REENERGIZED , REFOCUSED , AND MOVING FORWARD
By : Kristy Wilson
The beginning of a new year always gives a person the sense of a new beginning . It ’ s an excellent time to start new habits or maybe break old ones . It ’ s a time to reflect on what the past was and what the future holds . As many of us were happy to flip the calendar onto 2021 , I think we have all lived a different life than what the normal was , and we have learned along that bumpy road . We have witnessed many historical events , again some good and some not so good . What we all need to be a part of , though , is another year in this great industry !
Is this what I thought my year as your KAIA President might look like ? Nope , not at all .
There were a lot of things that I didn ’ t get to do that other Presidents have . However , I don ’ t want to dwell on what my term wasn ’ t but rather what it was .
I have been part of an amazing organization as they pulled together their membership while everyone was in a bit of a shock due to what we were facing . It provided the resources that many agencies needed . We were all on information overload in March-May when businesses were shutting down .
The emails were coming from our industry partners advising us how they were trying to assist policyholders through these very trying times . The numerous emails from IIABA about what our national Government Affairs team was doing to make sure that our industry was advocated for in the many plans that the federal government was working on . KAIA worked closely with the Kansas Insurance Department for a solution to getting new employees licensed or help from HR Partners on some difficult HR
situations that we haven ’ t had to consider in the past . The list could go on and on about what both our state and national association provided to us .
If you have a need in your agency , please contact KAIA . You may not be aware of many resources , and we want to help in any way we can !
It seems weird to think that the last time I saw your smiling faces was the Rural and Small Agents ’ Conference last January . The committed staff of KAIA is working on the next opportunity to get us together safely , so stay tuned !
There are going to be some exciting things happening in 2021 ! We have already started celebrating KAIA ’ s big birthday . It turned the big 1-0-0 . Wow ! I think of how many things have changed in the 28 years I have been in this business and part of KAIA , and to think of the changes over 100 years is mind-blowing .
Our very own Bob Fee is going to be installed as Chairman of the Big I . What a guy , that Bob ! I have 100 % confidence he will lead our national association forward and jump the hurdles that may be ahead . This will be a great opportunity that our members will get to be a part of . This is still expected to occur at the end of September ; watch for details to save the date on your calendars !
I look forward to the next time we get to see each other in person . Until then , stay safe , happy , and have fun !!
Life is like a camera , FOCUS on what ’ s important , CAPTURE the good times , DEVELOP from the negatives and if things don ’ t work out , take another shot !
KAIA Board of Directors president , Kristy Wilson , CIC , CISR , joined Kellerman Insurance in 1992 and focuses in Commercial and Life insurance policies . Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her husband , Rob , and their two daughters : Kaylee and Samantha .
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