KIA&B 2015 Volume 20, Issue 6 | Page 26

kansas agencies make best practices list National study finds nine traits in top-performing agencies F ive Kansas independent insurance agencies were named to the national 2015 Best Practices list, making them among the top-performing agencies in the country. focus on customer service and satisfaction Formal and informal surveys inquire about customers’ perceptions of how the agency is meeting expectations and how it might improve service. The five KAIA member agencies included in this year’s Best Practices study are: frequent customer contact Agency educates clients, builds accounts, explains new products and prices, serves as a consultant and problem solver and provides pleasant and productive contact. • Assurance Partners, Salina • The Davidson Agency, Delphos • IMA Financial Group, Wichita • The Reilly Company, Leavenworth • SBS Insurance Agency, Seneca The Best Practices study, initiated by the Big I and Reagan Consulting, provides an annual look at emerging trends in the industry based on the activities of top agencies across the country. The study is designed to help members maintain and improve the value of their most important asset – their agencies. Overall, this year’s study found slight declines in organic growth but steady profitability. Thanks to a softening property-casualty market combined with a stagnant economic recovery, the study reports 8% organic growth for Best Practices agencies in 2014, down slightly from 8.2% in 2013. Among the findings that emerged from the study was identification of nine common characteristics in Best Practices agencies. Those characteristics include: 24 valued staff Employees receive the education, training and tools they need to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. Leadership expects them to perform at high levels and grow personally and professionally and rewards, recognizes and celebrates their accomplishments. participatory management Top managers are involved in daily operations and share financial information to ensure employees understand profit expectations. Employees have authority to exercise their responsibilities and provide input on planning and budgeting. vision The agency has a clear mission statement that focuses on the customer and shares it with staff to ensure widespread understanding.. win-win supplier relationships Agency seeks partnerships with insurers that share its vision and Insurance Coverage for Municipalities and other Public Entities • Program available to any agency • 3-Year Premium Rate Guarantee for Fire Departments • Loss Control and Training • All Occurrence Forms • Employee Beneets Liability • Public and Professional Liability with prior acts coverage • Blanket coverage on Inland Marine equipment and valued at replacement cost Policies are issued by KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER |November-December 2015| 785-331-3607 [email protected]