| 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 |