2024 Maine Viewpoint by maineagents

MAINE

VIEWPOINT 2024

SOME dream OF BECOMING A SUPERHERO. Some do, as an Independent Agent.

Real strength comes from a team approach. This is why for over 95 years The Concord Group has partnered with local agencies, and is exclusively committed to the success of the Independent Agency System. Together with our Maine partners, we are dedicated to serving the diverse needs of your insureds.

AUTO | H O M E | B U S I N E S S | LIFE

Learn more at ConcordGroupInsurance.com

2023 Company of the Year The Concord Group!

Congratulations

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CONTENTS 05 06 08 09 10 15 18 19 22 24 26 32 39 41 49 53 68 78

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE OUR STORY MIAA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MIAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION STAFF ARTICLE: RISK MANAGEMENT ALERT NEWS & INFORMATION AGENCY MARKETING FEDERAL & STATE ADVOCACY INSURPAC CONTRIBUTORS MANAGEMENT & STAFF RESOURCES PRODUCTS & SERVICES ADDITIONAL RESOURCES INSURANCE PRODUCTS MARKET ACCESS EDUCATION MIAA PARTNERS-2024 ADVERTISERS INDEX

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE We are pleased to present you with our annual membership directory and announce we are celebrating 125 years of service to independent agents! Our goal is to provide independent agents with the necessary tools to run successful agencies and to better serve their customers. Inside of this directory, you will find detailed information, including costs and ordering procedures for many of the products and services offered through the MIAA, IIABA and PIA National. We hope you will be able to join us for the 125th MIAA Annual Convention & Business Meeting at the Doubletree Hotel in South Portland, Maine on April 29th & 30th. We look forward to celebrating with you! Thank you to our company partners for their continued support of the independent agency system. We encourage you to consider our partners first when making decisions that impact your agency. A list is included in this directory, as well as on our website. Please take the time to thank them for all they do for YOUR association! Lastly, a big thank you to our volunteer Board of Directors who give so much of themselves for the betterment of our industry! We appreciate your support!

Sincerely, Lisa Lisa L. Veregge, CAE President

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OUR STORY The MIAA is a not-for-profit trade association representing independent insurance agencies across the State of Maine. Membership in the MIAA results in the assurance of the highest level of representation and support services available in the industry. Our efforts are directed towards the effective delivery of valuable products and services to our members so as to insure, enhance and enable them to better serve their clients. The MIAA is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA) and the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA). The IIABA was founded in 1896 and is a voluntary association of independent state associations. The IIABA or Big “I” as it is known is the largest producer association in the country, representing approximately 280,000 independent insurance agents and their employees in 28,000 agencies across the nation. The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) represents independent insurance agents in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. They operate cutting-edge agencies and treat their customers like neighbors, providing personal support and service.

Together, the IIABA, PIA and MIAA provide the most comprehensive package of high-quality, professional products and services available in the industry today. These services include, but are not limited to the following: Agency Management Education Insurance/Financial Plans Legislative Industry Relations Marketing Tools Public Relations Product Discounts Publications Seminars & Conventions Technology Collectively, we feel that these programs are an invaluable, and virtually indispensable aid to the independent insurance agency. The long-range goals and policies of the MIAA are established by our Executive Committee. The decision-making process includes the active involvement of our Board of Directors, which consists of 15 agents from all areas of the state.

Our mission is to represent, support and promote independent insurance agents.

Our agency partners

set the stage for excellence. Local, independent agents like you are the rock stars of our industry — putting the spotlight on true partnership and providing peace of mind for your customers. And backstage, we are standing by your side as your number one fan. You have our word. Visit us at PatriotInsuranceCo.com.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023-24 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRWOMAN Sarah Fisher Sanford Insurance Agency 50 Market St., Suite 1A, Box 141 South Portland, ME 04106 207-490-5330 sfisther@sanfordins.com

CHAIRWOMAN ELECT Ashley Rosborough, CIC J T Rosborough, Inc PO Box 548 Ellsworth, Me 04605 207-667-7101 ashley@jtr-inc.com

VICE CHAIRMAN Peter Clavette, CIC United Insurance PO BOX 159 Madawaska, ME 04756 207-728-6366 PeterClavette@unitedinsurance.net

IIABA NATIONAL DIRECTOR Wendy Tapley, CIC Tapley Insurance Agency 300 York Street York, Me 043909 207-363-7894 wtapley@tapleyagency.com

PIA NATIONAL DIRECTOR Danielle Marquis, CPCU HB Insurance PO Box 369 Oakland, ME 04963 207-465-2531 Danielle@insureWITHHB.com

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023-24 BOARD MEMBERS Mark Bailey, AAI Readfield Insurance Agency PO BOX 660 Manchester, ME 04351 207-620-7276

Thomas Bearor Varney Agency | Ins & Bonding 32 Oak St Bangor, ME 04401 207-262-0109

Mbailey@readfieldinsurance.com

tbearor@varneyagency.com

John Bilodeau, CPCU, CIC Bilodeau Insurance Agency 92 Pleasant Street Brunswick, ME 04011 207-721-8347

Laurie Noel Cross Insurance 745 Roosevelt Trail Windham, ME 04062 207- 892-7996

john@bilodeauins.com

Harold Clark, Jr. Clark Agency 6 Elm Street Calais, ME 04619 207-454-8800 clarkinsurance@myfairpoint.net

Jonathan Nagy Peoples Insurance Agency PO Box 300 Monmouth, Me 04259 207-777-1877

Lnoel@crossagency.com

Stacy Johansen, CIC Downeast Insurance, LLC 151 Main St Richmond ME 04357 207-373-1683 sjohansen@downeastinsurance.com

Brad Stokes Morton & Furbish Agency PO Box 130 Rangeley, Me 04970 207-864-3334 bstokes@mfinsurance.net

jonathan@peoples-ins.com

Stacey Chenevert, CCUE Atlantic FCU Insurance Services 3 Union Park Rd, Ste 2 Topsham, Me 04086 207-373-0342 schenevert@atlanticfcu.com

Your Association Staff Lisa Veregge, CAE President & CEO

Lynda Holt, ACSR Benefits Coordinator & RLI Administrator

Gayle McPherson Insurance & Financial Administrator

Shannon Gorman, AAI Director of Education & Conferences

Stephanie Brown, ACSR, CIPA Communication Manager/YAC Liaison

Dan Bernier Lobbyist

Upgrade your ﬂood experience with three lile moves.

Point.

Point to www.iiaba.net/Flood.

Click.

Click the “sign-up” tab.

Roll.

Roll your current WYO ﬂood book.

“Our agency was approached by our Selective territory manager, Gregg Porter, to roll a portion of our flood business from another carrier to Selective. We were pleasantly surprised at how easy and seamless the whole pr ocess was. Gregg came into our office and basically did all the work for us. We had a high success rate and couldn’t be happier with Selective. Their customer service representatives and underwriters are very knowledgeable, friendly and always helpful. We are very satisfied with the whole experience and with Selective!” – IIABL Member

Selective makes the transfer process easy and profitable for IIABA members. Selective does not use any third party administrators for our processing, which allows us to tailor a transfer plan that works for both you and your customers. Our team will work directly with your agency to collect the required underwriting documents. Then our rollover underwriting team will handle the processing, including sending out a letter to your customers letting them know of the change. We also provide you with a real-time rollover tracking report to help monitor the status of the transfer. Selective offers competitive commissions and transfer incentives for rollover business. Selective began writing flood insurance in 1984 and has been the IIABA endorsed flood carrier since 2001. Point, click, roll and join us today!

FLOOD.

To discuss transfer opportunities, or to place new lood business with Selective, contact: Don Burke National Flood Marketing Manager Selective Insurance don.burke@selective.co m (765) 577-0330

RT Binding Authority - Boston Simply stated, our underwriters are here to provide access to solutions for retail agents and brokers. Call on the expertise of our underwriters to quote top-notch solutions for your insureds. With access to a variety of admitted and non-admitted markets, our in-house binding agreements allow us to combine quick turnaround with the authority to secure coverage, oftentimes, regardless of the complexity of risk. Here’s a small sample of the classes we regularly see. If you don’t see your insured’s need listed, just call and one of our underwriters will gladly discuss your insured’s specific situation. Some classes are eligible for both monoline and package coverages.

Professional Liability • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Answering services Arbitrators Artists Bookkeepers Call center services Charities Crane inspectors / Operators Data processors Diet and fitness coaches Distributors Document storage & destruction services Employment agents Encryption services And more!

General Liability • • • • • • • •

Manufacturing Star t-ups Vacant LRO Contractors (including NY) Restaurants Plowing Special Events

Mamadou Bah Assistant Vice President mamadou.bah@r tspecialty.com

Proper t y • • • • • • •

Vacant Coastal Distres sed Habitational Warehouse Subsidized / Student housing Shopping centers / Office buildings

Umbrella / Excess •

$1-25 million limits

•

With or without underlying GL

Liquor Liability • • • • • •

Restaurant / Bar Special events BYOB / Host Caterer Nightclub Retail

Workers’ Comp Direct appointments with most major mono-line guaranteed costs carriers • Broad appetite across all industries • Ability to place loss sensitive plans •

Gareth Dudney Assistant Vice President gareth.dudney@rtspecialty.com

RTSPECIALTY.COM

Personal Lines High net worth clients Personal articles ﬂoaters Primary, secondary, and seasonal homes Primary & excess personal umbrellas and liabilit y • 1-4 family dwellings • • • •

Standard Markets • • • • • •

Garage Inland marine Auto BOR’s accepted BOP / Package Many markets dep

Other Coverages • • • • • • •

Builder’s risk Contractor’s equipment Motor truck cargo Crime Miscellaneous professional Garage – dealers & valet parking Inland marine

Laura Daniels Commercial Lines Underwriter laura.daniels@r tspecialty.com

WHAT’S POSSIBLE IN MAINE? ANYTHING. When you partner with Risk Placement Services — the leading partner for independent insurance agents and brokers — anything is possible. At RPS, we’re focused on the human side of your retail business. Communication, attention to detail, commitment. Building relationships that thrive for decades. We know that’s what retailers in the great state of Maine are all about. And we’re here to help you come through for your customers.

LET’S GET IN TOUCH. Jo Ann Peri 845-207-5517 Joann_Peri@RPSins.com

Risk Placement Services, Inc. (RPS), one of the nation’s largest specialty products distributors, offers valuable solutions in wholesale brokerage, binding authority, programs, nonstandard auto and standard lines. RPS43497 1122

rpsins.com

Focus on what’s in front of you. We’ll take care of the rest. MAPFRE Insurance offers auto, home, renters, condo, dwelling fire and yacht coverages made for life’s major moments. We can help protect your customers, as well as your peace of mind. To learn more about how MAPFRE’s local presence and expertise can help your agency grow, contact Steve Smith, Senior Manager - Business Development at stsmith@mapfreusa.com or 207-712-9111.

www.mapfreinsurance.com MAPFRE Insurance® is a brand and service mark of MAPFRE U.S.A. Corp. and its affiliates, including The Commerce Insurance CompanySM, Citation Insurance CompanySM, MAPFRE Insurance CompanySM, and American Commerce Insurance CompanySM. Not all products are available in all states. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions and underwriting eligibility. Credits and discounts may not be available on all coverages or policies. Limits, exclusions and deductibles may apply.

Communicating with Your Customers at Renewal is Critical by Curt Pearsall, CPCU, AIAF, CPIA President – Pearsall Associates, Inc. and Consultant to the Utica National E&O Program

We KNOW

for Insurance Agents

Most E&O claims involve a client’s uninsured exposure, with renewals generating far more errors-andomissions (E&O) claims than new business. Strengthen your agency’s defense if a client alleges they were not properly insured by taking the following approach before renewal. You might write more insurance, too.

• Don’t let policies renew “as is.” • Reach out to clients via a review or checklist to ask about exposure changes. • Develop and send clients an exposure form/questionnaire. Include a cover letter explaining the purpose. • Include a list of coverage options for clients to consider. Most agencies don’t have the time to meet with every client, so this is vital with Personal Lines clients and small Commercial Lines clients. Most agency management systems can handle this task. • Send the form/questionnaire to each client 90 days in advance of the renewal date of a key coverage, such as Commercial Package Policy, Homeowners, or Personal Auto. • Send the form/questionnaire every year. You don’t need to follow up with clients who don’t respond – instead, include language stating that if the form is not returned, “the coverage will be renewed based on information previously provided.” Your agency file should reflect that this mailing was done and you should act promptly on returned questionnaires.

Please note: Agencies using service centers should not send the form/questionnaire to those clients as the mailing could impact the hold-harmless provision in the service center contract.

2022 Utica Mutual Insurance Company 5-R-1194 Ed. 09-2022

Wherever your agency is going, we’ll be there. A lot has changed over the last few years— in the industry, in the market, in the world. Through it all, The Hanover remains committed to your success, and the success of the independent agency channel. We provide creative solutions that respond directly to needs – today’s and in the future. We create bold new capabilities in specialized markets – powering your growth, reinforcing your expertise and fueling continued success.

We are committed to your tomorrow.

hanover.com

e h t r o f . n y c o i n t e u l g o a s e l c a t n o a t r e u s h T dent in . w o n r e r p o e m d o in t d n a y • a d o T•

TRA

S E S U N O B T D R N O A P P G U N S I R G A N H I T S E T I K F R O A R M & ,P S S E E T L A A R S S N N IO O I S T S I U L O MM S O D C E R S E A H B IG H H C S E E T I N N O A P S T M N U CO O O C T S I S S • D E G C IN AC H C A O C & G N I N I

Let SAN Group provide your way forward to build and grow a successful agency. Jim McGlauflin Regional Vice President james.mcglauflin@sangroup.com sangroup.com

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NEWS & INFORMATION Independent Agent (IA) Magazine

Agents Council for Technology (ACT) News

The IA Magazine is the award-winning magazine published monthly for Big 'I' members only. The content, available in print and online, gives you up-to-date articles on relevant & Timely Topics. Free to members.

ACT News provides you with information on the current trends in technology for insurance agents. It also features technology tools and resources available to members. Free to members.

Insurance News & Views Newsletter

"E&O Guardian" Website

IIABA’s bi-monthly newsletter filled with articles on issues that affect the entire independent agency system. Free to members.

Virtual University Ask & Expert

The Big 'I' Virtual University is the smarter way to build your knowledge base through online education and research and more that 18,000 pages to find answers to tough questions. Free to members.

“VU Point” Newsletter

Each issue of this bi-weekly email newsletter includes articles on personal lines, commercial lines, agency management, sales and marketing, customer service, and technology and the Internet. Free to members.

“Two for Tuesday” Newsletter Weekly email newsletters for Big “I” Markets (BIM) users. Full of insightful/reader-friendly content regarding product information and user testimonials, Two for Tuesday is the number one resource for BIM users to stay abreast of the latest products, services and ideas for application. Free to members.

Dive into a wealth of risk management resources available to Swiss Re Corporate Solutions policyholders. Access claims prevention tools and resources along with current news and information.. Free to Westport Insureds.

Utica Online Resources Access to tools and information that can help minimize the change of an E&O Incident.

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AGENCY MARKETING Trusted Choice and trustedchoice.com

Whether you are looking for qualified leads or need help marketing your agency, Trusted Choice has tools and resources available to you, many free of charge.

Trusted Choice Agents Resources

Members automatically get access to these materials that will benefit your business and in turn your bottom line. Customized Advertisements Let us customize a campaign ad in a format of your choice, from radio, TV and various print materials. Trusted Choice marketing materials are designed with your agency in mind, and our in-house designer will customize these materials for you for free. Content to Share Access our database of pre-made consumer marketing materials including articles, images for social media or infographics to share with potential and current clients. Training Modules available to help improve your agency. Advertising 101– A nine part series designed to help you understand, design and execute a successful advertising campaign. The Power of 30 Seconds - Designed to help you maximize the experience of customers calling your agency on the phone. Leveraging Your Membership Webinar Learn how to differentiate your agency from the competition. Digital Reviews Digital Reviews provide a one-on-one consultation and detailed report on how you can improve your agency website and social media outlets. Branding Reimbursement Trusted Choice will reimburse a portion of expenses incurred by Trusted Choice agencies in cobranding advertising and marketing materials.

TrustedChoice.com TrustedChoice.com leverages the power of the internet to connect with consumers to help your agency grow. Members receive the basic subscription free but think about upgrading to the Advantage Profile. Think of Advantage as your agency’s second digital door. The platform creates thousands of connections a month, giving you more opportunities to get in front of local insurance buyers you didn’t even know were looking. Real-time, one-to-one referrals. Connect with real buyers, not stale leads with the only digital solution that delivers real-time, one-toone referrals to you. Unlike lead lists, real people with real insurance needs connect directly with a local agent at the right digital moment. Referrals based on appetite. Writing the right business is easy with our Appetite Engine which filters digital referrals based on the types of business your agency wants to write, down to the six-digit NAICS code. The added bonus? It helps new producers learn the business while writing the business.

Looking for content?

Trusted Choice® has ready to use agent materials. The Content-to-Share section on the Trusted Choice Agent Resource Website offers graphics, video and articles on a variety of insurance topics, specialty products and more. Search by topic or type of content.

Trusted Choice does the work so you can focus more on your clients. Visit https://trustedchoice.independentagent.com/content-to-share/ to start using content today!

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FEDERAL & STATE ADVOCACY Federal Advocacy

State Advocacy

Through aggressive lobbying efforts, IIABA protects your interests in Washington, DC. The Big 'I' Advocacy teams fights to prevent legislation that will hurt your business and it nationally known for their effeectiveness.

MIAA and its members advocate at both the state level on policies and regulations that impact the independent agency system. MIAA oversees monitoring and lobbying at the Maine Legislature.

Grassroots Network & Action

Big 'I' Legislative Conference

With the ability to disseminate information quickly, agents are kept apprised of the latest legislation impacting them and can then take this information and effectively and efficiently communicate their support, opposition, and comments to their elected officials. Do you have a connection with a current State Representative? Contact Lisa@maineagents.net to discuss how you can help

The Big 'I' Legislative conference puts agents up front and person with our representatives., through agency visits and guest speakers at the conference. This is an event that you have to see to believe and is worthwhile to participate in to see how the process works. Join us on the hill April 10-12, 2024! See our events page for details.

Political Action Committees Both the state (MIAPAC) and federal PACs (InsurPac & PIAPac) mean action and activity. The funds are used to support those State and Federal Legislators, who view those issues important to the independent agent in the same way as we do.

Life doesn’t stop when their car does. 74% of customers rely solely on their agent for policy advice. Join our free rental reimbursement CE course and learn why $45 is the new $30. Contact Joelle.M.Rehse@ehi.com for more information on the course.

Events

Maine Insurance Agents Association

Check Out List of Events for 2024

April 10

Big "I" Legislative Conference

April 29

MIAA's 125th Annual Convention

July 29

The Westin Washington, DC Downtown Hotel

DoubleTree Hotel- South Portland, Me

Maine Young Agent Golf Tournament Natanis Golf Course- Vassalboro, Me

Big "I" Fall Leadership September Conference

3 october

tba

JW Marriott Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN

Maine Young Agents Sales & Leadership Conference Location and dates: TBA

For detailed information: www.maineagents.net

2023 PAC Contributors IIABA INSURPAC CENTENNIAL CLUB $1000-$2499 Zack Frechette- United Insurance, Portland Wendy Tapley- Tapley Insurance, York

GOLD CLUB $500-$999 Diane Champoux- Champoux Insurance, Lewiston Ron Guerin- Varney Agency, Scarborough Dennis Hilton- Cheney Insurance, Damariscotta Mike Varney- Varney Agency, Scarborough

PIONEER CLUB $250-$499 Danielle Marquis- HB Insurance, Oakland EJ Dorsey- United Insurance, Fort Fairﬁeld Michelle Ibarguen- Cross Insurance, Portland Stephen Kasprzak- Kasprzak Insurance, North Waterboro Chris Anderson- FA Peabody, Houlton Kenneth Bailey- Readfield Insurance, Manchester Mark Bailey- Readﬁeld Insurance, Manchester Jim Chalmers- Chalmers Insurance, Bridgton Bret Cote- Clark Insurance, Manchester, NH Jeffrey McDonnell- Allen/Freeman & McDonnell Agency, Brewer Ed Therrien- United Insurance, Presque Isle Ken White- FA Peabody, Hampden

FOUNDER CLUB $150-$249 John Bilodeau- Bilodeau Insurance, Brunswick Peter Clavette- United Insurance, Madawaska Josh Fifield- Clark Insurance, Portland Savannah Harriman- Tapley Insurance, York Jeffrey Martin- CRC, Scarborough Tim McGonagle- United Insurance, Portland Ashley Rosborough- JT Rosborough, Ellsworth Ben Swann- MarshBerry, Woodmere, OH Lisa Veregge- MIAA, Hallowell GENERAL CONTRIBUTORS $149 & UNDER Keith Ayer- Johnson & Johnson, Burlington, MA Laurie Billings- Sevigney Lyons Insurance, Wells Dottie Chalmers- Chalmers Insurance, Bridgton Travis Duval- United Insurance, Fort Kent Dan Guerette- Brogue Insurance & Financial Services, Bangor Meesha Luce- Allen Insurance & Financial, Rockland John Maquire- Dwight A Brown Agency, Ellsworth Ashley Purington- Gosline Insurance, Gardiner Jay Soule- Yarmouth Insurance, Yarmouth Brad Stokes- Morton & Furbish Insurance, Rangeley Rob Wheeler- J Edward Knight, Boothbay Harbor Mamadou Bah- RT Specialty, Franklin, MA Lucas Anderson- FA Peabody, Westbrook Stephanie Brown- MIAA, Hallowell Melissa Jalbert- The Hanover Insurance Group, Portland Mike Jamison- Clark Insurance, Portland Stacy Johansen- Downeast Insurance, Richmond Ryan Madore- United Insurance, Augusta Jacob Sperber- Patron Oxford Insurance, Portland Shannon Gorman- MIAA, Hallowell Kelly Pfeffer- Patriot Insurance, Yarmouth Rob Pienta- Johnson & Johnson, Burlington, MA Carissa Chipman- Chalmers Insurance, Gorham Amber Dangler- HB Insurance, Oakland Jessica Kezer- Cross Insurance, Bangor Lauren Stiles- HUB International, Cumberland Foreside Conor Sullivan- MEMIC, Portland Mikayla Thomas- MMG Insurance, Presque Isle Jake Tidd- Lotfey Dennett Insurance, Portland Keith Brockway- Acadia Insurance, Sherborn, MA

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MANAGEMENT & STAFFING RESOURCES CareerPlug

Best Practices

Finding and hiring the right staff to maintain and grow your business in an important key to your success, and likely your biggest challenge. MIAA is now partnered with CareerPlug, our recruiting software of choice to support all MIAA members in hiring. CareerPlug provides an easy-to-use system that automates many of the tedious, manual steps of the hiring process.

Lean on research from the industry's top performing agencies for strategies to improve the quality and capabilities of your employees so they can do the best job for your clients. See where your agency stacks-up and tap into our studies, education and resources to set the course for success.

Every MIAA member receives a free CareerPlug account that comes with a branded careers page, pre-built job templates, and a configured hiring process. CareerPlug's built-in evaluation tools help you confidently identify, interview, evaluate and hire the right person. If you have urgent hiring needs, we highly recommend that you upgrade the free account to paid Pro subscription at an exclusive partnership rate of of $595/year (that's less than $50 per month) for unlimited job postings to top job boards (Indeed, ZipRecruiter, GoogleJobs, Facebook Jobs, etc.), paperless onboarding, and use of personality assessments.

Big 'I' Hires A one-stop resource for independent insurance agencies to identify, hire and assess top-performing producers and CSRs with the added benefit of Human Resources for agencies. Big I Hires offers:

A one-stop resource for independent insurance agencies to identify, hire and assess topperforming producers and CSRs with the added benefit of Human Resources for agencies.

First conducted in 1993 and updated annually to reflect new challenges and pressures facing the industry, the Best Practices survey conducted by the Big "I" and Reagan Consulting analyzes the performance of the nation's leading agencies to uncover the methods, procedures, techniques, strategies, and business practices they use to achieve superior results.

The Best Practices Study also establishes benchmarks against which agency performance can be measured and offers guidelines on how to use the study as a tool to help improve operations and maximize potential. The tools are a great resource for agency managers or principals who are interested in reviewing their operations to enhance agency performance and profitability. The heart of Best Practices is the annual report and other tools and resources are available under the umbrella all working towards the goal of an efficient and more profitable agency.

Diversity & Inclusion Discover the opportunities and benefits of embracing diversity. When you utilize our research, education and resources you will create an organizational culture that will better serve diverse markets. The mission is to engage and develop a sustainable diverse agency network.

Innovative Payment Solutions

What our customers are saying... “Wow! So much easier than copying the check, scanning and sending, mailing overnight, etc.”

• Paying in installments frees up capital to help ensure appropriate level of insurance coverage • Provides credit at competitive industry rates • Enables paperless premium payment process

“TotalPay has saved us so much time and makes collecting payments much easier. By doing everything online, we don’t have any more hassling with mail and checks”

• Eliminate time spent on premium payment collections • Provides opportunity for reduced account expenses • Expedites the premium payment process • ACH or credit card payment1

CONTACT DAVE ROUND | Sales Executive | 518.222.7579 | david.round@ipfs.com

Imperial PFS® is a trade name affiliated with IPFS Corporation® (IPFS®), a premium finance company. Loans remain subject to acceptance by IPFS in its sole discretion; issuance of a quote does not constitute an offer to lend. IPFS’s down payment processing service is provided as a convenience only and is subject to prior agreement to IPFS’s terms and conditions. 1Our electronic payment processing service provider may charge a technology fee where allowed by law. Access to products and services described herein may be subject to change and are subject to IPFS’s standard terms and conditions in all respects, including the terms and conditions specifically applicable to use of IPFS’s website and mobile application, as applicable, and IPFS’s eForms Disclosure and Consent Agreement.

ANOTHER

DOUBLE DIGIT SAFETY DIVIDEND

$18 Million Spread Across All 16 Counties

“Our mission is to make workers' comp work better, with compassion, trusted partnerships, and relentless commitment to workforce safety. Producing a profit to generate dividends is one way we deliver on that mission for our Maine policyholders.”

Michael P. Bourque President and CEO memic.com

Learn more at memic.com/dividend

$282

$299

$316

$333

$351

$260

$145

2012

$161

2013

$179

2014

$197

2015

$217

2016

$238

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

For the 12th consecutive year,

the MEMIC dividend, a percentage of earned premium, has been in double digits. This year, more than 14,000 Maine employers across all 16 counties who are current policyholders will receive a check in early November for approximately 12 percent of the premium they paid to MEMIC back in 2020. Since 1998, MEMIC has returned a total of $351 million to employers based on strong financial results, fueled by fewer workforce injuries and diligent injury management. That record of success is testament to all our policyholders who have helped make safety part of their daily routines. In fact, injuries in Maine have been reduced by more than 50 percent, which has dropped the cost of insurance by more than 65 percent since the landmark reforms of 1992. Let’s all keep up the good work… because safety pays dividends.

Making workers' comp work better since 1993

2023

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES ACORD Forms at No Charge

Caliper Testing

Big "I" Members under $50 million in revenues receive ACORD Forms subscriptions automatically with their IIABA Membership.

Big "I" Members receive exclusive discount pricing on the premier personality testing product in the industry. Caliper offers a comprehensive personality assessment, which enables Caliper consultants to tell you whether an individual has the qualities needed to make it in management, supervisory, sales and similar high-level positions within your agency. The Caliper Service Profile can quickly determine whether someone has the skills necessary to succeed in customer service and similar positions. IIABA members receive discounts on all Caliper testing services and products.

The Mines Press Order Big "I" and Trusted Choice logo t-shirts, baseball caps, calendars, business cards, and stationery from The Mines Press, and you'll know that your promotional gifts and correspondence will deliver the message of quality, as well as care.

AVYST AVYST is a fast and easy solution that will allow you to quickly prepare submissions. Each form has intelligence that allows information to be keyed once and shared across all other applications and forms for that client! Type it once and you're done. eForms Wizard expedites the completion of hundreds of included ACORD forms for the commercial lines, personal and high-value clients, professional lines, agriculture, bonds, proof of insurance and more! Agents are able to build, share and edit forms across their team and send forms as a secure PDF to multiple underwriters when ready. This easy-to-use solution will allow your agency staff to prepare submissions quickly and easily, eliminate redundant entry and collaborate with others to compelte applications.

Sales Assessment Testing How many times have you hired agents whom you're sure have tons of potential for selling, but once hired, they seem to fizzle out, or consistently sell fewer policies than you need? Let Sales Call Reluctance Testing help! Big "I" Members are eligible for a 10% discount on each Sales Call Reluctance Test you purchase.

Affinity HR Every organization, regardless of size or number of employees, should have basic human resource policies and procedures in place to both ensure legal compliance and serve as a resource for employees and their supervisors. Big I Hires has partnered with Affinity HR Group to provide Big "I" members with a full array of HR support tools that are customized to meet the unique needs of your agency. Big "I" Members are eligible for discounts on Affinity HR Group products and services.

MAINE VIEWPOINT

PRODUCTS & SERVICES Rough Notes Advantage Plus

DocuSign

RoughNotes Advantage Plus is an online sales and service resource designed to help your agency better serve your customers. Using this tool will lead to increased sales by improving your staffs knowledge of a prospects operation enabling them to better identify and cover customer exposures. Use the Big "I" member promo code "IIABA" to receive a $200 discount!

Big "I" members may now receive exclusive discounted pricing from the industry's #1 esignature solution, DocuSign. DocuSign is used to accelerate transaction times to increase speed to results, reduce costs, improve customer service and reduce E&O exposure.

Premium Financing- IPFS

InsurBanc

Imperial PFS, the nation’s leading premium finance company, is now available to MIAA member for commercial and personal lines business!

InsurBanc is an independent community bank that was founded by agents exclusively for agents. Organized in 2001 by the Big “I" specifically to serve independent insurance agents, InsurBanc has developed a distinctive culture helps you optimize growth opportunities and manage your agency efficiently. InsurBanc can help you with custom products designed to underwrite your success.

Contact Dave Round 518-222-7579 david.round@ipfs.com

Levitate This marketing platform combines authentic communication tools, dedicated success specialist and AI to help you build lasting relationships with your clients. MIAA members receive waived onboarding a $450 value!

Agency Financing Perpetuation Acquisition Working Capital

Producer Development Debt Refinancing Owner-Occupied Real Estate Equipment Leasing

WAHVE A staffing solution for insurance firms. WAHVE delivers 'pretiring' talent to fill most insurance positions and at a cost savings. All MIAA members receive 50% start up discount!

EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE, PRODUCTS, VALUE, AND SERVICE

At MMG Insurance we offer a wide variety of property and casualty insurance options. Our products are designed to fit your customer’s personal and business needs at a competitive price. We understand that customers expect and demand exceptional value. Compare, and you’ll discover that superior service and value is what you’ll get with MMG Insurance.

2022 Company of the Year 10 Time Recipient

We’re proud to partner with agents like you–agents who share our commitment to excellence, every day.

2021

Visit us online at mmgins.com 10 Time Recipient

MAINE VIEWPOINT

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Agents Council on Technology (ACT)

When you're looking for technology solutions for your agency, turn to Big I‘s Agents Council for Technology. The industry's leading technology experts provide blueprints on disaster planning, cybersecurity, customer experience, and other emerging trends to help your agency. Look to ACT when you are looking for best practices or if you want to influence the industry's technology direction, join an ACT meeting or virtual work group.

Cyber Resources Handling sensitive information is now one of the most critical responsibilities faced by the modern insurance agency. IIABA Members have access to a multitude of resources to protect their agencies and help them navigate Cyber that is constantly changing with technology advancements and regulation. You can access: How Best Practice Agencies Handle Tech Webinar: Cyber Guide for Agencies Cybersecurity Made Simple Webinar Cyber News and Updates How to Protect Your Agency Data Guide Cyber Coverage for Your Agency and Clients Cyber Hygiene Toolkit

Legal Resources IIABA’s Legal Council reviews agency company contracts to ensure that they are fair and equitable to both parties. Reviews contain recommendations for improvements to the contract language if applicable. Members have access to an online library of reviewed agreements at www.iiaba.net.

SWISS RE CORPORATE SOLUTIONS POLICY FORM HIGHLIGHTS Big “I” Professional Liability program and Swiss Re Corporate Solutions pride ourselves on offering the strongest coverage form in the marketplace that continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of agents. Review the preferred policy form and you will find that these are just a few of the coverage benefits:  Rated A+ Superior by AM Best  State of the art coverage form exclusive to Big "I" Members Claims made coverage with full prior acts  Coverage for the sale of both Property/Casualty and Life/Health

insurance products  Limits of liability up to $30 million  Broad deﬁnition of covered professional services and activities, including negligent referrals  Comprehensive deﬁnition of insured  Aggregate deductibles available  Defense cost outside the limit  $25,000 1st Party Personal Data Breach in addition to the policy limit  $1,000,000 3rd Party Personal Data Breach sublimit  No consent to settle (hammer) clause as long as policy is in force  Crisis Management coverage; up to $20,000 per policy period for fees, costs, and expenses incurred within 6 months of a crisis event, in addition to the policy limit. Deductible reduction up to $25,000 per claim, no limitation on the  number of claims Catastrophe Expense $25,000 per incident, $50,000 per policy period,  in addition to policy limits Regulatory defense $100,000 per policy period in addition to the limit  of liability Key Employee Assistance, $5,000 reimbursement in event of death or  unexpected medical incapacitation of a key employee Pre Claim Assistance covering expenses as a result of investigating a  potential claim Insolvency for carriers with B or better AM Best rating  True worldwide protection  Several options to earn premium discounts up to 20% 

INDEPENDENTAGENT.COM/EO Insurance products underwritten by Swiss Re Corporate Solutions America Insurance Corporation, Kansas City, MO.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY.

9/22

MAINE VIEWPOINT

INSURANCE PRODUCTS For Your Agency Errors & Omissions Coverage Swiss Re Corp Solutions

The program is adopted countrywide by IIABA. The Big “I” professional liability program offers a comprehensive program, for insurance agents, structured using a modular approach, providing solid core coverage as well as coverage units to insure against other exposures of concerns. Rating is done by the gross premium volume with credit applied for expertise and loss control attendance.

Employment Practices Liability Coverage As an employer you need protection. UTICA and Westport can provide that protection for your agency through an Employment Practices Liability Policy. For Agencies that meet the criteria, it could be as easy as an additional endorsement to your current policy. (10 or less employees)

Utica

Since 1966, Utica has been a leader in providing quality protection for agencies in the US. Their long term relationship with state associations brings additional talent and expertise to the task of protecting you and your business. Rating is done by the number of employees with credits applied for expertise and loss control attendance.

12/2020

MAINE VIEWPOINT

INSURANCE PRODUCTS For You and Your Employees Big 'I' Employee Benefits

PIA Trust

The Big “I” Employee Benefits program provides full service group benefits for our member agents. The program is underwritten by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, a multi-line insurance group with many years of experience in the business and administered by a dedicated service team just for Big “I” Members. Offering Group Life, Group Short & Long Term Disability, Group Dental and Group Vision. Guaranteed issue with certain requirements being met.

One of the many advantages of being a member is having access to a variety of highquality, competitively priced insurance plans offered through the PIA Services Group Insurance Fund (The PIA Trust). By offering products unlike those available in the open market at rates not available on the open market, the Fund gives you the opportunity to provide yourself, your employees and families with the insurance coverage they deserve.

Big 'I' Retirement Big "I" Retirement Services is here to help you choose a plan best meets your needs. The Big 'I' has worked with more than 1,000 agencies to help them achieve their retirement goals. With over 25 years in the retirement business, the Big "I" serves as a strong advocate for participating agencies. Whether it concerns a complicated transition from another provider, or perhaps a sale of the agency, the Big 'I' knows your business, understands your market, and can grasp your needs.

The products offered through the Trust are basic term life, voluntary life, dependent term life, business overhead expense coverage, short & long term disability, accidental death & dismemberment & hospital indemnity.

AGENT FOR THE FUTURE™

We’re committed to helping independent agents thrive today and tomorrow. As the world and the workforce changes, understanding - and investing in – inclusive agency cultures will be a necessity for any forward-thinking business.

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS Utica National Agents’ Errors & Omissions Risk Management Online Resources Utica National works to help you protect the assets and reputation you have worked hard to build. That means giving you access to protocols and advice that can help you minimize the chance of an E&O incident. We offer these online resources at no additional cost to policyholders.

AGENCY SELF-ASSESSMENT Use this tool to find gaps that could cause an error or omission and get advice on how to remedy those holes.

LOSS CONTROL ARTICLES Provides advice on mitigating or avoiding E&O claims. LESSONS LEARNED Benefit from real claims examples as well as insights on what you should and shouldn’t do to reduce the likelihood of an E&O claim. TRAINING AND EDUCATION Provides tutorials geared for those new to an agency or those wanting a refresher.

CYBERSURANCE Utilize the training provided to help your agency protect its computers and the personal data entrusted to you from hackers.

ONLINE COURSES AND STREAMING VIDEOS Get access to topics such as Appropriate Email and Internet Use, Dealing with Difficult Situations, and Diversity and Discrimination Issues. New material is added regularly so there is always something current to review and benefit from. Visit Utica National’s Customer Care site to access your free risk management information at www.uticanational.com/customercare. If you have questions, contact your state agents’ association or your underwriter at 800-598-8422.

9-A-2492 Ed. 12-19

MAINE VIEWPOINT

MARKET ACCESS For Your Customers PIA Market Access

PIA Flood Market

PIA Market Access, brought to you in partnership with InsureZone, Inc., based in Fort Worth, Texas, is a wholesale market access program that will help PIA members access over 50 nationwide and specialty personal and commercial lines markets from a number of admitted “A” or better-rated companies. Agents submitting applications through the platform can receive quotes from many of these companies through a technologically advanced personal and commercial lines rater.

PIA members earn great commissions on flood insurance sales with The Hartford a flood insurance processing center that does most of the heavy lifting for them. MIAA Staff Member Gayle McPherson is ready and willing to help you with your Market Access questions. You can contact her at Gayle@maineagents.net

Big 'I' Markets BIM offers a suite of top tier products for you! Only for Big 'I' members, this program has no fees, no minimums and ownership of expirations. Visit www.bigimarkets.com

Anderson & Murrison Excess Liability Market The A & M personal umbrella is a stand-alone policy admitted with A+ rated by A.M. Best Company. It does not require that underlying policies to be underwritten by A & M. This personal umbrella provides up to $10M limit of umbrella liability coverage over the insured’s underlying policies. This Personal Umbrella policy can be written to cover up to 6 unit apartment buildings, vacant land and farm land with primary liability coverage on a personal form.

Big 'I' Flood Market Big “I” Flood’s partner Selective offers a unique and unparalleled approach to servicing flood customers nationwide. Having been rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best since 1930, and the endorsed flood carrier by IIABA, Selective provides the experience, dedication and service required to stand up against the competition.

Eagle Agency Eagle Agency provides Big “I” members with direct access to preferred personal lines and/or commercial lines with minimal volume commitment. The program strives to fit the member’s personal lines needs by incubating until the member qualifies for a direct appointment. Eagle Agents: Maintain Ownership of Business Get direct access into the carrier’s portal Earn graduated commissions based on volume May get carrier appointment based on volume and profitability MIAA Staff Member Lynda Holt is ready and willing to help you with your RLI questions. You can contact her at Lynda@maineagents.net

RLI Home Business Market

RLI Personal Umbrella Market

RLI's Home Business Policy provides affordable coverage for those people who operate small home-based businesses. It is specifically targeted for over 100 retail and services risks operated from the insured's residence and presenting minimal product liability, professional liability and/or off-premises exposures.

The stand-alone RLI Personal Umbrella Liability policy helps protect an insured against financial ruin if they are sued, even paying for defense costs. Because it’ a standalone policy, underlying policies can be with another carrier or even multiple carriers.

Maine Product Availability

Personal Lines: •

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Afﬂuent Package AIG Chubb Openly Vault • Auto & Home – Standard Markets ForemSM ost Signature Openly Progressive Stillwater Travelers • • Collectibles

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

▪

Commercial Lines: •

Bonds: Bid, Contractor, Performance, Surety

•

Commercial Auto Monoline Markets ▪ Progressive Travelers Community Banks Business Insurance

•

Program Cyber Insurance – Coalition

•

Executive Risk - Coalition

•

Flood - In, Above & Outside of the NFIP!

•

Home Business Insurance

•

Jewelry Insurance

Habitational Markets ▪ Apartments ▪ Condo and Homeowner Associations Pollution Contractors-Farms-USTs-Other

•

Real Estate Agents/Property Manager E&O

•

Small Commercial Markets ▪Travelers Berkley Aspire Chubb CNA

• Flood - In, Above & Outside of the NFIP! • •

▪

Non-standard Homeowners, Renters, Condominium, Rental Dwellings, Vacant • Dwellings • Markets Lexington • Global Indemnity Personal Excess Policy

▪ ▪

Personal Umbrella Policy Recreational Marine Revised 1/3/2023

▪

Life & Health: •

Life, Disability and Long-Term Care ▪ Crump Life Insurance Services

*Product availability varies by state.

MAINE VIEWPOINT

EDUCATION Support MIAA by participating in our outstanding educational offerings. We know there are many providers in the marketplace but we are asking for your business!

MIAA is a DIAMOND

Support us (buy local!) so we can continue to bring quality choices to meet your education needs.

EDUCATION National

MIAA Staff Member Shannon Gorman is ready and willing to help you with your Education questions. You can contact her at shannon@maineagents.net

ELITE EXCELLENCE in Award Winner 12 years in a row.

EDUCATION DELIVERY OPTIONS We offer training in several delivery options to meet your needs.

Online Live MIAA has partnered with top notch vendors and instructors to bring LIVE webinars approved for CE to your office/home. You can earn CE with no travel expenses and in the safety of your office or home. We are continually filing NEW live webinars and have all the topics you need to meet the State Producer requirements. We also offer E&O live webinars and Ethics courses each month of the year. Join so many of your peers and check out the offerings on our education calendar. When you take MIAA courses Shannon will typically file your CE within 24 hours of the course with the State of Maine Insurance Bureau.

On Demand MIAA Offers many courses and bundles that will meet your Maine Producer requirement CE needs. Please purchase these through our website to receive an additional discount.

In House Training The in-house education program is a convenient, cost effective way for your agency to custom design the continuing education program that is geared for your employees and their specific needs. In-house classes give you and your employees the benefit of completing courses on YOUR terms! Virtual Training is Available.

MIAA EDUCATION CALENDAR

ACCESS THE MIAA

Find the courses you need by using the MIAA online Education Calendar.

CALENDAR.

ONLINE EDUCATION

2024 FREE Webinar Series with Carey Wallace Approved for 1 CEC each 10:00AM - 11:00AM

JAN

APRIL

JULY

NOV

Busting the Valuation Myths What are common myths? All agencies are NOT created equal - Valuation data - perpetuation planning

10:00AM - 11:00AM

What's the Story with Multiples Review trends on M&A's - What is the impact to the Independent Ins Industry - Transaction types & More

10:00AM - 11:00AM

Get Your Financial House in Order Fair Market Evaluation - Reviewing Financial Statements - Best Practices - Quality of Book & More

10:00AM - 11:00AM

Have a Plan - Perpetuating Your Agency Reasons to Have a Plan - Core Components - Where to Start - Valuing An Agency & Setting the Price

207.623.1875 www.maineagents.net

ABEN WEBINARS - A collection of eight Big I State Assocations, including MIAA, have formed the Agents & Brokers Education Network (ABEN) to offer professional insurance training webcasts virtually. Registration for these courses is easy! Find a class from the schedule, click to register then add to your cart and checkout. If you have not taken a course with ABEN, you will need to create a new user account. Your log-in for ABEN is separate from your Big I log-in.

MAINE VIEWPOINT

EDUCATION GETTING YOUR STAFF LICENSED Getting your staff licensed is incredibly important for every agency and MIAA has you covered! We have a host of options designed to get your staff licensed.

PROPERTY/CASUALTY PRE-LICENSING REVIEW CLASSES MIAA offers an intensive three-day course to help you better prepare for the Property/Casualty Licensing exam. Students are provided the materials in advanced to read and study before attending the class. Two days are spent reviewing the class concepts (based on the Pearson Vue outline) and one full day is spent on the Maine law portion of the material. The class is interactive and fun! The study guide includes an online practice exam. Property Casualty Pre-Licensing review classes will be held via ZOOM: January 24-25 April 10-12 July 10-12 October 9-11

PRE-LICENSING REVIEW SELF STUDY (P&C AND L&H)

Prefer to do Self-Study? Property/Casualty & Life/Health Licensing Books are available to order from the MIAA website. The MIAA study guide includes the Maine Laws and online practice exam.

PURCHASE PRELICENSING WEBINARS

PURCHASE SELF STUDY MATERIALS

MAINE VIEWPOINT

EDUCATION PERSONAL & COMMERCIAL LINES SCHOOLS PERSONAL LINES ANALYSIS This two-day class takes a deeper look at the coverage parts of necessary personal lines insurance forms. The course starts with the 2011 edition of the homeowners' form and works its way through personal lines floaters, dwelling fire forms, the personal auto, flood, personal umbrella, and even some of those miscellaneous coverage forms such as recreational vehicles, special events, and more. The class will use real-life questions from insureds and actual claim scenarios to engage attendees in discussion and learning. Course Dates: All courses being presented virtually until further notice

Continuing Education Personal Lines Analysis Schools are approved for 12 ME CE Credits. CEs are subject to change without notice. The state requires that all registrants attend each course in its entirety to receive continuing education credits. Partial credit is not given for partial attendance. Late arrivals will not receive any continuing education credits.

February 15-16 Register Here Presented by Dawn Halkyard, CPCU

COMMERCIAL LINES ANALYSIS This three-day class is designed to cover a wide array of businesses; from a small office, a one-person contractor, to a large trucking fleet or national manufacturer. This course will break down the standard ISO forms most businesses need, from property, general liability, workers' compensation, auto, and more. In addition to reviewing coverages found, or not found, in the forms, the class will highlight some of the common areas for agent E&O and spend some time on service basics including the use of surveys and checklists, and certificates of insurance.

Continuing Education Commercial Lines Analysis School are approved for 18 ME CE Credits. CEs are subject to change without notice. The state requires that all registrants attend each course in its entirety to receive continuing education credits. Partial credit is not given for partial attendance. Late arrivals will not receive any continuing education credits.

Course Dates: All courses being presented virtually until further notice

May 7-9 Register Here Presented Dawn Halkyard, CPCU

GENERAL CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES MIAA Will be offering a wide range of general coverage topics approved for Maine CE. We are continuing with LIVE courses offered via Zoom in partnership with our preferred Vendors

Continuing Education General Seminars are approved for ME CE Credit. CEs are subject to change without notice. The state requires that all registrants attend each course in its entirety to receive continuing education credits. Partial credit is not given for partial attendance. Late arrivals will not receive any continuing education credits.

MAINE VIEWPOINT

EDUCATION E&O RISK MANAGEMENT COURSES The MIAA brings to you a variety of E&O courses for CEC and for policy credits for both Utica and Westport. We offer a variety of new 3-hour live webinar courses through our online partners. These are approved by Westport and Utica for loss control credits for your E&O policy. If you have questions, please contact Gayle McPherson at gayle@maineagents.net.

ABEN LIVE ONLINE AND ON DEMAND E&O COURSES With these webcasts, you can watch any course, from anywhere and participate fully, all without taking a test! you'll be able to see the presentation via live streaming video, following along with the presentor's Powerpoint, submit questions, take notes and get full access to written materials. You also have access to the course for up to 40 days after the presentation. The live webcast will stream professional instructors right into your office, along with related course material and the ability to ask questions and interact with other students as well as the instructor. New to ABEN? We are so sure that you will love our webcasts that MIAA will give you 40% off your first purchase. Use code 1stABEN at checkout to receive your discount.

SKILLS TRAINING BY JOB ROLE Looking for industry training for new employee, sales or leadership skills training. My Agency Campus is the perfect solution! The MIAA has partnered with New Level Partners to bring online training to new hires in the insurance industry. My Agency Campus training is on-demand, interactive and cost-effective! Select a specific curriculum package based on individual needs. Exercises and quizzes provide an interactive learning experience. Individuals have four months to complete a selected curriculum. Options include: Business Skills Training Leadership Training Sales Training New Hire Training Job Role Training

MAINE VIEWPOINT

EDUCATION DESIGNATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS The MIAA brings you many options when it comes to obtaining Nationally recognized Insurance Designations. We have discount codes for the Institutes Designations and we also offer webinar classes for many other options. Please reach out to Shannon if you want to chat about the different offerings available and what would be the best fit for your designation journey. Earning a designation is fabulous for professional development and you can also obtain CE at the same time.

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE AGENT (CPIA) Whether you're pursuing your CPIA credential or simply looking to improve your marketing skills, you've come to the right place. CPIA Insurance Success Seminars will help you plan and improve your sales techniques to convert your prospects into customers. Learn to generate qualified leads that translate to more sales, and more commissions. Position for Success (CPIA 1) - 7 CE Credits - March 20 Implement for Success (CPIA 2) - 7 ME CE Credits - March 21 Sustain Success (CPIA 3) - 8 ME CE Credits - March 22 Full attendance at all three seminars allows participants to earn the CPIA (Certified Professional Insurance Agent) designation; no exam is required and you can begin using the designation immediately following the completion of the three programs. Anyone may attend any one seminar of interest Reaccredication Course - December 5

Continuing Education The CPIA program has been approved in all states that have mandatory continuing education. Click here for CE approvals. CEs are subject to change without notice. The state requires that all registrants attend each course in its entirety to receive continuing education credits. Partial credit is not given for partial attendance. Late arrivals will not receive any continuing education credits.

MAINE VIEWPOINT

EDUCATION DESIGNATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS CERTIFIED INSURANCE COUNSELOR (CIC) The Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) Program is a nationally acclaimed continuing education designation program. Its course content and practical application make it the most essential program for both agency and company personnel. To complete the designation, you will need to complete five out of the seven options below and pass the comprehensive essay examination that follows each institute. You are not required to take the two additional institutes but you will find them to be excellent update options. Agency Management Commercial Casualty Commercial Property Commercial Multiline

Life & Health Personal Lines Insurance Company Operations

CERTIFIED INSURANCE SERVICE REPRESENATIVE (CISR)

The Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) program is a practical program that stresses the understanding and analysis of risks and exposures. A student should have a basic knowledge of insurance.

Continuing Education The CIC program has been approved in all states that have mandatory continuing education. Click here for CE course approvals. CEs are subject to change without notice. The state requires that all registrants attend each course in its entirety to receive continuing education credits. Partial credit is not given for partial attendance. Late arrivals will not receive any continuing education credits.

REGISTER FOR CISR SEMINARS The CISR program consists of 5 one-day courses that cover all phases of the CSR's daily work. • Agency Operations • Commercial Casualty • Personal Residential • Personal Auto • Commercial Property You may take the courses in any order and each course is followed by a one-hour exam. Anyone may attend the courses and receive the CEUs without taking the exam. However, if you wish to attain the designation, you must pass each of the 5 exams. To earn the CISR designation you must successfully complete the program and pass the exams within three calendar years following the passage of the first exam.

Continuing Education The CISR program has been approved in all states that have mandatory continuing education. Click here for CE Course approvals. CEs are subject to change without notice. The state requires that all registrants attend each course in its entirety to receive continuing education credits. Partial credit is not given for partial attendance. Late arrivals will not receive any continuing education credits.

MAINE VIEWPOINT

EDUCATION DESIGNATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS The Construction & Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) The Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) program is a specialized curriculum focusing on the insurance and risk management needs of construction projects and contractors. Those who complete the program are entitled to display the CRIS certification to certify their knowledge of construction insurance and risk management and dedication to the industry. Benefits: Gain specialized expertise in construction insurance and risk management. Knowledge to make wiser insurance and risk management decisions for their employees and work more effectively with their agents/brokers. Increase competence, confidence, and credibility of insurance professionals who sell to contractors. Program Dates: Commercial Liability Insurance for Contractors | February 6 Contractual Risk Transfer in Construction | April 11 Commercial Auto, Surety, CIPs, and Miscellaneous Lines | June 19 Property Insurance for Contractors | September 17 Workers Compensation for Contractors | November 12

The Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS) The Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS) program is a continuing education curriculum that provides an in-depth understanding of management liability exposures and insurance coverage. When you complete the program you will be entitled to display the MLIS certification to certify your expertise in the fundamentals of professional liability insurance and the more specific nuances of directors and officers (D&O) liability, employment practices liability (EPL), and fiduciary liability exposures and insurance. Benefits: Enhance the ability to efficiently create and distribute effective insurance programs. Learn ways to increase sales Broaden your organization's market reach Learn to deliver customer derives that drives increased retention

Program Dates: Cyber & Privacy Exposures & Ins Coverage | Jan 30, June 21 Fiduciary Liability Exposures & Ins Coverage | March 13 Understanding D&O Exposures | April 8 How To Insure D&O Liabilities | May 17 Employment Practices Liability Exposures & Ins Coverage | September 9

Once you complete the Designation there are digital badges available to promote your accomplishment on LinkedIn, Social Media and more!

AAI & ACSR

MIAA members receive special discounts for designation programs tailored to your needs at each step in your career. Deepen your knowledge of insurance products and build your client-centric skillset. Achieve these goals and more as you earn Micro-Certs and The Institutes Designations… Plus, do it all in as little as 25 minutes a day! MIAA Members will receive a 10% discount* on AAI & ACSR online courses offered through The Institutes. Enter discount code MIAA15 in the payment method area during checkout.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI®) Establish a clear professional advantage and fulfill your commitment to customer service with the AAI program. Assess and manage your clients’ risks with coverage solutions Create a plan for success as an agent Attract and retain clients through tailored solutions Maximize technological solutions to manage your book of business and agency Sharpen your understanding of coverage solutions to protect your clients personal and commercial liabilities Understand the role of insurance in personal financial planning ________________________________________________________________________ ___

Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR™) Exceed client expectations to gain trust and loyalty Understand the levels of client expectations and methods to exceed those expectations Develop strong skills for each communication channel Recognize and minimize agency errors and omissions Explore personal coverage including property, liability, and auto Answer questions around commercial coverage options Uncover and close coverage gaps

MIAA members receive a 10% on all Designations with the Institutes! CODE BIGIME10 for ALL Designations ( other than ACSR and AAI – that code is MIAA15)

Charter Property & Casualty Underwriter® (CPCU®) Gain the confidence and professionalism you need to stand out with CPCU®, the most trusted credential in risk and insurance. Customize your CPCU with our Commercial and Personal Lines tracks Build your mastery of cyber risk, financial data and statement analysis, and legal aspects of risk management Implement corporate finance principles to protect your clients All courses 100% online, on-demand, self-study

Associate in Claims (AIC) Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU) Associate in Insurance (AINS) Associate in Risk Management (ARM) AND SO MANY MORE DESIGNATIONS!! *Discount excludes exam fees, custom courses, corporate bulk orders, prepaid agreement enrollments, and non-discountable materials. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers, including corporate discounts.

Visit www.maineagents.net to learn more (Education/Designations)

Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration Commercial

Residential

WATER DAMAGE FIRE DAMAGE MOLD REMEDIATION HOARDING SITUATIONS CONSTRUCTION CLEAN-UP SOFT CONTENT RESTORATION SERVICES DUCT CLEANING SEWAGE RECONSTRUCTION SERVICES STORM DAMAGE

Family Owned HAMPDEN 207-947-4454 WESTBROOK 207-536-7220 AUGUSTA 207-623-4454 WATERVILLE 207-872-6676 LEWISTON 207-740-9449 BELFAST 207-338-6611 TOLL FREE 1-800-479-6676

www.bouchardcleaning.com

Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA)

Earn your CPIA Designation in 3 Days Approved in Maine for 22 CEC’s 3/20, 3/21, 3/22

CPIA Courses March 20–Position for Success Participants are encouraged to focus on internal and external factors affecting the development of effective business development plans. 7 CEC’s

The MIAA and the AIMS Society have

LOCATION: ZOOM Presentation

partnered to bring you the CPIA

8am – 4:30pm

Designation Program. The courses are

March 21–Implement for Success

being offered in Maine and can be taken

PRESENTED BY:

Participants will be provided with specific

as individual 1 day courses, or you can

Dawn Halkyard, CPCU

tools for analyzing consumer needs; they

join us for all 3 days and earn a

30 minute lunch & 10 min breaks each hour

will learn to gather prospect information

designation. There is no exam required.

Zoom presentation – strongly encourage a

and more. 7 CEC’s

The material is great for new to the

camera & microphone for these participatory

industry agents but even experienced

courses.

March 22–Sustain Success

agents leave learning something new!

Participants will focus on fulfilling the

Each course does have sections that will

implied promises contained in the insuring agreement. 8 CEC’s

discuss an agency’s E&O and how to

avoid potential claims.

Members $180 per class Non-members $205 per class

Maine Insurance Agents Assoc., 17 Carriage Lane, Hallowell, ME 04347

2024

MIAA Partners Pinnacle Partners

Diamond Partners

Gold Partners

Silver Partners

Bronze Partners

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MORE PREMIUM DISCOUNTS – Qualifying agents can save over 50% in premium discounts including risk management, claims free, agency operations improvement review, eﬃciency, and carrier concentration credits.

FLEXIBLE UNDERWRITING – Targeting agencies of all sizes and unique operations including both P&C and L&H-only agencies.

DEDUCTIBLE SAVINGS – Loss only deductible available along with deductible reduction feature oﬀering up to 100% savings of deductible (up to $25,000) per claim. EASE OF BUSINESS – Our qualifying policyholders enjoy the beneﬁt of automatic renewal available with no applications along with online applications when required.

CAPACITY – Limits up to $30M RISK MANAGEMENT TOOLS – Policyholders have FREE access to the exclusive website E&O Guardian (eoguardian.com) and the E&O Claims Advisor Newsletter. STABILITY - Nationally endorsed program with over 30 years experience and the largest and most stable independent insurance agency E&O program in the country, rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best.

EXCLUSIVE - A Big “I” member exclusive policy form and premium credits filed on a Risk Purchasing Group basis give Big “I” members tailored coverage. MEMBER OVERSIGHT - A Professional Liability Committee, comprised of IIABA members, oversees and directly influences the program. Our program was designed by agents for agents. AGENT ADVOCACY - Supports lobbying efforts protecting your industry by contributing a percentage of every premium dollar to the funding of important advocacy efforts of the IIABA.

INDEPENDENTAGENT.COM/EO

9/22

Insurance products underwritten by Swiss Re Corporate Solutions America Insurance Corporation, Kansas City, MO.

SERVPRO of Augusta/Waterville 207-622-7166 SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth 207-947-0400 SERVPRO of Bar Harbor 207-288-8000 SERVPRO of Bath/Brunswick 207-721-8500 SERVPRO of Belfast/Camden/Rockland 207-338-1850 SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco 207-283-4428 SERVPRO of Farmington, Skowhegan 207-778-8684 SERVPRO of Lewiston/Auburn 207-783-2500 SERVPRO of Oxford/South Paris 207-539-2501 SERVPRO of Portland 207-772-5032 SERVPRO of South Portland 207-854-4004 SERVPRO of Southern York County 207-324-4400 SERVPRO of The Sebago Lake Region 207-772-5032

SERVPRO.COM

SERVING MAINE SINCE 1976 Independently owned and operated

First, We Listen. Workers’ compensation services are more vital than ever to focus on what matters most—the people who define and drive our livelihoods. The Fairway Agency continues to step forward and support you with creative solutions and “A” Rated coverage for your clients.

Proud to Support the Maine Insurance Agents Association

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE SPECIALISTS

781.265.9965 | thefairwayagency.com

THE CAPITAL

DIFFERENCE Better Service More Revenue Less Cancellations

VALUE & ADVANTAGE: Why More Agents are Choosing Capital: Partnering with Capital can lower costs, reduce cancellations, and grow liquidity and investment income for your agency. Capital offers more revenue streams to build your business. We are flexible with down payments and terms. Improve your customer experience for your clients and reduce cancellations through Capital Touch.

Increase Profit Co-Funding Joint Venture Partnerships Annual Profit Sharing Own Your Financing Grow Liquidity Reduce Cancellations

Capture More Business Lower Down Payment Options Competitive Rates More Installments Flexibility

Glenn Joiner

Regional Manager

In a side-by-side comparison, Capital will not be beat. Grow your business, let me help.

603.765.0616 - Cell gjoiner@capitalpremium.net

Reduce Cancellations

Capital Touch 3 Courtesy Calls before Cancellation Text Message Payment Reminders Notices to Agent & Insured

MAINE VIEWPOINT

ADVERTISER INDEX Page 75 21 51 65 76 82 2 77 81 36 22 28 45 46 39 14 30 38 41 7 8 10 13 12 43 17 74 44 16 71 73 52 34

Advertiser A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies Acadia Insurance Andover Companies Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration Capital Premium Finance Colonial Adjustment Inc Concord Insurance Group Countryway Insurance Decotis Insurance Associates Defendify Enterprise IPFS Levitate Liberty Mutual-Safeco Insurance Main Street America Insurance MAPFRE Insurance MEMIC MMG Insurance Moody's Collision Patriot Insurance Company Patrons Oxford Insurance Philadelphia Insurance Companies Risk Placement Services RT Specialty LLC Safety Insurance SAN Group SERVPRO of Maine Summit Adjustment Services The Hanover Insurance Group Union Mutual Vermont Mutual Insurance Group Virtual Agency Solutions WAHVE

*All prices are subject to change without notice and are not guaranteed*

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY.

E&O

GUARDIAN AGENCY RISK MANAGEMENT RESOURCES Dedicated Risk Manager Big “I” policyholders have easy access to an E&O risk manager when those “tricky” situations arise. Even if it’s not so tricky, but you just want to run it by someone, your risk manager is available.

Timely Coverage and Process Information Your risk management department tracks the most common mistakes leading to E&O claims. With this knowledge, a series of short, informational webinars have been developed addressing these most problematic issues. They are available anytime you need them.

Regular Updates Every month policyholders are provided access to our newsletter dedicated to guiding agents around the E&O landmines. It’s a topical, timely, unique value for policyholders.

Hot Issues Webinars As you know, business moves quickly and the “status quo” doesn’t stay status quo long. Occasionally, a new challenge arises that requires quick attention. When policyholders are faced with a new challenge, we conduct a “hot issues” webinar to help you navigate the new situation.

Resources and Tools Procedures manuals, job descriptions, client letters are all available for 24/7 access on a dedicated website for policyholders.

Other Beneﬁts Access to cyber coverage and cyber risk management; exclusive access to agency technology resources through ACT; and the Virtual University – the association’s education provider.

WWW.INDEPENDENTAGENT.COM/EOGUARDIAN 9/22

Is Your Agency Taking Advantage of

Big “I” Business Resources? Did you know that your Big “I” membership provides your agency access to powerful tools and discounts on our strategic non-insurance partners’ products and services? Talogy/Caliper offers hiring assessments that help identify which person is best suited for a given job based on their intrinsic motivation relative to the role’s responsibilities. IIABA members receive 10% off hiring profiles & staff development tools. calipercorp.com/iiaba

Start collecting esignatures and online payments all at once while streamlining signing processes and lowering costs. DocuSign’s simplicity allows for easy integration into your existing workﬂows. IIABA members receive 20% off Standard & Business annual plans. docusign.com/iiaba

Gain access to coverage checklists, commercial and personal lines risk analysis systems, important customer ﬁle documentation and more starting at just $700/agency annually ($200 savings)! IIABA members pay deeply discounted rates compared to similar products. independentagent.com/roughnotes InsurBanc specalizes in insurance agency ﬁnancing and management solutions. Do business with a bank founded by and for independent agents. insurbanc.com

cash

Open or link your IIABA UPS Savings account to receive discounts and call 1-800-MEMBERS to take advantage of UPS Smart Pickup® service free for one year. Big “I” members save up to 34% on shipping. savewithups.com/iiaba Big "I" members can save up to 40% off of monthly fees with Insure Response, our U.S.-based insurance agency call answering service partner. Forward your phones to Insure Response's insurance savvy team during lunch hours, after hours, over the weekend, on holidays or 24/7! Save thousands annually with your Big "I" discount. insureresponse.com/iiaba Order your Big “I” and Trusted Choice logo calendars, business cards and promotional items from The Mines Press and you’ll know that your correspondence will deliver the message of quality as well as care. Doing business with Big “I” members for over 35 years. insurance.minespress.com For more information on these member discounted programs, contact brett.sutch@iiaba.net or visit independentagent.com/businessresources.

Proven expertise you can count on! For Independent Adjustment Needs… We’ve Got You Covered! Our experienced staff and team of adjusters average 20+ years in the business, and have a proven track record of fast response time, attention to detail, and superior customer service. We deliver what we promise – that is our guarantee. There when you need us - Colonial Adjustment, Inc. is New England’s largest independent adjustment company. We have licensed adjusters ready to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Property Colonial provides full adjustment services for property loss on the following:

•Large Loss Team •Homeowner Residential • Condominiums •Commercial Buildings •Business Interruption • Municipalities •Theft – Mysterious Disappearance •Environmental Losses •Inland Marine •Formal Appraisal •Expert Testimony

Casualty

Maine Locations Company Headquarters: South Portland Belfast Yarmouth Saco Skowhegan Bath N. Berwick Howland Auburn Standish Machias Bangor Windham N. Windham Waterville

New Hampshire Conway Exeter

Manchester

Vermont Brattleboro Burlington

We can handle all your General Liability Homeowners and Commercial needs including:

•Auto Accidents •Product Liability •Premise Liability, Slip and Fall •Personal Injury, Dog Bites, Trespass •Liquor Liability •Marine Liability •Contractor Liability •Trucking Losses

Auto/Contents Our team of Auto Property Damage Adjusters are CCC and Audatex trained to assign and manage your auto claim:

•24-Hour Emergency Pager Service •Same Day Contact •Appraisal Assignment within 24 Hours •Cost Efficient Management of Rentals •Liability and Third-Party Claims •Total Loss Settlement

Offering Claims Service

24 hours a day, 7 days a week Claims can be reported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 800-445-2330. You may also assign a claim to us on our website:

www.colonialadj.com

Company Headquarters: 111 Westcott Road, South Portland, ME 04106 | Phone (207) 797-9036 | Fax (207) 797-6820 Toll Free (800) 445-2330 | newassignments@colonialadj.com | www.colonialadj.com