DECEMBER 2025
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FEATURED
9
MEET OUTSTANDING CSR OF THE YEAR WINNERS
Congratulations to the professionals who received the Outstanding CSR of the Year award in IA&B service states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.
12 INTERVIEW WITH FELIPE PERES
Felipe Peres shares how IA&B's Insuring Careers Certification Program aided his entrance into the insurance industry and helped land his current position with Associated Insurance Management LLC, an IA&B member agency headquartered in Silver Spring, MD.
16 YEAR IN REVIEW
From legislative and regulatory advocacy, to new talent recruitment and development, this year was one for the books. Review highlights of 2025.
18 DEVELOP CONFIDENT AGENTS THROUGH ICCP
Learn how IA&B's Insuring Careers Certification Program (ICCP) saves agencies time on training and supports the next generation of independent agents.
The passage of time has always confounded me. Time may be a social construct, but it is one with influential externalities. As 2025 winds down, I find myself yet again contemplating the time-related cycles that affect our industry.
Perhaps out of spite, I keep returning to the most influential part of our business, and yet, the one most influenced by temporal constraints: the people willing to share so much of their time with our colleagues and clients. I call on each of you to join the coalition focused on driving talent into the incredible business of insurance.
This issue highlights Felipe Peres, who found his way into an independent agency through IA&B’s Insuring Careers Certification Program. His story is less an exception and more an exceptional reminder. Every one of us had someone who influenced our individual path. Many professionals found the confidence to leap because someone believed they could do it. And that’s how we build for the future.
Independent agencies thrive because we care about human experience and we invest in people. Those new people infuse their perspective into what we do for clients and community. Be bold in seeking out talent for your team and act confidently knowing that IA&B is there to be your partner with the Insuring Careers Certificate Program.
As you look ahead to next year, make room for curiosity and enthusiasm. Give them the space to challenge what has always been done and help us reimagine what is possible. Bring in the intern. Mentor the new producer. Introduce an unfamiliar professional to insurance over coffee. None of us arrived here on our own and none of us will build the future alone either.
To everyone who has shared their time, experience, and patience this year, I express my sincere gratitude! You are securing next generation in our noble profession.
Happy holidays,
Andrew M. Enders, Esq. Chair of the Board
I love music, especially the thrill of sharing what I’m listening to. Here’s what I had queued up while drafting my commentary.
Heavy Rotation: The Spinners: Spinners; Bonnie Raitt: Streetlights; Fruit Bats: Gold Past Life; the Beths: Straight Line Was a Lie; the Smashing Pumpkins: Machina / The Machines of God
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
Andrew Enders, Esq. - Chair Enders | Harrisburg, PA
Kate Dawson, CISR, CPIA - Vice Chair Ferri Dawson Insurance | Murrysville, PA
MEMBERS
Greg Bennett Famous & Spang Associates Aberdeen, MD
Tony Cusati, CIC Sitter Insurance LLC Erie, PA
Michael Gaetano The Hartman Group Montoursville, PA
Debra McAfee McAfee Insurance Agency, LLC Wilmington, DE
Michael McGroarty, Jr., CIC McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance Pittsburgh, PA
Hunter McHugh McHugh Insurance Group Wilmington, DE
Shayne McIntosh, CIC JPI Insurance Associates Dillsburg, PA
Chris Miller, CIC
Miller Insurance Protection Team Jonestown, PA
Jill Nye, CIC, CISR, CPIA Gunn-Mowery, LLC Lemoyne, PA
Lisa Parry, CPIA Parry Insurance Langhorne, PA
Bill Purdy Purdy Insurance Agency, Inc. Sunbury, PA
Kent Reynolds, CIC Blue Ridge Risk Partners LLC Hagerstown, MD
David Rivell, CIC, CRM Element Risk Management West Chester, PA
Christy Rose Avery Hall Insurance Salisbury, MD
Ashley Stafford, CPIA Williams Insurance Agency, Inc. Rehoboth Beach, DE
Michael Thomas Lighthouse Insurance Svcs Gambrills, MD
Kyle Zehr, CIC FIFS, LLC Telford, PA
NATIONAL DIRECTORS
Mike Ertel (PIA) AssuredPartners | Columbia, MD
Diana Hornung, CIC (IIABA)
IOA National, Inc. | Wilmington, DE
Mark Monroe (IIABA)
Mark J. Monroe Insurance | Downingtown, PA
QUESTION: ANSWER:
DELAWARE
General requirement: Resident licensees are required to complete 24 credit hours during each 24-month licensing period.
Exemption – credit: A licensee who has been continuously licensed for 25 years or longer prior to the start of their licensing period, or who holds an approved professional designation, shall receive an automatic credit of twelve (12) credits in each biennium.
Of note: The 12 automatic credit hours cannot be applied to fulfill any applicable flood (2 hours), ethics (3 hours), or long-term care (3 hours) CE requirements.
DON'S DISCUSSION
IA&B Legal & Corporate Affairs Director Don Bankus Are you a member with a question? Contact Don at 717-918-9204 or DonB@IABforME.com.
Is there an age at which licensed producers become totally exempt from the requirement to take continuing education (CE) in order to renew their license?
While the statutes and regulations governing CE requirements vary for each of IA&B’s three states, the good news – at least if you’re an optimist – is that each state may provide at least some degree of exemption or credit for the seasoned producer. The available exemptions/credits are as follows:
MARYLAND
General requirement: Licensees are required to complete 24 credit hours during each 24-month licensing period.
Exemption – credit: If a licensee has held a license for 25 or more consecutive years as of October 1, 2008, the licensee shall only be required to complete 8 hours of CE in each renewal period.
Of note: If you qualify for the above exemption, you’re still required to meet any flood (2 hours), ethics (3 hours), and/or long-term care (2 hours) CE requirements, if applicable.
Exemption – age: In addition, per MIA Producer Bulletin 1307, licensees who were age 70 and above as of April 30, 2013, are exempt from the general CE requirements.
Applicable statutes/regulations: MD Ins. Code Section 10-116 (specifically at subsection 10-116(a)(3)(iii); Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Section 31.03.02.03 (specifically at subsection B); Maryland Insurance Administration Producer Bulletin 1307 (specifically at subsection II).
PENNSYLVANIA
General requirement: Licensees are required to complete 24 credit hours during each 24-month licensing period.
Exemption – age: A licensee who was licensed prior to Jan. 1, 1971, and who has been continuously licensed for all lines of authority since that time, is exempt from CE requirements.
Of note: If the licensee adds a line of authority, or lets his or her license lapse, the age exemption becomes inapplicable.
Applicable statutes/regulations: 18 DE Admin. Code 504, at Section 8.0 –Licensee’s Responsibility (specifically at subsection 8.3 – Automatic Credit).
Of note: If you qualify for the age exemption, you’re still required to meet the flood (2 hours) and longterm care (2 hours) CE requirements, if applicable. In addition, while the flood CE requirement will not be monitored by the MIA, it likely may be monitored by Write-Your-Own carriers and/or the NFIP.
Applicable statutes/regulations: 40 P.S. Section 310.8 (specifically subsection 310.8(c)(1).
Continued on page 7
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HOMEOWNERS POLICY WEAR AND TEAR AND MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN CLAIM DENIALS
By Bill Wilson
In my last column, I gave two examples of personal auto claims that were denied, incorrectly in my opinion, by citing the wear and tear and mechanical breakdown exclusions in the ISO PP 00 01 form. Similar exclusions in ISO HO 00 03 and ISO HO 00 05 homeowners forms (and many non-ISO forms) are also often misunderstood. To illustrate, the following are three
examples of claim denials I assisted agents in getting overturned.
A garage collapsed under the weight of ice, snow, and sleet during a blizzard. The claim was denied, citing the wear and tear exclusion, on the basis that the garage was in a poor state of repair that precipitated the collapse.
In another case, a water pipe fitting broke, apparently due to corrosion, resulting in extensive water damage to the structure. This claim was also denied by citing the wear and tear exclusion.
Finally, water escaped from a boiler, and as a result, the firing chamber caused fire damage to the boiler and other property. The adjuster cited
the mechanical breakdown exclusion in the ISO homeowners policy to deny the entire claim.
The group of exclusions that applied to these losses were:
(a) Wear and tear, marring, deterioration;
(b) Mechanical breakdown, latent defect, inherent vice or any quality in property that causes it to damage or destroy itself;
(c) Smog, rust or other corrosion, or dry rot;
What do these exclusions have in common? They all involve damage that occurs over a relatively long period of time, usually through normal use. Things wear out or break over time. Such losses are generally uninsurable, though exceptions are often made for ensuing losses. However, the damage cited in the three examples above occurred suddenly and accidentally, not over an extended period of time.
In the first claim, the garage was admittedly in a deteriorated state at the time the policy was procured. The insurer’s underwriting department could have avoided the claim by refusing to insure the structure. So, once the risk is accepted by the insurer, the condition of the property is immaterial as to coverage, though it may be a factor in determining value, especially if coverage is on an ACV basis.
In the second case, the damage claimed was caused by the escaping water. While corrosion precipitated the damage, only the corroded
fitting could be excluded, not the ensuing water damage loss.
In the third example, as discussed in greater length in my last column, mechanical breakdown involves damage inherent to the property itself. In addition, as in the second claim, the policy included an “ensuing loss” provision so that resulting damage, unless itself specifically excluded, was specifically covered.
Another argument for coverage in the third claim is that the cited exclusion in the HO 00 03 form was not in the HO 00 02 form. The HO 00 02 form would inarguably cover this claim since the named perils include “Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning or bulging of a steam or hot water heating system….” According to a 1991 ISO homeowners filing, if a loss would be covered under an “inferior” ISO HO form, it should be covered under a “superior” ISO HO form.
As stated in my prior column, the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) has extensive case law citations where coverage was found for claims of this type in policies with comparable exclusionary language.
The good news is that, to the adjusters’ credit, once this information was provided, they reversed the initial denials and paid the claims. As 19th century U.S. writer Archibald Hodge noted, “He is wise who knows the sources of knowledge – who knows who has written and where it is to be found.”
Bill Wilson, CPCU, ARM, AIM, AAM is the founder and CEO of InsuranceCommentary.com and the author of six books, including the Amazon 4.8 star “When Words Collide…Resolving Insurance Coverage and Claims Disputes” which BookAuthority ranks as the #1 insurance book of all time. He can be reached at Bill@InsuranceCommentary.com.
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LIVE CE WEBINAR
Learn more about homeowners policy definitions, liability insuring agreements and exclusions, and personal liability exclusions and additional coverages.
COVERAGE ESSENTIALS: HOMEOWNERS PART 1
DEC 3 1-4 PM
CE PA/DE: 3 GEN MD: 3 PC
IA&B Members: $75 (save $30!) Non-Members: $105
Register today. IABforME.com 800-998-9644, option 1
PA LEGISLATIVE DAY
On Oct. 27 over two dozen IA&B members made the trip to Harrisburg to meet with their elected officials to discuss a wide range of issues affecting the insurance industry. Throughout IA&B’s Pennsylvania Legislative Day, agents met with dozens of lawmakers and staff to advocate on several issues that are important to IA&B and its membership, including:
▲ Increasing the Minimum Limits for Auto Insurance
▲ Reforming Public Insurance Adjuster Licensing
▲ Enacting Real-Time Auto Insurance Verification
▲ Limiting Construction Indemnity Contracts
Sen. Chris Gebhard and Rep. Jeff Olsommer, both independent agents themselves, joined attendees for a morning briefing to share their own insights on activity around the Capitol and advice before the day’s meetings.
Agents also sat in on the House Insurance and Senate Banking and Insurance Committee meetings, where the committees deliberated and voted on the Public Adjusters bills (HB 1972, SB 1074) in their respective chambers. Both bills received unanimous favorable votes.
Interested in getting involved with IA&B’s advocacy efforts? Contact IA&B Government Affairs Director John Savant at JohnS@IABforME.com or 800-998-9644, ext. 607.
IA&B Chair Andrew Enders, surrounded by IA&B members, speaking in the Capitol Rotunda
(l to r) IA&B's Claire Pantaloni, Rep. Jill Cooper, IA&B Vice Chair Kate Dawson, IA&B's John Savant
Sen. Chris Gebhard (l) and Rep. Jeff Olsommer during the morning briefing
UNITY INSURANCE CELEBRATES
50 YEARS
Congratulations to the staff of Unity Insurance – an IA&B member agency in Baltimore, MD – on the agency’s 50th anniversary.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to our values of integrity, accountability, and commitment to our customers,” said CEO Shelly Brouse. Originally focused on insurance solutions for the healthcare industry, Unity Insurance now offers comprehensive business and personal insurance options to clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Is your agency celebrating a milestone anniversary? Whether it’s five years or 125 years, we want to acknowledge your accomplishment. Email announcements and images to IA&B Public Relations Director Karen Robison at KarenR@IABforME.com.
DON'S DISCUSSION
Continued from page 3
As you can see, none of our three states is overly generous with regard to eliminating and/or reducing a seasoned professional’s CE requirements. And, while we continue to lobby the states’ respective insurance departments and legislatures for amendments or revisions to broaden eligibility for age exemptions for CE credits, our attempts thus far have yet to bear fruit.
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.
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION
Title of Publication: Primary Agent
Publication Number: 0274-9025
Date of Filing: August 28, 2025
Number of Issues Printed Annually: 12
Annual Subscription Price: no subscriptions
Complete Mailing Address of the Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher:
Publisher: IA&B Service Group Inc.
650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4440
Editor: Karen Robison
650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4440
Owner: IA&B Service Group Inc.
650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4440
The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during the preceding 12 months.
IA&B MEMBERS RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE
Congratulations to the professionals who received the Outstanding CSR of the Year award in IA&B service states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. All three recipients are from IA&B Member agencies.
The Risk & Insurance Education Alliance named them as state winners of the 2025 Outstanding CSR of the Year competition. Additionally, Jessica Parrott of Delaware was selected as a national finalist.
The award recognizes the contributions and commitment of those who serve clients within the insurance industry. Recipients are commended for demonstrating outstanding service to their agencies, industry, and community.
Margarita Rodriguez, CLCS, PLCS
Altoona, PA
Gerety Insurance Bel Air, MD Pennsylvania WinnerMaryland WinnerDelaware Winner
The Insurance Market Laurel, DE
Renee Staines
Element Risk Management
Jessica Parrott, CIC, CISR, CWCA, ACRA
Thank Y ou, 2025 Partners
PLATINUM PARTNERS
Thank you to these partners for supporting the independent
Interested in becoming a partner or other sponsorship opportunities? Reach out today.
Tim Wonder, IA&B VP-Membership 717-918-9223 | TimW@IABforME.com
SILVER PARTNERS
AF Group AMERISAFE
Amwins Program Underwriters
Auto-Owners Insurance Company
BBSI
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
Brethren Mutual Insurance Company
Briar Creek Mutual Insurance Company
CM Regent Insurance Company
Cumberland Mutual
Donegal Insurance Group
Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Marble
Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Western Pennsylvania First Choice Agents Alliance LLC
Frederick Mutual Insurance Company
Goodville Mutual Insurance Group
Grinnell Mutual
Harford Mutual Insurance Group
Illinois Casualty Company
Johnson & Johnson
Lebanon Valley Insurance Company
Strategic Agency Partners Travelers
Tuscarora Wayne Insurance Company
Westfield Insurance
Windsor Mount Joy Mutual Insurance Company Workpartners
Q& A with
FELIPE PERES
Felipe Peres was the first person from outside the industry to complete IA&B’s Insuring Careers Certification Program. He is now employed as a commercial insurance producer with Associated Insurance Management LLC (AIM), an IA&B member agency headquartered in Silver Spring, MD.
Q. Tell us about your career path and how it led you to become an independent insurance agent!
A. I had a coaching business, and in an effort to get a client, I had coffee with a producer from Northwestern Mutual, who told me that he had transitioned into that from being a commercial property manager. He said it was slow going at first, but three years in, things were picking up for him. He presented an enticing vision of his future, and the conversation rekindled my interest in insurance, as I’d worked many years ago, for a short while, as a life insurance agent.
I decided that this go around, I was most interested in commercial property and casualty insurance. My first step was to reach out to Tim Wonder at IA&B, who gave me indispensable advice over a few calls and emails. He also told me about the Insuring Careers Certification Program (ICCP) that IA&B had just launched and said it would help me differentiate myself in the job market. Did it ever … employers loved to see that I was taking this career seriously!
I confidently accepted an offer with Associated Insurance Management (AIM), in Silver Spring, MD. AIM was the best choice for me because I had some commercial real estate experience, and the agency specializes in and is stellar at commercial real estate and habitational insurance.
Q. You’re now several months into your career as an insurance producer. How has working in the insurance industry compared to your expectations? Any surprises?
A. Since I had a thin network in real estate, I decided I’d apply the same strategy that got me the job to get me clients. Thus far, I’ve almost exclusively been knocking doors at commercial buildings to get leads. Go figure … doing that at volume works, and I’ve gotten some great leads and closed deals out of it.
What I’ve also realized, though, is that the specific type of B2B insurance that we do at AIM is more of a marketing and credibility game, than a sales game. Thus, I’ve been slowly adopting some more high-value but mid-term prospecting strategies like networking. I’m also getting more insurance education. With that combination, I envision prospects will, over time, treat me less transactionally and more like a trusted advisor, which I know will change the game for me.
Lastly, I have to thank AIM’s owners and upper management for taking a chance on me because I did not fit the mold (was not coming in with an established book) of its existing producers.
Q. What does your typical workday look like? And what is your favorite part of your job?
A. There is no typical day. If I’m not getting quote requests from prospects, I’m either knocking doors or making follow-up phone calls to get opportunities to provide a quote or get appointments to discuss somebody’s insurance program. I typically spend a decent amount of time learning: the quoting process, insurance, and carrier appetites, among other things. My favorite part is relationship building, which is why I’m taking the steps
I’ve previously mentioned to more readily earn those relationships, as a trusted advisor.
Q. You successfully completed the Insuring Careers Certification Program. What did you find most beneficial about the program?
A. It included the licensing part and had a lot of content beyond that, which gave me a great amount of confidence before I started my career. It also was something that piqued employers’ interest on my resume and helped my cause in interviews.
Q. What advice would you give others who are just getting their start in the insurance industry?
A. This is a marketing game. Pick some form of prospecting that works well for you, and know that if you do enough volume of it, you are virtually guaranteed to succeed. Lean on those with more experience to help you with the insurance side of the business and consistently study some insurance on your own, too, but don’t try to study your way to success because you will fail. The runway to get clients is not very long but very doable if you don’t skimp on marketing volume.
Q. When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?
A. I like rock climbing, hiking, watching international soccer, traveling, socializing, and hanging out with family and friends.
Save the Date
Fourth annual in-person conference celebrating growth and leadership for women in insurance.
Tuesday, March 31
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel Gettysburg, PA
Registration opens January 12
Shopping Your E&O?
As an IA&B Member, you could qualify for a program that provides better value and protection. Benefit from IA&B’s:
▲ Relationships with reputable carriers
▲ Industry leading claims service
▲ Highly trained, licensed professionals
Get Started Today
For personalized service, contact KEVIN HORD, CIC, CPCU, ACLS, MBA 800-998-9644, ext. 209 KevinH@IABforME.com IABforME.online/insurance
IA&B works on your behalf to ensure that state legislators and regulators understand the issues affecting agents.
And your financial support amplifies your message. Please consider contributing. More information at iabforme.com/political_advocacy
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
January
IA&B made significant strides toward talent recruitment and development by launching the Insuring Careers Certification Program, which offers P&C licensing study prep and covers insurance policies, agency operations, and vital business skills.
The program is designed for agencies’ new, unlicensed employees, as well as industry recruits. To support this, IA&B attended dozens of career fairs throughout the region to introduce students and job seekers to our industry.
July
Thirty interns from IA&B member agencies and company partners attended the fourth annual IA&B Intern Day, held on July 31 – National Intern Day – at the IA&B office in Mechanicsburg, PA. These exceptional young professionals spent the afternoon participating in small group discussions, listening to a young agent panel, and hearing from industry speakers.
March
Over 200 insurance professionals gathered on March 25 in Lancaster, PA for the third annual IA&B Women’s Conference. The sold-out event featured sessions on navigating relationships with clients and colleagues and mastering stress-resilient communication. Keeping with tradition, attendees supported a local non-profit – this year, donating baby diapers for Milagro House.
August
Maryland Insurance Commissioner Marie Grant attended the Aug. 19-20 IA&B Board meeting in Kent Narrows, MD. She spoke about her priorities and addressed members’ questions about new tools and data, the homeowners’ market, public adjusters, industry perpetuation, and more.
From legislative and regulatory advocacy, to new talent recruitment and development, this year was one for the books. Review highlights on these pages, as well as recaps of Pennsylvania Legislative Day on page 6 and the Young Agent Conference on page 22.
April
IA&B hosted over two dozen IA&B members from Pennsylvania and Delaware for the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference on April 30-May 1 in Washington, D.C. IA&B members and their independent agent counterparts from across the United States met with their elected lawmakers and urged them to address tax reform, disaster mitigation, legal reform, and crop insurance.
August
Also at the August Board meeting, outgoing IA&B Service Group Chair Sarah Brown, of Keller-Brown Insurance Services, passed the gavel to incoming Chair Andrew Enders, of Enders Insurance. Sept. 1 marked the beginning of a new administrative year and of Andrew’s two-year term.
May
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys and Deputy Insurance Commissioner David Buono attended the IA&B Board meeting on May 20 in Mechanicsburg, PA. They engaged in wide-ranging conversations on everything from innovative flood products and AI/machine learning, to “hail chasers” and industry recruitment.
September
IA&B hosted its annual Crab Feast on Sept. 18 in Smyrna, DE. The Delaware insurance community tradition brings together staff from IA&B member agencies and company partners for great food and camaraderie.
DEVELOP CONFIDENT AGENTS THROUGH ICCP
Do you have a new, unlicensed employee—or are you considering hiring one? The Insuring Careers Certification Program (ICCP) may be the perfect licensing and training program for your future agent.
Developed by IA&B, ICCP is designed specifically for newcomers to the Property & Casualty insurance industry in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. The program breaks down the complex world of insurance into clear, manageable segments, helping new employees gain confidence and a solid foundation in their careers.
More than just a licensing exam prep course, ICCP equips participants with a deep understanding of insurance principles, real-world applications, and the soft skills needed to thrive in client-facing roles.
Unlike Any Other Program
Save time on training as we prepare your employees to become successful agents.
Participants in the ICCP program:
▲ Learn the fundamentals of insurance and professional skills
▲ Prepare thoroughly for the state licensing exam
▲ Apply newly learned knowledge through real-life scenarios
The certification process blends flexibility with support. Delivered entirely online, ICCP allows participants to work at their own pace and complete the program within six months—or sooner. Throughout the journey, IA&B’s experienced education team provides ongoing guidance and assistance to your employee.
The Next Generation of Independent Agents
Since its launch in early 2025, ten insurance professionals have successfully completed IA&B’s Insuring Careers Certification Program. They represent the next wave of confident, capable independent insurance agents ready to serve clients and strengthen agencies.
The program is designed not only for agencies’ new, unlicensed employees, but also for individuals outside the industry seeking an entry point into a rewarding career.
What People Are Saying
“Our employee learned an incredible amount about the general P&C space and technical nature of the business by diving into real-life scenarios after he completed the licensing portion of ICCP. I appreciated that the program was designed to teach him how to apply what he learned.”
– Corey Donovan, Recruiting & Training Manager of Maury Donnelly & Parr Inc.
“This is a great program! A team member from our agency completed ICCP, and the material was easy to understand and beneficial.”
– Robert Smyrl, President of Smyrl Insurance
“ICCP included the licensing part and had a lot of content beyond that, which gave me a great amount of confidence before I started my career.”
– Felipe Peres, Commercial Insurance Producer for Associated Insurance Management LLC
Read more about Felipe’s experience with ICCP and his entry into the independent insurance industry on page 12.
For more information and to get started, contact:
Heather Ulrich IA&B
Gianna Cosentino
Hutton-Blews Insurance LLC, PA
Carina Cutone
Loring M. Reagle & Son Inc., PA
Julia DiMichele
Edward L. Sanders Insurance Agency, MD
James Idy Iglehart
Maury, Donnelly & Parr Inc., MD
Brianna Martin
Hutton-Blews Insurance LLC, PA
Sean Mohan
Element Risk Management, PA
Felipe Peres
Since hired by Associated Insurance Management LLC, MD
Sarah Smith
Element Risk Management, PA
Brendon Trout
Smyrl Insurance, PA
Heather Ulrich
Insurance Agents & Brokers, PA
IA&B maintains a strong combined statement of financial position with $14.1 million in assets, $10.8 million in member equity, and no third-party financed debt. Over $579,000 of net operating income is reflected on the combined statement of activity for the year ended March 31, 2025.
IA&B supports the activities that our members value: effective advocacy, timely compliance resources, and quality education. We’re over 940 member agencies strong across three states. Approximately 682 individuals attended 35 IA&B classes, and 5,900 individuals logged into 231 webinars during the fiscal year. Additionally, IA&B sells over 1,250 policies for insurance coverage of member and non-member agencies.
This allegiance to IA&B, combined with our carrier partnerships, supports the financial strength of the organization.
The accountants’ review for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 is on file at IA&B headquarters. These statements are a summary of that report.
IA&B FINANCIAL REPORTS
Over 120 young insurance professionals gathered at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie, PA on Oct. 15-16 for the IA&B Young Agent Conference. Highlights included sessions on cybersecurity in the age of AI, time management tips, and leveraging a virtual assistant. The event also included a panel discussion on intergenerational change, roundtable discussions among young and seasoned agents, and the announcement of the 2025 Young Agent Award winners.
Virtual Young Agent Panel
Join us for a virtual panel discussion with the 2025 Young Agent Award winners. Hear their stories, listen to their advice, and even share a few laughs during this agent-to-agent talk.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 1:00-1:45 PM
There is no cost for IA&B members to attend. Register: IABforME.com/eventregistrations 800-998-9644, option 1.
Insuring Opportunity Through Mutual Success.®
Trust Harford Mutual Insurance Group to provide comprehensive property and casualty insurance designed to protect what matters most to your policyholders— their business.
In addition to contractors, we write a wide variety of Property & Casualty classes. Scan the QR code to learn more.
Top: 2025 Young Agent Award Winners, Bottom: 2025 Young Agent Mover & Shaker Recipients
•Grow
•Increase
•Build
Erin Marshall
Kramer
Keller
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Advantage Auto Tags & Insurance Langhorne, PA
Integrity Insurance Group NE LLC Carbondale, PA
PA Auto Insurance Outlet Corp Philadelphia, PA
Timothy B. Close Insurance Agency Hancock, MD
For information about membership or benefits, contact: Tim Wonder, VP-Membership 717-918-9223
TimW@IABforME.com
VISION
A thriving independent insurance agent community.
MISSION STATEMENT
To serve as a driving force to champion independent agency success by educating, consulting, advocating, and fostering community in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and beyond.
PRIMARY AGENT
Editor: Karen Robison KarenR@IABforME.com 717-918-9209
Contributing editors: Jennifer Ross, Megan Fioretta, Sarah Haas
Sales Account Executive: Rebecca Sieg | 717-430-2351
rebecca.sieg@theygsgroup.com
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