KIA&B 2019 March/April 2019 | Page 16

Future Planning Our future planning sessions that afternoon began with our members hearing a Kansas Economic Outlook from Mike Busch, Senior Research Economist from the Center for Economic Development and Business Research of Wichita State University. To read a 2019 Kansas Employment Forecast from his department, see page 20. Continuing the focus on growth, David Tralka from InsurBanc presented on agency valuation and perpetuation. Though some might feel this subject is not relevant to their agency at this time, Tralka encouraged agency owners not to delay in giving it their consideration. We’ve published a full article from Tralka on this subject on page 24. KIA&B_MarApr2019_Draft.indd 14 “I’ve presented on this subject to thousands of agents, and everybody tends to sit in the room and say, ‘Well, I’m not really ready to have this discussion,’” Tralka said. “My argument back to you is ‘Yes you are.’ This process isn’t just for if your selling your agency tomorrow. This a 3-, 5-, 8- sometimes 10-year process that’s involved.” Wrapping up the afternoon, Trevor Shylock from Caliper finished out the future planning sessions, sharing advice on vetting, hiring and retaining the right employee. He also shared valuable ideas on how to create and maintain a welcoming and productive company culture. 4/19/2019 10:11:29 AM