Primary Agent - September 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ISSUE

INTERVIEW WITH

ROB WALBECK IA&B GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CHAIR

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER MAGAZINE

ALSO INSIDE IA&B’S LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY AGENTPAC CONTRIBUTORS

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SEPTEMBER 2022

CONTENTS FEATURED 10

Q&A WITH ROB WALBECK IA&B of Pennsylvania Government Relations Committee Chairman Rob Walbeck shares what sparked his interest in legislative advocacy and what he has learned along the way.

> > > > > 12 16 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 # 2022-9, 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.

A 1,000-FOOT VIEW OF LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY IA&B Government Affairs Director John Savant discusses how effective lobbying, grassroots outreach, and a strong PAC work in concert to benefit independent agents and their clients.

AGENTPAC CONTRIBUTORS Thank you to the IA&B members who recently supported AgentPAC – IA&B’s state-based political action committee.

MONTHLY 2

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

3

DON'S DISCUSSION

4

COVERAGE CORNER

6

NEWS & NOTES

19

STAFF PROFILE

21

UPCOMING EDUCATION

IABforME.com |

1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

A UNIFIED VOICE Ask IA&B members who have been around for a bit, and chances are they’ll cite political advocacy as one of the most valuable assets of their association membership. In fact, you can count me among them.

That’s because over the years there have been no shortage of issues requiring IA&B’s involvement at the state level of government. Sometimes it’s playing offense, sometimes defense. Sometimes it’s for our clients’ benefit, sometimes our own. Regardless, it’s the strength of a unified voice representing independent agents that has benefited all of us time and again.

This issue of Primary Agent is dedicated to IA&B’s legislative advocacy. On the following pages, you’ll read about the issues that motivate our members’ involvement in government affairs work, as well as the strategies that IA&B relies upon to build a successful advocacy program.

The September magazine also includes a list of AgentPAC contributors – IA&B members who financially support the association’s political action committee. If you’re among them, thank you. If your name isn’t on the list, I ask you to consider a contribution. We’re all in this together, and together we have great strength.

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 Murray Insurance Associates, Inc. | Lancaster, PA D. Bradley Rosenkilde Jr. Vice Chair R&A Insurance, Inc. | Hunt Valley, MD

MEMBERS Greg Bennett

Bill Purdy

Sarah Brown, CIC, CRM, AFIS

Kent Reynolds, CIC

Famous & Spang Associates Aberdeen, MD Keller Brown Insurance Svcs Shrewsbury, PA

Kate Dawson, CPIA

Ferri Dawson Insurance Murrysville, PA

Andrew Enders, Esq. Enders Harrisburg, PA

Len Gieseler, LUTCF

Jason Rodriguez

Prominent Insurance Svcs Wilmington, DE

Donna Roper

E K McConkey & Company York, PA

Candace Shoupe, AAI, AIC

CBM Insurance Agency New Castle, DE

Bruce D. Kraft, AAI, CIC

Tara Silfies, CPCU

Shayne McIntosh, CIC

Richard M. Rankin Chair of the Board

Blue Ridge Risk Partners LLC Hagerstown, MD

Evans Hauseman & Richard, Inc. Pottstown, PA Arbor Insurance Group Allentown, PA

Best,

Purdy Insurance Agency, Inc. Sunbury, PA

JPI Insurance Associates Dillsburg, PA

Chris Miller, CIC

Miller Insurance Protection Team Jonestown, PA

Michael Papa, CIC, MBA Diversified Insurance Industries, Inc. Hunt Valley, MD

Hampson-Mowrer Agency, LLC Bethlehem, PA

Bob Smyrl, CIC

Robert L. Smyrl, Inc. Hatfield, PA

Michael Thomas

Lighthouse Insurance Svcs Gambrills, MD

Sheila Wells, CIC, CISR

Williams Insurance Agency Rehoboth Beach, DE

NATIONAL DIRECTORS Mike Ertel (PIA) The Jacobs Company, Inc. | Columbia, MD Mark Monroe (IIABA) Griffith Insurance, LLP | West Chester, PA Diana Hornung Hanby (IIABA) IOA National, Inc. | Wilmington, DE 2

SEPTEMBER 2022

DON'S DISCUSSION

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

Are you a member with a question?

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

QUESTION: My customer recently initiated a voluntary termination program, including severance pay, and some senior-level employees accepted. Will these severance payments be included as remunerations/payroll for Workers’ Compensation purposes when the employer is audited?

ANSWER: While no laws, either in our three states or at the federal level, require an employer to pay severance pay, doing so does come with some considerations. These include what effect, if any, severance payments may have on a Workers' Compensation premium audit.

In each of our three states, this issue is governed by the respective state’s Workers' Compensation “rate manual,” which we all know is subject to change from time to time. At present, in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland – under both PCRB/ DCRB and NCCI rules – “dismissal or severance” payments are expressly excluded from remunerations/ payroll and should not be subject to additional premium for audit purposes. Please note, however, that monies paid for time worked and/ or for accrued vacation would be considered remunerations for audit purposes.

WHAT RULES APPLY?

THE BOTTOM LINE

Pennsylvania and Delaware:

Whatever the underlying circumstances, severance payments should not be considered remunerations/payroll for Workers' Compensation premium audit purposes; the employer should be permitted to deduct/exclude the severance payments from the audit; and the employer should not be required to pay Workers' Compensation premium on severance pay.

Both the PCRB and DCRB Rate Manuals, at RULE V – PREMIUM BASIS, Rule V - B.3.d, provide as follows: RULE V – PREMIUM BASIS B. REMUNERATION – PAYROLL 3. Exclusions; Remuneration excludes d. Dismissal or severance payments except for time worked or accrued vacation.

Maryland: The NCCI Rate Manual, at RULE 2—PREMIUM BASIS AND PAYROLL ALLOCATION, Rule 2 - B-2-e, provides as follows:

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.

RULE 2—PREMIUM AND PAYROLL B. Payroll 2. Excludes: e. Payments for dismissal or severance except for time worked or vacation accrued.

IABforME.com |

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SHORT-TERM HOME RENTAL: BACK IN A BIG WAY

By Kevin C. Amrhein, CIC, CBIA Short-term home rental companies, diminished during the height of quarantines and travel restrictions, have returned in a big way. With a record number of travelers responsible for a record number of bookings, a logical conclusion is that more of your homeowner insureds will cash in (if they haven’t already.)

Companies like Airbnb attempt to ease the obvious concerns of hosts by including various insurance products on a per-rental basis, and it’s likely you will receive inquiries regarding the extent of coverage offered. As is the case any time 4

you are asked to provide counsel regarding coverage for which you have no control or aren’t familiar, proceed with caution. Advise your insured that such products are likely proprietary and that inquiries should be posed directly to the home rental company’s risk management team.

On the flip side, when the insured’s inquiry is regarding coverage (or lack thereof) in the homeowners’ policy sold by your agency, your counsel is necessary. While the ISO never intended its HO form to be appropriate for owners who frequently rent their homes, prior SEPTEMBER 2022

editions made exceptions for some short-term exposures as well as remained silent regarding other risks and perils … … but oh how times have changed.

Following are some key provisions from the latest edition of the ISO’s 2022 homeowners form (specifically, the HO 00 03 03 22) regarding home-sharing. In summary, coverage is virtually non-existent. Insureds concerned with the protection implied by the rental company must consider an endorsement or separate policy.

COVERAGE CORNER THREE DEFINITIONS In prior editions of the ISO HO-3, specifically defined terms regarding home-sharing were added by endorsement. In the 2022 edition, the definitions are incorporated into the policy form as follows: 6. “Home-sharing host activities” means: a. The:

a. Has entered into an agreement or arranged compensation with an “insured” through the use of a “home-sharing network platform” for “home-sharing host activities”; or b. Is accompanying or staying with a person described in Paragraph 8.a. above under such “home-sharing host activities”.

(1) Rental or holding for rental; or

A “BUSINESS” WITHOUT EXCEPTION

(2) Mutual exchange of services; of the “residence premises”, in whole or in part, by an “insured” to a “home-sharing occupant” through the use of a “home-sharing network platform”; and

“Home-sharing host activities” are considered a “business” and are not subject to any of the valuable exceptions which apply to part d. of the “business” definition.

b. Any other related property or services made available by an “insured” for use during such:

The policy states that the terms roomer, boarder, tenant, or guest do not include a “home-sharing occupant.”

(1) Rental; or (2) Mutual exchange of services; except those property or services provided by another party.

7. “Home-sharing network platform” means an online-enabled application, web site or digital network that: a. Is used for the purpose of facilitating, for money, mutual exchange of services or other compensation, the rental of a dwelling or other structure, in whole or in part; and b. Allows for the agreement and compensation with respect to such rental to be transacted through such online-enabled application, web site or digital network.

8. “Home-sharing occupant” means a person, other than an “insured”, who:

A CLASS OF THEIR OWN

PROPERTY NOT COVERED Property of a “home-sharing occupant” is not covered, nor is property of a person occupying the “residence premises” as a result of any “home-sharing host activities.”

Further, any property used primarily for “home-sharing host activities” is not covered.

LOST RENT? GET BENT!

LIABILITY AND MEDICAL PAYMENTS EXCLUSIONS The valuable exceptions to the “business” exclusion for certain rental exposures do not apply to “home-sharing host activities.”

Medical payments coverage does not apply to a “home-sharing occupant.”

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

COVERAGE COURSE Learn more about emerging personal lines coverage gaps, plus earn CE at this upcoming live webinar. Member price is only $75.

PERSONAL LINES CLIENTS & THEIR NEW NORMAL

The policy does not cover any fair rental value arising out of or in connection with “home-sharing host activities.”

SEPT 15 9AM - NOON

EXCLUDED PERILS The policy excludes claims of theft or vandalism to the dwelling or other structures arising out of or resulting from “home-sharing host activities.”

The same goes for claims of damage to personal property.

IABforME.com |

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PA: 3 GEN MD: 3 PC DE: 3 GEN

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

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NEWS & NOTES

IA&B INTERN DAY

LAST CALL FOR CRAB FEAST

Nineteen interns from seven member agencies and three carrier partners attended IA&B’s inaugural Intern Day in late July. The half-day event highlighted the opportunities and advancements in the industry.

After a two-year hiatus, Crab Feast is back! Member agents and company partners are invited to crack crabs with industry friends.

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022 6-9 PM Boondocks Restaurant Smyrna, DE

IA&B President & CEO Jason Ernest hosted the event, which included a young agent panel discussion with IA&B Members Shayne McIntosh, CIC, and Alexandra Yeity, CISR.

IA&B member/partner price: $50 In addition, Matthew Knowles, of IA&B Member Agency Knowles Insurance, shared his insights on the cyber market, and Agents Council for Technology Executive Director Chris Cline provided his perspective on the evolution and future of insurance.

Includes all-you-can-eat crabs, shrimp, chicken fingers, fries, and corn on the cob, plus beer, wine, and soda.

Register by Friday, Sept. 16 at IABforME.com

OUTSTANDING CSRs OF THE YEAR Congratulations to the following three IA&B members who received their state Outstanding CSR of the Year Award, sponsored by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. They now advance to the national competition.

Christina M. Pritchett, CISR Elite Wilgus Associates, Inc. Bethany Beach, DE Roxanne Glessner Cameron, CISR ACM Insurance Agency Elkton, MD Amber Patterson, CISR Howard Hanna Insurance Services Pittsburgh, PA

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SEPTEMBER 2022

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEER LEADERS September marks a new administrative year at IA&B. As such, the following volunteer leaders will end their terms. We sincerely thank them for their dedication, time, and vision.

IA&B Board of Directors:

IIABA National Director:

Lisa A. Leach Goth, CIC Charles P. Leach Agency Inc. New Bethlehem, PA

G. Greg Gunn, CIC Gunn-Mowery, LLC Lemoyne, PA

J. Marshall Wolff, CIC, CPCU Kressler Wolff & Miller Inc. Easton, PA

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Thank You A sincere thank you 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

Keystone Insurers Group Inc

Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company

Liberty Mutual/Safeco

Chubb

MMG Insurance Company

Donegal Insurance Group

Mutual Benefit Group

Farmers of Salem

Nationwide Insurance Company

Iroquios Mid-Atlantic Group

Progressive

Interested in becoming a partner? Reach out today.

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

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SEPTEMBER 2022

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Lee Dotson, a long-time contributor and chairman of the IA&B of Delaware Government Relations Committee, shares what drives his support.

“It is so important that agents meet with legislators in their district to discuss bills affecting our industry. But if you don’t have time, then you should send a check to AgentPAC. Money given to the political action committee is used to financially support agentfriendly candidates and lawmakers.

And that support helps when [IA&B volunteers and lobbyists] meet with legislators to oppose or support legislation. Every day we are advise insureds to protect their assets – cars, houses, business, lives, etc. I have always viewed AgentPAC as career insurance for our industry.”

AgentPAC is IA&B’s state-based, bipartisan political action committee which supports the election of candidates and legislators who understand the issues important to the independent agent and broker community. Support of these candidates who are critical to IA&B’s government affairs work would not be possible without AgentPAC contributions from engaged IA&B member agents.

Join the effort and learn more about AgentPAC by visiting IABforME.com/ political_advocacy.

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Q&A with

ROB WALBECK

Rob Walbeck, CIC is president of Walbeck Insurance, a full-service independent agency in Homer City, PA. He currently chairs the IA&B of Pennsylvania Government Relations Committee and previously served on the IA&B Board of Directors.

Q. You followed your father and grandfather into the agency. Was that always the plan? Why or why not?

clients’ business and look for potential coverage gaps helped me gain their respect at an early age.

A. It was always the plan. Like most boys, I wanted to be like my father. He was active in many organizations, and people looked up to him. I started working here when I was 11. Every day after school, it was my responsibility to come in and empty the garbage. I can remember getting a bi-monthly $13 paycheck and having to give half back toward my college fund.

I started the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation process early on and have learned so much at the CIC seminars throughout the years. Not just coverage but sales and management, too.

Q. IA&B membership consists of many young independent agents who are just entering the family business. What advice would you give them?

A. Stick with it. Insurance is a difficult profession but can be very gratifying. When I first started, I didn’t realize how important it was as a safety net.

Continue with professional education, and learn the specifics of each coverage. Having the ability to learn the

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Q. You’re active in IA&B’s advocacy efforts – having attended the Big “I” Legislative Conference for several years and now leading the IA&B Government Relations Committee. To what do you credit your interest in politics?

A. The Legislative Conference was where I really became interested in the political process. I was overwhelmed when I first went to Washington, D.C., but [former IA&B President & CEO] Rick Russell and some experienced agents helped me gain my footing.

By the end of it, I was hooked.

SEPTEMBER 2022

ON THE COVER For anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to attend, I strongly recommend going. Walking the halls and meeting with Senators and Representatives is truly something that needs to be experienced. For the most part, everyone listened to what we had to say. They didn’t always agree, but at least they listened.

I was also surprised at how many other organizations were in Washington, D.C. doing the same thing. Each one pushing their view. I realized then how important it was to become involved. If our voice isn’t heard, there is no one to blame but ourselves.

Q. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the legislative process during your involvement with IA&B’s advocacy efforts?

A. Nothing is done quickly. To get a bill passed, it first has to come out of committee and then must be voted on in each chamber. After that, the reconciliation process begins with the goal of making the House version and the Senate version acceptable. After that, the President or Governor must sign the bill for it to become law.

Q. We understand you’re an avid golfer and skier! What’s the best course you’ve played and mountain you’ve skied?

A. I am fortunate to have golfed and skied all over the world. My favorite ski mountain is easy – WhistlerBlackcomb near Vancouver, B.C. I have a couple favorites for golf courses, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be DragonRidge County Club in Las Vegas.

Although Portmarnock in Ireland or Laurel Valley in Pennsylvania are top contenders.

Q. Tell us about your hometown – Homer City, PA! A. Indiana County is coal country. There are three power plants that once provided most of the power to the Eastern seaboard. Unfortunately, climate change has hit our community hard, and we have lost many jobs. Homer City is a small town of 1,800 people located in the heart of the county.

As an example, we have been trying to increase minimum limits for personal autos for years now [in Pennsylvania].

Every time we get close, another interested party has an objection or an amendment, or the legislative session ends, and we have to restart the process. I am hopeful that we will have something to celebrate this fall.

Q. Thank you for your ongoing, generous support of AgentPAC. What drives your commitment to IA&B’s political action committee?

A. Two things I learned at the Big “I” Legislative Conference are that Congress wants to hear from people in their District and that money talks. Those hold true on the state level, too. I have always trusted IA&B to know who our friends will be and which ones need our support.

AgentPAC is not a $1M PAC so they have to spend wisely.

Rob Walbeck is an avid skier in the winter months and enjoys golf the rest of the year.

IABforME.com |

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A 1,0 0 0-Foot View of Legislative Advocacy

By John S av a nt , IA & B G ove r n m ent A f fa i r s D i re c tor

With a constant presence in the state capitols, IA&B works daily to monitor legislation and regulations that affect independent agents, and to advance laws and regulations that benefit independent insurance agencies. Here’s how we do it....

Direct Lobbying: Your Insurance Against Bad Legislation

that would have been impossible for agents and carriers to adhere to without violating other state and federal laws, but the legislative session ended before the bill saw a final vote of passage.

Imagine if the laws regulating nuclear power plants were written without the input of nuclear engineers. To say the least, the results would be disastrous. The same can also be true of insurance-related bills that are written without the input of independent agents.

In Delaware, a first draft of a recently proposed employee misclassification bill redefined independent contractor in a way that would have completely upended the existing relationships between independent agents and insurance carriers, potentially jeopardizing their compensation programs. IA&B and other industry representatives promptly requested an amendment to preserve agencies’ status as independent contractors and the continued ability for carriers to compensate agents through commissions.

In Maryland, a proposal to ban the use of credit-based insurance scoring (CBIS) was dramatically reduced in scope after IA&B input, instead allowing individuals to apply for exceptions to existing CBIS rating rules based on certain life events, such as identity theft, or the death of a spouse, child, or parent. IA&B also convinced the Maryland Senate to remove a demographic reporting requirement 12

Laws are like sausages; it is better not to see them being made. For every law that makes it way to the Governor’s desk, there are typically several iterations of amendments and language that was scrapped due to the unintended effects they would have. Elected officials come from a wide variety of backgrounds; they can’t be expected to be an expert in every topic they vote on.

When IA&B staff meets with lawmakers, we bring the expertise and experience of our independent agents to the table, a resource that lawmakers typically find value in. We also talk with legislators about the issues independent agents are facing that they may be able to solve. In Pennsylvania, the Cannabis Banking & Insurance Act was passed earlier this year after IA&B staff discussed with lawmakers a legislative issue that made independent agents at risk of penalty for providing their services to legal cannabis-related businesses.

The conversations and meetings between IA&B staff and our elected officials don’t just benefit agents. Many lawmakers see IA&B and its members as a resource they can rely on – a way to understand the complicated world of insurance and be better leaders for their state.

SEPTEMBER 2022

FEATURE ARTICLE

Grassroots Outreach: Making the Voice of Independent Agents Heard While direct lobbying is the first and most common way in which IA&B reaches out to lawmakers, the single most effective way to change a legislator’s position on an issue is for them to hear directly from a concerned constituent. And with over 1,150 member agencies across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, it would be difficult to find a legislator who doesn’t have an IA&B member living in their district.

The power of IA&B’s grassroots outreach was on full display earlier this year in Delaware’s legislative session when a bill was introduced that would ban the use of gender as a rating factor for auto insurance. Introduced at the request of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner, Senate Bill 231 was tied to a flawed report that the industry was charging female drivers more than their male counterparts. There was only one issue with the report: it used one or two outliers to generalize an entire market.

Female drivers generally pay less for auto insurance than male drivers with otherwise similar risk profiles, because female drivers have fewer and less severe accidents.

IA&B staff testified at a Senate hearing on the bill in April, arguing that it would lead to increased auto insurance rates for women – particularly youthful drivers – but, in spite of swaying several votes, our efforts fell just short. SB 231 ended up passing in the Senate by an 11-10 vote. Direct lobbying can be an extremely effective tool for educating elected officials on an issue they may be less familiar with, but it becomes less effective when a legislator has already formed their own opinion. In the case of SB 231, most legislators were already aware of – and had read – the misleading report by the Department of Insurance.

IABforME.com |

It wasn’t until insurance agents directly contacted their Representatives that support for SB 231 fell apart. IA&B Government Affairs Committee members sent letters and met directly with dozens of House members, providing detailed examples of how SB 231 would affect their customers’ auto insurance premiums. Even many of the bill’s sponsors were swayed by the data that agents provided, and SB 231 lost the support to come up for a vote in the House.

The lesson from SB 231 is clear: Direct communication between agents and their elected officials is a powerful tool for defeating legislation that would harm independent agents and their customers.

AgentPAC: Putting Money Where Your Mouth Is

If direct lobbying and grassroots mobilization are the tools that IA&B uses to reach out to and speak to legislators, AgentPAC is our tool for ensuring that there are people in office on both sides of the aisle who are willing to hear what we have to say.

AgentPAC, IA&B’s political action committee, is a fund made up of voluntary contributions by IA&B members that helps people who are supportive of independent agents run for political office. Decisions to support candidates are made solely based on their policy positions on insurancerelated issues, as well as their voting record (if they are running for re-election).

Like it or not, elections are expensive. Yard signs, curated walking lists, and political mailers are a vital part of any serious electoral campaign, and they all cost money.

AgentPAC helps cover the costs of running a successful campaign, enabling candidates to focus less time on fundraising and more time on connecting with voters.

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Independent agents who run for office – like Pennsylvania State Senator Chris Gebhard, Pennsylvania State Representative Chris Quinn, and Maryland Delegate Courtney Watson – are an invaluable asset when it comes to educating their colleagues who do not have experience working in the insurance industry. Other AgentPACsupported candidates may not come directly from an insurance background, but they value the expertise that IA&B members bring to the table and ask for our input before voting on insurance-related bills.

With state elections rapidly approaching this November, AgentPAC and IA&B’s advocacy team are working to ensure the voice of independent agents is heard in our state capitols. The strength of IA&B’s advocacy efforts lies in our membership: the experience and knowledge that IA&B shares with legislators, our collective voice on the issues that matter most to agents, and our ability to pool our resources through AgentPAC to support those who support us.

You can help IA&B’s advocacy efforts by taking the following actions: ▲ Register to vote, and vote in every election. Get to know who your elected officials are, and make sure they know you. ▲ Keep an eye out for advocacy updates through IA&B’s weekly Agent Headlines email, and take action if IA&B is asking you to contact your legislators about a bill or an upcoming vote. Taking a few minutes to write an email to your representative can make all the difference. ▲ Contribute to AgentPAC to help elect candidates who support independent agents. You can contribute online at IABforME.com/political_advocacy. ▲ If you have an existing relationship with your elected official, are interested in government affairs, and/or would like to get involved, please let us know. Email JohnS@IABforME.com.

Government Relations Committee Thank you to the IA&B Government Relations Committees members – independent agents who volunteer their time to provide feedback on proposed legislation, meet with lawmakers, and occasionally testify on our behalf.

Pennsylvania Committee Rob Walbeck, Chair Dawn Cunningham Shannon Lipniskis Shayne McIntosh Mark Monroe Jeffrey Olsommer Debie Remaley Dean Wimmer Marshall Wolff

Maryland Committee Craig Mader, Chair Bryan Hanes Linda McCann Stacey Nicholson Kent Reynolds Brad Rosenkilde Larry Sanders Kip White

Delaware Committee Lee Dotson, Chair

John Savant is IA&B’s Government Affairs Director. You can reach him at JohnS@IABforME.com or 800-998-9644, ext. 607.

Steve Burnett Maria Metcalfe Jason Rodriguez Peter Wolff John Yasik Lisa Broadbent

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2021 CONTRIBUTORS PENNSYLVANIA Presidents Club ($1,000+)

Richard Rankin

Jesse Harlan

Tod Aronson

Senate Level ($250 - $499) Sarah Brown

Tara Silfies

Shannon Blews

Hampson-Mowrer Agency LLC

Randall Hart

Keller Brown Insurance Srvcs

Scott Burns

William Simpson

Burns & Burns Associates Inc

Simpson & Mccrady LLC

Henry Dunn

Kim Troast-Singley

E R Munro and Company Hutton-Blews Insurance LLC

Steven Buterbaugh

E K McConkey & Company

Andrew Enders

Colonial Park Realty Company

Greg Gunn

Gunn-Mowery LLC

Michael Harter

E K McConkey & Company

Douglas Loesel

Loesel-Schaaf Ins Agency Inc

Deborah Remaley

Remaley Insurance Inc

Murray Insurance Assoc Inc

Henry Dunn Inc

James Fitzsimmons

Fitzsimmons Ins Agency Inc

Len Gieseler

Evans Hauseman & Richard Inc

Governors Club ($500 - $999) Joanne Bankos

Altany Loynd & Lindquist LLC

TGIF Solutions Inc

John Hollister

Marybeth Baran

Horst Insurance

David Beck

Robert Knowles

The Weimer Group

Knowles Assc

Frank Ebner

Jay Lemelin

E K McConkey & Company

Vision Insurance

Robin Fetterolf-Dunckley

Bruce McIlrath

William G Mechling Agency

Lisa Goth

Christopher Miller

Charles P Leach Agency Inc

Miller Insurance Protection Team

John Olkowski

Roger Myers

Joseph Reschini

Reschini Agency Inc

Donna Roper

E K McConkey & Company

Dean Wimmer

The Weimer Group

Marshall Wolff

Kressler Wolff & Miller Inc

Timothy Ziegler

E K McConkey & Company

16

John Coyle

E K McConkey & Company

Wanda Cupp

Cupp Insurance Agency Inc

Gary Dix

Boardman & Hamilton Co

Duane Epting Jeff Fecko

MPF Insurance Inc

Richard ODonnell

Richard K. O’Donnell, Jr. Agcy

Jeffrey Olsommer

Olsommer-Clarke Ins Group Inc

Adam Purdy

Purdy Insurance Agency Inc

William Purdy

J Coyle & Associates

Strausser Insurance Agency

Roger W Myers Insurance Agency LLC

Purdy Insurance Agency Inc

Henry H Shoemaker Agency

Marvin Klein

Ironbridge Insurance Agency LLC

Glenn Lebby

Assured Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania

Coup Agency

Darla Mechling

Cynthia Kish

Eugene Bartoli

R Jeffrey Coup

Jeffrey Glass

Ifft & Palmer Associates LLC

Jon Lawton

Helwig Insurance

McIlrath Insurance Agency

C W Howard Agency Inc

Northshore Insurance Agency LLC

Connie Bence

Steely & Smith LLC

Herrnberger Insurance Inc

Edward Ifft Jr.

Bret Atwood

Collens Wagner Agency

E K McConkey & Company

Jocelyn Howard

R E Walbeck Agency Inc

David Gusmar

David King

Swift-Hopkins Inc

Robert Walbeck

Kelly Insurance Agency Inc

Kelly Insurance Agency Inc

George Heigel

Paul Herrnberger

House Level ($100 - $249)

Patrick Kelly

Annie W Metzler Insurance Agency Inc

Troast-Singley Insurance Agency LLC

Dorine Goodridge

Sheeley Insurance Agency

Don Jacobs Insurance Servs Inc

Leonard Garza Premier Group

Dawne Griffith

Lawton Insurance Agency Inc Williams-Cleaveland Company

Mitchell Marcus

Mitchell Group Inc

Charles McHugh

Mchugh Insurance LLC

Mary McKinley

Wilkinson-Dunn Company

Mark Mearhoff

Mearhoff Insurance Agency, Inc

Richard Michael

Michael Insurance Agency Inc

Scott Mills

Charles M Mills Ins Agency

Mark Monroe

Griffith Insurance LLP

Owen Myers

Wenger and Myers Ins

Claire Pantaloni

The Insurance Buffet LLC

Insurance Agents & Brokers Service Group Inc

Patrick Halcovich

Joseph Pastor

Tri-County Insurance Associate

Dennis Hamsher

AAdvantage Insurance Group Inc

SEPTEMBER 2022

Barr’s Insurance

Charles Paterson

The Paterson Agency, LLC

We sincerely thank everyone below for contributing to AgentPAC in 2021. Your financial support helps make sure your voice, collectively with other agents, is heard during the legislative process, and helps us as we advocate for ways to strengthen agents’ political interests on key insurance and business issues in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.

MARYLAND Toby Pepper

Pepper Insurance and Financial Services LLC

Ray Reinard

Reinard Agency

April Ressler

Teeter Insurance Agency Inc

J William Rittenhouse

WM Rittenhouse Agency Inc

John Shields

R J Lutes Insurance Agency

William Siegel

Siegel Insurance Inc

Mark Sitler

The Hartman Agency Inc

William Slovik

Slovik Insurance Agency

Robert Smyrl

Robert L Smyrl Inc

Jeffrey Spotts

Spotts Insurance Group Inc

Harry Triolo TLC

Presidents Club ($1,000+) David Rosenkilde

Creamer Insurance Agency

Richard Gerety

Governors Club ($500 - $999)

Murray Hankin

Gary Berger

HMS Insurance Associates Inc

Bryan Hanes

Antietam Insurance Assoc Inc

Craig Mader

Page & Associates Insurance Inc

Janice Wise

Walker-Poole Insurance Inc

Rick Gerety & Assoc Inc Hankin Ins Agency Inc

Kimberly Matney

Matney Insurance Services Inc

John Rolker

Complete Planning Serv Inc

Timothy Schaefer

Schaefer Insurance Services

King White

American Insurance and Financial Services Inc

Steve Henry

Senate Level ($250 - $499)

American Church Group Of North Carolina

Senate Level ($250 - $499) Wallace Howell

Pratt Insurance Inc

Jim Watkins

The Hilb Group of Maryland LLC dba Pfister Insurance

David Wilgus

Wilgus Associates Inc

Peter Wolff

Wolff Insurance Agency Inc

John Yasik

Poland & Sullivan Ins Inc

House Level ($100 - $249) Steve Burnett

CBM Insurance Agency LLC

Tony Bennett

Famous & Spang Associates, LLC

Up to $99

Gregory Bennett

James Crassas

Famous & Spang Associates, LLC

Henry Bradley

Bradley Atlantic LLC

Robert Ward

B J Mattheiss Insurance Inc

Timothy Wonder

Bay Shore Insurance Inc

Whitford Insurance Network Inc

Brian Creamer

R&A Insurance Inc

Christopher Vogt

Baron Insurance Group LLC

DELAWARE

Blair Mattheiss Linda McCann

Omega Insurance Agency Inc

Stacey Nicholson CNR Insurance Inc

Richard Corroon

Weymouth Swayze & Corroon Insurance Inc

Lee Dotson

Bellevue Insurance Services LLC

Candace Shoupe

CBM Insurance Agency LLC

Joe Moore

Williams Insurance Agency Inc

Insurance Agents & Brokers Service Group Inc

Larry Sanders

Edward L Sanders Ins Agency

Up to $99

Greg Zinn

Charles Clifton Veirs III

Sheila Wells

Zinn Insurance, LLC

C Clifton Veirs Agency

Williams Insurance Agency Inc

Barry Winstead

Up to $99 Victoria Hatfield

Hatfield Group LLC

Blake Henry

BDH/Konhaus LLC

Robert Hogue

Walker & Associates

John Woolridge

Dimeling & Schrot Inc

Winstead Insurance Agency

House Level ($100 - $249) Todd Boyle

Boyle Insurance Group LLC

Daniel Burris

Olde Towne Insurance Agcy Inc

Jason Call

Blue Ridge Risk Partners LLC

IABforME.com |

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STAFF PROFILE

Get to Know …

John Savant Government Affairs Director

When did you begin at IA&B? I joined IA&B recently – April of this year!

Job prior to IA&B: Prior to joining IA&B, I was the director of Government and Community Affairs for the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors, where I worked with state and local government officials to promote real estate professionals and homeownership throughout Berks County, PA.

Role at IA&B: As IA&B’s Government Affairs Director, it’s my job to keep track of the bills and legislation that are proposed by our elected officials, talk with IA&B members about how those proposals would affect independent agents, and then convey those policy positions and concerns back to legislators in order to amend or prevent the passage of bills that would be harmful to members and their customers.

Best part of your job (so far!): The best part of my job (so far) has been all of the people at the association that I’ve interacted with.

I joined IA&B during the final, action-filled week of Maryland’s legislative session, and right in the middle of some tough fights on several legislative issues in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Being able to rely on other IA&B staff and OUR Government Relations Committee members has been extremely helpful for me to be able to hit the ground running and make sure IA&B’s voice is heard in our state capitols.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

Outside of work, you’ll typically find me spending time with friends and family – usually hiking, cooking, swimming, or playing volleyball. Time spent with loved ones is time well spent!

You can reach John at: 800-998-9644, ext. 607 JohnS@IABforME.com

IABforME.com |

19

SAVE TIME & MONEY GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE BENEFITS. ▲ Legal and Compliance ▲ Access Markets & Carrier Relations ▲ HR and Hiring Solutions ▲ Marketing, Branding, and Websites ▲ Insurance for your Agency ▲ Online CE & Education ▲ Industry News ▲ Advocacy & Government Affairs

Q U E S T I O N S?

CONTACT TIM WONDER, IA&B VP-MEMBERSHIP 800-998-9644, EXT. 351 TIMW@IABFORME.COM

IN-PERSON CLASSES RETURN Check out the list of in-person courses and live webinars at IABforME.com.

Register Today.

800-998-9644, option 1 IABforME.com

20

IABforME.com |

EARN CE WITH IA&B

WELCOME NEW MEMBER Dott Insurance Group LLC Pittsburgh, Greensburg & Johnstown, PA For information about membership or benefits, contact: Tim Wonder, VPMembership 800-998-9644, ext. 351 TimW@IABforME.com

E D U C AT I O N SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 2022 Register today! 800-998-9644, option 1 IABforME.com/education IN-PERSON CLASSES ARE BACK! DATE TOPIC

LOCATION

Sep 13-14 CIC - Commercial Property Institute

Harrisburg, PA

Sep 20

CISR - Elements of Risk Management

Pittsburgh, PA

Sep 27

CISR - Agency Operations

Newtown Square, PA

LIVE WEBINARS DATE TOPIC

TIME

Sep 7 Sep 7

8AM-3:45PM 2-3 PM

Sep 8

PRIMARY AGENT Editor: Karen Robison KarenR@IABforME.com 800-998-9644, ext. 606 Contributing editors: Jennifer Ross Megan Fioretta Sarah Jacoby Sales Account Executive: Laura Gaenzle laura.gaenzle@theygsgroup.com 717-430-2351

Sep 8 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 15 Sep 19 Sep 21 Sep 21 Sep 22 Sep 22 Sep 27 Sep 27 Sep 28 Sep 28 Sep 29 Sep 29

CISR - Commercial Casualty I Hour w/ Sam: A Numbers Game - Mastering the Coverage Symbols in a Business Auto Policy Lurking: Surprises in Contractor’s CGL Policy & Endorsements to Watch Out For Ethics: Essentials for the Insurance Producer CIC - Commercial Property Institute CISR - Personal Lines Miscellaneous Personal Lines Clients & Their New Normal More Money, More (Insurance) Problems? Mastering P&C Coverage for the Affluent Market Leadership & Liability: Insuring Executive Risk Hour w/ Nicole: Personal Umbrella Issues & Answers William T Hold - Personal Lines Personal Lines Coverage Concerns: Annoying But Important Agent’s E&O: Defenses & Preventions for Insurance Prof Using Property & Liability Endorsements to Fortify Farm Risks Contracts Agents Should Read Hour w/ Sam: Home-Sharing & How to Handle It CISR - Life & Health Essentials Commercial Property - Direct vs Indirect Damage Chris Amrhein’s “Adventures in Aging”: Medicare & Other Retirement Healthcare Solutions

IABforME.com |

9AM-12PM 1-4 PM 8AM-5:00PM 8AM-3:45PM 9AM-12PM 1-4 PM 1-4 PM 2-3 PM 8AM-4:00PM 9AM-12PM 1-4 PM 1-4 PM 1-4 PM 2-3 PM 8AM-3:45PM 9AM-12PM 1-4 PM

21

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