, terms, and conditions and are provided by Selective Ins. Co. of America and its insurer affiliates. Details at selective.com/about/ affiliated-insurers.aspx. SI-21-037

The Tennessee Insuror

Your insights

Our

strengths and expertise

Top-class

protection around the world

Your attorney clients know their firm inside and out. You know your markets and your competitors. At Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, we have the capabilities and the financial strength to meet the risk needs of insureds for Lawyer’s Professional Liability. Whether the risk is basic or complex, we believe there’s only one way to arrive at the right solution. And that’s to work together and combine your experience with our expertise and your strengths with our skills. Long-term relationships bring long-term benefits. We’re smarter together.

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions is proud to be the exclusively endorsed Lawyer’s Professional Liability provider for the Insurors of Tennessee. For more information or to access the program, please contact administrator Jeff Severino of Lockton Affinity at JSeverino@locktonaffinity.com or 913.652.7520.

Insurors of Tennessee Ph 1 800 264 1898 E info@insurors.org

The Tennessee Insuror

Insurance products underwritten by Westport Insurance Corporation, Overland Park, Kansas, United States, a member of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions.

Your Big "I" Big ‘I’ Submits Testimony for Senate NFIP Hearing; Reauthorization Bill Introduced in the House BY Wyatt Stewart, Big “I" assistant vice president of federal government affairs Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs held a hearing, “Reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program: Protecting Communities from Flood Risk." The hearing included witness testimony from Ms. Jana N. Henderson, CFM, Office of Mitigation director and state hazard mitigation officer, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency; Dr. Peter Van Doren, senior fellow, The Cato Institute; Mr. Jerry Theodorou, director, Finance, Insurance and Trade Policy Program, R Street Institute; Mr. Douglas E. Quinn, executive director, American Policyholder Association; and Professor Sam Brody, director, the Institute for Disaster Resilient Texas. The hearing covered several important topics, including the role of the Write-Your-Own (WYO) program, affordability issues, mapping and mitigation, private flood insurance and Risk Rating 2.0. The Big “I" submitted written testimony that underscored the importance of finally enacting a long-term reauthorization of the NFIP after numerous short-term reauthorizations. Additionally, the Big “I" emphasized the importance of increasing take-up rates for flood insurance—whether it be through the NFIP or the private market. The Big “I" also advocated for S. 2915, the “Flood Insurance Consumer Choice Act," introduced by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida). This important legislation would clarify that private flood insurance can satisfy NFIP continuous coverage requirements, which means that if a consumer leaves the NFIP for

The Tennessee Insuror

the private market and conditions change, the consumer can return to the NFIP without penalty. The Big “I" statement also called for allowing refunds for unearned premiums for the mid-term cancellation of NFIP policies if a consumer elects to purchase a policy from the private flood insurance market. Finally, the Big “I" testimony touched on Risk Rating 2.0 and noted that the Big “I" believes that Risk Rating 2.0, if properly implemented, has the potential to improve the NFIP experience for consumers but the rollout of the program will be critical in determining its success. Additionally, the Big “I" noted that to make the rollout successful, FEMA must work hand in hand with WYO carriers and agents, noting that FEMA must do more to make the rating process more transparent for both agents and consumers. In other flood insurance news, Rep. French Hill (R-Arkansas), the top Republican on the Housing, Community Development, and Insurance Subcommittee on the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, introduced H.R. 8036, the "National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Extension Act of 2022." The bill extends the NFIP on a stand-alone basis to December 31, 2023. When introducing the legislation, Rep. Hill noted that the “bill offers consumers predictability through the end of 2023 while we work on a long-term solution and reform." The bill has 16 cosponsors, all Republicans, including Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina), the top Republican on the House Committee on Financial Services. u

Directory of Advertisers Advertiser

Phone

Website

Page

ACUITY 920 . 458 . 9131 www.acuity.com 42 Bailey Special Risks, Inc. 800 . 768 . 7475 www.bsrins.com 40 BBSI 760 . 445 . 5909 www.bbsi.com 43 Berkley Southeast Insurance Group 615 . 932 . 5508 www.berkleysig.com 27 Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Cos. 800 . 673 . 2465 x4567 www.guard.com/apply 46 BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee 800 . 565 . 9140 www.bcbst.com 36 Builders Mutual 800 . 809 . 4859 www.buildersmutual.com 55 EMC 800 . 447 . 2295 www.emcins.com 9 Harford Mutual 800 . 638 . 3669 www.harfordmutual.com 49 Imperial PFS 443 . 613 . 4820 www.ipfs.com 12 INSBANK 866 . 866 . 4268 www.insbanktn.com 41 J.M. Wilson 800 . 595 . 0063 www.jmwilson.com 44 Keystone Insurers Group 800 . 416 . 5498 www.keystoneinsgrp.com 2 Liberty Mutual/Safeco 800 . 837 . 5254 libertymutual.com | safeco.com 16 Lipscomb & Pitts | A Higginbotham Partner 901 . 335 . 0951 www.lpinsurance.com 19 LUBA Workers' Comp 888 . 884 . 5822 www.lubawc.com 10 MidSouth Mutual Insurance Company 844 . 438 . 6642 www.midsouthmutual.com 56 Mountain Empire Agency Alliance 423 . 560 . 6077 www.meaa4u.com/insurors 34 MTSU 615 . 898 . 2813 www.mtsu.edu/insurors 7 National Security Group 800 . 239 . 2358 x213 www.nationalsecuritygroup.com 13 Nationwide Insurance 423 . 927 . 2060 www.nationwide.com 30 Partner Platform 614 . 850 . 2684 www. sispartnerplatform.com 22 Penn National Insurance 800 . 395 . 0518 www.pennnationalinsurance.com 20 Previsor Insurance 800 . 442 . 0593 www.previsorinsurance.com 8 RLI PUP 615 . 515 . 2609 www.insurors.org 45 SecureRisk 770 . 723 . 8096 www.securerisk.com 33 Selective Insurance 877 . 744 . 3125 www.selective.com 51 Stonetrust Insurance 800 . 311 . 0997 www.stonetrustinsurance.com 17 Summit Holdings 800 . 971 . 2667 www.summitholdings.com 38 Swiss Re Lawyer's Professional Liability 630 . 213 . 9952 www.swissre.com 52 Titan Digital 615 . 890 . 3600 www.titanwms.com 15 West Bend Mutual Insurance Co. 800 . 236 . 5010 www.thesilverlining.com 24

2022 CONTINUING EDUCATION REGISTER NOW AT INSURORS.ORG 54

The Tennessee Insuror

BuildersMutual.com

THE BEST-PROTECTED JOB-SITES HAVE HARDHATS, GUARDRAILS, AND BUILDERS MUTUAL. Dedicated exclusively to construction since 1984, we understand this industry better than anyone else. We will be here for years to come to protect you, your employees, and your business.

The Tennessee Insuror

Workers’ Compensation InsuranCe For tHose WHo Build our Communities

MidSouth Mutual partners with wholesale entities and select retail agencies across its service footprint. The company is always seeking opportunities to grow in ways that are sustainable and mutually beneficial. + Serving clients across sixteen states with expansion into additional states planned. + Common sense underwriting, exceptional service, responsive and fair claims settlement. + A Exceptional Financial Stability Rating® from Demotech, Inc.

ConstruCtion trades Building ContraCtors non-emergenCy mediCal transport

Home HealtHCare more DOING BUSINESS IN: AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MS, MO, NE, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA 56

LEARN MORE AT WWW.MIDSOUTHMUTUAL.COM

The Tennessee Insuror

The Tennessee Insuror May/June 2022

Articles inside

Government & Legal Update

From Your IIABA National Director

Education Calendar

Agents Serving Our Community

Your Big "I"