| PRESIDENT ’ S PAGE |
The Value of Membership
Priceless
V alue can be difficult to assess . We quickly
comprehend why we spend money to have our vehicles serviced , or the reasons to book a plane flight rather than drive your car all the way to Miami for a weekend get-away . These costs have tangible evidence of value . If we don ’ t get our cars serviced , we won ’ t be able to drive to work . If we want to spend time on the beach and not in the car , we should hop on a plane . The consequences are visible . Yet , how do we measure the value of membership or partnership with an association ?
As KAIA prepares for a new fiscal year , many of our agency and associate members , as well as industry partners , are considering that very question . The benefits the association provides are not so immediately visible . For example , the association ’ s work during the legislative session this year helped prevent a too hasty decision regarding the school insurance pool issue . Instead we were able to buy time to educate legislators on why pursuing a mandatory school insurance pool would be poor policy for Kansans . While we as agents are unable to experience tangible evidence of this invaluable work , we do benefit from the peace of mind that our local communities will not be forced to take on the burden of risk the insurance pool would create .
While the school insurance pool issue has not yet been laid to rest , the example does demonstrate how membership with the association provides value to independent insurance agencies , companies , and the communities in which we live and work . Your membership dues are part of what makes this work possible .
Industry partnerships are another avenue by which the association is able to fund important work for the Kansas independent insurance system . The program is tiered , giving partners the opportunity to decide which of the four levels of sponsorship best meets their needs . The
DUSTY DAVIS KAIA President
reason our industry partners join the association is to connect with agents . Sharing your experience and support is the most effective way that we can demonstrate our value to the companies with which we work . I hope each of you will reach out to your insurance company representatives and let them know why you value the association and how they can add to that value by becoming an industry partner with KAIA .
Another way the association provides seemingly intangible value is through networking events such as the upcoming Leadership and Development Conference . Previously known as the Management Conference , the new name has been updated to reflect the fact that the conference is not just for agency principals but also for young agents and other future leaders of the industry . How many other opportunities do you have to meet with industry leaders in Kansas ? You will find more about the conference later in this issue . Consider how the classes and activities that have been planned will assist in your agency ’ s goals for the year .
Furthermore , consider how your agency might add value to the association for other members . Have you had a successful marketing plan that other agencies might benefit from learning about ? Does your agency have streamlined workflows that produce greater efficiency ? Is there a CSR or producer in your agency who has exceeded expectations when it comes to renewals or new business ? Part of belonging to the KAIA community is identifying what it is that we have to offer the rest of the industry . The association is your avenue for connections . We hope you will take advantage of our desire to assist you in making those connections work for you .
2 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER | JULY - AUGUST 2016 |