1940s
• The 25th Annual Convention was in Topeka on November 7-8 , 1945 at the Jayhawk Hotel . It was named the “ Post War Conference .” It was the 25th Anniversary of the Kansas Association of Insurance Agents . No particular observation was planned for the silver anniversary due to a ban on conventions issued by the government ; however , in light of the lifting of this ban following V-J ( Victory over Japan ) Day , the Executive Committee decided to hold the convention . Over 400 were in attendance . In the opening remarks of the convention , President Stoskoph stated : “ The Insurance Industry has passed the most critical year in its history and is now on its way to better times .” The Bank and Agent Auto Plan was one of the main topics of the convention . Auto dealers and finance company men crashed the conference to view this plan .
• Dr . Alpha A . Kenna was hired on November 1 , 1946 , as the first executive secretary / manager . He was the first paid employee of the association . Dr . Kenna was a Chaplain in World War I and II . He served in Europe during both wars and attained the rank of Lt . Colonel . He retired from the military in July 1946 .
• Commission Cuts was the most explosive subject before the American Agency system in 1947 . Valid agency contracts which clearly defined the rights and privileges of the producer and the company were essential . A regrettable breach in company-agency relationships was happening . National looked for a contract solution for the membership .
• In 1947 , the National Safety Council decided that the top priority for the Safety Program of 1948 would be drivers ’ education classes in the high schools . The association would cooperate fully with the appropriate state officers to bring this school about . It was introduced to the schools in 1949 .
Work session before the 20th Annual Convention
20 Kansas Association of Insurance Agents