and effective changes in the past few years that have improved the standing of independent agents and their clients . From defending agents who have faced the prospect of losing clients to pools , to reducing licensing costs for agents , to cutting the surplus lines tax rate in Kansas from 6 % to 3 %."
SETTING THE EXPECTATIONS
For his term as President , Kevin has outlined five priorities for focus :
1 . To continue to support our current KAIA staff and their goals .
2 . To make sure that our industry partners feel that they are getting real value from the participation and support they provide in working with KAIA .
3 . To continue to support the Young Agents of Kansas ( YAK ). They are the future leaders of our industry . I would encourage agents across the state to register and attend the upcoming President ’ s Classic , with dinner and auction on May 6 and golf on May 7 in Leawood . The proceeds from this event are intended solely to provide economic support for our YAK program .
continue to grow and expand the agent engagement in KAIA .
So , what would he tell an agent who wasn ' t involved ?
" We ’ re all really busy I know ; but I promise you this – It ’ s not a major time commitment and you ’ ll get so much more out of serving than what you give . The relationships you make totally outweigh the effort of the work you do ."
" As an example , have you ever wished you knew someone in a management position at an insurance company to assist with a claim problem or an underwriting issue ? Or have you ever wanted to talk with another agent who knew more than you did about a coverage question that one of your clients asked you ? Being able to get help to deal with these kinds of issues are just some of the things that I ’ ve had the good fortune to experience – benefiting not only me – but my customers too ."
Kevin also highlights the E & O program , resources , staff support , legal information , and the ASCK market access program as great reasons for agents to be involved .
4 . To make sure that our KAIA Committees are reenergized , with a Chair and Vice Chair to assist the Association with direction and proposed action on timely subjects in our business . This will also promote interest from other agents who may want to begin a volunteer role in KAIA as well as providing a pipeline of potential candidates for the KAIA Board .
5 . To start a more formal manner in engaging interested KAIA past presidents , who can offer tremendous expertise and experience on special projects important to KAIA .
With those goals in mind , Kevin realizes we need to
KEVIN AND HIS FAMILY IN A PHOTO FROM 2019 , WHEN HE RECEIVED THE KAIA AGENT OF THE YEAR AWARD
6 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER