PUBLISHER ’ S NOTE
PROVIDING VALUE FOR MEMBERS written by Dave Hulcher
Networking and learning are top resources that members value . With recaps of KAIA ’ s Fall Conference and the Mid-America Ins . Conference , along with the registration guide and schedule for the highly anticipated 2024 Annual Convention , this edition of the magazine highlights a few of the opportunities we provide . We extend a warm welcome to members , Industry Partners , and others to join us in Wichita on February 5-7 . This year ’ s conference offers in-person learning with an opportunity to earn 15 CE credits , a tradeshow filled with great connections , targeted sessions from our Women ’ s Insurance Network ( WIN ), and much more . I hope you will allow all agency staff members to attend and take advantage of the professional development and relationship building .
This issue also includes a preview of the 2024 Legislative Session from KAIA Lobbyist , Dan Murray , and the always popular annual audited financials of the Kansas pools . I encourage you to check out our interview with Tim Bonnell Jr . of Aeris Insurance . He shares their agency ’ s journey specializing in aviation insurance . There are many key takeaways such as how agency niches can create growth opportunities , the benefits of showing product knowledge through marketing , and the importance of refining workflows to provide the highest level of customer service .
Lastly , I want to thank Maria Dressman ( Elliott Group ) for completing her second , and final , year as Chair of the Insurance Intelligence Committee . Congratulations to Kent Anthony ( First Group Insurance ) for receiving three “ Agents of Change ” awards at MAIC . The contributions of the agents participating in this conference are truly making positive changes .
Have a great holiday season and I look forward to seeing you in Wichita .
Stay humble , kind , and thankful ,
KIA & B
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 • VOLUME 28 No . 6
OFFICERS OF KAIA President : Lucas Raleigh | lucas @ releighinsurance . biz President-Elect : Kevin O ’ Brien | kevin . obrien @ reillyinsurance . com VP / Treasurer : Bryan Schmitz | bryanschmitz @ sbsins . com Secretary / Assistant Treasurer : David Vogel | dvogel @ provalueins . com National Director : Cindy Hower | chower @ kellermaninsurance . com Immediate Past President : Jo Erin Stuteville | joerin @ elliottinsurancegroup . com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone I Director : Shelby Doty | dotysh @ insurance-planning . com Zone II Director : Bryce Hundley | bryce @ hundleyinsurance . com Director-at-Large : Brock Elliott | Brock @ elliottinsurancegroup . com Director-at-Large : Scott Strickland | scotts @ cacu . com Director-at-Large : Cristi Werth | cwerth @ ruraltel . net Young Agents Chair : Bryce Burdiek | BryceBurdiek @ sbsins . com
KAIA STAFF & CONSULTANTS Executive Director : Dave Hulcher COO / General Counsel : Beth Smoller Vice President of Finance : Shannon Bower Membership Engagement Specialist : Ruth Wright E & O Program Administrator : Barb Wise AVP of Prof . Dev . & Marketing : Karlyn Judd Director of Marketing : Valerie Gardner Director of Business Development : Patrick McCoy Office Coordinator : Barb Cobuluis Acct . Managers : Valerie Dunnam & Carolyn Rouse
KAIA Lobbyist : Dan Murray
2 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER