KIA&B 2020 January/February 2020 | Page 4

“New Year, new you” is a universal phrase we hear in the first quarter of the year. We evaluate our past achievements and failures and what we have learned from each. We write down our personal and professional goals and set plans to work towards growth and positive change. I hope that the energy created by the New Year has not worn off and that it continues throughout the year for you and your agency staff. In the same way that your agency continually reviews the value proposition created for your customers, KAIA is consistently considering the benefits that we deliver. Value can mean different things to different members, whether it is protecting your agency with a market-leading E&O policy, agency valuation resources, hiring tools, or legal guidance. This time of year, KAIA delivers a common value that all members benefit from and can get behind; our advocacy efforts. At the center of our value proposition is protecting the independent agency system and the value that independent agents bring Kansas communities. This legislative session, the KAIA legislative team has been hard at work monitoring bills that could impact agencies while negotiating with regulators and industry. This edition of KIA&B magazine will have you thinking about some current issues facing agents, fortifying carrier partnerships, marketing considerations, and an update on this legislative session. We are truly grateful for those readers, members, partners who continually help us build, protect, and grow the independent agency system. Thank you in advance for investing your trust and time with us. Our team continues its unwavering commitment to helping your agency meet the challenges along your professional journey. May every day feel like the first of the year – days filled with inspired drive to continue to motivate, learn, evolve, inspire, empower, and to grow your business. Know that we are here to support you. Dave Hulcher KAIA, Executive Director 4 KIA&B Kansas Insurance Agent & Broker January/February 2020 OFFICERS OF KAIA President : Kristy Wilson | [email protected] President-Elect: Doug Smart | [email protected] VP/Treasurer: JoErin Stuteville | [email protected] Secretary/Assistant Treasurer: Lucas M. Raleigh | [email protected] National Director: Cindy Hower | [email protected] Immediate Past President: Lee Gleason | [email protected] BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone I Director: Shawn Myers | [email protected] Zone II Director: Bryan Schmitz | [email protected] Director-at-Large: Brock Elliott | [email protected] Director-at-Large: Austin Renn | [email protected] Director-at-Large: Kevin Campbell | [email protected] Young Agents Chair: Josh Goodman | [email protected] KAIA STAFF & CONSULTANTS Executive Director: Dave Hulcher Vice President of Finance: Shannon Bower Vice President of Member Experience: Joan Sutton Vice President of Agency Services: Elizabeth Smoller Legal Counsel: Will Larson E&O Program Manager: Rob Fisher E&O Program Administrator: Barb Wise Marketing & Communication Manager: Chrissey Breault Prof Development & Events Manager: Karlyn Judd Office Coordinator: Barb Cobuluis Account Managers: Valerie Dunnam & Carolyn Rouse KAIA Lobbyist: Dan Murray