Primary Agent - March 2022

MARCH 2022

KENT REYNOLDS ON INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITY

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER MAGAZINE

ALSO INSIDE THE GREAT RESIGNATION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CLAIMS

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MARCH

CONTENTS

2022

FEATURED 4

IP, CGL … WTH? INSURING AN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CLAIM IA&B Education Consultant Kevin Amrhein takes a deep dive into intellectual property claims, coverage, and exclusions.

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> > > > 12 JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook.com/IABforME LinkedIn.com/company/IA_and_B Twitter.com/IA_and_B YouTube.com IA&B is the premier resource and champion for independent insurance agents in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.

Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, PA and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Insurance Agents & Brokers, 650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Primary Agent (ISSN 1543-3110), Permit # 638-620, Issue # 2022-3, is published monthly by IA&B Service Group Inc., a subsidiary of IA&B. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher. The information in this publication is general in nature and not intended to serve as legal, accounting, financial, insurance, investment advisory or other professional advice as to any reader’s particular situation. Users are encouraged to consult with competent legal, financial, insurance, investment advisory and/or other professional advisors concerning specific matters before making any decisions. We disclaim any responsibility for any decisions or actions by readers. Statements of fact and opinion in Primary Agent are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of IA&B. Participation in IA&B events, activities and/or publications is available on a non-discriminatory basis and does not reflect IA&B endorsement of the products and/or services.

Q&A WITH KENT REYNOLDS IA&B Member Kent Reynolds, CEO of Blue Ridge Risk Partners, talks mergers and acquisitions, professional accomplishments, and Camp David proximity.

THE GREAT RESIGNATION: TURNING EXODUS INTO OPPORTUNITY As employees leave the workforce in record numbers, leveraging remote-work offerings can help you attract and retain great talent.

Learn tips for effectively managing a workfrom-home team.

MONTHLY 2

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

3

DON’S DISCUSSION

6

NEWS & NOTES

16

PICS & POSTS

19

GET TO KNOW...

21

UPCOMING LIVE WEBINARS

IABforME.com |

1

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE As we enter March and inch closer to spring, growth is on the minds of many. It’s a season of rejuvenation. And as we reach the two-year mark of the pandemic and overall volatility, there are big changes afoot in the workforce and the workplace.

INSURANCE AGENTS & BROKERS 650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 191 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 800-998-9644 | IABforME.com

IA&B BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Richard M. Rankin, CIC, Chair Lancaster, PA

The feature article on page 12 examines the “Great Resignation” and how employers can leverage remote-work offerings to attract and retain talent. For many agencies, a hybrid work environment, blending work-from-home and office work, is here to stay. For others, it may entail outsourcing work to contract employees – such as the service that Work At Home Vintage Experts offers. And for others still, it may mean a new approach to management.

D. Bradley Rosenkilde Jr., Vice Chair Hunt Valley, MD

Bottom line: No matter what form it takes for your agency, change is either upon you or on the horizon. The good news is that we’ve earned our stripes over the past two years and have proven that our industry and our agencies can adapt in crises and grow from challenges. What’s more, the independent agent community is in this together, and we have the resources and advocacy of IA&B on our side.

Here’s to change – managing it, finding opportunity in it, and succeeding in it.

Best,

Richard M. Rankin Chairman of the Board

MEMBERS Gregory H. Bennett

Sarah M. Brown, CIC, CRM, AFIS Shrewsbury, PA Andrew Enders, Esq.

Harrisburg, PA

Len Gieseler, LUTCF

Pottstown, PA

Jason R. Hess

Coraopolis, PA

Lisa A. Leach Goth, CIC

New Bethlehem, PA

Christopher J. Miller, CIC

Jonestown, PA

Michael A. Papa, CIC, MBA

Hunt Valley, MD

William H. Purdy

Sunbury, PA

Kent Reynolds, CIC

Hagerstown, MD

Jason Rodriguez

Wilmington, DE

Donna Roper

York, PA

Candace Shoupe, AAI, AIC

New Castle, DE

Tara S. Silfies, CPCU

Bethlehem, PA

Robert L. Smyrl Jr., CIC

Hatfield, PA

Michael Thomas

Gambrills, MD

Sheila Wells, CIC, CISR

Rehoboth Beach, DE

J. Marshall Wolff, CIC, CPCU Easton, PA

NATIONAL DIRECTORS Michael P. Ertel Sr. (PIA) Columbia, MD G. Greg Gunn, CIC (IIABA) Lemoyne, PA Diane Hornung Hanby (IIABA) Wilmington, DE

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MARCH 2022

Bel Air, MD

DON'S DISCUSSION

DON'S DISCUSSION IA&B Legal & Corporate Affairs Director Don Bankus

Are you a member with a question?

Contact Don to find the answer at 800-998-9644, ext. 603 or DonB@IABforME.com.

QUESTION: My commercial insured has a $3 million limit on an umbrella policy but wants me to show only a $1 million limit on a certificate of insurance. Is there anything wrong with that?

ANSWER: Certificates of Insurance – the gift that keeps on giving!

The short and sweet answer is that a producer with actual knowledge of applicable coverages should always accurately reflect the correct and full limits of the umbrella policy, as well as every other component of other coverages on the Certificate of Insurance (COI).

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? Even if it may seem harmless or unimportant, the big deal is that purposely entering information, which the producer knows to be false: ▲ Likely violates applicable insurance statutes, rules, and regulations; ▲ Subjects the licensed producer – and the agency for whom he or she is providing services – to lawsuits for negligence, fraud, and/or misrepresentation (up to 15% of all E&O claims are COI related); ▲ Could be a violation of your ACORD licensing agreement; and ▲ Subjects the licensed producer – and the agency – to potential administrative penalties, including substantive fines and possible license suspension or revocation.

producer to issue a COI that contains false or misleading information, and it’s also unlawful for anyone (think: producer or anyone providing services for the agency) to prepare or issue a COI that contains false or misleading information. Delaware also has a separate statute whereby such acts would constitute insurance fraud, which subjects licensees to additional penalty.

In addition, both the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and the Maryland Insurance Administration have issued bulletins which express the respective department’s position that issuing a false or misleading COI is prohibited and subjects licensees to a multitude of possible repercussions.

THE BOTTOM LINE Extreme caution is urged when including information on a COI that a licensee knows is not accurate. Explain to the insured that doing so is illegal or impermissible on a number of fronts, and, in the event of a claim, accurate policy limits will be revealed to a certificate holder anyway.

This document is not a legal opinion and should not be relied upon as such. The intent of this document is to provide a general background regarding the topic or topics discussed, not to provide legal advice. Producers and agencies should consult an attorney regarding specific situations and specific questions with respect to the topic or topics covered in this document. Neither the Insurance Agents & Brokers nor any of its employees shall be responsible for any errors or omissions regarding any statements made in this document, nor any errors or omissions regarding any statutes, regulations, court rules, and/or any other government documents cited in this document.

STATUTES, REGULATIONS, AND BULLETINS Delaware and Maryland have statutes which, among other things, expressly address COI-related issues. Each state’s statute provides that it’s unlawful for anyone (think: your customer or the certificate holder) to request or require a

IABforME.com |

3

IP, CGL … WTH? INSURING AN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CLAIM

By Kevin C. Amrhein, CIC, CBIA

Most people think of New Year’s Day as the “beginning of a new me” (or perhaps “that day I’ll spend recovering from last night’s rager”).

For those of us interested in the complexities of Intellectual Property (IP) rights, the ushering in of a new year also signifies the day that thousands of previously copyrighted works enter the Public Domain.

Everything from images to music to full-length books are finally free to be used by anyone for educational, personal, or commercial purposes.

“Fair Use” be darned!

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Unfortunately, many folks don’t wait until this happens to effectively rip-off someone else’s copyrighted work. Intentional or not, unless usage is protected under federal “Fair Use” law, violators can face significant consequences.

PUTTING IT ONLINE DOESN’T = FREE TO USE I’ve talked with agents who believe that once an IP owner publishes their work online that’s it’s fair game to copy/paste/duplicate. This incorrect view is cited as the primary MARCH 2022

excuse in many of the IP-related claims that have been shared with me throughout the years. While the internet unarguably makes it easy to find and use people’s stuff, it doesn’t typically amend the owner’s IP rights.

THE INSURANCE BIT While some insureds may inquire about specialty markets designed specifically for IP-related claims, others will simply go about their business and hope (dare I say, assume) standard business liability insurance will be there if/when the

COVERAGE CORNER time comes. Using an unendorsed ISO’s Commercial General Liability policy as a basis for discussion, the good news is that it’s possible some coverage may kick in for certain claims. But much like that time you thought you could fetch a fortune selling that thriller of an insurance trade publication article as a NFT, when it comes to the available coverage, don’t get your hopes up.

CLAIM EXAMPLE An agent finds a movie clip online that he thinks is a clever compliment to an email blast about the agency’s services. Without reviewing usage terms, he copy/ pastes the clip into the blast and off it goes. A few weeks later the agency receives notice from the studio’s general counsel ordering a cease-and-desist and outlining a process for determining damages.

Counsel illustrates that since the agency is using the studio’s IP to boost sales, it’s clear the agency is not protected under federal Fair Use doctrine.

COVERAGE EXAMPLE The agency submits the details to the general liability carrier. Assuming it’s an unendorsed ISO CGL, applicable language is found in Coverage B – Personal And Advertising Injury Liability. The following provisions are found within the definition of “personal and advertising injury:” “Personal and advertising injury” means… f. The use of another’s advertising idea in your “advertisement”; or g. Infringing upon another’s copyright, trade dress or slogan in your “advertisement”.

DEFINITION OF “ADVERTISEMENT” “Advertisement” means a notice that is broadcast or published to the general public or specific market segments about your goods, products or services for the purpose of attracting customers or supporters. For the purposes of this definition: a. Notices that are published include material placed on the Internet or on similar electronic means of communication; and b. Regarding web sites, only that part of a web site that is about your goods, products or services for the purposes of attracting customers or supporters is considered an advertisement.

EXCLUSIONS While there are a few that could be a factor depending on the nature of the allegation, for the purpose of our example, let’s look at the wording in Exclusion i. – Infringement Of Copyright, Patent, Trademark Or Trade Secret: “Personal and advertising injury” arising out of the infringement of copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret or other intellectual property rights. Under this exclusion, such other intellectual property rights do not include the use of another’s advertising idea in your “advertisement.”

However, this exclusion does not apply to infringement, in your “advertisement,” of copyright, trade dress or slogan.

The exception is positive news for the agency. The source of the allegation can be summarized as infringement of a copyright and the use of the clip in an email IABforME.com |

blast seems to fit the definition of “advertisement.”

TAKEAWAYS ▲ It’s easy to see from the CGL’s language that many IP claims, such as those alleging patent or trademark infringement, are excluded.

Continued on page 7

COVERAGE COURSES

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Register today. IABforME.com 800-998-9644, option 1

5

NEWS & NOTES

IA&B ANNOUNCES MOVE IA&B this month will relocate its Mechanicsburg, PA headquarters.

Following the sale of the IA&B building in January, the Board of Directors approved the lease of new office space two miles away from the current building.

Please note IA&B’s updated address: 650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 The IA&B phone number will remain the same, and for now, we will receive mail sent to the the new and old (5050 Ritter Road) address. The organization also leases an office in Annapolis, MD.

NY CYBERSECURITY FILING DEADLINE If you conduct business in New York, you must refile a fresh certificate of compliance annually with the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). Agencies and individuals currently entitled to the limited exemption and those who are subject to the full requirements have until April 15, 2022 to comply.

Adopted in March 2017, the regulation requires assessment of cybersecurity risk and adoption of a cybersecurity program. It applies to resident and non-resident agencies and producers licensed in New York.

PA ACCIDENT SURCHARGE CAP TO CHANGE

MEMBER BENEFIT HIGHLIGHT Rely on IA&B's library of vetted insurance content to respond to customers’ questions or educate prospects. You'll save time and effort.

Each of the 20 customer flyers is professionally designed and ready for customization. Simply download the document in Word to easily add your agency’s logo and contact information.

The customer flyers are an exclusive benefit of IA&B membership.

IABforME.com/marketing-resources If you need help logging into the website to access the flyers, contact IA&B at 800-998-9644, option 0 or email IAB@IABforME.com.

Questions? Contact: Megan Fioretta, ABC IA&B Brand Manager 800-998-9644, ext. 605 MeganF@IABforME.com

Review our resources (select New York from the Cybersecurity dropdown menu) for more information on the exemption, obligations, and how to comply.

IABforME.com/cybersecurity-databreach/ 6

MARCH 2022

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department will increase the accident surcharge dollar threshold to $1,900 as of July 1, 2022.

Auto insurers may not penalize policyholders whose aggregate claim cost over a three-year period does not exceed the cap.

The threshold was last adjusted effective July 1, 2020 when it was increased to $1,800.

SHARE YOUR MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES Many independent agencies have a rich history in their communities.

IA&B wants to recognize your agency’s contributions.

Is your agency celebrating a milestone anniversary? Whether it’s five years or 125 years in business, we want to acknowledge your accomplishment. Submit a (historical or present-day) photo of your staff or building for inclusion in Primary Agent magazine.

Email announcements and images to IA&B Public Relations Director Karen Robison at KarenR@IABforME.com.

COVERAGE

SAVE TIME & MONEY on Recruiting | Hiring | Training

Continued from page 5

▲ Specialty policies exist for a variety of IP infringement claims and counsel from a broker specializing in such coverage is ideal.

WAHVE is an innovative contract staffing solution that matches retiring professionals to fill your staffing needs.

▲ Review any content for terms before using, and when in doubt, don’t.

That’s all for now. Until the next round…. Cheers!

Kevin C Amrhein, CIC, CBIA is IA&B's education consultant.

He works with our CISR and CIC programs, as well as our special topic seminars and live webinars.

Catch him at one of our upcoming professional training offerings: IABforME.com/education

Contact Bill Hunt at WAHVE today!

Bill.Hunt@wahve.com • 646-807-4372 ext. 3757 *Mention your IA&B membership for a discount on set-up fees.

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IABforME.com |

7

ON THE COVER

Q&A with

KENT REYNOLDS Kent Reynolds, CIC is CEO of Blue Ridge Risk Partners, one of the top 75 insurance agencies in the country with locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Kent also serves on the IA&B Board of Directors.

Q. You began your insurance career right out of college.

What steered you toward the industry?

A. From a very young age, I was interested in business, and I majored in finance in college. I had known about the agency (Keller Stonebraker Insurance, which became Blue Ridge Risk Partners) for many years and did an internship here during my senior year of college.

For the industry as a whole, how would you describe the M&A marketplace of recent years, and what do you anticipate in the near future?

A. M&A activity is occurring at lightning speed, and personally, I see that continuing for the foreseeable future.

My first official position in the agency was in accounting. I quickly realized that the insurance industry encompassed so many general business and finance principals, and I became more interested in the insurance piece of the agency.

Even though at Blue Ridge we are a very large agency with 21 locations, our position is that we continue to operate in the communities we serve. We try to balance that scale and size by placing tremendous value in serving individual communities.

Q. We understand you worked in a variety of positions within the agency before becoming CEO. Tell us about Three generations... your career trajectory.

Q. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of, and why?

A. After accounting, I became involved in operations and the perpetuation of existing books of business. And that turned into getting licensed and earning designations, and then working with clients. I became the COO in 2008 and eventually the CEO in 2012. Having a team that has worked in all aspects of the agency gives us good perspective and helps us deliver on our promise to take care of our customers.

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Q. Blue Ridge Risk Partners has expanded extensively through mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

A. I can’t take full responsibility for this, but my biggest professional accomplishment is helping to provide a stable and meaningful career for close to 200 employees.

When I look back over the course of my 31-year career, there was only one time that we had to downsize. When managed properly, this industry provides tremendous stability and opportunity.

MARCH 2022

Q. This magazine will hit agencies’ mailboxes in March 2022 – marking a long, eventful two years since the pandemic first impacted us. What lessons have you learned along the way?

A. We learned how to react quickly, to adapt as needed, and have flexibility. The pandemic affirmed the need to listen to our clients and to serve them as they feel comfortable – whether that’s electronically, by phone, or in person. The biggest lesson was the importance of being proactive, of reaching out to the customer first.

Q. You live near Camp David, in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland.

What’s that like? Any interesting stories you can share?

A. Most people don’t realize where Camp David is, but it’s only five miles away from where we live, in the small town of Smithsburg. One of the most memorable experiences was living here during 9/11.

President Bush used Camp David to plan his response to the 9/11 attacks. His Cabinet and Joint Chiefs of Staff all met with him there, and the press took over Smithsburg for several days. For weeks after 9/11, it was the norm to see fighter jets flying overhead.

Q. When you’re not working, where will we find you?

A. Hopefully traveling – anywhere near water! Both my wife and I love the water. Any chance we get to enjoy that is a win.

IABforME.com |

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IA&B PARTNERS PROGRAM

OUR FEATURED PLATINUM PARTNER Insurance Agents & Brokers proudly recognizes Acuity Insurance as one of its Platinum Partners. IA&B Platinum Partners dedicate the highest level of sponsorship to our organization.

Acuity’s common purpose reads, “With kind hearts, we dare to care for our family of employees, agents, and customers, by staring down risk.” Why is this important?

Because more than ever, people want to work for and do business with companies that not only provide quality products and services, but that operate ethically and have a clear focus on their mission and purpose.

OUR COMPANY Acuity PRESIDENT & CEO Ben Salzmann LOCATION 2800 South Taylor Drive Sheboygan, WI 53081

Our purpose defines who we are. We have kind hearts—our logo is a heart. We care for each other—our colleagues, agents, and customers. And we all stare down risk every day. Our common purpose also flows into our focus on who we are and what we strive to be as an employer, business partner, and insurer.

PHONE 800.242.7666 WEBSITE acuity.com

Daring to care and focusing on our purpose defines the Acuity difference. It’s why we take the time to know agents and their customers, and we deliver the right protection at a fair price. It’s why we’re motivated by customer satisfaction, earn an incredible 96% satisfaction rating from people who’ve had a claim, and maintain a reputation for innovative products and service excellence.

A.M. BEST RATING A+

We also understand what people care about and promise to be there to help protect it.

Acuity insures over 125,000 businesses, including 300,000 commercial vehicles, and nearly a half million homes and private passenger autos across 30 states.

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MARCH 2022

IABforME.com/Partners2020

We generate nearly $2 billion in revenue through over 1,000 independent agencies and manage over $6 billion in assets.

In personal lines, Acuity provides true tiered rating programs in both auto and homeowners. In commercial lines, we offer monoline and commercial package policies, businessowners (BOP) forms, and endorsements designed for targeted classes of business, including contractors, truckers, retailers, service businesses, and manufacturers. We offer agents an expansive continuing education (CE) program featuring award-winning video courses as well as courses taught by expert Acuity staff. In the past two years alone, agents have earned over 100,000 CE credits through Acuity at no charge.

Acuity also offers independent agents stability that spans years of financial and operational performance. Rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s, Acuity is the only regional insurer to have been named to the Ward’s 50 list of topperforming property-casualty companies for 22 consecutive years. Named a Best Employer by Forbes in multiple categories and best in the nation for work-life balance during COVID by Glassdoor, Acuity also features remarkably low staff turnover among its more than 1,500 staff members, helping build stronger relationships.

IABforME.com |

Thank You

Thanks to these partners for supporting the independent agent network.

PLATINUM PARTNERS Acuity Erie Insurance Millers Mutual Insurance Penn National Insurance Plymouth Rock Assurance

GOLD PARTNERS Amalgamated Specialty Group Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company Chubb Donegal Insurance Group Keystone Insurers Group Inc MMG Insurance Company Mutual Benefit Group Nationwide Insurance Company Progressive

BECOME A PARTNER TODAY Interested in becoming a partner?

Reach out today.

Tim Wonder IA&B VP-Membership 800-998-9644, ext. 351 TimW@IABforME.com 11

The Great Resignation: Turning Exodus into Opportunity

BY SHARON EMEK, PH.D., CIC

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MARCH 2022

GREAT RESIGNATION

As employees leave the workforce in record numbers, leveraging remote-work offerings can help you attract and retain great talent. In this article, you’ll learn tips to effectively manage a work-from-home team.

In the last two years, workers across the country have walked away from their jobs at an alarming rate. A recordsetting 4 million people in the United States quit their jobs in April 2021 as vaccination rates increased and employers called workers back into the office, according to a recent Forbes article. By November 2021, that number had risen to 4.5 million for the month.

The reasons include a shift in priorities, lack of childcare for parents returning to work, even how employees feel they were treated by employers during the pandemic. Yet one of the biggest reasons is the realization that much of today’s workforce can operate remotely. That has many employees rethinking how – and where – they want to spend their workday.

A May 2021 Morning Consult poll revealed that 39% of U.S. adults surveyed said they would consider quitting if their employers weren’t flexible about remote work.

Millennials and Gen Z workers polled higher: 49% would head for the exits if remote work flexibility wasn’t offered.

The good news: For companies willing to embrace the changing work dynamic, now is an ideal time to attract and keep talented workers. If you’re willing to accommodate remote work, you have a massive pool of qualified candidates at your disposal. That’s because remote work opens your search to candidates that don’t live within commuting distance.

retirement or easing back into the workforce, remote work is a natural attraction.

In a tight labor market, simply offering remote work positions your organization well with job seekers. Yet are you prepared to manage a remote team?

Fortunately, it takes just a little extra attention to detail to attract and retain great talent. These few steps can help you effectively manage your work-from-home team.

AMP UP COMMUNICATION As so many organizations found out at the height of pandemic lockdown, communicating remotely is not difficult. What is difficult is maintaining communication, which is often not something managers focus on in officebased work environments.

Build a plan that details how your team will communicate, how often you will check in with each employee, and how you will measure performance and resolve any productivity issues. Touching base daily with teams and employees keeps everyone feeling engaged.

Continued on page 15

Fortunately, it takes little effort to attract remote talent right now. With millennials and Gen Z workers looking for more work-life balance and Boomers stepping down into

IABforME.com |

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T H E

M A T H

I S

S I M P L E :

Expert Claims Management + Value-Added Services Outstanding Protection from a Trusted Partner in School Insurance Don’t complicate the equation: CM Regent® is the insurance partner schools have trusted since 1971. We offer superior insurance solutions designed exclusively for schools, and when you have a claim, you can be confident our expert claims management team has you covered. We also offer policyholders these value-added services: Building & Content Appraisals.

Separate Excess Towers.

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CM Regent offers the expertise to help you control your risk and protect your property and your people.

See how it all adds up at www.cmregent.com/products/value/.

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©2022 Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. CM Regent Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Church Mutual Holding Company, Inc. This material may include only a general description of insurance coverages and does not include all rates, terms, conditions, and limitations found in CM Regent Insurance Company (“CM Regent”) policies. The insurance policy, not any general descriptions of coverage that may be found in this material, will form the contract between the insured and CM Regent, and is subject to approval from the state. Neither CM Regent nor its employees, representatives, or agents shall be liable to any party for the use of any information or statements made or contained herein. NAIC # 12356 *Elevator inspections are currently available only for PA customers.

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MARCH 2022

For personalized service, contact: CONTACT DAVID WERTZ, CPIA 800-998-9644, Ext. 506 DavidW@IABforME.com IABforME.online/insurance

“In a tight labor market, simply offering remote

ARM THEM WITH GREAT TOOLS Providing a consistent technology experience for all employees makes it so much easier for them to collaborate and perform at their best levels. From chat and video conferencing to project management and team collaboration, technology ties together your workforce, making for a cohesive, inclusive work culture.

IMPROVE THE WORK CULTURE

work positions your organization well with job seekers.”

- SHARON EMEK FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN, AND CEO OF WORK AT HOME VINTAGE EXPERTS (WAHVE) IABforME.com |

That work culture is the lifeblood of employee retention, and nearly every organization can improve upon the status quo. An intentional approach to the culture should include sensible rules of conduct, transparency from the top down, organized meetings and agenda, and much more flexibility when it comes to working across time zones and individual worker needs. For instance, your worker may be caring for an ailing spouse – her best work hours may not fall within the normal 9-to-5. Shifting your focus from hours worked to a productivity measure takes the pressure off your employees when life gets in the way.

As more workers redefine what they want out of their employment experience, savvy companies will embrace the shifting work culture and offer the flexibility and a work culture that embraces employee needs. Preparing for the remote workforce is not hard, and maintaining a healthy remote culture takes effort, but consistent attention to communication, proper tools, and smart use of time can make your organization an attractive option.

Sharon Emek, Ph.D., CIC contributed this article. Emek is founder, chairman, and CEO of Work At Home Vintage Experts (WAHVE).

WAHVE matches “retired” insurance professionals who have remote-work experience to meet agencies’ specific staffing needs. As a vetted IA&B partner, WAHVE offers IA&B members a 50% discount on the one-time setup fee.

Learn more at IABforME.com/HR-resources.

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PICS & POSTS

PICS & POSTS

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MARCH 2022

Facebook.com/IABforME LinkedIn.com/company/IA_and_B Twitter.com/IA_and_B YouTube.com

G

o O

Gain intellectual capital from the highest caliber agents Increase your agency’s contingent and incentive revenue Simple contract model and minimal membership fees Business resources are hand-selected by our members Outperforming the industry

Find Out What the ANE Advantage is Today 800.700.9643 information@ane-agents.com www.ane-agents.com

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STAFF PROFILE

Get to Know …

Tim Wonder

Years with IA&B:

Vice President Membership

Role at IA&B:

Started in 1993, so 29 years.

As Vice President – Membership, I’m responsible for all facets of association membership from recruitment, onboarding, and retention for both independent agencies and our carrier partners. I also oversee our market access program, Independent Market Solutions, and facilitate all of the association’s corporate governance activities.

Best part of your job: I love working with and for independent agents. They are the backbone of their communities, sometimes three or four generations’ worth. They are involved in their houses of worship, leading scout troops, and coaching kids’ sports teams. But most important they are present during a customer’s time of need and to help them recover from a loss. Many of our members I consider friends, and I take pleasure in helping them find resources to help maintain their operations.

Favorite sports team: Anything Pittsburgh, but if you nail me down to just one, the Steelers.

Best “dad joke”: Really? They’re just called jokes. Sure, I enjoy getting laughs by telling a joke or three, but ever since we started quarantining, I’ve only been telling inside jokes. But if you really want a dad joke, what did Yoda say when he saw himself in 4K? HDMI.

You can reach Tim at: 800-998-9644, ext. 351 TimW@IABforME.com

IABforME.com |

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PRIMARY AGENT

ST RUg g LIN g

Editor: Karen Robison KarenR@IABforME.com 800-998-9644, ext. 606

TO WRITE AN AGENCY PROCEDURE MANUAL?

Contributing editors: Jennifer Ross Megan Fioretta Sarah Jacoby

We have a better option – a complete, customizable Agency Procedure Manual (APM).

It’s a collection of electronic documents insurance agencies can use to formalize business procedures and policies.

Sales Account Executive: Laura Gaenzle laura.gaenzle@theygsgroup.com 717-430-2351

More information: iabforme.com/additional-services 800-998-9644, ext. 604

TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP LEGAL & COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE INSURANCE FOR YOUR AGENCY ACCESS MARKETS CARRIER RELATIONS CE CLASSES & TRAINING IABFORME.COM 20

800-998-9644 MARCH 2022

IAB@IABFORME.COM IAB@

EARN CE WITH IA&B

WELCOME MEMBERS

E D U C AT I O N SCHEDULE

NEW AGENCY MEMBERS

MARCH 2022

Brandywine Insurance Group LLC Chadds Ford, PA

Register today! 800-998-9644, option 1 IABforME.com/education

Adamson Insurance Agency Monaca, PA Rodgers & Co Insurance Agency, Inc. West Middlesex, PA

LIVE WEBINARS DATE TOPIC

TIME

Mar 2

CISR - Elements of Risk Management

8AM-3:45PM

Mar 2

Hour w/ Cathy: Insurance Issues for the Commercial Tenant

2-3 PM

Mar 3

Personal Lines Clients and Their New Normal

1-4 PM

Mar 8-9 James K. Ruble Graduate Seminar

8AM-5:15PM

Mar 9

Hour w/ Corey: Liars - How to Spot Fraud

2-3 PM

NEW PARTNER MEMBER

Mar 10

CISR - Personal Auto

8AM-3:45PM

Mar 10

Agent’s E&O: Defenses & Preventions for Ins Professionals

1-4 PM

Mar 16

William T Hold - Commercial

8AM-4PM

First Choice Agents Alliance LLC

Mar 22

Employment Practices Liability - Can't Afford to Be Without

9AM-12PM

Mar 22

Nailed It: Insurance Requirements in Construction

1-4 PM

Mar 23

CISR - Commercial Casualty II

8AM-3:45PM

Mar 24

Personal Lines Coverage Concerns: Annoying But Important

9AM-12PM

Mar 24

Why Good People Do Bad Things: Agency Ethics

1-4 PM

Mar 29

Why Insurance to Value & Liability Limits are Always Wrong

9AM-12PM

Mar 29

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

1-4 PM

Mar 30

Hour w/ Nicole: Personal Umbrella Issues & Answers

2-3 PM

Mar 31

Autos, Garages and Dealers - Knowing the Difference

9AM-12PM

Mar 31

Commercial Property - Direct vs Indirect Damage

1-4 PM

Happy Insurance Group, LLC Hatboro, PA

For information about membership or benefits, contact: Tim Wonder, VPMembership 800-998-9644, ext. 351 TimW@IABforME.com

IABforME.com |

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MORE IMAGINATION.

MORE TO LOVE FROM APPLIED.® Workers’ Compensation • Transportation – Liability & Physical Damage • Construction – Primary & Excess Liability Homeowners – Including California Wildfire & Gulf Region Hurricane • Fine Art & Collections • Structured Insurance Financial Lines • Environmental & Pollution Liability • Shared & Layered Property • Fronting & Program Business • Reinsurance

...And More To Come.

It Pays To Get A Quote From Applied.® Learn more at auw.com/MoreToLove or call sales (877) 234-4450 ©2022 Applied Underwriters, Inc. Rated A (Excellent) by AM Best. Insurance plans protected U.S. Patent No. 7,908,157.