President's Message

AGENCY RESOLUTIONS

Happy 2025 to all IA&B members. It’s time for another suggested resolution list (although this one doesn’t include a gym):

1. Position your new hires for success. If you are planning to hire new talent at your agency, keep in mind the Insuring Careers Certification Program (ICCP) – IA&B’s new pillar training resource. The doors are now open to this program, which can help you train and prepare new employees for the licensing exam and more. For more information, go to: IABforME.online/insuring-careers-agencies or contact Director of Career Services Heather Ulrich at HeatherU@IABforME.com or 800-998-9644, ext. 407.

2. Strengthen your agency’s tech. Now is a good time to audit your agency’s technology usage, and to address any deficiencies. The good news is that IA&B has a seamless solution for you – a free, full-access subscription to Catalyit, the one-stop-shop for independent agents’ technology solutions. Catalyit’s technology audit feature is the perfect way to set a path toward adoption of enhanced tech in 2025. Start here: catalyit.com/IAB or contact VP - Advocacy Claire Pantaloni at ClaireP@IABforME.com or 800-996-9644, ext. 604.

3. Consider your agency’s own insurance. As the preeminent E&O agency in our three states – Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware – the IA&B Insurance Team has studied and analyzed the claim data from 2025 – and it isn’t pretty. Both the frequency and severity of E&O claims are up, much like personal and commercial insurance for the year. It would be good to start the year by ensuring your limits are appropriate (if they haven’t been raised in the last couple of years, now’s the time) and by making sure you carry additional protection – cyber, EPLI, and umbrella. Reach out to the IA&B Sales Team to discuss your specific agency needs: 800-998-9644, option 3 or contact Insurance Agency Sr. Director Kevin Hord at KevinH@IABforME.com.

All of us at IA&B wish you and your staff a healthy and fruitful 2025. And as always, we thank you for support of IA&B. We are here for you, no matter what the year brings.

Until next time,

Jason F. Ernest, President & CEO