WHAT DOES BEING A MEMBER OF THE
KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE
AGENTS MEAN TO YOU?
By: Kristy Wilson
I hope every member of KAIA has a laundry list of what
the association means and what it does for you and your
agency. I have seen and benefited from many actions
and offerings that the association has done over my
career. However, I have to say through these last few
months, I have been in awe of what our state and national
association has done for all of us.
This thing called COVID-19 has thrown a curveball at
us. KAIA has rallied through this and has provided its
membership some great resources that we have been able
to use. As we locked our doors and many transitioned to
working from home, KAIA was there to give us the tools
and knowledge to be able to create a new normal. They
provided us many virtual opportunities to learn as well as
gave updates from the insurance department. This was
all foreign territory for many and having someone that you
could turn to take the lead was invaluable. If you have a
need or an idea of what they could do to help, they are
always a phone call or email away.
Our national association (IIABA) has provided fantastic
advocacy for our industry over these last few months as
well. There was so much happening in Washington D.C. as
this pandemic unfolded. IIABA’s legislative team has been
on the front lines fighting for us. The respect, influence,
and quick actions that I have seen from our national team
has been very impressive. I can also guarantee they are
not resting yet.
We sometimes hear that association dues are too high, or
you do not get anything out of a membership. I feel that
every one of us has benefited from the dues that we pay -
especially this year as our world has changed dramatically.
KAIA’s board continues to be forward-thinkers, always
trying to thinkg outside of the box regarding how we can
provide members with new and valuable services. We have
all heard this 1000 times over these last few months, but
we are “all in this together.” We are always stronger in
numbers. Our association is made of like-minded people
trying to achieve common goals. We can accomplish so
much together, but it takes all of us.
I encourage you to get involved! KAIA is always looking for
great minds that want to serve on committees, or maybe
you are interested in serving on the board. Continue to stay
safe and be kind!
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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