member guide

MEMBER GUIDE
We Are More Than Your Association.
We Are Your Partner.
www.iiabny.org
Published
February 2013
Address:
5784 Widewaters Parkway
1st Floor
Dewitt, NY 13214
Phone: 800-962-7950
Fax:
888-432-0510
E-mail:
iiabny@iiabny.org
Web:
www.iiabny.org
The mission of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, Inc.,
working in the public’s best interest, is to advance the performance
and success of independent insurance agencies and brokerages in New York.
Welcome to IIABNY!
You have taken the first step to improving your agency by joining the
association for successful independent agents and brokers.
IIABNY is a member-driven organization that exists to fulfill the
educational, political, and business interests of our agencies and their
employees. We, and now you, are also part of the national association,
the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA),
commonly known as the Big “I.”
We know that running an independent agency, no matter how large or
small, has its challenges. As a member of IIABNY you have access to a
wide variety of products, services, and knowledge to help you manage
your agency and further its success.
This guide is meant to give you a brief overview of some of the resources
available to you as a member. You can find more detailed information on
our website (www.iiabny.org) or by calling one of our staff members.
ADVOCACY ........................................................................................................... page 2-3
EDUCATION .......................................................................................................... page 4-5
BUSINESS RESOURCES ...................................................................................... page 6-7
INSURANCE PROGRAMS ................................................................................... page 8-9
MEMBER SERVICES ........................................................................................ page 10-11
SUPPORTED PROGRAMS ............................................................................. page 12-13
SPONSORS ............................................................................................................. page 14
ADVOCACY
IIABNY gives you a voice in Albany &
Washington DC.
From legislative matters to company initiatives, IIABNY is your advocate on the
issues that matter to your agency’s success.
Current Initiatives:
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Certificates of Insurance
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Agent Licensing Reform
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Flood Insurance Extension & Reform
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Homeowner’s Insurance Availability
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Health Care Reform
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Insurance Regulatory Reform
& Affordability
IIABNY is Always Working For You
Legislative Team:
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Albany-based Barrett Associates track and analyze every bill introduced
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Respond to/work with legislators to support or oppose various bills as well as develop
legislation
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Pursue regulatory advocacy with NYS Department of Financial Services & other state
agencies
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Washington-based IIABA team consistently ranked in “top 25” of Washington lobbyists
Carrier Advocacy:
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Constant communication with insurance companies discussing contract language,
disclosure, procedures, and policies
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The IIABNY Industry Index, conducted every fall, allows members to rate national,
regional and super regional carriers performance in personal and commercial lines
Insurance Legislation:
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Track bills of interest and status online as they move through the legislative process
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Legislative Position Paper outlines the association’s position on key issues
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A similar document is published by the national IIABA team
2 www.iiabny.org
ADVOCACY
What You Can Do
Attend Legislative Conferences:
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L Day (Legislative Day) - January 29, 2013
Join hundreds of independent agents from across the state in Albany to lobby your
representatives on the issues important to our industry.
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National Legislative Conference: April 17-20, 2013
Hosted by the IIABA, independent agents from across the US converge on Washington
to lobby on Capitol Hill.
Respond to Grassroots Initiatives:
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Contact your legislators when prompted
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Suggested wording will help you educate them on the issues critical to our industry
Support Political Action Committees:
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Association raises funds from member contributions to support candidates who are
responsive to the needs of independent agents and small business
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IAPAC raises funds for contributions to state candidates
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InsurPAC raises funds for contributions to federal candidates
Staff Contact:
Kathy Weinheimer • kweinheimer@iiabny.org • ext. 239
800-962-7950 3
EDUCATION
IIABNY’s innovative delivery methods
fit your unique educational needs.
Classroom
High quality continuing education classes are presented by
experienced instructors at convenient locations across New York.
Classroom
Up-to-date online education calendar lists the topics, dates, and
locations for each. Course brochures indicate the intended audience,
what you will learn, and the level of difficulty.
Class topics include:
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NYSID or NYAIP Classes
Designation Programs (AAI, ACSR, AIS)
E&O Loss Prevention Seminars
Topics of Interest
Essentials for CSRs
Self Study
Staff Contact: Lisa Britton • lbritton@iiabny.org • ext. 228
Online
IIABNY offers a wide variety of online study options allowing you
to learn and sometimes even earn CE from your own desk:
Online
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IIABNY Web CE
IIABNY Webinars
Self Study CE – Discounts at CEU.com & WebCE®
New Hire Training
On-Demand Webinars
Big I Virtual University
Staff Contact: Kathy Lawler • klawler@iiabny.org • ext. 218
4 www.iiabny.org
EDUCATION
In-House
In-House
IIABNY can bring our extensive array of courses or webinars to your
staff on your terms in your office. You pick the time that’s most convenient for you - including evenings and Saturdays. Then choose the
courses you want from a list of over 100 programs currently
approved for CE, led by professional trainers:
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Property & Casualty
Life
Agency Management
Designations (ACSR, AAI, AIS)
Or IIABNY can develop a class on a topic of your choice!
Staff Contact: Dee Macheda • dmacheda@iiabny.org • ext. 215
New Hire Training
Quality, technical training options for your new hires A new online
training center, powered by New Level Partners, provides curriculum
packages based on individual needs and expertise:
New Hire Training
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Commercial Lines
Personal Lines
CSRs
Managers
On-demand audiovisual exercises and knowledge checks offer an
interactive learning experience - all for one low fee!
Staff Contact: Kathy Lawler • klawler@iiabny.org • ext. 218
Designations
IIABNY offers nationally recognized insurance designation programs
in partnership with The Institutes (formerly the American Institute for
CPCU):
Designations
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Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR)
Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI)
Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
Staff Contact: Lisa Britton • lbritton@iiabny.org • ext. 228
800-962-7950 5
BUSINESS RESOURCES
IIABNY provides access to exclusive
savings & revenue generating programs.
IIABNY’s Business Resource Directory lists all non-insurance products identified as
useful for the business operations of our members.
The products are accompanied by an icon to indicate their level of involvement with the
association and organized into intuitive categories to help you find what you’re looking
for, such as:
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Agency Management
Agency Valuation & Perpetuation
Audits
Benchmarking
Disaster Planning & Recovery
Document Management
Financial
Hiring & Recruiting
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Human Resources
Marketing/Promotional
Office Products
Payroll
Premium Finance
Shipping
Technology
Web Site Development
A sampling of participants with special member pricing and/or access:
ACORD Advantage
Subscription for print-on-demand
ACORD forms
Agility Recovery Solutions
Disaster recovery & business continuity
AgentQuote.com
Web site development program
Big "I" Best Practices
Benchmarking tools and data
Caliper Profiles
Personality assessment and job matching tool helpful for hiring and managing
FedEx
Special savings on shipping
Hertz Car Rental
Special savings and upgrades on car
rentals
InsurBanc
Bank specializing in servicing the
insurance industry
StaplesLink
Discounted office supply program
Virtual Risk Consultant
Online sales, operation and exposure
reference and resource
6 www.iiabny.org
BUSINESS RESOURCES
A sampling of Preferred Program
benefits:
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products endorsed by IIABNY & offering exclusive
Endorsed human resources firm
Unique knowledge of IIABNY members
and their needs
Senior-level consultants with expertise
in all facets of human resources
IIABNY members save up to 30%
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Contact Affinity HR
877-660-6400
contact@affinityhrgroup.com
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Endorsed premium finance provider
Highly competitive rating structure
Finance premiums as low as $500
New York-based company providing
exceptional service
Contact Art Ponzi
866-856-1112 (office)
716-628-3462 (mobile)
art@superiorpayment.com
Endorsed “insurance friendly” payroll
provider for members and your clients
10% discount on payroll processing fees
Earn 6% referral fees (min. 3 customers)
Ability to offer pay-as-you process work
comp option
Contact Steve Ruffino
866-341-4562
sruffino@ovationpayroll.com
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Endorsed remote staffing solution
Fixed monthly or hourly fee
Talent pool of highly qualified,
experienced insurance retirees
Start-up fee waived
Contact Sharon Emek
646-807-4372
sharon.emek@wahve.com
Staff Contacts:
Lisa Lounsbury • llounsbury@iiabny.org • ext. 230
Jamie Deapo • jdeapo@iiabny.org • ext. 232
800-962-7950 7
INSURANCE PROGRAMS
IIABNY offers access to insurance products
for your agency as well as your clients.
Employee Benefits
IIABNY members enjoy access to an exclusive product mixture of carriers and customizable
programs for your agency, designed specifically for independent agents.
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Dental Program underwritten by Guardian
- Multiple plan options with competitive rates
- Voluntary or contributory contribution methods
- Expansive network of dental providers
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Vision Program underwritten by Davis Vision
- Available for as few as two participants
- Dual plan options with competitive rates
- Voluntary or contributory contribution methods
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Life & Disability Package underwritten by MetLife
- Includes Life, AD&D, Enriched DBL, Long Term Disability, Voluntary Life
- Preferred rates and packaged discounts
- Flexible plan design and benefit options
- Attractive guarantee issue limits
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Health
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Retirement Services
Staff Contact: Eric DeFrancesco • edefrancesco@iiabny.org • ext. 241
Mono-line Work Comp Program
IIABNY endorsed-PMC Insurance Group (www.pmcinsurancegroup.com) specializes in
workers’ compensation for small to large accounts:
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Premium size $2000 ++
PMC PayGo (a pay as you process solution)
All A.M. Best rated "A-" or better national carriers
Wide appetite for classes (includes several exclusive programs) such as health care
services, medical staffing, social service, temporary staffing, and waste haulers
Contact: Bob Jones • 440-313-5002 • rjones@pmcinsurance.com
8 www.iiabny.org
INSURANCE PROGRAMS
Errors & Omissions Insurance
IAAC’s dedicated professional staff understands the competitive E&O environment in our
state. Experience, stability, market knowledge, and a commitment to customer service
ensure you receive the attention you deserve for this important protection.
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Loss Control Tools & Rewards: Policyholder credits, seminars, reference
Markets: Westport, Fireman’s Fund, many other admitted & non-admitted
Products: Agents E&O, Excess E&O, Cyber Liability, Misc. professional
Staff Contact: Brian Bixby • bbixby@iiabny.org • ext. 233
Personal Umbrella Policy Affordable, Stand Alone Coverage
Home Business Insurance Policy True BOP Coverage
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Both products underwritten by RLI Insurance Company, A.M. Best “A+” rated
No minimum volume requirements
No access fees
IIABNY members earn 8-10% commission on new and renewal business
Staff Contacts: Deb Reitz • dreitz@iiabny.org • ext. 225
Denise Brown-Carter • dcarter@iiabny.org • ext. 246
Free Market Access Program
Big "I" Markets (www.bigimarkets.com) is the independent agent's gateway to specialized
insurance products and services with no access fees, no volume commitment, and no
software needed beyond basic Internet access. Over 30 products are available, including:
Commercial Lines Programs:
Travelers Select: Building Pac, Business Pac, Commercial Auto, Contractor’s Pac, Garage Pac, Office Pac,
Religious Pac, Store Pac, Technology Office Pac, Apartment Pac & Condominium Pac
Travelers Restaurant Programs: Casual & Fine Dining
Hartford Commercial Programs: Alarm Contractors,
Arborists, Self-Storage, Septic Contractors, Specialized
Truck Equipment, Specialty Pool & Spa
Travelers Community Bank Program
Markel Outdoors: Dude Ranches, Hunting & Fishing
Lodges, Outfitters & Guides, Rod & Gun Clubs
Special Mobile Food Vendors Program
Middle Oak Worlds Apart Apartment Program &
CAPSure Community Association Program
Personal Lines Programs:
Affluent Personal Lines through Chubb, Fireman’s
Fund, ACE & Chartis
ACE Marine Programs: Charter Boat, Mega-Yacht,
Yacht, Performance Boat, Personal Watercraft, Small
Boat (under 27 ft.)
Lexington (Chartis): Non-Standard/ Unprotected/ Unsupported Secondary/ Seasonal/ Corporate/LLC Owned/
Coastal/ Affluent Non-Standard Homeowners, Renters,
Rental Dwellings, Vacant Dwellings, and Condominiums
QBE Stand-Alone Personal Fine Art and Valuable
Articles Program
Philadelphia Insurance Event Liability
Chubb Collector Car Program
Staff Contact: Jamie Deapo
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jdeapo@iiabny.org • ext. 232
800-962-7950 9
MEMBER SERVICES
IIABNY’s resources and tools help you
manage and grow your business.
Research
Have a question? Need assistance? IIABNY’s “on call” insurance experts offer guidance and
research on technical issues and get you the answers you need:
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Coverage & contract questions
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Compliance with insurance
regulations
Interpretation of new laws and
regulations
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Workers’ compensation questions
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Carrier contract reviews
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Company appointments
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Market searches
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Agency management issues
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Risk classification questions
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Insurance legislation
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Licensing questions
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Online research library
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Premium calculation questions
Staff Contact: Tim Dodge • tdodge@iiabny.org • ext. 229
E&O Loss Control Tools
The E&O-TLC (Total Loss Control) program was created by
IIABNY in conjunction with the partners of Keidel, Weldon
& Cunningham, LLP for IIABNY members and IAAC insureds.
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Education including E&O Loss Control Live and /
Video seminars, Webinars & Best Practices
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The E&O TLC Agency Audit*
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Customized Training/Consulting plus Free Hot Line
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Online reference materials
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Virtual Risk Consultant
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E&O Happens website**
Chris Weldon, Esq & Jim Keidel, Esq
* Swiss Re insureds receive a 10% premium credit for successful completion of an E&O audit.
** Available to Swiss Re insureds only.
Staff Contact: Brenda Strong • bstrong@iiabny.org • ext. 247
10 www.iiabny.org
MEMBER SERVICES
News & Communications
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Social Media: Connect with IIABNY as well as agents & brokers across the state online!
www.linkedin.com
www.facebook.com/iiabnywww.twitter.com/iiabny
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“Ask Tim” Vidcast & Blog: Tim Dodge answers member questions and explains technical
issues in a unique and entertaining way
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E-newsletters & Reports: Situation Room, Insider, In the Classroom, E&O Report,
Member Benefits Update, Capitol Report
Staff Contact: Julie MacConnell • jmacconnell@iiabny.org • ext. 226
Marketing/Branding Resources
Trusted Choice® - The consumer brand of the independent agent
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Marketing Reimbursement Program: Up to $500 available
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Access to professionally produced advertising materials
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Licensed use of the logo & Pledge of Performance
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Presence on “Find An Agent” locator at www.trustedchoice.com
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Customizable press release templates
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National advertising exposure along with state promotion
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Syndicated content feed for automatic web content updates
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The backing of 55+ leading independent insurance carriers
Staff Contact: Julie MacConnell • jmacconnell@iiabny.org • ext. 226
Project CAP - www.projectcapmarketing.com
Available exclusively to Big “I”members , this powerful industry initiative was created to
recapture and expand the independent channel’s share of the personal lines insurance
market. Programs include:
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Online Consumer Portal - coming soon!
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Agency Digital Marketing Programs
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Trusted Choice® Mobile App
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Local Results Optimization Services
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Market + Business Intelligence
800-962-7950 11
SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
IIABNY’s committees, events & groups
help you connect with industry peers.
Next Gen
Next Generation of
Insurance Professionals
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Networking group for individuals under 40 or new to the independent insurance
industry
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Create lasting business relationships
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A forum to comfortably express ideas and share agency issues
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Events held throughout the year across the state
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Opportunity to participate in national Big “I” Young Agents events
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Membership is free! There may be registration costs associated with events
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www.facebook.com/nextgeninsurance
Staff Contact: Monica Rayder • mrayder@iiabny.org • ext. 249
InVEST
Classroom to Career Insurance Education
Our profession is due to lose 40% of its workforce in the next 5 -10 years. How do we
generate interest in insurance? InVEST!
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Educates high school and community college students on careers in insurance,
financial services and risk management
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Develops a diverse pool of insurance professionals and informed consumers
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Encourages careers in the industry; numerous scholarship opportunities
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Promotes positive public relations, positioning the industry as a respected liaison
between the academic and business worlds
Please consider getting involved!
Staff Contact: Dee Macheda • dmacheda@iiabny.org • ext. 215
12 www.iiabny.org
SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
Local Associations
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Discuss industry issues on a localized basis
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Meet with fellow agents & brokers, company leaders, legislators, and other industry
leaders
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Networking events
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Informational/educational sessions
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Legislative activities
Metropolitan-Suburban Region
- Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Suffolk County Inc.
- Tri-County Independent Insurance Agents Association (Nassau, Kings, Queens & Richmond)
- Independent Insurance Agents of Rockland County
- Independent Insurance Agents of Westchester County Inc.
- Independent Insurance Agents of Putnam County Inc
East-North Region
- Sullivan County Association of Independent Insurance Agents
- Independent Insurance Agents Association of Orange County, Inc.
- Independent Insurance Agents of the Capital Region (Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady)
- Adirondack Independent Insurance Agents Association
- Independent Insurance Agents Association of Oneida, Herkimer & Madison Counties
West-Central Region
- Independent Insurance Agents Association of Western New York Inc. (Erie County)
- Independent Insurance Agents of Monroe County Inc.
- Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Greater Binghamton Inc. (Broome & Tioga)
- Independent Insurance Agents of Central New York Inc. (Onondaga)
Staff Contact: Kathy Lawler • klawler@iiabny.org • ext. 218
A full event calendar including IIABNY events,
local I-Days, E-Days and Local Association meetings
is available at www.iiabny.org
800-962-7950 13
Thank You to Our Valued
2013 Support New York Sponsors
CHAIR OF THE BOARD LEVEL ($7500+)
FRIENDS OF IIABNY ($1500+)
New York Central Mutual Insurance Co.
Acadia Insurance TC
Allegany Co-Operative Ins. Co.
American Modern Insurance Group
Broome County Co-Operative Fire Ins. Co TC
Central Insurance Companies TC
Chubb Group of Ins. Cos.
Countryway Insurance
Encompass Insurance TC
Erie & Niagara Insurance
FinSecure
The Guardian Life Insurance Company
Harleysville Insurance TC
The Hartford TC
InsurBanc TC
Iroquois Group
KAFL Insurance Resources
Kemper Preferred
Kingstone Insurance Co.
MEMIC
Mercury Insurance Group
MetLife Employee Benefits
Midstate Mutual Insurance Co.
Narragansett Bay Insurance Company
Oryx Insurance Brokerage
Ovation Payroll
PMC Insurance Group
QBE/General Casualty Insurance
Russell Bond & Co., Inc.
Sterling Insurance Company
Superior Payment Plan, LLC
Swiss Re
Utica National Ins. Co.
Peerless Insurance Company TC
Safeco Insurance TC
GOLD LEVEL ($5000+)
Adirondack Insurance Exchange TC
Applied Underwriters
Asurion
Merchants Insurance Group
Tower Group Cos.
Travelers TC
SILVER ($2500+)
Dryden Mutual TC
ELANY
Foremost Insurance Group TC
The Hanover Insurance Group
LiDAC Employee Benefit Solutions
National Grange Mutual Insurance Co. TC
Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
Progressive Insurance Co. TC
Selective Insurance TC
TC
=Trusted Choice® Sponsoring Company
14 www.iiabny.org
An electronic version of this Member Guide is available at
www.iiabny.org/membership
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How To Log In To Our Website (www.iiabny.org):
Go to www.iiabny.org and click in the blue “Member login” bar.
Enter your User Name and Password.
How to Change Your Password:
Log into the Web site.
In the blue login bar, you should see “Welcome Your Name,” Status,
Manage My Account, Reset Password, and “logout.”
Click on “Reset Password” and enter your new password twice.
Finally click the “Reset Password” link.
Stop By and Visit When You’re in the Area!
5784 Widewaters Parkway, 1st Floor, Dewitt, NY 13214
800-962-7950 • www.iiabny.org