| EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’ S PAGE |
Taking Stock
A quick look at the value we be bring to our members.
DAVID HULCHER KAIA Executive Director
F or nearly a century, KAIA has been dedicated to meeting the needs of independent agents across the state, and my team and I are honored to carry on the legacy of adding the highest possible value to your organization each year. We pride ourselves on keeping you connected, protected and“ in the know.”
As we work around the clock to meet your needs, it’ s vital that our members understand the full value of their membership and participation. To give this some perspective, here’ s a 30,000-foot view of the ways in which we have your back:
• MARKET ACCESS: In an effort to improve the value we bring members through the Agency Services Corporation of Kansas( AScK), KAIA / AScK now provides access to quality, admitted personal and commercial lines markets to supplement your current carriers. Through our Market Access Program, members can access markets such as EMC, Metlife, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual, AMTrust, BHHC, SECURA Specialty, and more.
• LEGAL SERVICES: KAIA offers legal services to our members to help keep you informed and equipped when you need guidance most. To ask a question through KAIA’ s Legal Hotline, member agencies may call 1-800-229-7048 and ask for KAIA Attorney Will Larson, or email will @ kaia. com.
• ADVOCACY: Insurance is one of the most regulated industries in the business world. As an independent agent and a member of KAIA, your voice is heard by local and national legislators and regulators through the efforts of our lobbying team as well as the Big“ I.”
• EDUCATION: KAIA continues to be a source of quality education opportunities, both online and in person. We offer a broad range of approved courses for CIC designation, CISR designation and continuing education.
We offer a variety of opportunities for online study through IRMI / WebCE, ABEN, and New Level Partners, and we’ re always looking for innovative ways to expand our educational offerings to meet your professional development needs.
• YOUNG AGENTS OF KANSAS: The Young Agents of Kansas( YAK) are a professional skills development and networking group for the under 40 crowd( or those who are new to independent insurance). Focused on engaging, empowering, and evolving young agents, the YAK Program is one of our highest priority initiatives to improve the future of this industry in Kansas.
• COMMUNICATION: We have cleaned up the navigation on our website this year to help you easily access the resources we offer to help grow your business. Sharing relevant information, produced and curated by our staff, we continually reach out to our members through the magazine you’ re reading, agency visits, weekly newsletters, social media posts, etc.
• NETWORKING: We provide numerous industryleading networking and event opportunities, bringing agents together with colleagues and thought leaders to foster the professional growth of individuals as well as the organizations they represent. We believe the connections from our events help strengthen the overall effect of independent insurance on the Kansas market in the long run, potentially growing everyone’ s piece of the pie. Individually, organizationally, and collectively – the association’ s networking and event opportunities are a win for our agents.
There’ s nothing I would love more than to sit down with each and every one of you to discuss how KAIA can meet the needs of your organization. For now though, I hope this overview has helped to reinforce your understanding of just how important it is to invest in your agency through membership with the association. As always, thank you for your continued support of KAIA.
4 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER | July- August 2018 |