Main Street Industry News - January 2022

INSIDE Another COVID Insurance Wrinkle — Near Record Life Insurance Payouts » 7 The Price of Auto Insurance Skyrocketing » 16 2022 and Employees — They Want Financial Benefit Help » 24

January 2022 | Published Monthly

Thank You! Agents

We appreciate your support in 2021 and wish you the very best for the new year.

Commercial Lines & Personal Lines See state availability at www.guard.com AmGUARD • EastGUARD • NorGUARD • WestGUARD

APPLY TO BE AN AGENT: WWW.GUARD.COM/APPLY

Did you know that PIA’s company council, The PIA Partnership, has conducted nationwide research about the insurance buying preferences of small business owners?

The research is encouraging because it found that small business owners strongly prefer independent insurance agents as they make choices in today’s online world.

However, the results also serve as a wake-up call that agents must take steps to continue to demonstrate their value and also be more engaged online.

PIA and the companies belonging to The PIA Partnership have created a public website that helps agents understand PIA’s findings.

PIA members also have access to a private website containing a series of strategies and tools to help them stay ahead of online competition in commercial lines.

To access the newest PIA Partnership project, Small Business Insurance & The Internet — The Voice of the Commercial Lines Customer.

If you are not a PIA member and want to access all of the tools available through this program, contact us for a membership application or visit us online at www.pianational.org/header-utility-items/join/Join-PIA.

National Association of Professional Insurance Agents 400 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2353 www.pianet.com | membership@pianet.org | (703) 836-9340

Another COVID Insurance Wrinkle — Near Record Life Insurance Payouts | 7 Life insurers in 2020 paid out more death benefits than any year since the 1918 flu epidemic. The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) says life insurers paid out $90.43 billion last year.

Amazon Moves into Commercial Insurance Sales | 17 Amazon is moving into the sales of commercial insurance. The technology giant is going to partner with Next Insurance to sell commercial insurance to small business owners.

Insurers & 2022 — Lots of Uncertainty | 8 The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I) says insurers will face massive political risks and lots of economic uncertainty in 2022. Part of the soon to come — and actually, still happening — troubles are due to the post-pandemic economy.

The Nation’s Largest Insurance Budgets | 22 The state of California has the largest insurance department budget in the country.

GAO Report — The Federal Government Must Pick Up Cybersecurity | 11 The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently gave testimony to Congress on cybersecurity and the improvements needed to protect the nation’s infrastructure.

A.M. Best Upgrades Outlook for Commercial Lines | 12 The outlook for commercial lines has been upgraded

by A.M. Best. Improved performance by the lines from 2020 through the third quarter of 2021, and the modest impact of COVID on the line got Best to change the rating from negative to stable.

NFIP Reauthorized Until Next Year — Risk Rating 2.0 Faces Bleak Future | 13 Congress has reauthorized the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through February 18 of next year.

Employers & Managing COVID-19 | 13 On a global scale, over half of the planet’s employers aren’t sure about managing the health and safety of their workers.

2022 and Employees — They Want Financial Benefit Help | 24 Morgan Stanley — like all companies — is concerned about the new business reality, the Great Resignation. People in all walks of life are walking off the job and into what they hope will be a better deal somewhere else.

PIA NE IA EVENTS Professional Insurance Agents NE IA and The National Alliance Nebraska and Iowa CIC, CISR & CPIA Designation | 26 Upcoming Events Calendar 2022 | 32

ADVERTISEMENTS

The Price of Auto Insurance Skyrocketing | 16 Insurify issued its second annual Insuring the American Driver report. It found the price of auto insurance rose significantly from 2020 to 2021. That conclusion came from studying more than 40 million auto insurance quotes.

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 4

Contact Lindsey to place an ad at 402-392-1611.

THE HARTFORD’S FLOOD PROGRAM

PIA MEMBERS - ACCESS THE TOOLS, TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPORT YOU NEED TO GROW YOUR FLOOD BUSINESS The Hartford and PIA have joined together to make it easier for PIA member agents to provide their clients with flood coverage through The Hartford. The program is available to PIA members and their policyholders in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

HELPING YOU MARKET • On demand training • Webinars • Marketing materials and newsletter • Dedicated Flood Sales Executive • Access to Transfer Consultant – we make moving your flood business to The Hartford easy • Access to Training Consultant – we help you build flood expertise ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR EASE OF DOING BUSINESS • Flood zone determinations • SEMCAT and Vertafore integrated flood quote technology • Electronic application submission • Assistance in obtaining elevation certificates • Technological upgrades due to legislative changes MEASURING YOUR SUCCESS • Claims reporting • Policy database download and maintenance • Electronic movement of premium and commission funds • Increased revenue with competitive commissions • Reports on demand • Repetitive loss review

THE PIA ADVANTAGE When you participate in PIA National’s official flood insurance program from The Hartford, you have the power of PIA behind you.

PIA’s dedicated staff is ready to help if you need assistance. And, you’ll have access to The Hartford’s Flood Insurance Marketing Support Center.

CONTACT US For more information about The Hartford’s Flood Insurance program for PIA agents, contact your local Flood Sales Executive: Michele Battis Phone: 704-972-5918 Email: Michele.Battis@thehartford.com

LEARN MORE AT PIANET.COM/HARTFORDFLOODINSURANCE.

The Hartford® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including issuing companies, Hartford Fire Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest and Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company. Its headquarters is in Hartford, CT. All policies are written subject to the National Flood Insurance Program. Please note that this product is available in most states. Features and credits may vary by state. For simplicity, this brochure does not include all the features, exclusions and limitations of the policy. For full information, The Hartford suggests that you read your policy or consult with your independent agent. On all losses and claims, policy terms apply. All information and representations herein are as of March 2018 PLA245-1 © March 2018 The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

IS YOUR E&O X-DATE HERE? PIA FOR NEBRASKA AND IOWA PIA Association for Nebraska and Iowa is committed to focusing its resources in ways that cast the most favorable light on its constituents. We are dedicated to providing the type of programs, the level of advocacy, and the dissemination of information that best supports the perpetuation and prosperity of our members.

We pledge to always conduct ourselves in a manner that enhances the public image of PIA and adds real value to our members.

SUBSCRIBE OR COMMENT Professional Insurance Agents NE IA Attention: Editorial Main Street Industry News 11932 Arbor Street, Ste. 100 Omaha, NE 68144 Email: office@pianeia.com Ph: 402-392-1611 www.pianeia.com

Considering a change?

Let the PIA quote your E&O

Steve Bailey (402) 392-1611 Steve@pianeia.com

The PIA NE IA, Main Street Industry News reserves the right to edit your comments to fit space available. We respectfully ask that you keep the comments to 200-300 words.

Join Our Facebook Fan Page

Professional Insurance Agents of NE IA

Cathy Klasi, Executive Director (402) 392-1611 Lindsey, Ad Placement (402) 392-1611 This publication is designed by Strubel Studios.

E&O Coordinator Steve Bailey

TOP STORIES

ANOTHER COVID INSURANCE WRINKLE

NEAR RECORD LIFE INSURANCE PAYOUTS Life insurers in 2020 paid out more death benefits than any year since the 1918 flu epidemic. The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) says life insurers paid out $90.43 billion last year.

That’s up 15.4% from the $78.36 billion in 2019.

Bad as that payout is — mostly due to COVID — the increase was 41% from 1917 to 1918 during the flu pandemic. So, insurers were happy that the number of deaths, and the payout was far less than expected.

Part of the reason for the lower payout — says the Wall Street Journal — is older people tend to purchase smaller policies.

While policies tend to be smaller in some cases, the ACLI’s 2020 data report noted that COVID-19 had a big impact on sales. Total sales hit $20.4 trillion last year and that includes a record $3.3 trillion in life insurance coverage.

•

43.1 million life insurance policies were sold last year

•

Most were through employers who saw increases of 19%

•

Individual coverage rose 3%

ACLI spokesman, Andrew Melynk noted it was an interesting year.

“The data tells a compelling story about the resiliency of life insurers and their ability to protect Americans’ financial futures at all times,” Melnyk said. “In a year that was taxing for everyone, life insurance benefits provided families with the means to endure financially after the loss of a loved one.”

The report offered more details: •

Annuity payments to consumers jumped to $91 billion in 2020

•

That’s a 3.9% increase from 2019

•

Industry assets rose from $7.6 trillion to $8.2 trillion

•

That’s up 7.7% from 2019

Source link: Insurance Business America

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 7

TOP STORIES

INSURERS & 2022 Lots of Uncertainty

The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I) says insurers will face massive political risks and lots of economic uncertainty in 2022. Part of the soon to come — and actually, still happening — troubles are due to the post-pandemic economy.

Other issues of concern are labor issues and problems with filling jobs, the coming midterm elections, issues of the two political parties in Congress not working together, the growing socioeconomic inequality and radicalization from both sides of the political aisle.

Triple I spokesman Michel Leonard — who is a vice president and senior economist — said the risks to insurers from those issues are substantial.

In the U.S. inflation is also atop the pile of concerns. Leonard says we’ll deal with that for at least a couple of years until the economy stabilizes. “We head a strong year but we’re still behind in terms of growth,” Leonard said. “You can’t have runaway inflation and growth.”

He also pointed to the supply chain and its impact on the economy and on consumers.

Leonard thinks it will be another two years before it stabilizes.

Leonard points out that the industry has plenty of data on what it faces after emerging from an economic recovery. “We actually lag a bit when we emerge from a recession,” Leonard said.

Source link: Insurance Journal

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 8

About Us PIA Design & Print offers a one-of-a-kind relationship between you, your brand, and our diligent, creative and unique team of hardworking professionals whose top priority is building your business. With your input, we forge the path between you and your future clients, reliably growing your brand into a name people know and trust.

Formerly known as Creative Services, Design & Print works closely with your small business, insurance agency or association. We help grow your business by focusing on marketing you, your brand, and the services that you provide.

Contact Design & Print today to make the most of your business.

You are important to us—let us show you!

(800) 424-4244 | design.print@pia.org | pia.org/design&print

Design+ Print

Save 75% of Your Staff’s Time to Complete a Submission STREAMLINE YOUR SUBMISSION PROCESS WITH EFORMS WIZARD.

IT’S NOT MAGIC

• Access ACORD, agency, and carrier unique forms.

IT JUST WORKS LIKE IT

• Input data once and it shares across multiple forms.

As a producer in an independent agency, are you tired of the endless back and forth working with your underwriter? Do new, required forms somehow show up late in the process? Do last-minute data corrections make it difficult to obtain accurate quotes at the outset?

What if there were a way to accurately complete all data insertion and easily send completed forms to your underwriter in one pass? Software like that would allow you to quickly block the market and provide your client with an accurate quote the first time…

• Available on or offline—complete your client interview with or without the internet.

• IRMI definitions integrated, enabling producers to easily discuss coverage options.

• Create packages of applications to ensure your producers cross sell.

• Build, share and edit forms across your team in a secure PDF or editable format.

• Share multiple forms easily with wholesalers and carriers.

• Get to market in hours — not days.

Now there is a way. Using eForms Wizard you can streamline your submission process and block the market faster.

Bronze level package available for free to all PIA members or upgrade to Gold level package for $50 per user per year (a 50% PIA member discount off the regular price).

For more information, visit

www.avyst.com/mypia

EForms

Wizard

Automated Workflow Management

TOP STORIES

GAO REPORT

The Federal Government Must Pick Up Cybersecurity The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently gave testimony to Congress on cybersecurity and the improvements needed to protect the nation’s infrastructure. Nick Marinos takes care of information technology and cybersecurity for the GAO and he gave the testimony.

Marinos told the House Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure the GAO has — since 2010 — given the federal government 80 recommendations. Of those, just 50 have been implemented by the White House and other government agencies.

“Recent events, including the ransomware attack that led to a shutdown of a major U.S. fuel pipeline, have illustrated that the nation’s critical infrastructure and the federal government’s IT

systems continue to face growing cyber threats,” Marinos said.

He told the committee that the executive branch “urgently needs to establish and implement a comprehensive national cyber strategy.” That policy — Marinos pointed out — must have a federal government with a stronger role in protecting the infrastructure’s cybersecurity.

Marinos also pointed out to the agencies who’ve failed to implement those suggestions.

They are the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; the Department of Energy; the Department of Education; and the Department of the Treasury.

Source link: Business Insurance

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 11

TOP STORIES

A.M. BEST UPGRADES OUTLOOK FOR COMMERCIAL LINES

The outlook for commercial lines has been upgraded by A.M. Best. Improved performance by the lines from 2020 through the third quarter of 2021, and the modest impact of COVID on the line got Best to change the rating from negative to stable.

“In many lines, the decline in loss frequency has more than offset any increase in severity — commercial auto is the line where this pattern is most evident,” the Best report said.

Better underwriting results from 2020 when compared to 2019 didn’t hurt either. Though

rates continue to rise, the line appears to be more stable. That said, A.M. Best expects growth to be slow from now through 2022.

“We expect that as exposures stabilize, commercial lines premium growth will moderate somewhat, but remain strong through 2022,” the report said.

Another plus is how courts are continuing to rule in favor of insurers when it comes to COVID business interruption suits.

Source link: Business Insurance

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 12

TOP STORIES

NFIP REAUTHORIZED UNTIL NEXT YEAR Risk Rating 2.0 Faces Bleak Future

Congress has reauthorized the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through February 18 of next year.

Now the focus of Congress is likely to be the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) push to make the NFIP run more efficiently. Basically, its program Risk Rating 2.0 is designed to base flood insurance rates on actual risk and the actual cost of repairs if disaster occurs.

FEMA’s push to get that done is getting a push back from members of Congress. A bill from Florida’s Sen. Rick Scott and separate bills from New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez and New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone threaten to undo what RR 2.0 is trying to accomplish.

The bill Menendez and Pallone introduced is called the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2021. It looks at concerns some are trying to express about how some are being severely impacted

by RR 2.0.

Experts don’t think those bills will gain much traction. Congress hasn’t exactly been all that interested in problems with the NFIP and flood insurance in general. As proof, experts point to the 18 temporary reauthorizations since 2017 and most bills that would permanently fix the NFIP has pretty much been ignored.

Source link: The National Law Review

EMPLOYERS & MANAGING COVID-19 On a global scale, over half of the planet’s employers aren’t sure about managing the health and safety of their workers. Talking with over 1,400 risk professionals in 99 countries, the International SOS Workforce Resilience Council said 54% say they cannot insure the health and safety of their workers.

Those same risk professionals say they expect COVID to continue to impact and decrease employee productivity in 2022.

Part of the reason for the decrease — says 33% — is mental health issues that will impact productivity.

The International SOS Workforce Resilience Council also believes mental health issues are going to overtake COVID the biggest concern employers will face next year. Here are other concerns from the survey: •

40% of those surveyed worry about access to timely and accurate information on health and security threats

•

35% worry about being able to educate employees about health risks

•

33% worry about good communication during a crisis

Source link: Business Insurance

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 13

There are more

cyber risks

THAN EVER. Is your

agency at risk?

The answer is yes— everyone is at risk.

The best defense is a strong offense.

Winning@CyberSecurity Defense is a customized 4 step program to make your agency and its customers more secure and stronger.

pianational.org/cybersecurity

PROGRAM DETAILS: Part 1: Cyber Risk from A to Z Part 2: Cyber Risk Insurance Protection Part 3: Cyber Risk Assessment Part 4: Cyber Resources for Your Agency © Copyright 2022 National Association of Professional Insurance Agents

Brought to you by PIA and The PIA Partnership

Help Build Your Family’s Financial Future with PIA Trust Insurance Plans Insurance Plans Designed with PIA Members in Mind SERVICES GROUP PIA PIA SERVICES INSURANCEGROUP FUND INSURANCE FUND

Term Life l LTD l STD l AD&D Business Overhead Expense www.piatrust.com Hospital Indemnity (800) 336-4759 Insurance Program Administered by Lockton Affinity, LLC

TOP STORIES

THE PRICE OF AUTO INSURANCE SKYROCKETING Insurify issued its second annual Insuring the American Driver report.

It found the price of auto insurance rose significantly from 2020 to 2021. That conclusion came from studying more than 40 million auto insurance quotes.

The jump — on average — was 12% more this year when compared to last. On average the American driver now pays $1,633 a year to cover themselves and their vehicles.

Insurify thinks that figure will rise another 5% to $1,700 by 2022.

There are — the company says — good reasons for the rise.

Spokeswoman Kacie SaxerTaulbee said reckless and aggressive behavior behind the wheel is increasing. Fatalities per mile rose 26% between March and May of this year.

“With inflation over 5%, driving rates returning to pre-pandemic levels, and rising collisions, there are many factors leading to increased auto insurance prices,” Saxer-Taulbee said. “Even when you set aside economic factors, drivers are expressing a distinct

difference in their experience on the roads in 2021, with 38% reporting driving more frequently and 44% witnessing more aggressive driving.”

Here is more from the report: • Aggressive drivers pay about 25% more for insurance when compared to those with a clean driving record •

44% of those surveyed say they have seen more aggressive driving this year when compared to the past

•

38% of drivers say they are driving more in 2021 than they did in 2020

•

41% say their auto insurance rose this year when compared to previous years

Source link: Insurance Business America

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 16

TOP STORIES

AMAZON MOVES INTO COMMERCIAL INSURANCE SALES

Amazon is moving into the sales of commercial insurance. The technology giant is going to partner with Next Insurance to sell commercial insurance to small business owners. Todd Heimes is the director of Amazon Business Prime and he says Amazon will be offering general liability, professional liability, work comp and a few other lines.

Amazon-Care — a health insurance program — to employers in Washington.

Next Insurance CEO Guy Goldstein says this is a natural pairing of technology and business.

“We know that small business owners are looking for innovative and cost-effective ways to streamline their businesses and save time, and that’s what this partnership with Next Insurance helps achieve,” Heimes said. “We believe Next Insurance offering products to Business Prime is another example of how this program provides value and benefits to members.”

“We believe the future of the insurance buying experience involves meeting customers where they already are and making it easy to purchase customized and affordable policies,” Goldstein said. “We are proud to continue to be chosen by top companies, like Amazon, who understand the best way to serve small businesses is through digital solutions. With Amazon Business Prime, we are taking a large step toward providing greater access to seamless insurance coverage.”

Last year, Amazon started selling auto and motorcycle insurance in India and offers

Source link: PropertyCasualty360.com Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 17

SHOW YOUR PIA PRIDE!

cy gen A e t gen suranc A . t In nQ Joh n Stree treet Mai Main S SA 123 town, U Any

John Q. Agent Main Street Insurance A gency 123 Main Street Anytown, USA

Showcase the PIA member logo on your business cards, letterhead, and more.

Download Now: www.pianet.com/pialogos

TOP STORIES

THE NATION’S LARGEST INSURANCE BUDGETS The state of California has the largest insurance department budget in the country. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara oversees a budget that is a third more than second place New York.

This information is courtesy of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). It found the combined budgets of all of the nation’s insurance departments will hit $1.625 billion in 2021.

Last year’s total was $1.607 billion.

Staffing is also increasing. The number of workers in the nation’s insurance departments went up slightly from 10,846 last year to 10,857 in 2022.

Top-5 1.

California Budget: $227 million

2.

New York Budget: 160 million

3.

Texas Budget: $126 million

4.

New Jersey Budget: $76 million

5.

Florida Budget: $51 million

Source link: PropertyCasualty360.com

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 22

Has a promising new producer turned out more like a

? m i a l c t n e l u fraud

Protect yourself from bad hires and high turnover with the Omnia Assessment… ®

YOUR hiring insurance.

In just 15 minutes or less, Omnia’s online behavioral assessment takes the guesswork out of hiring, promotion and employee engagement in your agency.

CALL TODAY!

GET 1 FREE ASSESSMENT

Keather Snyder, CRO

w/initial package

Your People. Discover. Engage. Evolve.

813.280.3026

KSnyder@OmniaGroup.com

Be sure to mention that you’re a PIA member!

800.525.7117 | www. OmniaGroup.com

TOP STORIES

2022 AND EMPLOYEES They Want Financial Benefit Help

Morgan Stanley — like all companies — is concerned about the new business reality, the Great Resignation. People in all walks of life are walking off the job and into what they hope will be a better deal somewhere else.

some sort of financial wellness program.

Employees want the company they work for to care about their financial stability and they want the company to help them with financial challenges.

Brian McDonald heads up Morgan Stanley at Work. He and the financial giant dug into what employees want and what companies have to do to keep them. Financial wellness tops the list of the help they seek.

The survey found that 80% of employees want that and 90% of employers want to help employees understand how to maximize the financial benefits offered. That — he says — shows that both employees and employers are on the same page when it comes to that kind of benefit.

In the research, McDonald said Morgan Stanley found that 46% of employers are offering

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 24

TOP STORIES “Leaders are talking about how the needs of their employees are surfacing and how they have relied upon the company more in this time period for guidance on financial situations,” McDonald said. “As employees are creating more wealth and savings through their workplace benefits, it's only natural that they would expect their employers to help them with the rest of the equation as it relates to their own personal financial needs.”

Here’s the help employees are seeking: • 61% want help with retirement preparation • 52% want financial planning benefits • 31% want to be able to maximize equity compensation • 21% want help managing student loan repayments • 20% are looking for help with college savings plans

Here’s more good news. The survey found that while 90% of employees want their company to prioritize financial benefits in 2022, a whopping 95% of human resources executives feel the same.

“Employees want someone that they can talk to to be a sounding board or a coach for their specific scenario,” McDonald says. “It’s one thing when you're putting money into a 401(k) and there's a set of defined choices you can make. But when you have situations that are affecting you as an individual or your family, more specific advice is needed.”

This — and other like benefits — will make 91% of employees feel more invested in the company and will help with a decision to stay put.

“Employees are now looking for employers to offer a full spectrum of financial benefits, tools and guidance to help them along the right path financially,” McDonald pointed out. “As a result, those companies that offer a robust benefits package will differentiate themselves in the face of unprecedented competition for great talent.”

Source link: Employee Benefit News

CONGRATULATIONS on your Earned Designation

The Professional Insurance Agents of Nebraska & Iowa is proud to recognize the following Iowa Insurance Professionals who earned their CISR Designation in 2021.

2021 Amanda Burchett, CISR

Ashlee Jess, CISR

United Fire Group Cedar Rapids, IA

Kunkel & Associates Dubuque, IA

Chelsey Carter, CISR

Kayla Hulstein, CISR

Jaclyn Loveless, CISR

Kunkel & Associates Dubuque, IA

Prins Insurance Sheldon, IA

Friedman Insurance Dubuque, IA

Vivian Ceron, CISR

Julia Huisman, CISR

Shannon Manderscheid, CISR

Independent Insurance Services Marshalltown, IA

Van Engelenhoven Agency Orange City, IA

TRICOR, Inc. Dubuque, IA

Pamela Dunlap-Johnson, CISR

Anthony Hunt, CIC, CISR

Mitch Marek, CISR

Assured Partners West Des Moines, IA

Central Insurance Cherokee, IA

TrueNorth Companies West Des Moines, IA

Shelly Eddy, CISR

Mary Iossi, CISR

Hanna Sampsel, CISR

Liberty Insurance Agency Durant, IA

TrueNorth Companies West Des Moines, IA

Insurance Station Altoona, IA

Michelle Featherston, CISR Lee Agency

Ann Samuelson, CISR

Muscatine, IA

TrueNorth Companies Cedar Rapids, IA

Lori Flurey, CISR

Mindy Stock, CISR

Pharmacists Mutual Algona, IA

Great West Casualty Co. West Des Moines, IA

Sarah Hogan, CISR Relion Insurance Solutions Iowa City, IA

www.PIANEIA.com

CONGRATULATIONS on your Earned Designation

The Professional Insurance Agents of Nebraska & Iowa is proud to recognize the following Iowa Insurance Professionals who earned their CISR Elite Designation in 2021.

2021

Deborah Korthaus, CISR Elite Arthur J. Gallagher Davenport, IA

Marcia Wilsey, CISR Elite Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Algona, IA

www.PIANEIA.com

Blueprint for

AGENCY SUCCESS

LAUNCH. GROW. SUSTAIN. Business Planning Guide addresses insurance agency start-up considerations from formation of the business entity to insurance licensing to budgeting and finance to branding

Growth Strategy Guide outlines agency automation, producer development and operational policies, procedures and workflows

Agency Continuity Guide includes templates for business continuity planning, disaster planning, and leadership training

piablueprintforsuccess.com

Congratulations on your Earned Designation Nebraska - Class of 2021

John Coffey, CIC

Debra Dodson, CIC

Consortio Group

First Express Insurance/Arbor Bank

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

Paul Corbaley, CIC

Paige Ritz, CIC

Zurich Insurance Services

Agri-City Insurance Agency

Bennington, NE

Columbus, NE

Jenny Dageforde, CIC

Jennifer Sellers, CIC

Continental Western Group

FNIC

Lincoln, NE

Omaha, NE

www.PIANEIA.com

Congratulations on your Earned Designation IOWA - Class of 2021

Cole Adair, CIC

Amanda Crandall, CIC

Melissa Jenkins, CIC

Julie Lofdahl, CIC

Farm Bureau Financial Services

EMC Insurance

Coverage Direct

Orchard, IA

Des Moines, IA

Waukee, IA

Gail Daniels, CIC

Rachel Johnson, CIC, CISR

Monica Lynch, CIC, CISR

Patra

Nationwide

LMC Insurance & Risk Managment

Iowa City, IA

Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines, IA

Jacqueline Evans, CIC

Elizabeth Kelly, CIC

Anna Maahs, CIC

Cottingham & Butler

VGM

Cottingham & Butler

Dubuque, IA

Waterloo, IA

Dubuque, IA

Kimberly Faas, CIC

Bryn Kittle, CIC

Heather Marreel, CIC

Grinnell Mutual

Cottingham & Butler

Great West Casualty Company

Grinnell, IA

Dubuque, IA

Sioux City, IA

Arthur J. Gallagher

Stacy Ferguson, CIC, CISR

Austin Kline, CIC

Thomas Merfeld, CIC

Muscatine, IA

LMC Insurance & Risk Managment

Cottingham & Butler

Cottingham & Butler

City State Bank Insurance Grimes, IA

Tim Blocklinger, CIC Cottingham & Butler Dubuque, IA

Katie Bormann, CIC Pharmacist Mutual Algona, IA

Shelby Bormann, CIC Cottingham & Butler Dubuque, IA

Julie Brockert, CIC, CISR

West Des Moines, IA

Stephanie Brown, CIC, CISR

Dubuque, IA

Dubuque, IA

Carol Glass, CIC, CISR

Kyle Konopasek, CIC

Loci Mortensen, CIC

GreenState Insurance

Mills, Shelhammer, Puetz & Assoc

Pharmacists Mutual

North Liberty, IA

Sioux City, IA

Algona, IA

Pharmacist Mutual

Brad Hodapp, CIC

Ronda Kuecker, CIC, CISR

Sanja Plynaar, CIC

Algona, IA

Relion Insurance Solutions

Holmes Murphy & Associates

EMC Insurance

Muscatine, IA

Waukee, IA

Des Moines, IA

Sara Hoff, CIC

Becky Lease, CIC, CISR

William Roth, CIC

Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance

Holmes Murphy & Associates

TrueNorth Companies

Story City, IA

Waukee, IA

West Des Moines, IA

Midwest Heritage Insurance West Des Moines, IA

Erynn Clark, CIC

Anthony Clem, CIC Clem Insurance Services Urbandale, IA

Lyndsey Cochran, CIC Nationwide

Tanya Hurst, CIC

John Link, CIC

Des Moines, IA

McKay Insurance Agency

Cottingham & Butler

Knoxville, IA

Dubuque, IA

www.PIANEIA.com

Matthew Rowles, CIC EMC Insurance Companies Des Moines, IA

Paige Shanks, CIC, CISR Elite PDCM Insurance Waterloo, IA

Erin Stober, CIC EMC Insurance Indianola, IA

Benjamin Strathman, CIC Cottingham & Butler Dubuque, IA

John Wearda, CIC MAX Insurance Des Moines, IA

Daniel Wegman, CIC Relion Insurance Solutions Iowa City, IA

Jennifer Woolums, CIC Nationwide Ankeny, IA

Forrest Wrede, CIC Nationwide Des Moines, IA

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR EARNED DESIGNATION

NEBRASKA & IOWA - CLASS OF 2021 Avery Atkins

Jody Pierson

Arnold Insurance Agency

Consortio Group

Arnold, NE

Omaha, NE

Shelly Eddy

Maya Rush

Insurance Station

i3 Insurance

Altoona, IA

Lincoln, NE

Robin Hawley

Shelly Saucier

FNIC

FNIC

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

Lashara Shields

Erin McCuen

FNIC

FNIC

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

Alison Mulligan Arnold Insurance Agency

Mark Suhr Suhr & Lichty Insurance Seward, NE

Arnold, NE

Riley Tonkin GTA Insurance Group Lincoln, NE

www.PIANEIA.com

PIA NE IA EVENTS

Events Calendar 2022 For information and to register Click Here or call (402) 392-1611.

Date

Class/Webinar

January 11, 2022

Insurance Jeopardy! Testing Your Knowledge of Personal & Commercial Lines

January 12, 2022

Where

When

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

CISR Live Webinar: Insuring Personal Auto Exposures

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

January 13, 2022

Cyber - Evolution, Exposures, Incidents & Insurance

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

January 13, 2022

Commercial Insurance Coverages, Court Cases & Chaos

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

January 18, 2022

Personal Lines Coverage Concerns: Annoying But Important

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

January 18, 2022

Ethics: Essentials for the Insurance Producer

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

January 20, 2022

"How/Where the %^* Will I Live?"

Insurance Solutions for the Long-Term

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

January 20, 2022

Commercial Property Direct vs. Indirect Damage

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

January 26, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Insuring Commercial Property

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

January 26, 2022

An Hour with Nicole: Personal Umbrella Issues & Answers

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

January 27, 2022

Personal Lines Clients and Their New Normal

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

January 27, 2022

Chris Amrhein’s “Adventures in Aging”: Medicare and Other Retirement Healthcare Solutions

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

February 2, 2022

An Hour with Corey: Valuation Issues with Custom Cars & Tricked-Out Trucks

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

February 9, 2022

An Hour with Nicole: Homeowners Loss Settlement Issues

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

February 10, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Life & Health

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

February 10, 2022

Homeowners In Real Life: Tales of Claims & Coverage

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

February 10, 2022

Is This Stuff For Real? Understanding & Insuring Emerging Risks

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 32

PIA NE IA EVENTS

February 15, 2022

That’s Personal: Home & Auto Exposures Your Insured Doesn’t Share (and Why That’s Bad)

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

February 15, 2022

Flood Insurance, FEMA, and the NFIP

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

February 17, 2022

CPIA Advanced: Insurance Implications of Cyber Security

Live Webinar

Webinar: 8:30AM - 4:15PM

February 17, 2022

Planting the Seed: Agent Strategies to Get and Keep Agribusiness Insureds

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

February 17, 2022

Chris Amrhein’s “Adventures in Aging”: Social Security & Other Retirement Income Solutions

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

February 22, 2022

Certificates of Insurance and the Coverage Issues that Go With Them

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

February 22, 2022

Lurking: Surprises In the Contractor’s CGL Policy & Endorsements to Watch Out For

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

February 23, 2022

An Hour with Cathy: Additional Insured Endorsements for Contractors

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

February 24, 2022

The Evolution of Ethics in Insurance

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

February 24, 2022

Contracts Agents Should Read

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

February 24 - 25, 2022 CIC: Agency Management Institute

Omaha

Omaha Marriott Hotel Omaha, NE

February 24 - 25, 2022 CIC Live Webinar: Agency Management Institute

Omaha

**Hybrid Webinar

March 2, 2022

An Hour with Cathy: Insurance Issues for the Commercial Tenant

NE/IA

Webinar: 1 :00PM - 2:00PM

March 3 - 4, 2022

Ruble: Graduate Seminar (IA)

West Des Moines

The Rewind Hotel by Hilton - Des Moines, IA

March 3 - 4, 2022

Ruble: Graduate Seminar (IA)

West Des Moines

**Hybrid Webinar

March 3, 2022

Personal Lines Clients and Their New Normal

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

March 8, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Agency Operations

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

March 9, 2022

An Hour with Corey: Liars: How to Spot Fraud & What the Agent Can Do About It

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

March 10, 2022

CPIA 1 ONLINE COURSE: Position for Success

Live Webinar

Webinar: 8:30AM - 4:15PM

March 22, 2022

Employment Practices Liability - A Coverage No Business Can Afford to Be Without

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

March 22, 2022

Nailed It: Understanding Insurance Requirements in Construction Contracts

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

March 23, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Commercial Casualty 1

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 33

PIA NE IA EVENTS

March 24, 2022

Personal Lines Coverage Concerns: Annoying But Important

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

March 29, 2022

Why Insurance to Value and Liability Limits are Always Wrong (and How to Fix That)

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

March 29, 2022

Chris Amrhein’s “Adventures in Aging”: Medicare and Other Retirement Healthcare Solutions

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

March 30, 2022

An Hour with Nicole: Personal Umbrella Issues & Answers

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

March 31, 2022

Autos, Garages, and Dealers Oh My! Knowing the Difference

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

March 31, 2022

Commercial Property - Direct vs. Indirect Damage

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

April 5, 2022

Flood Insurance, FEMA, and the NFIP

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

April 5, 2022

Personal & Commercial Lines Endorsements: Some Good, Some That Really Stink

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

April 7, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Elements of Risk Management Live Webinar

Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

April 7, 2022

Homeowners In Real Life: Tales of Claims & Coverage

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

April 12, 2022

Cyber - Evolution, Exposures, Incidents & Insurance

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

April 12, 2022

Chris Amrhein’s “Adventures in Aging”: Social Security & Other Retirement Income Solutions

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

April 13, 2022

CPIA 2 ONLINE COURSE: Implement for Success

Live Webinar

Webinar: 8:30AM - 4:15PM

April 13, 2022

An Hour with Corey: Valuation Issues with Custom Cars & Tricked-Out Trucks

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

April 19, 2022

That’s Personal: Home & Auto Exposures Your Insured Doesn’t Share (and Why That’s Bad)

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

April 19, 2022

Ethics: Essentials for the Insurance Producer

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

April 20 - 21, 2022

CIC Live Webinar: Insurance Company Operations Institute

Lincoln

**Hybrid Webinar

April 20 - 21, 2022

CIC: Insurance Company Operations Institute

Lincoln

Marriott Couryard Haymarket

April 20, 2022

An Hour with Cathy: Three Commercial Property Insurance Problems and How to Fix Them

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

April 21, 2022

"How/Where the %^* Will I Live?" Insurance Solutions for the Long-Term

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

April 26, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Insuring Personal Residential Property

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

May 4, 2022

An Hour with Corey: Liars: How to Spot Fraud & What the Agent Can Do About It

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 34

PIA NE IA EVENTS

May 5, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: William T. Hold: Advanced Learning Seminar

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

May 5, 2022

Commercial Property - Direct vs. Indirect Damage

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

May 10, 2022

Personal Lines Coverage Concerns: Annoying But Important

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

May 10, 2022

Employment Practices Liability NE/IA A Coverage No Business Can Afford to Be Without

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

May 12, 2022

CPIA 3 ONLINE COURSE: Sustain Success

Live Webinar

Webinar: 8:30AM - 4:15PM

May 12, 2022

Leadership and Liability: Insuring Executive Risk

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

May 17, 2022

Lurking: Surprises In the Contractor’s CGL Policy & Endorsements to Watch Out For

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

May 17, 2022

Chris Amrhein’s “Adventures in Aging”: Medicare and Other Retirement Healthcare Solutions

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

May 18, 2022

An Hour with Cathy: Truly Awful CGL Endorsements

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

May 18 - 19, 2022

CIC: Personal Lines Institute

West Des Moines

The Rewind Hotel by Hilton - Des Moines, IA

May 18 - 19, 2022

CIC Live Webinar: Personal Lines Institute

West Des Moines

**Hybrid Webinar

May 19, 2022

Growing Good Insurance: Using Property & Liability Endorsements to Fortify Farm Risks

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

May 19, 2022

Personal Lines Clients and Their New Normal

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

May 24, 2022

Certificates and Additional Insureds: What Did You Do to Deserve This?!

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

May 24, 2022

The Evolution of Ethics in Insurance

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

May 25, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Commercial Casualty 2

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

May 25, 2022

An Hour with Nicole: Homeowners Loss Settlement Issues

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

May 26, 2022

Commercial Insurance Coverages, Court Cases & Chaos

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

June 14, 2022

CISR: Personal Lines Miscellaneous

Davenport

TBA

June 14, 2022

Planting the Seed: Agent Strategies to Get and Keep Agribusiness Insureds

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

June 14, 2022

That’s Personal: Home & Auto Exposures Your Insured Doesn’t Share (and Why That’s Bad)

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

June 15, 2022

An Hour with Cathy: Additional Insured Endorsements for Contractors

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 35

PIA NE IA EVENTS

June 16, 2022

Is This Stuff For Real? Understanding & Insuring Emerging Risks

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

June 21, 2022

Chris Amrhein’s “Adventures in Aging”: Social Security & Other Retirement Income Solutions

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

June 22, 2022

An Hour with Nicole: Personal Umbrella Issues & Answers

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

June 22 - 23, 2022

CIC Live Webinar: Life & Health Institute

Live Webinar

Live Webinar

June 23, 2022

Flood Insurance, FEMA, and the NFIP

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

June 23, 2022

Homeowners In Real Life: Tales of Claims & Coverage

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

June 28, 2022

What the Heck Happened to Life Insurance?!

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

June 28, 2022

Certificates of Insurance and the Coverage Issues that Go With Them

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

June 30, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Agency Operations

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

June 30, 2022

Nailed It: Understanding Insurance Requirements in Construction Contracts

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

July 7, 2022

CISR: Commercial Casualty 1

Des Moines, IA

TBA

July 12 - 13, 2022

CIC: Commercial Multiline Institute

West Des Moines

The Rewind Hotel by Hilton - Des Moines, IA

July 12 - 13, 2022

CIC Live Webinar: Commercial Multiline Institute

West Des Moines

**Hybrid Webinar

July 26, 2022

CISR: Insuring Personal Auto Exposures

Des Moines, IA

Des Moines

August 11, 2022

CPIA 1 ONLINE COURSE: Position for Success

Live Webinar

Webinar: 8:30AM - 4:15PM

August 18, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Elements of Risk Management Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

August 23 - 24, 2022

CIC Live Webinar: Commercial Casualty Institute

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

September 8, 2022

CPIA 2 ONLINE COURSE: Implement for Success

Live Webinar

Webinar: 8:30AM - 4:15PM

September 13 - 14, 2022

Ruble Live Webinar: Graduate Seminar (NE)

Omaha

**Hybrid Webinar

September 13 - 14, 2022

Ruble: Graduate Seminar (NE)

Omaha

Omaha Marriott Hotel Omaha, NE

September 20, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Insuring Personal Residential Property

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

September 29, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Insuring Commercial Property

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 36

PIA NE IA EVENTS

October 5, 2022

CPIA 3 ONLINE COURSE: Sustain Success

Live Webinar

Webinar: 8:30AM - 4:15PM

October 13, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Commercial Casualty 2

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

October 20 - 21, 2022

CIC: Commercial Property Institute

West Des Moines

The Rewind Hotel by Hilton - Des Moines, IA

October 20 - 21, 2022

CIC Live Webinar: Commercial Property Institute

West Des Moines

**Hybrid Webinar

October 27, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Personal Lines Miscellaneous

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

November 9 - 10, 2022

CIC Live Webinar: Insurance Company Operations Institute

Live Webinar

Live Webinar

November 15, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Commercial Casualty 1

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

December 13, 2022

CISR Live Webinar: Agency Operations

Live Webinar

Live Webinar: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

January 2022 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 37

auto

home

farm

Our promise is to be “Always alongside you.”

Farmers Mutual’s coverages are supported by prompt, personalized service and unmatched financial strength. As the leading insurer of farms in Nebraska and South Dakota, our history of success is a reflection of the trust and loyalty we’ve earned from our policyholders and local agents.

Contact: Andy Kraus, CPCU Vice President of Agencies akraus@fmne.com | 800.742.7433 fmne.com