PUBLISHER ’ S NOTE
MAKE YOUR PLANS ... written by Dave Hulcher
Plans for the 2025 Annual Convention have come together and registration is now open . This year ’ s theme is “ Rise to the Challenge ” which is appropriate for how our members have responded to this dynamic marketplace . At KAIA , we believe in continuous improvement in everything we do , and we look forward to building on 2024 ’ s record attendance . This year ’ s agenda is packed with engaging speakers , networking opportunities , and quality education . We will also hear from Commissioner Schmidt and members of her team who will be leading sessions on insurance fraud and common consumer complaints .
While I believe the tradeshow and classes are going to be better than ever , I ’ m most excited about our keynote speaker , Kevin Brown . Simply put , Kevin is the best speaker that I ’ ve ever seen . His message on the Hero Effect ® is powerful , motivating , and will be impactful on all . It ' s not just a presentation but an experience that will elicit the full spectrum of emotions . This will be a treat for all agency staff !
We look forward to seeing you on February 3-5 in Wichita . Until then , enjoy this edition of the magazine which includes articles on producer compensation , a summary of what our amazing Young Agents of Kansas have been up to , agency operations strategies , and much more .
We also want to congratulate member Chock Chapple from Insurance Service Group , LLC who was featured on the “ The Golden Bachelorette ”. Kudos for finding love and showing the world that insurance agents are AWESOME !
Stay humble , kind , and thankful ,
KIA & B
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024 • VOLUME 29 No . 6
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