PUBLISHER ’ S NOTE
INSIGHTS FOR OUR MEMBERS written by Dave Hulcher
KAIA continues to provide information and resources to help agencies evolve and thrive well into the future . This edition of the magazine focuses on agency management topics that many agencies are wrestling with such as developing operational strategies , defining key performance indicators , implementing technology to streamline processes and workload , managing E & O exposure and finding adequate staffing resources . Supporting our members in these areas is embedded in our strategic goals .
Assisting our members improve efficiency and optimize operations through implementation of technology is an area of focus . KAIA recently joined the 101 Weston Labs Collective to support a first-of-its-kind accelerator made up of Big “ I ” state associations supporting InsurTech companies focused on enhancing the independent agent distribution . By supporting these companies early , we can help them develop technology that addresses the needs of agents and creates a greater ability to connect them to members . A great example was the following 101 Weston Labs participants who joined us at the KAIA Annual Convention :
• Milly Books : A digital marketplace that allows agents to buy and sell books ( or portions of books ) of business . ( millybooks . com )
• RiskAdvisor : Offers smart-form software providing agents to work faster and more efficiently ( riskadvisor . insure ).
• Sonant : Provides AI support staff for agents to free the team up from repetitive calls & tasks . ( sonant . ai )
They say its hard to “ work ON your business , while working IN your business ”, and many of the topics covered in this edition of the magazine fit squarely in that space . There are many resources that KAIA offers , but it can be overwhelming to find them . That is why we always encourage you to reach out to a member of our team who is here to support and consult with you on managing your agency .
Stay humble , kind , and thankful ,
KIA & B
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 • VOLUME 30 No . 1
OFFICERS OF KAIA President : Bryan Schmitz | bryanschmitz @ sbsins . com President-Elect : David Vogel | dvogel @ provalueins . com VP / Treasurer : Brock Elliott | brock @ elliottinsurancegroup . com Secretary / Assistant Treasurer : Bryce Hundley | bryce @ hundleyinsurance . com National Director : Jo Erin Stuteville | joerin @ elliottinsurancegroup . com Immediate Past President : Kevin O ’ Brien | kevin . obrien @ reillyinsurance . com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone I Director : Cristi Werth | cwerth @ ruraltel . net Zone II Director : Chris Bohrer | cbohrer @ wic . insurance Director-at-Large : Scott Strickland | scotts @ cacu . com Director-at-Large : Natalie Magill | nmagill @ capfed . com Director-at-Large : Russell Winn | russell @ winninsurance . com Director-at-Large Christine Teagarden | christine @ trulyins . com Young Agents Chair : Haley Marsicek | haley @ cardinalinsuranceservices . com
KAIA STAFF & CONSULTANTS Chief Executive Officer : Dave Hulcher COO / General Counsel : Beth Smoller Vice President of Finance : Shannon Bower E & O Program Administrator : Barb Wise AVP of Prof . Dev . & Marketing : Karlyn Judd Director of Marketing : Valerie Gardner Director of Business Development : Patrick McCoy Membership Engagement Specialist : Ruth Wright Office Coordinator : Barb Cobuluis Acct . Managers : Valerie Dunnam & Carolyn Rouse KAIA Lobbyist : Dan Murray
2 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER