June 2014 - Associated Risk Managers
Transcription
June 2014 - Associated Risk Managers
AN Message from the New Chairman IN THIS ISSUE Priscilla Hottle ARMNEWS Introducing: ARMI Agency................ 2 ARM Regional Reports...................... 3 ARM Regional Reports...................... 4 Anniversary Celebrations.................. 5 ARM National Conference — April 29 – May 1, 2014...................... 6 Did You Get Your Extra 2% Commission?..................................... 8 Flood Insurance Program Changes............................................ 9 Biking for Bob................................. 11 In Memoriam.................................. 12 A little more than a month ago, ARM International spent three days together in beautiful Alexandria, VA. While the rain kept us inside, our time was filled with great business discussions, networking, education and information on a number of products and resources. We were fortunate to have Bob Bradshaw, President of the Independent Agents of Virginia, and Charles Symington, IIABA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, speak to us about the legislative issues impacting our industry and our own agencies today. This year’s ARM National Conference was outstanding, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Scott Spangler, ARM Executive Director, and Rose Marie Rigoni. Our final evening together (sponsored by RPS) was cruising the Potomac River on the Dandy viewing the beautiful Washington monuments! Scott and Roe — many thanks — fantastic job! Joel and Dave — as always, we appreciate your partnership, your support and your generosity. You have an outstanding team of ARM members in leadership positions — a top notch Board of Directors, committed and forward thinking State and Regional Executives, talented Committee Chairs and Committee Members… all looking to enhance the ARM value for all of our members. Introducing ARMI Agency! Independent agents working together to stay independent. ARM members now have one more way to compete in the ARM market: ARMI Agency. The newly branded ARM entity, a wholly owned subsidiary of ARM, was voted into the ARM network early this year. ARMI Agency will offer new programs and new products to ARM members. Danny Gleason, ARM South director, is ARMI Agency’s first president; look for exciting things to come through ARMI Agency. We need your data! In order to develop the programs you want to sell, provide you with specialty products branded for ARM, and examine our volumes in total with carriers to maximize and enhance our relationships, we will annually request your overall premium volumes through your State Executives. We ask for your support and complete response to these requests so that ARMI Agency can do the best job possible for all of us! ARM Programs, Products & Services! Our past Chairmen have all urged you to USE OUR ARM PROGRAMS! I continue the message... All of our programs may not work in your Agency, but many of them will! ARM is not just another market in your agency, it’s an organization that you own and in which you have a financial investment. When possible, choose ARM programs and products first! We are finalizing plans for our 2015 Conference and will communicate them to you once complete. In the interim, don’t hesitate to call 540.351.0862 or email me phottle@hottleinsurance.com with any suggestions, recommendations and new ideas. As your Chairman, I hope to hear from you. No. 24 June 2014 www.armiweb.com Priscilla Hottle Introducing: ARMI Agency Independent agents working together to stay independent. ARM members now have one more way to compete in the market: ARMI Agency. The purpose, he says, is to try give ARM a vehicle to bring national contracts into place. He cites one company ARM does business with. “We do about $12 million nationally, but it’s all segmented into regional contracts. By bringing the total in together, we can do better regionally.” The newly branded ARM entity, a wholly owned subsidiary of ARM, was voted into the ARM network in February 2014. ARMI Agency is a vehicle under which various carrier contracts across the country are gathered and managed. From new programs to new products, ARMI Agency makes it easier to move business through the ARM network. Gleason was the driver of the new agency, says Priscilla Hottle, newly elected ARM Chair. “Danny was very instrumental in bringing this to the table.” The concept came about late in the summer of 2013. Before the ARMI Agency formation, members would ask for a program or product and then have to wait for the national board to approve the request, which took time. As such, Gleason was appointed president. Other officers include Mary Pursell, vice president, and Dick Simmons, secretary-treasurer. Now that ARMI Agency is operational, Hottle sees a number of benefits. “It’s a way for us to give more value to our members, but also to really strengthen our organization and allow us to leverage our strength with national and multi-regional contracts,” she says. Now with ARMI Agency, new business is managed faster and with a singular focus on making sure agents have the products and programs they need to compete. Programs and products from across the country will now be under the ARMI Agency banner, making program maintenance easier. Another benefit of the ARMI Agency entity is the chance to create more awareness around the ARM banner. Case says plans include developing relationships with carriers and making ARM part of their vocabulary. “They know who we are as individual agents, but I don’t think most carriers realize how big of a factor we are in their agency book,” says Case. Immediate past ARM Chair Brenda Case says another real benefit of ARMI Agency is the ability to locate and grow programs that have wider-than-regional appeal. Because many of the programs have been developed at the regional level, often there was no knowledge or crossover into other ARM regions. “As regional directors would meet and talk, they realized some of their programs would have wider appeal. But we didn’t have a structure to support that,” says Case. As ARMI Agency becomes a more integral part of the ARM network, its founders are excited over the new opportunities the Agency will present. “There are exciting things to come. You’ll be hearing more,” says Hottle. “As we chewed through this we realized we needed an ARMI Agency. We needed a function that all of us would be involved in — executive directors, member agents, and partners — to get together, brainstorm, and work out all these things,” she adds. Also, Case wants to remind agents that their voices matter. “We heard you,” says Case to ARM agents. “We asked for your input. You gave it. This is exactly in response to that input.” Danny Gleason, ARM South director and ARMI Agency’s first president, says ARMI Agency is working toward consolidating current contracts under the Agency management model. “We’re trying to create something of value by taking small steps and building a good foundation,” says Gleason. As we chewed through this we realized we needed an ARMI Agency. We needed a function that all of us would be involved in — executive directors, member agents, and partners — to get together, brainstorm, and work out all these things. — BRENDA CASE 2 ARM Regional Reports ARM of Illinois ARM of Northeast Gary Semmer John McLaughlin Five member agencies from the ARM of Illinois region attended the recently held ARM National Conference in Alexandria, VA. Once again, thank you to Scott Spangler and Roe Rigoni of ARM Partners for hosting another enjoyable and successful conference. We are pleased to announce that ARM of Connecticut is celebrating 30 years as an ARM state. On June 28, 1984, a group of agents in Connecticut joined ARM. While the agents have changed throughout the years, the core philosophy remains the same: “Sharing ideas and creating goals with likeminded independent insurance agents.” Today, ARM CT has nine agents in their cohesive group, meeting monthly to continue sharing ideas and creating new goals. In other news, ARM of Illinois has brought two new services to our membership. ARM Illinois and the Iroquois Group entered into a joint market agreement in April offering the following services to Illinois members: The ARM/Iroquois Aggregation Platform opens market alliance opportunities to members to leverage smaller books of business with Iroquois carriers in the hope of securing profit sharing revenue, and; the Market Access program, which opens up new carrier markets to ARM of Illinois members. Currently, ARM of Illinois has nine members that have completed the sign-up process and another nine members committed to the program. Another milestone in the region: Davies and Associates celebrates 50 years as a family-owned independent insurance agency. Located in Murray Hill, NJ, they have served the community for 50 years under the direction of the Davies family. Ted Davies is principal and current ARM NJ president. Congratulations to both groups! Our annual regional meeting is September 16 and 17 at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino, and offers an opportunity to meet with and network with fellow members and also with partners that we all do business with. Save the Date! After 15 years of dedicated service, Executive Director Bob Pegg is leaving ARM of Illinois to pursue other opportunities. We thank Bob for his contributions to ARM of Illinois and ARM National, and for his commitment to helping ARM grow. We wish Bob the best as he moves forward. REGIONAL REPORTS 3 ARM Regional Reports ARM of Ohio ARM of Virginia Terry Quested Dick Simmons It’s been 40 years since ARM Ohio was formed and became a national ARM Chapter. Then, our first account in the Special Programs was school risks (buses) begun August 1, 1974 —coincidently the same year this Executive Director started in the insurance industry for a Lloyd’s of London broker. ARM of Virginia was well represented at this year’s National meeting. I’m proud to announce that nine of our eleven members attended the event in support of our own Priscilla Hottle, who was installed as the new ARM Chairman. As the host region for this year’s event, we were happy to see the weather finally cooperate for our dinner cruise on the Potomac. One hundred people attended the cruise. Our summer meeting is August 21 and will be held at Hilton Hotel, Polaris Parkway, Columbus. Over 25 invited carriers, brokers and vendors have the opportunity to network with representatives from all member agencies. The event is preceded by the Weaver McFadden Memorial Golf Tournament, recognizing two accomplished members whose presence will never be forgotten. As to the Annual Meeting, it highlighted data collection as a hot topic, and new programs for pool services and payroll company partnering were introduced. The array of speakers was once again impressive. Thanks to all our vendor partners. As usual, it turned into another eat-a- thon with lots of good food. We are happy to extend a warm welcome to our newest ARM Virginia member... Denise Lloyd of D. H. Lloyd & Associates! With the agency’s membership, ARM Virginia has now expanded our footprint into the District of Columbia. Cyber insurance awareness continues to grow, and ARM agents are signing up for the Cyber Insurance and Risk Management certification course. Information and resources available at http://armcybertech.blogspot.com. Congratulations to Russ Davies from Andres O’Neil & Lowe Insurance in, Bryan, Ohio, who was elected to the ARMI Board of Directors. Plans are now confirmed for the Fall ARM of Virginia meeting, to be held October 16 (Thursday) at the Boars Head Inn in Charlottesville. Save the Date! We are pleased to announce our newest Member agency, Surance Corp., Galion, Ohio. Agency Principal Kevin McElligott assumed the ARM Shareholding from exiting member, Midland Service Corporation, where he has worked for nearly 20 years. Midland Service, led by Charles Walker, was a founding member of ARM Ohio in 1974. Charlie’s contributions to ARM span four decades and cannot be measured or summed up in a brief comment. On behalf of ARM Ohio members, we extend grateful thanks and best wishes to Charlie and his wife Marion in the next phase of their lives. REGIONAL REPORTS 4 Anniversary Celebrations ARM of Connecticut Celebrates 30 Years On June 28, 2014, ARM of Connecticut celebrates an anniversary. The day marks 30 years that ARM Connecticut has been an integral part of the ARM family. Massachusetts, and New Jersey. ARM CT member agents have served their community and industry throughout the years, including serving on industry association boards and holding the position of president on some of the boards. Since its inception, ARM CT has been meeting monthly to network, share ideas and market information, and determine new ways to create opportunity for its nine member agencies. ARM Connecticut agents adhere to a common core philosophy: “Sharing ideas and creating goals with likeminded independent insurance agents.” “ARM of Connecticut has become, to its members, a way to create opportunities that may not be available to an individual independent agent,” says McLaughlin. McLaughlin says ARM CT is poised for continued growth, as well. “We are bringing on younger people to our group and we have no doubt our group will remain viable for the next 30 years.” John McLaughlin, ARM Northeast regional director, says the group of nine member agencies is a cohesive group that has made a positive impact for the region. “ARM of Connecticut has formed partnerships with several regional insurance companies, and has created profitable group contracts,” he says. Anniversary ARM CT is a member of the ARM Northeast region, which also includes member agencies from New York, ARM CT Agency Celebrates 60 Years Sixty years is a long time for any small business. For the Wilson Agency of Shelton, CT, it feels like just the beginning. in the industry,” says Charlie. “The knowledge and expertise we have available at our fingertips with our other members, RPS and the Gallagher relationship along with the ARMFiCo premium finance company relationship is invaluable. Now that we are three generations, I look forward to our continuing success with ARM National and ARM of CT.” Started in 1955 by the late Charles Wilson, Sr., Wilson Agency has been an integral part of the Shelton area. As an independent insurance agency and an ARM member, the Wilson Agency has offered property and casualty insurance for both personal and commercial customers. Wilson Agency also offers life and health insurance, including individual and group life, health, and disability products. “ARM has truly benefitted our agency. We have gained access to new markets and specialty products. Also, associating with other quality agencies on a regular basis enhances our opportunities with new risks. We truly value our ARM membership,” says Tom. Since its inception, the Wilson Agency has been active in civic and professional organizations. Charlie Wilson, Sr. was a founding member of The Huntington Business Association, and also supported numerous local charities. He was named Volunteer of the Year and Golden Tee recipient by the Cardinal Sheehan Center. Charlie Sr. passed away December 25, 2011. Now a third generation of the family has joined the agency. James Wilson, Charlie Jr.’s son, joined in 2008. James is a member of The Shelton Exchange Club and is very active in their functions and many other community events. Joining the firm in 1979 his son, Charlie Wilson, Jr., has followed closely in his father’s footsteps. Charlie is active in the Independent Insurance Agents of America and has served as Past President of The Connecticut Independent Insurance Agents and Greater Bridgeport Chapter. ARM congratulates The Wilson Agency team and the Wilson family on 60 successful years. In 1989, another Wilson brother — Tom — joined the agency. Tom is past Chairman of Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut, and past President of the Greater Bridgeport Chapter. Both Charlie and Tom see the value in their ARM affiliation. “Being a smaller, local agency, ARM of CT has given us the access to many markets we would never have had and has helped us gain market share with some of the best companies Charlie Wilson, Jr., James Wilson and Tom Wilson. 5 ARM National Conference — April 29 – May 1, 2014 Extraordinary Partnerships... Extraordinary Future Breakout Sessions started bright and early Wednesday morning with the following speakers: The city of Alexandria, Virginia, has a new campaign promoting Alexandria as Extraordinary, and from this the theme of this year’s conference was developed; Extraordinary Partnerships... Extraordinary Future. What a great word to define ARM’s efforts to clearly differentiate ARM from other organizations, engage new partners and support future growth. • Justin Gilmore, Assurant Specialty, presented an overview of the June 2014 program changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)as well as ongoing changes that are part of H.R. 3370 that will eventually repeal parts of the Biggert Waters Act. The conference began with the Board of Directors, Shareholders, and Executive Directors meetings. ARM Partners VP Scott Spangler opened the General Session on Wednesday introducing outgoing ARM Chairman Brenda Case who announced the new ARM Chairman, Priscilla Hottle. Priscilla acknowledged and thanked Brenda for her efforts the past two years. Scott then followed with his annual ARM Partners State of the Union presentation. General Session speakers included: • Julie Paul, The Hartford, described the value and strong partnership with ARM. Julie’s presentation helped attendees understand The Hartford’s breadth of product and services focusing on small business. • Peter Small, RPS Bollinger Sports & Leisure, a new division within RPS that is focused on providing programs for sports-related risks. Programs offered cover an array of different sporting exposures from Golf Clubs, Tennis Clubs, Health & Fitness Clubs to amateur sports teams and leagues. • Dave McGurn, Corporate Vice President of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Chairman of Risk Placement Services, Inc., related his annual State of the Market giving his thoughts on what’s influencing our industry as well as market expectations. • Sarah Wirtz, RPS National Environmental Practice Leader, defined and informed attendees of the various aspects of Environmental insurance and why this coverage is needed and by whom. RPS currently has access to approximately 36 environmental markets and are on the radar of emerging markets. • Kevin Bolger, Senior VP at AFCO Credit Corporation, who spoke of the relationship with ARMFiCo and shared profits from premium financing. • Robert N. Bradshaw, Jr., President & CEO of Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia (IIAVA), gave his thoughts on State Legislative Initiatives to Watch, as well as NARAB II and Biggert Waters. • Mark Barry and Jerry Colistra, with HCC Specialty provided an overview of the HCC products and how they address special and emerging risks and explained how specialty products can help differentiate your agency from the rest. The scope of their products range from Disability to Public Risk. • Joel Cavaness, President of Risk Placement Services, Inc.., gave attendees his annual RPS update, success stories, introductions of RPS attendees, and distribution of override checks for business placed with ARM, and a repeat “Poker Chip Special Offer” only for attendees of the General Session. • Sheri Zukowski and Jayme Lawrence of American Modern Insurance Group outlined AMIG’s specialty product offerings in ARM-represented areas. Their goal is to complement an insurance agency’s core business with easy access to insurance solutions for rental, vacant, seasonal and manufactured properties. • Charles Symington, luncheon Keynote Speaker, Senior Vice President of External & Government Affairs of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) who gave a Federal Affairs Update. • Steve Robinson and Dean Goodwin, RPS Techology & Cyber provides all lines of coverage for hi-tech companies and cyber liability for all for-profit and nonprofit business and entities. Their presentation provided insight into the latest developments, trends and marketing ideas to help your agency market and sell this coverage. Following the General Session, 3 regional groups held individual meetings. The day’s events ended with the Welcome Reception sponsored by AFCO giving attendees the opportunity to share food, drink and lots of networking with old and new acquaintances. • Kevin Doyle, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co./Mergers & Acquisitions, gave an overview of the current state of the M&A marketplace and what attributes most potential buyers — internal or external — are looking for in an agency. 6 Trade Fair —This year, we held the Trade Fair immediately following the Keynote Speaker luncheon. The Trade Fair is an important segment of the conference and provides the opportunity for attendees to network with all 8 breakout presenters mentioned above, as well as additional representation from: We extend our appreciation to this year’s meeting sponsors. Sponsorships are a key element of a successful conference. Please continue to build business relationships with these companies: • AFCO Credit Corporation —Kevin Bolger and Mike Pappas • ARMIweb.com —Terry Quested and ARM Communications support AFCO Insurance Premium Finance • Agility Recovery —Joe Mechem and Stephanie Collins Assurant Specialty Property/American Bankers Ins. Co. of FL • The Iroquois Group —Lindy Bane and Allen Kramer • Rockhill Specialty Programs —Rick Weidman American Modern Insurance Group • RPS —Tish Fournet/National Client Relations, Georgetta Corona and Dale Nelson/Healthcare, Steve Robinson and Dean Goodwin/Technology and Cyber, Joe Valuntas/Transportation, Christa Nadler/Property, Sarah Wirtz/Environmental and Casualty, and Peter Small/ Sports and Leisure Programs. The Hartford HCC Specialty Risk Placement Services, Inc. Once again, a popular session of the conference was the Networking Group Discussion, where ARM agents gathered and shared ideas and experiences. The finale was the Offsite Event, sponsored by Risk Placement Services, Inc. (RPS) aboard Nina’s Dandy for a dinner cruise on the Potomac River. After three days of rain, the clouds cleared and attendees were able to relax and enjoy the weather on the outdoor deck before and after dinner. A great conclusion to a wonderful event! ARM Partners is busy planning next year’s event in Nashville, Tennessee... be sure to attend! Priscilla Hottle, Charles Symington and Brenda Case. 7 Did You Get Your Extra 2% Commission? RPS Poker Chips were again handed out this year at ARM’s National Conference, each General Session attendee getting two chips from RPS President Joel Cavaness. Only those agents who attended the National Conference, and only those who sat in on the General Session got chips. Each chip is worth an extra 2% commission on any piece of new business (excluding work comp) placed with RPS within certain specified time periods between now and next year’s national conference. Joel states “We are always trying to help the ARM Group out with ideas to increase the attendance at the convention, and the poker chip success made it worth repeating. In reality, an ARM Agent can easily pay for attendance costs of the convention just by using the chip on the right account. With all of the products that RPS now has and all of the new products we are rolling out, every agent should be able to find at least one new account to write, and since we gave out two, the second one can be for pure profit!” RPS Poker Chips were first rolled out at last year’s national meeting, held in Indianapolis, and what a hit it was! Attendees from that meeting turned in their poker chips on business written between May 1, 2013 and April 30, 2014 and got back a whopping $106,161 additional commission dollars. “The Poker Chips for the extra 2% commission on anything written with RPS from May 1, 2013 thru April 30, 2014 were indeed a great hit!” according to Priscilla Hottle, Chairman of ARM International and owner of Hottle and Associates located in Warrenton, VA. She continues...“They were fun to use, and it’s always nice to get a bonus check in the mail for additional commission, particularly on business where you needed the RPS talent and expertise and they responded! Thanks, RPS, for the additional incentive; it was very generous and much appreciated. Hottle and Associates personally “won” a couple of checks. It’s also great incentive to attend the ARM Conference — you never know what Joel Cavaness might have up his sleeve!” For details on how to redeem this year’s poker chips, contact Scott Spangler at ARM Partners: Scott.spangler@armiweb.com (or) phone 630.285.4324. 8 Flood Insurance Program Changes Good news for agents whose policyholders are affected by the Biggert-Waters Act; federal flood insurance coverage has just become more affordable. The idea behind Biggert-Waters was a noble one. According to Ron Abbene, Director of National Flood Accounts with Assurant Specialty Property, Biggert-Waters was put into place to do away with the subsidies and changes to actuarial rates. However, Abbene says the impact was unexpected. “It was only supposed to affect 20 percent of policyholders. Those premiums changed from $600–800 in annual premium to $6,000–8,000. Some of the new premiums we started to see quadrupled in some cases because of the new rates.” It’s also become more confusing to agents and policyholders alike. What is being implemented is now being amended thanks to passage of the Grimm-Waters Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act. In 2012, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Act. The Act gives the federal government authority to extend the flood insurance program, but also to implement changes to rate structures in hopes of inserting fairness and some commonsense pricing into a financially swamped program. Instead, the Act created a maelstrom of problems for homeowners and businesses as once-affordable rates skyrocketed. Hence the need for the Grimm-Waters Act. Abbene says Assurant is working with their agents to understand GrimmWaters. Implemented in May 2014, FEMA and the NFIP are attempting to push through a number of changes in order to get refunds to policyholders whose rates increased. Also, Grimm-Waters reverts back to the subsidized pre-FIRM rate tables. Why the Change? Brenda Case, immediate past president of ARM, lives and works in Slidell, a small Louisiana community that sits in a flood zone. When Biggert-Waters became law, Slidell residents and businesses were facing exponential increases in premiums. Because many of Slidell’s buildings in the downtown and surrounding areas were built before the flood insurance program was in existence, those structures, under the original flood program, were rated with subsidized premiums. “Biggert-Waters would have eliminated those subsidized premiums, meaning that all of our structures that were in existence prior to the flood program would now be charged the full applicable premiums,” says Case. “In many cases the increase would have been phased in over several years, but in the end the premiums for many would be unaffordable.” For residents in flood zones, the changes under BiggertWaters deemed flood insurance just as prohibitive. Case uses the example of one of her clients, a retired couple, who pay an annual premium of $1,800. Had BiggertWaters gone into effect without any change, Case says the couple would have seen premiums leap to $24,000 a year. Worse, the premiums would have rendered the property unsellable. “It would have been valueless to sell to someone else. They couldn’t have gotten a loan because what bank is going to look at that as good collateral if it couldn’t be sold?” says Case. Case says the effect of Biggert-Waters on real estate sales and development was immediate. “Had it not been rectified, the end result would likely have led to foreclosures, plummeting sales and property taxes, and financial ruin for property owners whose properties would become valueless and unsellable.” 9 That’s not to say Biggert-Waters won’t be implemented in some fashion. Here’s what changes under Grimm-Waters: It hasn’t been easy changing a law as it is being implemented, says Abbene. “FEMA is trying to turn an elephant around in a bathtub,” he says. • The sale of property will no longer serve as a trigger for higher rates; instead, there will be annual premium increase caps that will increase rates over time. Still, Abbene says TPAs and insurers should offer their agents some assistance. “As a WYO, Assurant is the second largest write-your-own company in the NFIP. We are waiting for the FEMA bulletins on what is going to be implemented, how and when it’s going to be implemented,” he adds. • FEMA will refund to policyholders who have new policies after July 6, 2012, for any Biggert-Waters-related actuarial rates paid. • Annual premium increases are limited to a minimum 5% increase and maximum 18% increase; under BiggertWaters, there was no minimum and the maximum was set at 25%. What It Means to ARM A sustainable flood program is important to the taxpayers. Biggert-Waters was meant to address that issue, but Case says it fell far short of the goal. “The consequences of Biggert-Waters were unintended, and that’s evidenced by the fact that one of the authors, Maxine Waters, was very active in getting the amendment passed,” says Case. • There is now a $25 pre-FIRM flood policy surcharge and a $250 per policy for non-primary and non-residential policies. • The Grandfathering rules are reinstated. Agents need to understand the changes and inform their clients, says Case. It’s up to agents to be the source of information for customers. “Clients are not going to take the time to get to the bottom of all the intricacies,” she says. • Premium increases of 25% for non-primary, business properties, and severe repetitive loss properties will be maintained. “We have a responsibility to educate our customers,” says Case. • The 50% home improvement level threshold for compliance with flood mitigation building practices is re-established. Abbene agrees. Assurant, he says, is implementing FEMA bulletins into their systems as soon as they are issued. That means faster refunds and lower rates going forward. “The average homeowner will still receive annual rate increases, which they have for many years,” he says. “Instead of those huge increases, you may get an annual rate increase on average from 5% to 8%, which has been historically in the NFIP, and then you’re looking at a $25 surcharge on the residential side and $250 on the commercial side.” • Increases the funds available for the Affordability study to $2.5 million. • FEMA is required to consult with WYOs during the entire process of any upcoming changes. Agents, says Abbene, need to stay on top of these changes. “Work with your flood providers and stay up to speed on the education that a lot of the write-your-own companies do provide to agents. Have clients continue to pay for flood insurance. Although it’s a hardship in many cases, if those policies lapse, they could get wiped out because of a flood,” he adds. Had it not been rectified, the end result would likely have led to foreclosures, plummeting sales and property taxes, and financial ruin for property owners whose properties would become valueless and unsellable. — BRENDA CASE 10 Biking for Bob Since 2010, John Nave has been riding out of habit. Now it’s to remember a colleague. So this year, John has put a challenge out to ARM members. “I am going to do something I have never done before; I’m asking all of the great people and their agencies at ARM of Ohio, ARM National and AJG that knew Bob to make a $100 donation in his memory.” John, senior sales executive for Huntington Insurance, Columbus, OH takes part in the annual Pelotonia ride, a grassroots bike ride that raises money for cancer research. The Pelotonia event is a 100-mile ride that takes place each August. Riders collect donations in order to participate. Donations go toward cancer research at The James Cancer Center at Ohio State. John says ARM donors will become part of a special group he calls The BWC-Notes, which stands for “Bob Weaver C-Notes” in honor of Bob’s annual contribution. John’s goal is as much money as he can raise. In mid-May, his contributions topped $1,900. John says 12 of those donors are ARM agents, and he hopes to increase that number. Wearing a worn jersey covered with the names of friends and family who have been touched by cancer, John says one name in particular has special meaning; that of the late Bob Weaver, an ARM member who lost his battle with cancer on October 6, 2012. He was 63. “Bob was always one of, if not the first, contributors to this 100-mile trip,” says John. “He was always very quick to make his annual $100 donation and offer encouragement since I am not, have not, nor ever will be a serious bicyclist.” He’s also hoping to have a little irreverent fun in memory of Bob. “Maybe something like throwing a golf ball into the first creek I pedal across and follow that up with some inappropriate language directed at the golf ball and/or the creek. I know Bob would appreciate that,” he says. Ideas and suggestions are welcomed. To donate, please visit https://www.mypelotonia.org/, click on “DONATE,” type “NAVE” in the search box and follow the instructions. To be included in the Bob Weaver C-Notes group, type BWC-Note into the “include an email” field on the donations page. Also, feel free to include the names of any other loved ones you would like to honor. John will wear all names on his jersey on ride day. John says Huntington National Bank, the owner of Huntington Insurance, became heavily involved in the ride five years ago when they signed up as one of the few major corporate sponsors. Since that time, John has become an annual participant, captain of Team NEBA (Nave’s Excellent Bike Adventure), and missed just one ride last year due to his son’s graduation. All the while, Bob Weaver was donating. John says Bob would send notes of encouragement to John and would respond to John’s training updates. Now, John is without Bob’s donation, and without his colleague’s moral support. John and Crew Chief Stacey 11 In Memoriam Fred Squires Funeral services were held on May 21 for Fred Squires, Jr., age 77. A lifelong resident of Wabash, IN, Fred was a director of ARM of IN more than 10 years and served as president for two. He was also an ARM International director for 3 years. A partner in the Beauchamp & McSpadden (now INGUARD) agency for 40 years, he had a strong dedication to the insurance industry and to the clients he served. With a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, Fred was a big Boilermakers fan, and was a member of Kappa Sigma and Iron Key. He also received a Master’s degree from Ball State University and taught history for several years before coming to the insurance business. Honored as a Sagamore ARM of the Wabash and Distinguished Citizen of the Year in Wabash, Fred worked tirelessly for the community and served on almost every nonprofit’s board of directors in the area. He raised many millions of dollars for the Wabash County YMCA and Wabash Hospital Foundation. Father of 4 and grandfather to 10, Fred doted on his family, but still found time to officiate high school football and basketball and to coach girls’ basketball teams for years and to participate actively with his children and grandchildren in 4-H programs. One of the true gentlemen of the insurance business, Fred Squires will be missed. By Larry McSpadden Associated Risk Managers Strong as MANY. Powerful as ONE. Scott Spangler 630.285.4324 | scott_spangler@armiweb.com 12 Rose Marie Rigoni 630.285.4211 | rose_marie_rigoni@armiweb.com 14ARM25757A