PUBLISHER ’ S NOTE
OUR DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY written by Dave Hulcher
Our 2022 membership survey revealed the importance of KAIA ’ s educational resources to members . Regardless of the agency size , location , or individuals position within the agency educational classes ranked as the most important and valued resource offered by the association . Expanded educational resources have been a strategic priority over the past several years with a focus on bringing high-quality topics at reasonable costs that will lead to agency staff being more motivated , knowledgeable , and prepared to serve customers . Whether it is new hire training from New Level Partners , specifically curated video courses from ABEN , professional designations , in-person classes at annual convention or free E & O and ethics classes , there are lots of resources for everyone .
We also know that many agencies do not have professional development plans established for their staff , leaving them more focused on meeting biennial CE requirement than expanding their skill sets in ways that benefit them and the agency . Having a plan shows your staff that you value investing in their development and will help staff prioritize education needs in an organized way . If you need help putting together a plan , please reach to Karlyn @ kaia . com and she is happy to assist .
Providing quality educational opportunities remains a priority for our team and we continue to look for ways to evolve . An example of this is our “ Know Your Regulator Series ” in partnership with the Kansas Department of Insurance . Our first two webinars garnered over 1300 agencies from across Kansas . The knowledge gained from these webinars will wholistically round out industry knowledge and enhance professionalism . I look forward to October 15th webinar on the Rate and Form Process , or what I refer to has the birthing of an insurance policy !
Lastly , the Young Agents of Kansas are partnering with our friends in Oklahoma to offer an awesome conference on September 25-27 at Shangri-La Resort . The content and networking will be top-notch , and I encourage you to make this rewarding experience available to your team .
Stay humble , kind , and thankful ,
KIA & B
JULY / AUGUST 2024 • VOLUME 29 No . 4
OFFICERS OF KAIA President : Kevin O ’ Brien | kevin . obrien @ reillyinsurance . com President-Elect : Bryan Schmitz | bryanschmitz @ sbsins . com VP / Treasurer : David Vogel | dvogel @ provalueins . com Secretary / Assistant Treasurer : Brock Elliott | Brock @ elliottinsurancegroup . com National Director : Jo Erin Stuteville | JoErin @ elliottinsurancegroup . com Immediate Past President : Lucas Raleigh | lucas @ releighinsurance . biz
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone I Director : Shelby Doty | dotysh @ insurance-planning . com Zone II Director : Bryce Hundley | bryce @ hundleyinsurance . com Director-at-Large : Russell Winn | russell @ winninsurance . com Director-at-Large : Scott Strickland | scotts @ cacu . com Director-at-Large : Cristi Werth | cwerth @ ruraltel . net Director-at-Large Christine Teagarden | christine @ trulyins . com Young Agents Chair : Bryce Burdiek | BryceBurdiek @ sbsins . 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