INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

APRIL 2012

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2012 OFFICERSPRESIDENT

Dale HeeschDakota Ins Agency

Baltic SD

PRESIDENT-ELECTKathy Johnson

First Western InsuranceRapid City SD

VICE PRESIDENTGerrit Juffer

Juffer Inc.Wagner SD

SECRETARY-TREASURERSteve Walker

First Madison InsuranceMadison SD

PAST PRESIDENTAmy Olson-Miller

McKinneyOlson InsuranceSioux Falls SD

IIABA STATE NAT’L DIRECTORGary Joyce

Howalt-McDowell Ins. Inc.Sioux Falls SD

2012 DIRECTORSDISTRICT # 1

Jesse KonoldKey Insurance Inc.

Mobridge, SD

DISTRICT # 5Gerrit Juffer

Juffer Inc.Wagner SD

DISTRICT # 2Mindy Huntington

Fischer Rounds & Assoc.Watertown SD

DISTRICT # 6Pat Tollefson

Insurance PlusAberdeen SD

DISTRICT # 3Steve Walker

First Madison InsuranceMadison SD

DISTRICT # 7Annette Conway

First Western InsuranceSturgis, SD

DISTRICT # 4Chad Dubisar

Boen & AssociatesSioux Falls SD

DISTRICT # 8Dan Maguire

Black Hills Agency IncRapid City SD

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTJerry Diamond

IIASDPierre SD

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

AT UNITED FIRE GROUP . . .

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UNITED FIRE AGENT RON HAMMERBERG The Executive Corner

Jerry Diamond, Exec VP

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The Division of Insurance Defends itself.

Did anyone read the article that Mark Ruquet of Property Casualty 360 wrote “16 State’s Insurance Commissions Fail Integrity? “ The report supposedly gives an overall evaluation of individual states and breaks the results down into several categories that include state insurance commissioners. I would not have read it, but something caught my eye. “Mississippi Rated # 1” with a 91% rating over all the states in an integrity rating (give me a break). As I read on, it stated South Dakota was rated the second worst with a 27%. How can that be? The only saving grace was Wyoming finished last with a 26% rating. My first thought was, “Is the writer from Mississippi or what is his connection with that state?” I sent a copy of the article to Merle Scheiber, our Insurance Commissioner, with several questions. Wow! Did I get a fast response in a hurried up quick way!! Merle commenced to tell me how displeased he was with how unfairly they were treated in this article. Merle pointed out to me that some of the questions that were supposedly asked were rated “0” and the writer completely missed our statue on “Conflict of Interest” and scored us low, thinking we did not have one. Merle did contact them and pointed all the errors out, but has never received any response, retraction, or re-grading. The sixteen commissioners have discussed this writer and article and have graded it a “0” because that is about what the article is worth. How many of the states that did well on the evaluation, can you walk into the commissioner’s office or one of the deputy’s offices and have a one-on-one discussion five days a week? I would guess less than a handful. South Dakota runs its own governmental department very well and a lot of states call South Dakota to ask us questions on how we do certain things. That should tell you something about the way we do things; overall we keep things simple.Why then would we want to take the advice of someone who probably has not even visited South Dakota or let us take part in the outcome of an evaluation? I always thought this organization that published this story researched their articles thoroughly before publishing them. It just shows you there is a lot of misinformation out there; you just have to search through it and decide what is true and what is sensational journalism.

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www.dakotaclaims.com

ABERDEEN P.O. Box 291

Aberdeen, SD 57402-0291 (605) 225-0725 Fax (605) 226-1618

Email: dcsaberdeen@dakotaclaims.com

CHAMBERLAIN P.O. Box 149

Chamberlain, SD 57325 (605) 734-6011 Fax (605) 734-6013

Email: dcschamberlain@dakotaclaims.com

HURON P.O. Box 201

Huron, SD 57350 (605) 352-5000 Fax (605) 352-5173 Email: dcshuron@dakotaclaims.com

PIERRE

P.O. Box 400 Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 224-6155 Fax (605) 224-4735 Email: dcspierre@dakotaclaims.com

RAPID CITY

P.O. Box 2138 Rapid City, SD 57709

(605) 343-3764 Fax (605) 343-1274 Email: dcsrapidcity@dakotaclaims.com

SIOUX FALLS

P.O. Box 611 Sioux Falls, SD 57101

(605) 338-3561 Fax (605) 338-0257 Email: dcssiouxfalls@dakotaclaims.com

SPEARFISH

P.O. Box 435 Spearfish, SD 57783

(605) 642-4769 Fax (605) 642-4760 Email: dcsspearfish@dakotaclaims.com

WATERTOWN

P.O. Box 203 Watertown, SD 57201

(605) 886-2318 Fax (605) 886-2335 Email: dcswatertown@dakotaclaims.com

YANKTON P.O. Box 265

Yankton, SD 57078 (605) 665-3886 Fax (605) 665-3899

Email: dcsyankton@dakotaclaims.com

Independent Claims Services to the Insurance Industry

E&O EDGE – Carolyn Hofer, E&O Administrator

E&O Loss Control SeminarsOne Day Can Change the Outcome!

Springtime in South Dakota always brings us budding trees, flowering crocus, newborn calves, sprouting crops and – E&O Loss Control seminars! I have already been receiving calls – “Do I have to send people to E&O class this year to keep my 10% loss control credit?”Loss control seminars are a great opportunity for you to equip and educate all agency staff to do their part in protecting your business from potential E&O claims and reduce the severity of claims that are unpreventable. Take advantage of the procedure recommendations that you currently do not use – discuss these topics at staff meetings to allow input and “buy-in” from those who will be carrying out the tasks.

Changes to the Loss Control filing in recent years were made after review by the Professional Liability Committee. Those changes include:1. Agencies now have the opportunity to re-qualifyfor the 10% credit after experiencing a loss. By attending after the loss payment and before your renewal, you can avoid losing the 10 % credit.2. Agency staff required to attend the loss control seminar now includes more producers and CSR’s. Almost 70% of claims involve producers and CSR’s. More involvement by these staff members in loss control seminars should decrease the agency’s risk for experiencing a claim.

Recognizing the concerns of travel expenses and keeping agency staff in the office to maintain customer service, online classes were developed to meet the attendance requirement for the producers and CSRs. The following three online classes will be available on the Big “I” Virtual University:

1. Guide to Agency E&O Risk Management for Agency Managers2. Guide to Agency E&O Risk Management for Producers3. Guide to Agency E&O Risk Management for CSRs

The cost for the online course is $65 for members and $95 for non-members. Class requirements include an Exam with no CEC available.

Review the Loss Control credit requirements on the registration form towards the end of this newsletter.The 10% premium credit is definitely an incentive to attend; however, keep in mind that this program wasdesigned to provide practical, real-world E&O loss control techniques and provide your agency withthe tools to implement these procedures. Don’t miss this opportunity to refresh your focus on implementing procedures that will keep you out of court. What a great investment – 6 hours of general continuing education credit for $65 -Plus a 10% credit on your annual E&O premium.

E&O Loss Control SeminarsSign Up Today – June 4th – 7th, 2012

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Division of InsuranceNews and Views

/ / / /

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and its affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. Auto insurance prices and products are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agents/brokers. Not available in all states. Market positions from Highline Data’s 2007 written premium data, NAIC 2008 market share data, and 2008 Millward Brown & Harris Interactive survey data. 10A00065.A11 (08/10)

Whether your customers drive it, ride it, or boat it. We can insure it.HELPING YOUR CUSTOMERS FIND THE RIGHT POLICY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER. Partner with a leader. It’s no secret why drivers use independent agents. You offer quality service, and a convenience second to none. But Progressive can help too. Because Progressive is not only a leader in auto insurance, but also truck, boat, motorcycle and RV. Plus, drivers who switch to Progressive save an average of $550 on their auto insurance. So no matter what you’re helping your customers insure, together — we can help them insure it for less.

Meet the Division of Insurance

Once again the assistance that IIASD provided the department and other interested parties in defeating this legislation was a key part of our efforts.

I want to personally thank IIASD, and a special thank you for Jerry Diamond, for the cooperation extended and the hard work put in this legislative session and as well for allowing the Division to participate in IIASD legislative activities. I firmly believe it was very beneficial for all of us.

South Dakota Division of Insurance445 East Capitol AvenuePierre, SD 57501Main Phone Line: 605.773.3563Producer Licensing: 605.773.3513Continuing Education: 605.773.3946Fax: 605.773.5369e-mail: insurance@state.sd.us

License Renewal and Inquiries:www.sircon.com

The 2012 legislative session was a successful one, both for the Division of Insurance and the insurance industry. A number of good common sense insurance bills were enacted while problematic bills were nearly all defeated. I have no question that this success is directly related to the cooperative process that both the Division and IIASD have been a part of.

It has been customary for the Division to share legislative ideas with industry representatives prior to actually introducing bills. Through this process, issues of mutual concern are able to be worked out in advance of the bills being heard in legislative committee. Amendments to the Division’s bills were drafted and agreed to by all of the affected industry representatives in advance of the bills’ first hearing in committee. This cooperative arrangement played a vital role in the passage of all six of the bills the Division was sponsoring.

IIASD not only played a big part in the passage of Division bills but was a major factor in defeating bills that were harmful to the insurance industry in this state. While the goals of the sponsors of HB1272 were laudable, making health insurance more affordable and more available, the bill sought to do so through permitting out-of-state agents and companies to sell insurance in this state without being subject to South Dakota laws and regulations. Obviously this created an uneven playing field that was unfair to South Dakota agents. The lobbying efforts of IIASD were crucial to the combined effort that led to the defeat of this legislation.

There were also workers’ compensation bills that would have the impact of significantly increasing premiums.

Those bills, HB1067, HB1068, and HJR1003, would have prevented workers’ compensation insurers from ensuring that injured workers are examined by and receive treatment from appropriately qualified medical providers.

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Kayla’s Computer Advice

Encryption Technology

By: Kayla LongbrakeAdministrative Coordinator

GreatAmerican Crop.com

Other insurance companies can’t touch our iPAD app!

Our Crop agents can write, sign and submit coverage from the field. Can you?

Great American Insurance Group is an equal opportunity provider. 301 E. Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Too many hackers are out there and that's why data over the network is no longer secure but encryption technology makes it secure to safeguard important financial and business information. So, let's understand what it means and how it works as secure channels over which data can travel smoothly even through insecure networks. This way, you will understand how to use encryption technology without spending a fortune.

Encryption Technology - What It Means

Encryption is mainly an effective information scrambling technique to secure data. Be it an email you send or an online chat you engage in, encryption technology breaks up the whole data. The data gets transformed into thousands and thousands of symbols, letters, and numerals.

This way, your personal data gets safely stored in the hard disk, email or other online services. This also safeguards your identity, personal information and even protects your details when you buy something through the Internet.

Types of Data Encryption Technology

Data encryption comprises software which involves mathematical algorithms which break information into scrambled text. This text is called as encrypted text or cipher text. To understand it simply, a numeric string is attached to the information during encryption. This string can be as big as 128 bits.

The resulting encrypted text can be unlocked only by the person who has the corresponding key or the password. When an authorized user unlocks the text, the process is called as deciphering or decryption. Simply put, this means that the person with the right ‘software’ key would be able to unlock the encrypted information.

Two different types of data encryption are used to secure the network. These are known as private-key and public-key encryption. The private-key encryption is used by individuals for personal use. In this method, a single key is available to both the sender and the receiver.

In the public-key encryption method, a pair of keys are used. One of the keys would be known to many people but the second key would be kept as a secret. A perfect combination of this pair of keys alone would allow a person to have access to the secured data.

Think about your own email ID to understand this better. A host company provides you with the ID, which is the known key. However, it is your password that enables you to gain access to the mail account, which means the password is your secret key.

Omaha Branch: 800.338.9735 | Home Office: Des Moines, IA www.emcins.com

© Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2011 All rights reserved

We’re celebrating our 100th year by planning for our next 100 years.

Tanya Wentzel, Des Moines Branch Marketing ManagerTroy Boysen, Minneapolis Branch Commercial UnderwriterConnie Jarzynka, Omaha Branch Claims Adjuster

Emails and teleconferencing may be time-savers, but there is no substitute for the one-to-one relationships with insurance professionals who know you and your community. Early on, EMC Insurance Companies realized the value of being close to agents and policyholders. That value continues to pay off in products and services tailored to individual market needs. Whatever the future holds, insurance will always be a relationship business and EMC will continue to keep those relationships as close to your office as possible.

5269_EMC_AD_Group_SDAgentsBulletin7x10.indd 1 12/10/10 3:56 PM 7

www. rascompanies . com1.800.732.1486Our Focus. Your Opportunity.SM

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“What Do I Do – My License Expires on April 30th”

The calls have been coming in from agents who are being asked to provide proof of their producer license renewal. It is true, the copy we all have hanging on the wall does say that our producer’s license expires on April 30th, 2012.

We are now in the transition to the Birth Month Renewal format for Producer’s Licensing.

For those of you who were born in April, you will be required to renew before the end of this month.To renew your license, go to www.sircon.com and click on “Renew a License”. You will need your producer license number and your social security number. The cost of license renewal is $20.You can also print out an updated copy of your license which will show your corrected expiration date. There is a charge of $5 for each license type.

Be sure to sign up for “Sircon Producer’s Edge”. Sircon ProducerEDGE is a convenient and powerful view of your licensing and compliance information. It's your personal compliance tool — and best of all — it's free.

Birth Month Renewal DeadlineApril April 30, 2012May May 31, 2012June June 30, 2012July July 31, 2012August August 31, 2012September September 30, 2012October October 31, 2012November November 30,2012December December 31, 2012January January 31, 2013February February 28, 2013March March 31, 2013

Feel free to call Carolyn Hofer at 605-224-6234 if you have any questions about license renewal.

Review of the chart below it shows that anyone who has a birthday in the month of January, February or March, will not be required to renew their license or complete the required CEC to do so before their birth month in 2013.

Insuring the Midlands Since 1891

Les Hileman, CPCU, AICVice President of Agencies

800-742-7433lhileman@fmne.com

PROVIDING INSURANCE FOR 97 YEARS:

Personal & Commercial Automobile

Farmowners/Ranchowners

Umbrella Liability

Homeowners & Mobilehome

Fire & Allied

Lines

Personal & General Liability

Contact Mel Juran 605-775-2636

Agent & Customer Service

Oriented

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SD IPAC - The South Dakota I-PAC is the political arm of the IIASD. These funds are used to support our state lobbying legislation sponsoring efforts which helps to build and preserve our industry in the State of South Dakota. We have very few donations to date and encourageyou to consider a contribution. Donations must be in the form of a personal check and should be made payable to SD IPAC and sent to IIASD, PO Box 327, Pierre, SD 57501. Please contact your IIASD office atjdiamond@iiasd.org or call 605-224-6234 if you have any questions.

InsurPac – InsurPac is our National political arm for the good of our industry. This is definitely a year you should be considering a donation to assist our National Association lobbyists in their efforts to support positive legislative bills and negate the legislation that will harm our businesses and industry. There are many legislative issues in front of Congress right now dealing with Health Care, Flood and the Farm Bill which includes the Crop Insurance.

We need your help to make sure Congress passes laws that support the Independent Insurance Agency system.

Donations should be made in the form of a personal check payable to InsurPac and mailed to:

Independent Insurance Agents of SDPO Box 327 Pierre, SD 57501

IIABA412 First Street SE Ste. 300Washington, DC 20003

Leader of the Pacs!

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WE’VE GOTYOUR BACK.

www.acuity.com

facebook.com/acuitywowIntroducing Eva & Ella, the ACUITY Cuties

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Northern States Agency, a Managing General Agency & Wholesale Broker for over 55 years, providing a wide range of commercial insurance:

General Liability Property Garage Commercial Auto Excess Auto Workers Compensation

Our underwriters average over 10 years experience with NSASame day or next day response on submissionsGreat Service, Great Products, Great People

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P: 800-328-0828 • F: 651-646-1971 www.nsa-mga.com

We are known for transportation, BUT… Did you know we have a FULL HOUSE?

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Claims, legal and medical expertise. Optimal results in preventing injuries

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Let SFM quote your workers’ compensation business. Call (800) 937-1181 or visit www.sfmic.com

Trust the experts.

Tri-state ads-agn-95-0509-finals.indd 1 6/16/2011 12:31:35 PM

SUPREME COURT REVIEWS AFFORDABLE CARE ACTRecently, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the constitutionality of Obama Care. Court observers now are discussing the possible outcomes. What all Americans did hear was how the individual mandate could upset the carefully designed limits of federal power by the constitution framers. Court experts indicated that most of the justices seem to be discomforted by the mandate, and indicated how the court grapples with the mandate will likely spell the fate of this huge piece of legislation.

One of the key questions to be decided is if any part of the law is found unconstitutional, is all of the law then unconstitutional? The issue is known as “severability” or what happens to the rest of the law if part of it is struck down. Usually Congress includes a clause that clearly defines its intent in that event. But, what is so ironic is in the rush to pass the law (seems fitting as we are finding all kinds of surprises in the legislation that are problematic for the insurance industry and small businesses). Congress failed to put a “severability” clause in the bill! Opponents of the legislation seem to appreciate the fact that leaving out the “severability” clause could take the legislation completely down.

Here are the four Scenarios that most analysts think could play out in the Court’s decision which we likely will know in June:

1.Ruling: Court removes mandate, but leaves rest of law intact. Result: Starting in 2014, insurers could no longer deny pre-existing coverage and millions of dollars for incomes of less that 400% of poverty will be paid out in federal subsidies and Medicaid. Insurers warn that premiums would skyrocket as people wait and buy their insurance on the way to the hospital.

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Claims, legal and medical expertise. Optimal results in preventing injuries

and controlling costs. Highest levels of customer satisfaction and retention.

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Let SFM quote your workers’ compensation business. Call (800) 937-1181 or visit www.sfmic.com

Trust the experts.

Tri-state ads-agn-95-0509-finals.indd 1 6/16/2011 12:31:35 PM

Continued from Page 12

2.Ruling: Court removes mandate, parts of law closely linked to it.Result: Likely casualties are a rule that insurance companies stop denying coverage for pre-existing conditions and one that limits how much insurers can vary rates based on factors like age and gender – some of the law’s most popular pieces. Insurers say this would help control the impact to premiums outlined in scenario one.

3.Ruling: Court strikes down entire law, including mandate.Result: Upheaval that has been forced on the insurance industry and the health-care industry, which has spent two years reorienting itself to the law, would be over…millions will have been spent unnecessarily. Also, a likely end to other parts of the law, like staying on parents’ insurance until age 26 or the expansion of insurance coverage to uninsured Americans.

4.Ruling: Court upholds the law in its entirety.Result: Obama wins a major political victory and the law moves ahead full speed. States will have to scramble to meet deadlines or Federal Government will run exchanges in the state. Opponents will have to hope for major political defeats of those who supported the law on Election Day in November.

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Send Resumes To:IIASD

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Scobie Group 1501 42nd St, Suite 100

West Des Moines, IA 1-800-475-1000 www.fwins.com

Scobie Group 14748 West Center Rd, Suite 202

Omaha, NE 1-800-825-4855 www.fwins.com

Sentry Knows TruckingSentry understands trucking is your number one priority. That’s why we constantly review and enhance our coverages to provide you with the insurance protection you need.

Some of the important coverages we offer include:

• Unlimited towing coverage

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• Enhanced deductible options

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• Workers’ compensation coverage

Learn more about the products and services Sentry provides. Call today.

Property and casualty coverages are underwritten by a member of the Sentry Insurance Group, Stevens Point, WI. For a complete listing of companies, visit sentry.com. Policies, coverages, benefits and discounts are not available in all states. See policy for complete coverage details.

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Project CAP announces agent webinars for April Project CAP, the Big "I"-founded initiative to provide digital marketing tools and services to help independent agencies to build their online brands, is hosting webinars for independent agents in March and April. These Project CAP webinars are open to subscribers of the Quick Start or Quick Start Plus packages. While the sale of these packages and registration for this set of webinars are closed, future webinars are planned for May and will be available as part of forthcoming offerings from Project CAP. Agents who have signed up for Project CAP packages can register for the webinars:

The Results BuilderThursday, April 5; 1 p.m. CDTHow to have more people find your agency in Web searches.Registration Community BuilderThursday, April 19; 1 p.m. CDTHow to more effectively use social networking to build awareness in your community and build referrals for quotes. As a bonus for all Big "I" member agencies, a recent Project CAP introduction webinar is available online. Project CAP helps brokers and insurance carriers build their online brands and visibility in order to attract and interact with today's digital consumers. More information is at www.projectcapmarketing.com.

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NEW MEMBERS CORNER:

Meet new members of our AssociationWe look forward to providing services to:

Member Agencies:

Bierle Insurance LLC Utica, SD

Rita Bierle, Principal

Associate Member Agencies:

South Dakota Auto DealersSioux Falls, SD

Myron Rau, Principal

Burnette InsuranceSioux Falls, SD

Rob Burnette, Principal

Join us in welcoming them to IIASD!

Not sure where to turn for Commercial Auto insurance?

Let the insurance experts at E&L show you the way.

www.ericksonlarseninc.com

Maple Grove, MN 800-442-3168

Fargo, ND 800-284-0965

Madison, WI 888-249-6050

www.nwgf.com INSURANCE FOR: Homeowners Farmowners Modular Homeowners Personal Auto Farm Property Dwelling Property Mobile Homes Excess Liability Farm and Personal Liability Classic Vehicle Semi-Truck

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Big “I” Sends Letter Opposing Cuts to Crop Insurance Program

Proposed cuts would significantly strain delivery of program.Last Friday, the Big “I” joined forces with other industry groups in sending a letter to the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committee leadership rejecting the Obama Administration’s proposal to bring nearly $8 billion in additional cuts to the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP). The sum of these proposed cuts, coupled with the $6 billion in cuts made in the 2011 Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) and the $6 billion in cuts made in the 2008 Farm Bill, would significantly strain a private sector delivery system that has been in place for more than a quarter century, the Big “I” believes. The cuts proposed in the president’s plan come less than a year after the SRA cuts, which are effective for the 2011 crop year. The dust is still settling on all of the recent major changes that have taken place within the crop program, and the Big “I” believes it is imprudent to continue to whittle down a program that has worked so well for farmers and ranchers across the country. The Big “I” continues to point out that the 2011 SRA is resulting in agency consolidation and loss of jobs in rural areas. Crop insurance company consolidations have already occurred since the signing of the SRA agreement because they can no longer bear the stringent federal capital requirements along with reduced opportunity to earn a fair return. The letter reminds Congressional leaders on the Agriculture Committee of the successes of the public and private partnership of crop insurance and that crop insurance is the cornerstone of federal farm policy. The letter also highlights that 2011 was an exceptional year for floods and droughts, and that crop insurance has paid out more than $9.8 billion in indemnities to date. The Big “I” continues to advocate to Congress that the program is a strong job creator in rural America and that continued deterioration of the crop program, at a time when rural economies are struggling, is irresponsible. The association will continue to be vigilant in its opposition to further cuts to the FCIP. Jen McPhillips (jen.mcphillips@iiaba.net) is Big “I” senior director, federal government affairs.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

E & O Loss Control Seminar June 4 - Rapid City, SD June 5- Pierre, SD June 6- Aberdeen, SD June 7- Sioux Falls, SD

June 20-21- River Days/Walleye Classic September 9th – 11th – Annual Convention

Lodge in Deadwood

Room Reservations available:First Gold – www.firstgold.com –

800-274-1876- $79/nightMineral Palace – www.mineralpalace.com -

800-847-2522 - $89/night Ask for Independent Insurance Agent’s rate

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JUST FOR FUN:

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but she couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, 'Do these turkeys get any bigger?' The

stock boy replied, 'No ma'am, they're dead.'

Pre-Licensing Class Announcement

IIASD and A.D. Banker of the Dakotas Have Partnered

We are excited to announce that IIASD and A.D. Banker of the Dakota have partnered to provide insurance and securi-ties licensing preparation classes and materials at a 15% IIASD Member Discount. A.D. Banker offers Exam Prep classes each month in Sioux Falls and quarterly classes in Rapid City.

Class schedules are listed at: www.adbanker.com/dakotas

Self-study and online study options for Exam Prep are also available. Materials and classroom instruction have been very successful with an average of 95% of students taking their license exam passing on the first try!Sandy Kost is the Owner/Managing Director of A.D. Bank-ers of the Dakotas and has worked in the insurance and financial services industry since 1988. She has worked with insurance agents, investment reps, agencies and banks in SD, ND, NE, IA, MN and WI. She has provided training on various products and topics.To register for a class or to order materials, go to:www.adbanker.com/dakotasCall: 605-271-4440 or 877-317-3087. Be sure to use the IIASD Promo/Discount Code to receive your 15% Member Discount. Promo Code: 1594626

PO Box 89846 Sioux Falls, SD 57109-9846

P. 605.361.5705 or 866.440.1840E. beth.dobbs@insurancealt.com

WHOLESALE ACCESS toFirst Dakota Indemnity and Dakota Truck Underwriters,known as the Dakota Group. The DakotaGroup is the largest writers of workers’compenation business in South Dakotaand a leading writer in the Midwest.

Contractors

Healthcare

Hospitality

Manufacturing

Retail

providing workers’ compensation solutions

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For over 100 years, Austin has been constantly

creating solutions and services to meet the

ever-changing needs of policyholders.

1-800-328-4628 | www.austinmutual.com

Create moments that matter...

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STeAdY ANd True

No company understands the insurance needs of

truckers more than Truckers Insurance Associates

— created by truckers for truckers. And for 60 years,

Truckers Insurance has remained solely focused on

transportation industry insurance. So whether your

clients include a single owner-operator or a full-fledged

fleet, Truckers Insurance will deliver the right coverage at

the right price. Even more, as trucking specialists, we’re

ready to respond rapidly when needs arise. That’s service

you can count on. That’s putting know-how to work.

That’s Truckers Insurance. Call your Truckers Insurance

account manager at 800.652.9515 for a quote today. WE DELIVER MORE

www.truckers-insurance.com 800.652.9515

driven

New Office in Rapid City, SD Bruce Eleeson & John Keffeler

Ph: 605-791-5565 Assignments: claims@claimsassoc.com

We commit ourselves to providing you with the highest quality claims and case management services available in our industry. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to serving your needs. Please visit our website for a directory of our staff, services, and coverage area.

Jeff Jares, AIC AIM President

Adjusters

Nancy Almendinger SCLA SDWCS Jennifer Andrisen Selzler, Mgr. SCLA AIC CSRP SDWCS

Bill Blackman AIC Lynn Bren SCLA AIC

Ron Burmood MBA AIC Kay Greve AIC, INS

Dave Johnston SCLA Jerry Matthiesen AIC

Chad Moore Wendi Peterson AIC

Kimberly Rausch SDWCS Dave Sendelbach CPCU AIC

Karl Weber SCLA AIC Tim Wieker SCLA AIC HCRI-R

Amy Kvernmo Brad Wilson AIC SDWCS

Case Managers

Donna Passick RN CCM Kelly Rud RN BA LNCC

Deb Whipple RN BA CCM Brenda Whiting RN CCM

River Days/Walleye Classic

June 20th – 21st – Pierre, South DakotaDon’t Miss this Great Event

You will never find a better mix of CEC, competition, food and fellowship than we have scheduled at the

River Days/Walleye ClassicJune 20th – 12:30pm- Izaak Walton – CE on Fraud

This will be the most interesting and entertaining 4hours of CEC you have ever earned. Regulation,

Disciplinary Actions, Compliance for the first segment; DCI Insurance Fraud Investigators with info on historical fraud cases; red flags to watch for when

insuring clients; trends and reporting fraud is up next and last but not least; the State Fire Marshall

and investigator will introduce us to “Maggie” the first and only Federally trained SD Fire Dog, who will

demonstrate her skills for us.Evening Activities – Trap Shooting (BYO gun)Steak Fry and rules meetings – Izaak Walton

June 21st – Golf – Lighthouse Point – 10:00 Shotgun Start

Walleye Classic – 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM fish anywhere Weigh In – Down’s Marina

Fish Fry & Awards –3:00 - Izaak Walton Clubhouse

REGISTER ONLINE TODAYwww.iiasd.org

23

Purchasing -- and MAINTAINING -- Flood Insurance is a Great Investment

for South Dakotans

Release Date: March 16, 2012Release Number: R8-12-007

» 2012 Region VIII News Releases

DENVER – With one of the mildest winters ever nearly in the books, South Dakotans are looking to the renewal of spring. Unfortunately, that spring renewal often comes hand-in-hand with flooding. This year’s lack of snowfall is no reason to let your guard up, as heavy spring rains led to last year’s major floods on the Missouri and James Rivers.

More than 7,300 South Dakota buildings currently have flood insurance policies with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). There’s nothing unusual about that. The state has been hit with a nationally declared flood disaster almost every year since 1993 – including nine in the last eight years. Purchasing and maintaining flood insurance is the best line of defense to protect your home and property against a flood loss.

Flood insurance is easy to get, the only require-ment is that you live in a participating community (or participating county for rural residents). That’s right, you don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. In fact, if you live outside a floodplain you may be eligible for a preferred risk policy that has a much lower premium than for a policy in a higher flood risk area. Almost 50 percent of the policies in place in South Dakota are preferred risk policies. And in most cases you can purchase an NFIP policy with the insurance agent you already deal with for your other insurance needs. When that isn’t possible, NFIP can put you in touch with another agent that can get you a flood insurance policy.

One key difference of an NFIP policy from another insurance policy is the 30 day waiting period prior to the policy going into affect. But that doesn’t mean anyone should view a policy like a lottery ticket, looking to purchase insurance only if flooding appears imminent. Flooding is a hazard that can occur at almost any time or place – 20 to 30 percent of flood claims occur in low to moderate risk areas – and flood insurance is an investment in your future. Making that initial policy purchase is a smart choice, but maintaining the policy for the long-term is what will protect your home and contents – most people’s largest investment.

The average cost of flood insurance in South Dakota is about $675 a year – less than $2 a day for financial protection from what could be devastating effects of a flood in a home or business. By purchasing a policy now, or keeping your existing policy, you have peace of mind. As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the specifics of your policy – how much coverage you need, coverage of contents as well as structure and any other questions you might have.

Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-2419.

Why American West Insurance?• Local company with over 60

years agriculture insurance

experience

• Quality products

• Competitive pricing

• Expert claims and

underwriting services

Be Protected. Be Sure®.

yourawi.comTo learn more about AWI contact Bruce Meyer at bmeyer@yourawi.com or call 605-929-2782.

Agribusiness • Farm & Ranch • Farm & Ranch Auto • Personal Auto Excess Liability • Watercraft • Crop-Hail • Multi-Peril

24

LOOKING FOR A MARKET?

WE CAN HELP!

LET OUR EXPERIENCED UNDERWRITING

STAFF PROVIDE YOU WITH A QUOTE!

LONG HAUL /INTERMEDIATE/LOCAL

ADMITTED CARRIERS

EXCELLENT MARKETS AVAILABLE FOR PERSONAL UMBRELLA

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES CONTRACTORS

MANUFACTURERS GUIDES/OUTFITTERS

MOBILE HOME LARGE INLAND MARINE SCHEDULES

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

CALL OR EMAIL US TO DISCUSS ANY TYPE OF RISK YOU MIGHT HAVE

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TRUCKING ACCOUNTS PLEASE CALL

TIM AGETON tageton@insfacilities.com

www.ins.facilities.com FOR COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS CONTACT

STEVE AKKERMAN sakkerman@insfacilities.com

PERSONAL LINES CONTACT

office@insfacilities.com

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

25

Complete Big “I” Flood online registration at: www.BigIMarkets.comIf you are ALREADY registered for Big “I” Markets℠:

Go to www.bigimarkets.com and click on ‘~ Update Your Profile!’ just above the email address field to update your profile. Us-ing your individual user name and password as the organization administrator, login. Then click on highlighted Take me to the FLOOD Screen on upper left side of screen. You will arrive at the Flood Program Information screen so updates can be made. When finished, click on the next button and then exit. Your profile will be forwarded to Selective and you will be contacted regarding your appointment.

If you have NOT YET registered for Big “I” Markets℠ orRegistered using a paper registration form prior to 06/01/05 & haven’t updated:

1) Go to www.bigimarkets.com and click on “~ Register Online !” just above the email address field.

For those not familiar with Big “I” Markets℠: BIM is an online market access program available EXCLUSIVELY to Big “I” member agents offering many specialty insurance products.

2) Login using your organization administrator username and password.

If you DO NOT know your username and password, you may request it from the screen.

3) Continue through the screens providing general agency information including your agency

tax ID#, agency license number/date for each state business is done, if applicable;

Errors & Omissions insurance information; background information; editing of the user information

for all staff that will be asking for quotes to include insurance license number/date for each

state in which business is done and email addresses. (Be sure to check if the user should have access

to quote reports for entire agency.)

4) Read, initial, print (for your records) and accept the Sub-Producer Agreement.

5) Your registration is complete when the “success” icon appears.

6) Check “Send login Information to all users” and all users (your staff) will receive an email with their user names and passwords so they may begin quoting any products available in your state.

7) Click “Done” and you will be transferred to the BIM login screen.

*It could take upwards of 10 minutes for the registration process to complete, so please wait before logging on to order the first quote.

8) On the next login the Activity Box will appear so you can retrieve quotes in progress.

Your profile will be forwarded to Selective for contact regarding your appointment and you will be asked to com-plete the Selective contract paperwork.

Should you have any questions about our flood program, contacts are:

Name Title Phone EmailLinda Mackey* Big “I” Flood Program Manager 800-221-7917x5380 Linda.Mackey@iiaba.net Gary Heiligman Assoc. VP, Big I Advantage® 800-221-7917x5393 Gary.Heiligman@iiaba.net

BIM Help Desk*** 800-221-7917 BigIMarkets@iiaba.net

** Selective Flood Operations 877-348-0552 FloodCustomerService@selective.com *Linda is responsible for rollovers, program and agent relations. Selective Territory Managers are your company contact for commission negotiations, rollovers and system training. **Contacts for Selective Flood Operations are on our website: www.iiaba.net/flood or in Product Resources at www.BigIMarkets.com . ***Questions related to Big “I” Markets

registration should be directed to BIM Help Desk.

26

HELP WANTED :Great Plains Brokerage, Inc. of Sioux Falls, SD

is looking for an Experienced Property/Casualty Underwriter.

An Ability to work independently is a must.

If you have a desire to build quality, long lasting relationships, and have the ability to work quickly

and efficiently in a fast past setting.

Please Contact Jason Kelling at jason@gpbins.com or call 605-274-7129.

Send your resumes to:

Great Plains BrokeragePO Box 90447Sioux Falls, SD

57109-0447

HELP WANTEDNWGF Mutual Insurance Company has an

immediate opening for a Marketing Representative to service our South Dakota Agents. NWGF is a South

Dakota domestic company who specializes in developing strong service oriented personal

relationships with our South Dakota IndependentAgents. This is a unique position which offers

reduced hours, flexible scheduling and field office environment, not requiring relocation for current South

Dakota residents. This position presents an ideal opportunity for the mature agent or CSR

desiring a transition from the hectic pace of full time employment into a more manageable balance of work

and personal time. Responsibilities include supporting and training our NWGF agents on all aspects of NWGF product lines and technology necessary for the placement and maintenance of

personal and farmowner lines of business. Preference will be given to candidates possessing agency

experience and knowledge of personal and farmowner product lines. Candidates should be

experienced in the “on-line” placement of business and possess familiarity with a variety of carrier

technology offerings and environments. Strong written and verbal communication skills with

excellent customer service skills required. Benefit package and company vehicle included.

Please send your resume to: NWGF Mutual Insurance Company - Attn: Sharon

Kunz - P.O. Box 100 – Eureka SD. 57437-0100 - sharonk@nwgf.com

HELP WANTED:Established bank-owned agency in southeastern South Dakota seeking

Property /Casualty and Multi-peril Crop insurance agent.

Offer a very good compensation package with an excellent working

environment. Prime opportunity for advancement and growth.

Send resume to:

IIASD, Box 327,Pierre, SD 57501

or email to klongbrake@iiasd.org

HELP WANTED:

Large West River agency looking to fill two producer positions.

Please send resume to info@firstwesterninsurance.com.

Questions may also be directed to this email address.

BLUE DOG CO-CHAIRMAN JOHN BARROW (D-GA.) TO ADDRESS THE BIG “I”

Georgia Democrat—hailed as a fiscal watchdog—is sponsor of agent-supported MLR bill.

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 10, 2012 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.), lead Democrat sponsor of H.R. 1206, the “Access to Professional Health Insurance Advisors Act of 2011,” and Co-Chairman of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democrats, will address the association’s membership on Thursday, April 26.

Rep. Barrow will be a keynote speaker, along with Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), at the legislative conference breakfast which occurs the morning of the association’s annual Big “I” Day on Capitol Hill.

“The Big ‘I’ is honored to have Rep. Barrow address the association’s membership the morning of our annual agent pilgrimage to Capitol Hill,” says Robert A. Rusbuldt, Big “I” president and CEO. “Big ‘I’ members will be advocating on behalf of H.R. 1206, a bill that would halt the devastating effects on agents that is being caused by the new health care law’s restrictive Medical Loss Ratio provision by removing agent compensation from the formula. Having the bipartisan bill’s top Democrat sponsor address agents will provide them with an insightful and informative lay of the land in Congress.”

In addition to his leadership as policy co-chairman of the Blue Dog Coalition, Rep. Barrow serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. He represents Georgia’s 12th Congressional District and was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004. He previously served on the Athens-Clarke County Commission. Rep. Barrow earned degrees in political science and history from the University of Georgia and a J.D. from the Harvard Law School.

“As a long-time member and current co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, Rep. Barrow is a leading moderate voice on many issues important to Big ‘I’ members and their clients,” says Charles E. Symington, Jr., Big “I” senior vice president for government affairs. “The Big ‘I’ is grateful for Rep. Barrow’s leadership in the Medical Loss Ratio debate and other issues that directly impact independent insurance agents and consumers. We look forward to his address.”

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) established MLR requirements for insurance carriers, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2011. The law mandates that at least 80% (individual and small group) or 85% (large group) of premiums collected by the carrier must be spent on “health care quality improvement.” In other words, no more than 20% or 15%, respectively, may go towards “non-claims costs” such as profits, advertising, administrative costs, etc. If a carrier does not meet these ratios, rebates are due to the consumer. It was determined by HHS that agent commissions count as administrative costs. H.R. 1206, which Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and Barrow introduced last year, would correct this error in the PPACA. Similar legislation, S. 2068, the “Access to Independent Health Insurance Advisors Act of 2012,” authored by Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), is pending in the Senate.

The Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention is the insurance industry’s best-attended, most effective legislative meeting. This year’s event will take place April 25-27 at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The legislative conference is an opportunity for Big “I” agents and brokers to discuss important issues with their congressional representatives. Top issues this year include: insurance regulatory reform, extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), agent licensing reform, medical loss ratios (MLRs) and other health care topics, tax reform; the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP), and other economic challenges facing independent insurance agents and the industry.

Other highlights of the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention include in-depth issues briefing sessions; appearances by numerous high-profile speakers discussing important insurance and national issues confronting lawmakers as well as agents and brokers and hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between Big “I” agents and brokers and their elected representatives in the Congress.

For registration and hotel information, go to www.independentagent.com and select the “Events and Conferences” link. Journalists interested in attending, please contact Margarita Tapia, director of public affairs, at (800) 221-7917 or margarita.tapia@iiaba.net for media registration.

28

Austin Mutual Agrees to an Affiliation with The Main Street America Group

April 3, 2012, 1:05 pm (CDT) MAPLE GROVE, Minn., and JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Austin Mutual has reached an agreement with The Main Street America Group and its lead insurance carrier, NGM Insurance Company to form an affiliation. This affiliation will enable the Minnesota-domiciled regional property/casualty insurance carrier to become a member of the Main Street America Group. The affiliation agreement is subject to regulatory approval from the State of Minnesota Insurance Commissioner’s Office as well as policyholders of Austin Mutual. The closing is projected to occur during the second quarter of 2012. "We are very excited to be partnering with an outstanding organization in The Main Street America Group. This will provide Austin the opportunity for growth and assist in achieving our mission of adding security and value to the lives of our policyholders," remarked Jeffrey B. Kusch, President and CEO of Austin Mutual. "The Main Street America Group's long-term strategy is focused on growing profitably by spreading risk and increasing scale through geographic diversification and we will take another step in this direction by establishing an affiliation with Austin Mutual," said Tom Van Berkel, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Main Street America, a mutual insurance holding company based in Jacksonville, Fla. Van Berkel added, "Main Street America's affiliation with Austin Mutual will build upon our 89-year history of serving the 'Main Street' marketplace exclusively through the independent agency distribution channel and will complement our existing relationships with 2,000-plus agent-customers. Austin Mutual has a well-established brand and serves a market niche similar to Main Street America's. This is a good cultural fit for us and will help us grow in both existing states and new states." Austin Mutual, founded in 1896, will maintain its brand name and continue to sell its products via its network of independent agents. Under terms of the affiliation, Austin Mutual Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Kusch will continue to oversee the company's daily operations out of its Maple Grove, Minn., headquarters and report to Van Berkel. There will also be a management and services agreement in place between the two companies and Main Street America will provide Austin Mutual with quota share reinsurance. About Austin Mutual Insurance Company Austin Mutual Insurance Company is a regional property casualty insurer headquartered in Maple Grove, Minn.; Austin Mutual has been servicing its customer for more than 110 years and currently operates in thirty-three states throughout the country. Austin Mutual Insurance Company's dedicated group of professionals provides current and prospective agents exceptional customer service, financial stability, competitive rates and customized products, real time quoting and policy issuance and commercial download. Individuals may obtain more information by calling 800-328-4628 or visiting the company web site at www.austinmutual.com. About The Main Street America Group With roots dating back to 1923, The Main Street America Group is a super regional insurance company that operates eight property/casualty insurance carriers: NGM Insurance Company, Old Dominion Insurance Company, Main Street America Assurance Company, MSA Insurance Company, Great Lakes Casualty Insurance Company, Grain Dealers Mutual Insurance Company, Spring Valley Mutual Insurance Company and Main Street America Protection Insurance Company. Based in Jacksonville, Fla., Main Street America offers a wide range of commercial and personal insurance, and fidelity and surety bond products to individuals, families, and businesses throughout the United States. With nearly $900 million in premium written exclusively by 2,000-plus independent insurance agents, the 89-year-old company insures more than 600,000 policyholders in 27 states and writes bonds in 46 states. A.M. Best Company rates The Main Street America Group as an "A" (Excellent). Main Street America is the founding company partner of Trusted Choice®, the global branding program of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, and an investor in the Consumer Agent Portal. For more information about Main Street America, please visit www.msagroup.com or connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MainStreetAmerica. CONTACT: BEV KRALL PO Box 1420 Maple Grove, MN 55311-6420 Phone: 763-657-8600

IIABA offers you an IRA product comprised of leading mutual funds, as well as a guaranteed fund through Prudential Retirement, Insurance and Annuity Company which currently pays an annual 3.35% rate of return.

Direct your own assets through an innovative online platform along with a toll-free access to IRA customer service representatives 7 days a week.

With the IIABA IRA, you also enjoy:

Online account accessThe ability to trade among investment options as often as you want with no transaction fees24/7 account access via a toll free voice response systemSuperior Customer Support

Get started today at www.theiracenter.com/IIABA!Please note 3.35% rate is effective January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011.

Don’t let your money

just lie there.

Open an account online and

fetch a 3.35% return with our IRA.

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31

5 Keys to Effective Time Management

We all have the same amount of time in a day - 24 hours. So why do some people seem to get a week’s worth of work done in a day, while others get a day’s worth of work done in a week? More often than not, the amount of work people get done during the day comes down to how effective they are at managing their time. So how can we get more done in less time and make the most effective use of our 24 hours each day?

5 Keys to Effective Time Management

1) Have a plan. You may have heard the saying: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Without a plan, you’re like a rudderless ship trying to navigate the open ocean and your business will more than likely end up on the rocks.

Your plan does not have to be big and complicated, in fact, you want it to be as simple and easy to follow as possible. The most effective “simple” plan is a list of important items you need to get done during the day, prioritized from most important to least important. The most effective way to follow your plan is to start with the most important task and work on it until it is done. After you finish the first task, move to the second most important item on your list and work on that one until complete. Continue in this fashion until you finish your items or run out of time in the work day. At the end of each day, make a list of items for the following day.

Point to keep in mind: Studies have shown that every 15 minutes of planning saves you an hour of work.

2) Have the self-discipline to stick to your plan.Once you have a plan, you have to have the self-discipline to stick to the plan. Phone calls, e-mails, and other items, both business related and personal, will try to throw you off during the day. Your objective is to stick to your plan and not allow other distractions to get in your way. Granted, there will be times when you have to respond to other items during the day and temporarily jump off your plan, the goal though is to keep those to a minimum. Remember, if you don’t stick to your plan, even the best plan in the world will be ineffective.

Point to keep in mind: If you leave a task, it takes an average of 10 minutes to get back to where you were before you left the task.

3) Get organized.How much time do you spend during the day looking for things like car keys, that important piece of paper, or someone’s phone number or mailing address? It’s amazing how much of the day can be consumed looking for items in a messy, unorganized home, office, or workspace. Keep these areas clean and know where everything is.

Keep similar items such as business cards, contact information, files on clients, and other items in one location. Keep keys, and items you use every day, in the same spot each time so you don’t have to remember where you left them. If you’re messy by nature, take five minutes at the end of the day to clean, organize, and get your work area uncluttered.

Point to keep in mind: The average person spends 24 minutes a day looking for things they’ve misplaced. That’s almost 3 1/2 full work weeks a year.

4) Find out where you’re wasting your time.Keep a time log for a week and keep track of where you spend your time during the day: Two hours on personal calls, 35 minutes on Sudoku, 24 minutes looking for Joe’s e-mail with contact information, an hour and 45 minutes at lunch with Keith, 11 minutes in line at Costco. If you haven’t done this exercise before, you will be amazed where you end up spending, and wasting, a lot of time.

Point to keep in mind: Come up with solutions to this wasted time: time limits on calls, going shopping at slower times, etc.

5) Work hard, work smartWork when you’re at work. Develop a sense of urgency and work hard only on work at work. Do just one more thing in the morning and another before you quit for the day. If you have to, start your day earlier and stay later. Be the hardest working person you know.

Follow the 80/20 Rule. This rule states that 20% of your work produces 80% of your results and vice versa. Spend time on doing the 20% really well and delegate as much of the 80% as possible. Also, use best practices, don’t reinvent the wheel. Find the really successful people who are getting a lot done and find out what they do.

The five steps above can double, triple, and even quadruple the amount you get done in the same amount of time. The bottom line: Have a plan along with the self-discipline to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Work smart, but be willing to work as hard as you have to when you have to in order to get the job done.

John Chapin is an award winning sales speaker, sales trainer, coach, and co-author of the gold-medal winning “Sales Encyclopedia” a comprehensive how-to guide on selling. “Sales Encyclopedia” is written for sales professionals in all industries at any level of experience. Utilizing more than 21 years of sales experience and as a number one salesperson in three industries, John co-founded Complete Selling Incorporated, a company helping salespeople significantly increase sales and find their motivation.

32

If you don’t have a direct appointment with

Travelers commercial, but think you would benefit from having

online access to its Select Accounts products, then keep reading!

Big “I” Markets and Travelers Select Accounts are partnering to

provide you a complete range of coverage solutions, services,

competitive products and pricing that offer your insureds and you

both value and flexibility. You can now write the Master Pac

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) starting with Office Pac and soon to

be expanded to more than a dozen segments of the commercial

marketplace.

Office Pac is designed for a variety of firms providing including

insurance offices, medical, legal, financial or other professional

services for their clientele. Travelers’ proprietary BOP product,

Master Pac, includes a broad array of industry-specific coverage

options and coverage extensions that can be tailored to your clients’

needs.

Travelers’ exposure-based definition makes it easy for you to pre-

qualify a risk, saving you time and increasing your revenue. Simply

review the industry-specific exposure guidelines in the Product

Resources section of the Office Pac product on Big “I” Markets to

quickly determine accounts that are eligible for Master Pac. The time

you save by pre-qualifying accounts can be allocated towards

growing your business and servicing larger clients.

There are dozens of classes that qualify

including accountants, dentists, lawyers

and…insurance offices!

As a registered user of Big “I” Markets you

have access to Office Pac right now!

To review a complete listing of eligible classes

or to retrieve your Big “I” Markets password,

please visit www.bigimarkets.com.

P.S. Why not quote your own agency and

see if you can save some money on your

own business insurance while paying

yourself commission to do so!

SM

SM

33

As the federal government exercises more and more power over small business, the future of our industry becomes greatly dependent upon our ability to become engaged in the federal political process. The U.S. Congress regularly considers legislation that directly affects the livelihood of independent agents – from taxes, healthcare, and flood insurance to the overhaul of the insurance regulatory system. We’re fortunate to have a strong federal government affairs team working for us through our membership in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). However, they can’t do it alone. It is vital that we, as small business owners and agents, play an active role in shaping the public policy debate and ultimately the laws that come out of Washington, D.C.

At the federal level our government affairs team fights for us by getting in front of legislators and their staff, and educating them about legislation that is both detrimental and beneficial to independent insurance agents. For example, as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act made its way through Congress, IIABA was successful in maintaining insurance as a state-regulated business. Unlike banking and securities regulation which were drastically changed by Dodd-Frank, the insurance implications of the legislation were modest. Currently our federal advocates are fighting back against some of the negative provisions of Obamacare, including the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) and its downward pressure on agent commissions. They have worked with Congress to introduce legislation which would exclude agent commissions from the MLR calculations. They also continue to be at the forefront to extend and reform the National Flood Insurance Program, limit tax hikes on small business and maintain local regulation of insurance, while reforming and modernizing the system to create more uniformity across state lines.

To achieve these things, our federal advocates must remain in front of legislators on a constant basis. That is made possible with InsurPac, your federal political action committee. It collects voluntary, personal contributions from agents throughout the country, and then distributes that money to federal legislators who support the independent agency system. It allows our federal advocates to attend fundraising events nearly every day of the week, constantly developing relationships with legislators and their staff and delivering results of agents. Opinions on issues are being shaped every day and we must continue to have a seat at the table to educate members of congress. That seat at the table is made possible, largely due to InsurPac. It is THE federal PAC for independent agents. Please do your part by sending a contribution today! For your convenience, a form is next to this letter.

Sincerely, Kathleen JohnsonPresident-ElectIndependent Insurance Agents of South Dakota

InsurPac

HOUSE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN SPENCER BACHUS TO ADDRESS BIG “I” LEADERSHIP

Alabama Republican praised as fiscally responsible and steward of small business.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 26, 2012 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services Chairman Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), will address the Annual Leadership Luncheon, just prior to the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention.

“Chairman Bachus has a long track record of standing up for small business and independent agents,” says Robert A. Rusbuldt, Big “I” president and CEO. “Our members are politically active and engaged on issues that impact the industry and consumers. We are truly honored that he will be meeting with the Big ‘I’ leadership team.”

Bachus is currently serving his tenth term representing the Sixth Congressional District of Alabama in the central part of the state. He is the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, which holds jurisdiction over the banking, securities, insurance, housing, and domestic and international monetary policy sectors. Bachus is a native of Birmingham, Ala., and graduated from Auburn University and the University of Alabama School of Law. Prior to his election to Congress, he was a practicing attorney and served in the Alabama state legislature.

“Chairman Bachus has played a leadership role on a host of issues that impact small businesses like many of our members and their clients,” says Charles E. Symington, Jr., Big “I” senior vice president for government affairs. “Just a few of the issues where our members have counted on his support include: ter-rorism insurance, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), financial services regulatory reform and agent licensing reform. We want to thank him for his leadership before Congress and in Alabama as a steward of taxpayer dollars and Main Street America.”

The event will be held at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 24. Attendees will include Big “I” executive and government affairs committee members, agents and brokers from Rep. Baucus’s home state of Alabama and other industry leaders.

The Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention is the insurance industry’s best-attended, most effective legislative meeting. This year’s event will take place April 25-27 at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The legislative conference is an opportunity for Big “I” agents and brokers to discuss important issues with their congressional representatives. Top issues this year include: insurance regulatory reform, extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), agent licensing reform, medical loss ratios (MLRs) and other health care topics, tax reform; the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP), and other economic challenges facing independent insurance agents and the industry.

Other highlights of the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention include in-depth issues briefing sessions; appearances by numerous high-profile speakers discussing important insurance and national issues confronting lawmakers as well as agents and brokers and hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between Big “I” agents and brokers and their elected representatives in the Congress.

For registration and hotel information, go to www.independentagent.com and select the “Events and Conferences” link. Journalists interested in attending, please contact Margarita Tapia, director of public affairs, at (800) 221-7917 or margarita.tapia@iiaba.net for media registration.

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA2012

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APRIL April 24th – 27th National Legislative Conference – Washington, DC MAY May 21 – 23rd E&O Administrator Conference – Kansas City, MO

JUNE June 4th – 7th E&O Loss Control Seminars – R.C, Pierre, Aberdeen, Sioux Falls

June 20th River Days Classic - Pierre 1:00 PM Educational Class – 4 hours CEC 5:00 PM Trap Shooting/Hospitality 7:00 PM Steak Fry June 21st Walleye Classic – Fish or Golf 4:00 PM Fish Fry June 22nd Board Meeting JULY July 22nd – 25th State Execs Conference

AUGUST August 13th Fall Crop Update - Pierre

SEPTEMBER IIASD STATE CONVENTION Sept 8th - Board Meeting – Deadwood Sept 9th Golf - Opening Reception - Exhibitors Sept 10th Seminars – CEC - Banquet Sept 11th CEC – Closing Luncheon

NOVEMBER Nov 12th – 13th Board Retreat - Oacoma

E&O LOSS CONTROL SEMINARS

JUNE 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2012

These Seminars qualify for both Property & Casualty or Life & Health CEC credits * Also qualify for loss control credit

6 Hours Continuing Education Credits (L/H or P/C)

June 4, 2012 - Monday Rapid City, Ramkota– 2111 N LaCrosse St 605-343-8550 June 5, 2012 - Tuesday Pierre, Ramkota– 920 W Sioux Ave 605-224-6877 June 6, 2012 - Wednesday Aberdeen, Ramkota – 1410 8th Ave NW 605-229-4040 June 7, 2012 - Thursday Sioux Falls, Ramkota – 3200 West Maple St 605-336-0650

Registration 8:30 Class 9:00 - 3:30

$65.00 for Members - $80.00 for Non-members (Fee includes coffee, rolls, lunch and materials)

INSTRUCTOR: Lisa Worley of Hoover, Alabama, is President of Anchor Insurance Agency, Inc. Lisa has served on the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents, Inc. Education, CIC, Small and Rural Agents, and Long Range Planning Committees and teaches extensively for AIIA, including P&C License Schools and E&O Loss Control schools. She received her CIC designation in 1988 and the ARM designation in 1991. Lisa was chosen as “Insuror of the Year” in 2004 by the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents, Inc. This Seminar is designed to provide practical, real-world E&O loss prevention techniques along with resources and tools to implement these procedures. Participants will be instructed on how to handle potential claims and alerted to recent agency E&O trends. HOW TO QUALIFY FOR IIASD LOSS CONTROL CREDIT: An insured who obtains their professional liability coverage for insur-ance producers through the IIASD sponsored programs will earn a percentage credit on their total annual premium if they attend an approved loss control seminar and remain loss free after attending. On-line course attendance is allowed for 50% of total attendees required.

LOSS CONTROL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS Agency Size Required Attendance Total Attendees Required

1 1 active agency principal, owner, partner or officer 1

2-7 1 active agency principal, owner, partner or officer and 1 producer or CSR 2

8-20 1 active agency principals, owner, partners or officers & 1 active agency principals, owners, partners, officers, operations managers or producer and 2 producers or CSRs

4

21-50 1 active agency principal, owner, partner or officer & 1 active agency principal, own-er, partner, officer, operations manager or producer & 1 CSR and 3 producers or CSRs

6

51+ 1 active agency principal, owner, partner or officer & 2 active agency principals, own-ers, partners, officers, operations managers or producers & 2 CSRs and 5 producers or CSRs

10

Payment must be received with registration. Send form in with payment or you can also go to www.iiasd.org and register online.

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2012 E&O LOSS CONTROL SEMINAR

NAME/NAMES: _________________________________________________________________________________ AGENCY/COMPANY: _____________________________________________ CITY: __________________________ E-Mail: ____________________________________________________ PHONE: _________________________ I/we will attend at the following location: $65 for each IIASD Member _____ June 4 Rapid City, Ramkota $80 for each Non-Member _____ June 5 Pierre, Ramkota

_____ June 6 Aberdeen, Ramkota Amount enclosed $ ______________ _____ June 7 Sioux Falls, Ramkota

Return to IIASD Box 327 Pierre SD 57501

605-224-6234 (phone) 605-224-6235 (fax) chofer@iiasd.org

POWER IN PARTNERS FEBRUARY 2012

DIAMONDProgressive Insurance Co.

PLATINUMFarmers Mutual of NebraskaRisk Administration Services

Great American Insurance Company

GOLDAllied Insurance

Dakota Claims ServiceDoss & Associates

EMC Insurance CompaniesGreat Plains Brokerage

The IMT GroupMidwest Family Mutual

North Star Mutual Insurance CompanyRain & Hail, LLCUnited Fire Group

Western National InsuranceSFM “The Work Comp Experts”

NAU Country InsuranceContinental Western Group

SILVERAcuity Insurance

Farmers Alliance MutualLe Mars Insurance CompanyRisk Placement Services, Inc.

State Auto InsuranceSwiss Re

BRONZEAmerican West Insurance

Berkley Risk Administrators LLCBuckeye Insurance GroupColumbia Insurance Group

Insurance Alternatives, LLCInsurance Facilities Inc.

Missouri Valley Mutual Insurance Co.Northwest GF Mutual Insurance

QBERural Community Insurance Services