100 YEARS OF KAIA
James D . Wallace - Jim was the Executive Director of the Association from 1966-1980 . Jim was hired as the Assistant Executive Manager in August 1966 . Upon Frank Dunkley ’ s resignation , Jim was made Executive Director and continued as such until August 1980 . Jim resigned as Executive Director in May 1980 to take over the Big “ I ” Association in California . He wrote ths article for the magazine in 1980 . It provides a review over 14 years of the Association , 1966-1980 . He was formerly Audit Superintendent for the Kansas Inspection Bureau . He was with them for five years . He had a Bachelor of Business degree from Washburn University and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University . He received his CPCU and CLU designations . He held the Risk Management diploma of the Insurance Institute of America and the Institute of Organizational Management Certificate from Michigan State University . He was Past President of the Kansas Chapter of CPCU . Jim was an underwriter and special agent for Kansas City Fire and Marine for over seven years . Jim worked closely in developing the study manual for the Agent ’ s License Examination . Jim died on August 9 , 1994 .
income . Association staff strength had grown to five fulltime employees in order to administer a wide range of member services .
The Kansas Big I will close its 1980 fiscal year at the end of August with slightly under one-half million dollars in gross receipts , almost half of which will be non-dues income . A staff of eight full-time employees will include a full-time education director , magazine editor and at torney / lobbyist in addition to the executive manager and administra tive employees .
The number of member agencies has reached 700 for the first time in many years . Kansas has accom plished slow growth in firm mem berships despite a decreasing trend in the number of agencies due to mergers and purchases . The total number of employees represented by the 700 members exceeds 2,500 persons .
Kansas independent agents can feel justly proud of the accomplish ments of their state association . The past , however , is merely a prologue to the future .
In order to hedge against the need for additional office
space the association has acquired land in close proximity to the state capitol . Educational schools and seminars are planned on almost a weekly basis , covering all phases of the industry . Communication about Kansas rates , markets and other industry developments are being strengthened so that every member will have the knowledge necessary to provide clients with the best possible coverage . Legal services and intensified lobbying on behalf of Kansas independent agents will be a necessary part of future plans in addition to engineering and technical research activities .
Every member of the Kansas Big I who has not previously visited the executive office should make it a point to do so . It ’ s impossible to appreciate the entire range of member activities without a per sonal visit .
The Kansas association is a shining example of what can be accomplished by dedicated mem bers , officers and staff in a relative ly small state . You can count on continued progress from the solid foundation laid by the past efforts of hundreds of Kansas independent insurance agents .
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