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INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA JUNE 2012 River Days/Walleye Classic June 20th & 21st, 2012

IIASD June Newsletter

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Page 1: IIASD June Newsletter

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

JUNE 2012

River Days/Walleye ClassicJune 20th & 21st, 2012

Page 2: IIASD June Newsletter

New RV Product Now on Big “I” Markets!

Ready to Roll?

Big “I” Markets has partnered with National Interstate, a premier provider of RV coverage, to bring you access to a product designed specifically for RVs. Why make a personal automobile policy fit when you can access RV Specialty Insurance and deal with RV specialists?

The National Interstate RV product features:

Full-timers coverage Disappearing deductible Total loss replacement Coverage for Commercial RVs

RV coverage can and should fit the RV! Log into Big “I” Markets at www.bigimarkets.com to learn more and to request a quote.

As always with Big “I” Markets, there are no access fees, no volume commitments and no special software needed. Take advantage of your Big “I” membership and log onto Big “I” Markets today!

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BIGIMARKETS

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Page 3: IIASD June Newsletter

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

Page 4: IIASD June Newsletter

AT UNITED FIRE GROUP . . .

Independent agents are the backbone of our insurance business. So, when you talk, we listen. Your requests have prompted us to provide real-time technologies for your convenience. We know you have better things to do with your time than perform tedious data entry. That’s why we’re using the latest technology to provide you with real-time access to your customers’ account information on ufgAgent.com.

Transformation Station and Transact Now™ make real-time inquiry available for:

• Policy • Billing • Claims • Loss runs

Renewals, endorsements, new business, cancellations, reinstate ments—automatically downloaded into your agency management system with updates downloaded nightly. Contact our United Fire marketing team at 800-828-2705 to learn more about these real-time technologies. Go ahead . . .we’re listening!

United Fire GroupCedar Rapids, Iowa www.ufgAgent.comFollow us on Facebook!

®

UNITED FIRE AGENT RON HAMMERBERG The Executive Corner

Jerry Diamond, Exec VP

3

What’s up with texting and driving? Several months ago I was driving down I-90 headed for Rapid City when I passed a vehicle with the driver reading a newspaper. I thought to myself, “How can a driver react to anything at 75 miles an hour when they have their nose in a newspaper?” I have heard of multi-tasking but this, to me, was like fixing a high voltage line without turning the power off.

It wasn’t a few days later , while I was driving, a young lady passed me doing at least 10 miles an hour over the speed limit and then cut back into my lane and almost sideswiped me. I am sure she did not realize what she was doing since she was texting away on her I-Phone or Droid or whatever it was. This cannot be a good thing when our young people cannot live without texting someone every five minutes -especially when they are driving.

Statistics are showing that accidents among young drivers are up and that it is due to talking on the phone or texting while driving. The only way we are going to lower these statistics is to bring about laws that prohibit texting (not another Governmental law).

I read that Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood has a plan that will pressure States to crack down on dangerous driving habits by enacting legislation and educating young drivers on the importance of focusing on the road instead of texting. Lahood went on to say, “We need to teach kids that texting and driving do not mix.”

The Federal Government has established a pilot plan with the states of California and Delaware and has invested 2.4 million into the plan. The plan will specifically target cell phone use and texting while driving. In a recent survey, 58% of high school seniors said they had texted or emailed while driving the previous month. This tells me that 58% of our high school seniors text or operate a phone while driving on a regular basis.

The advice I would give parents that want to see their teenagers grow up to a ripe old age is “no texting or phone usage while driving”. I don’t think we need to have more Government control of our teenagers. What we need is more parental control of our teenagers.

Page 5: IIASD June Newsletter

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www.dakotaclaims.com

ABERDEEN P.O. Box 291

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

Email: [email protected]

CHAMBERLAIN P.O. Box 149

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

Email: [email protected]

HURON P.O. Box 201

Huron, SD 57350 (605) 352-5000 Fax (605) 352-5173 Email: [email protected]

PIERRE

P.O. Box 400 Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 224-6155 Fax (605) 224-4735 Email: [email protected]

RAPID CITY

P.O. Box 2138 Rapid City, SD 57709

(605) 343-3764 Fax (605) 343-1274 Email: [email protected]

SIOUX FALLS

P.O. Box 611 Sioux Falls, SD 57101

(605) 338-3561 Fax (605) 338-0257 Email: [email protected]

SPEARFISH

P.O. Box 435 Spearfish, SD 57783

(605) 642-4769 Fax (605) 642-4760 Email: [email protected]

WATERTOWN

P.O. Box 203 Watertown, SD 57201

(605) 886-2318 Fax (605) 886-2335 Email: [email protected]

YANKTON P.O. Box 265

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

Email: [email protected]

Independent Claims Services to the Insurance Industry

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

Data Security Documentation and Training Employees It was a great week traveling across South Dakota and seeing so many of our agents in attendance at the annual E&O Loss Control seminars. We set a new record this year with 375 attendees. Feedback has been very positive and I hope you all went back to your agencies with information to share with staff and principals who were unable to attend. Lisa Worley, our Loss Control presenter, was very impressed with the beauty of our State and also with the integrity of our insurance agents. Coming from a five-employee agency in Hoover, Alabama, she could easily relate to many of our agency operations; however, she was quite amazed at traveling on roads across the state where you didn’t see another car for miles! She did a great job of covering the basics of good loss control procedures. Securing Personal Data in our agencies was a topicwe added to the presentation this year due to the importance and attention this agency responsibility is receiving on many fronts. After a tip from one of ourbank agency members, we connected with Secure Banking Solutions out of Madison, SD. This consulting firm is a forerunner in providing information security assistance to financial institutions across the U.S. Dr. Streff, Managing Partner at SBS, continues to teach at DSU as well as serving as Director of the National Center for the Protection of the Financial Infrastructure. Their presentation was a true eye-opener for many agents when they pointed out that 85% of cyber attacks are now targeting small businesses and 70% of small business lack security controls. Security terrorism is the #1 concern of our Homeland Security Department.

Chad Knutson, Sr Security Consultant at SBS, interpreted personally identifiable information to be name, SS#, biometric records alone or when combined with other individual information such as date of birth, mother’s maiden name, etc. Without a doubt, we all are storing and transmitting such information in our paper or electronic files. Federal regulations mandate our responsibility to protect this information through Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and HIPPA; however, with the national concern about cybercrime and cyber terrorism, additional regulation is coming very soon. Homeland Security has top priority on this project.

Encryption of laptops, smart phones, storage drives and email attachments with personal information was highlighted as a very important procedure to follow. Available software information was provided; however, agents were encouraged to utilize IT resources within your business or local retail IT.Whatever it takes – we need to address these issues.Top 10 Basic Security Requirements for Businesses1.Malware – Virus – Spyware Protection2.Hardware Firewall3.Software Firewall4.Software Patching5.Backup Data6.Physical Access Security7.Wireless Security8.Security Employee Awareness Training9.Unique User Accounts10.Limit Access to DataYou can contact SBS for assistance at: [email protected] or [email protected]

Page 6: IIASD June Newsletter

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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 InsuranceThe South Dakota Division of Insurance consists of 29 individuals whose goal is to protect the public and make insurance available and affordable by efficiently providing quality assistance, providing fair regulation for industry, and promoting a healthy, competitive insurance market. The various sections of the Division include Financial, Licensing and Continuing Education, Life/Health, Property/Casualty, Administrative Services, Legal Counsel, Compliance, and Market Conduct.

This month we will take a closer look at the Life/Health Section. Jill Kruger is the Assistant Director for Life/Health and oversees Compliance. She has been with the Division for six years and supervises six employees. Jill oversees the consumer complaints staff, the rates/forms analysts, participates in rate approval decisions and works on all market conduct exams. Jill also directs the compliance staff in their investigations into insurance companies and agents, and handles complaint allegations regarding statute violations. Additionally, Jill continues to monitor requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Travis Cornelison and Andrea Swiggum are Life/Health Complaint Analysts. They are responsible for addressing consumer inquiries regarding life and health insurance, long term disability, annuities, and Medicare-related issues. If necessary, a complaint file is opened and an investigation is completed in order to obtain a clear response to the inquiry. In 2011, 381 case files were opened with a total recovery of $710,699.26. In addition, these staff members take hundreds of phone calls throughout the year.

Heather Lang and Matthew Ballard are Compliance Agents. They are often informally referred to as “investigators” due to the fact that their primary job duty is to investigate potential violations of South Dakota Insurance Laws.

The mere fact an investigation occurs does not mean the individual or entity violated a law; rather, the

goal of the investigation is to collect information and documentation from all the involved parties in order that the Division may clearly understand the facts and circumstances of the matter. The Compliance Agents conduct investigations involving licensed and unlicensed entities to ensure compliance with South Dakota statutes and rules, prepare investigative information to present to legal staff for administrative actions, and process applications for persons or entities which have background information which may be used to determine if applicant is unfit to obtain an insurance producer license in South Dakota.

Jeff Smith is the Division’s Life/Health Rate Form Analyst and we currently have a vacant position to fill. Jeff reviews and approves life and health productsfrom companies that are licensed to sell in South Dakota. Last year approximately 3,500 filings were reviewed to ensure compliance with South Dakota law. Jeff also reviews rates increases for approval. All filings are reviewed via SERFF (System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing), which is web-based.

Page 7: IIASD June Newsletter

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Kayla’s Computer Advice

Technology and the Society - Its Facts and Controversy

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

Technology evolved from the society. Everything technology needed for its growth and advancement it got from the society. Many will argue that it gave everything back to the society too, and rightly so. Technology depends greatly on the society, and the society falls back to technology for its development and improvement. The relationship seems cordial, but is one party unfairly exploiting the other in any way?

Technology is in the society. The society is into technology. The society contributes the human and material resources necessary for technol-ogy to blossom. There is no denying the obvious fact that technology has indeed, blossomed. The point of discourse is what technology has taken, and is still taking away from the society in its course for growth.

Firstly, it should be observed that the societal utilization of technology played a large role in denting the image of technology. Some of the harmful effects of technology, which range from pollution to the obvious depletion of the world's nonrenewable natural resources, were unintended. They came to the fore after pronounced use of technological processes. They were unforeseen and are totally regretted simply because they take as much as they offer from the society. Withdrawing these processes from the society has become near-impossible because of the total dependence of the society on technology.

The major reason for technology was thesimplification of human life. It had in mind the maximization of resources to ensure total control of the immediate environment and the proceedings in it.

As a consequence of technology, information has become ubiquitous, communication has improved beyond comprehension and the overall quality of societal life has grown immeasurably. Sports have been commercialized and establishments have been able to expand their tentacles across continents.

Different forms of danger have also resulted from technology. From the top-drawer, one could cite global warming and pollution as major issues. Then there is the little matter of all the negatives that emanate from the internet. Every new technology also seems to come with its own problems of waste which the society finds it

Technology seems incapable of solving all the problems it has created. This is seen in many quarters as a failure of the concept. Many fail to realize that it is the societal use of technology that gives rise to these dangers. This makes it harsh for the society to blame technology for its shortcomings. In the face of all the prevailing arguments, one might just ask if both concepts are actually separable.

By Emmanuel Damisa

Page 8: IIASD June Newsletter

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.

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Page 9: IIASD June Newsletter

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

Retail Office Wholesale Artisan Contractors

Hospitality Manufacturing Services Medical

A better way for our South Dakota Agents to write small business...

Available for accounts up to $10,000 in premiumCo mmiss ion inc reas e to 12% on n ew bus ine ssCo mpe tit i ve pricin g thro ugh Fir s t Da kot a Inde mnitySmall account dividend available for accounts starting at $1,000 premium with dividends paid directly to the accountNo Association membership requirementmyRAS

SM- insured on-line access to account information and the

option of on-line First Report of Injury (FROI)

Time is money and in today’s competitive marketplace RAS can help yougrow and retain your small work comp business. With these features, ourproduct is a simple and fast way to meet your small employer’s needs.

Main Street Work Comp Product

8

“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.

Page 10: IIASD June Newsletter

Insuring the Midlands Since 1891

Les Hileman, CPCU, AICVice President of Agencies

[email protected]

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

9

Looking To Hire A Top Performer? Develop A Personality Profile

How can you tell if a promising job applicant has the qualities needed to become one of your top producers? Does he or she have the empathy needed to understand prospects, the drive to make cold calls time and time again and the resilience required to bounce back from rejection?You’ve got to delve below the surface to find out if the first impression applicants make will be a lasting one or if they are what we call “interview stars:” people who know how to turn it on during a hiring interview, but never quite hit that level of performance again. The latter are individuals who, after months of coaching to improve their performance, you have to let go. And, as you try to figure out what went wrong, you say to yourself, “But they were so good in the interview.”

During the hiring process, applicants and employers are often so busy putting their best feet forward that they end up tripping over each other. How can you delve below the surface to determine if a promising applicant really has what it takes to become one of your top performers?The unfortunate truth is that hiring people who will fit in with your company is hard. And hiring top performers is brutally hard.

You can get a Masters in Business Administration from one of the finest schools in this country and not learn two of the most important things about running a business: (1) how to hire the right people; and(2) how to avoid hiring the wrong ones.

That’s why the insights gained from an in-depth personality profile can provide employers with the information they need to make a better-informed decision. The insights that a consultant can provide from a validated personality profile can provide a measurable, objective view of an individual.

The consultants can also serve as a trusted advisor, a sounding board for discussing whether someone has the qualities an employer is seeking.

Page 11: IIASD June Newsletter

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WE’VE GOTYOUR BACK.

www.acuity.com

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

Page 12: IIASD June Newsletter

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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

2145 Ford Parkway, Suite 202 St. Paul, MN 55116

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?

Inland Marine & Cargo Umbrella & Excess Professional Liability Miscellaneous E & O Directors & Officers

Your TOTAL Solutions Provider

Continued from page 9

Will the individual fit in with your culture? Work well with others on your team? Connect with his or her manager? Those are the important nuances that can make all the difference as to whether an individual will ultimately succeed or not.

Developing an Ideal ProfileThe starting point to hiring effectively is to be absolutely clear about the kind of person you are looking for to succeed in the job. You don’t just want a job description; you want a description of the person you are looking for.

You begin by gaining a clear understanding of the personality qualities shared by your top performers. No doubt, they are all persuasive, able to read others and can bounce back from rejection. But what else do they have? Is it high energy? Discipline? A strong need to accomplish?

Or is that they are they bright? Assertive? Trustworthy? Are they responsible? Reliable? Capable of solving complicated problems?Those attributes, once pinpointed, become the profile of your top performers. And that profile becomes the model toward which you hire.

The closer your applicants match the ideal profile of your top performers, the more likely they will meet or exceed your performance expectations. Personality assessments can provide the insights into applicants that resumés, interviews and references cannot uncover. This approach to hiring is how enlightened employers are dramatically improving their ability to identify top performers during the hiring process and to develop their potential.

Ultimately, what you’re trying to uncover during each of the interview stages is whether a promising applicant is really driven to succeed. What is the applicant’s sense of urgency? Is the candidate persuasive and resilient? If those are the qualities that are important to succeeding in your organization, then how can you tell if someone has them or not?

By incorporating the insights from an in-depth personality profile into your hiring process, a consultant can help you discover whether a promising applicant has what it takes to succeed.

A consultant can review the applicant’s underlying strengths, motivations and any areas of concern, providing hard proof, either substantiating what you may have perceived in the interview or causing you to dig deeper into something you might have missed.

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For example, if your consultant is concerned about the applicant’s level of resilience, then you have the benefit of exploring that area in your next interview, asking questions about situations where the applicant struggled. You can ask about how the applicant felt in that situation and what he or she did to make sure the situation wouldn’t happen again. Through this exploration, you may discover that the individual is well suited for the position. Or it could save you from an enormous mistake. Knowing that beforehand—so you can bring on the right people and avoid the wrong ones—can save you enormously.

In the hiring process, what you are looking for is that which is not so easily seen. It’s what’s inside an individual that matters. To succeed in sales, for instance, you need to know if promising applicants enjoy being in stressful situations. Do they like competing? Can they cope with losing? Will they go out of their way to develop relationships with high-level contacts? Will they ask difficult questions? Will theychallenge prospects? Are they assertive enough to putthemselves in a position to be successful?

The insights from an in-depth personality profile can also provide you with an understanding of the skill gaps of each of new employees. Your managers will then be better able to work one-on-one with them to enhance specific skills, such as listening well or asking tough questions.

Ultimately, succeeding means constantly looking for, hiring and developing top talent. It all comes back to having a clear understanding of the personality qualities shared by your top performers. Then you hire and develop people who start off with those defining qualities.A Clear FormulaIn-depth personality assessments offer objective insights that can help you determine if an applicant’s fit for a specific job, as well as how well they will fit with a particular manager, and whether they will fit your corporate culture. The formula is clear: The better the fit, the higher the probability of the applicant’s success. Multiply that by all the individuals within your organization and you have a powerful strategy for improving your company’s success and profitability.In today’s uncertain economy, you need to be as certain as possible about whether an applicant has the qualities needed to succeed—the drive to come through for your customers immediately. And the insights a knowledgeable consultant can provide from in-depth personality assessments can significantly increase your ability to hire and develop top performers.At the end of the day, that’s the advantage that can set you apart from your competition.

BY HERB GREENBERG AND PATRICK SWEENEY

Page 14: IIASD June Newsletter

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Can You Put A Price On Your Peace of Mind?Put your mind at ease with crop insurance from your local, trusted agent and Rain and Hail.

With Rain and Hail, you can count on:• Aprovenrecordofservice• Unmatchedfinancialstability• Afull-rangeofproductsandservices• Ontheground,localizedservice• Thelatesttechnology

For details contact:

Darrel RohlfsRain and Hail L.L.C.Marketing Representative605.460.3912

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Page 15: IIASD June Newsletter

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If you cannot place all of your clients’ personal insurance needs, they will find someone who can.

• Commercial• Personal • Professional • Brokerage • Binding • Risk Management Services

Minneapolis, Minnesota | 612.564.1880toll free 800.328.1693 | fax 612.564.1881minneapolis.burnsandwilcox.com

When it comes to personal insurance, every part matters. Because when one piece goes missing, the entire account could come undone. At Burns & Wilcox, we can insure individual portions of their coverage or the whole account. So you do not have to turn away any business. We have the expertise, resources and experience that can only come from being the largest independent wholesale broker and underwriting manager. Need help with personal insurance? No one has you covered like Burns & Wilcox.

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Page 16: IIASD June Newsletter

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AGENT WANTED:

Licensed in all Lines;Must locate to Rapid City;

Should have two (2) years of Experience in Medical Professional Liability Insurance,

Disability Income coverage.Salary plus Commissions with some travel

required Health and Dental Insurance provided: Retirement plan

Send Resumes To:

IIASDPO Box 327

Pierre, SD 57501or send e-mail to

[email protected]

“Insuring Homes, Farms, Businesses and Autos”

“A Personable Company Keeping You on Course’’

www.nstarco.com1-800-622-5230

Box 48 Cottonwood, Minnesota 56229

Rated “A+ Superior”

Offered Exclusively Through Independent Agents

Page 17: IIASD June Newsletter

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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

• Pollution liability

• Unladen liability

• Enhanced deductible options

• Non-trucking liability

• Blanket additional insured endorsement

• Cargo pollution cleanup

• Accident travel coverage

• 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.

688225 05/26/11

Page 18: IIASD June Newsletter

Ringwalt & Liesche

Tired of waiting for the market to change?

Send your submissions to: [email protected]: 800-708-7448 • F: 402-916-3333 • www.Ringwalt.com

At Ringwalt & Liesche, we’re not waiting around. We’re proud to be an agency that can offer stability regardless of market conditions. Check out our website at Ringwalt.com to learn more, or just give us a call - we’d love to hear from you! • Commercial Auto

• Garage Liability

• General Liability

• Commercial Property

• Workers’ Comp

• Motor Truck Cargo

• Prize Indemnification

17

Virtual Risk Consultant – Subscription Winners at E&O SeminarsThe luck of the draw and four agencies across the state are now able to utilize Virtual Risk Consultant –the great risk analysis tool. Our Loss Control instructor, Lisa Worley, referred to VRC many times in her presentation as a valuable resource for training, learning about risk exposures, preparing questionnaires, quotes and finally, the E&O checklist that you require the client to sign off on so you have documentation in your file to verify their choices.

IIASD is committed to helping our member agencies succeed in their business and we know that includes preventing E&O claims. Virtual Risk Consultant is a resource that can make a new agent feel more confident about their proposals after analyzing and assessing the risk using this tool. They can find markets for hard-to-place risks and have access to marketing and form letters, Accord forms and instructions on how to use and complete them as well as Policy Form & Manual.

At the end of each session, we announced one agency in attendance who would have a free one-year subscription to Virtual Risk Consultant. The winners at each location are:

Rapid City – Lewis Agency, Inc. One-year subscription to Pierre - Key Insurance, Inc. Virtual Risk ConsultantAberdeen – Krohmer Agency, Inc. for five usersSioux Falls – Bill Markve & Associates $250 Value

Congratulations to these agencies.

Page 19: IIASD June Newsletter

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NEW MEMBERS CORNER:

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

Member Agencies:

Garza Insurance AgencySioux Falls, SD

Obed Garza, Principal

Associate Agencies:

Progressive Marketing Strategies, Inc.Tyndall, SD

Steve Koenig, 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

Page 20: IIASD June Newsletter

$$$ WIN TRUSTED CHOICE $$$(TENTATIVE AGENDA)

Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota2012 CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

The Lodge, Deadwood, SD 100 Pine Crest Lane, Phone: 605-584-4800

September 9-10-11, 2012

Sunday, September 9, 2012Time: Event: 8:00am-3:00pm Exhibitors Setup Noon Registration Opens 1:00pm Golf Tournament 3:00-8:00pm Exhibitors Open 6:00-8:00pm Opening Reception 8:00pm Closed Doors Activities 9:00-12:00am Hospitality Room/ Slot & Texas Hold’em Tournaments

Monday, September 10, 2012Time: Event: 7:00-8:30am Breakfast 9:00am-Noon “Communicating & Connecting with People”- John Chapin10:00am Spousal Event: TBA Noon-1:30pm Awards Luncheon 1:30-3:30pm “Project CAP and Your Agency” Paul Martin- 2hrs. CEC1:30-3:30pm Continuing Ed 2 hrs General (pending)

Insurance Data Security -Kevin Steff/ Chad Knutson3:30pm Ice Cream Social 3:45-5:00pm Annual Business Meeting 6:00-6:45pm Hospitality Room 6:45-9:00pm Annual Banquet Entertainment: Shawn Rapier One Man Comedy Show9:00-12:00am Hospitality Room

Tuesday, September 11, 2012Time: Event: 7:00-8:30am Breakfast 8:00-12:00pm Continuing Ed 4 hrs Property & Casualty (Pending hours) “Insurance Trends and Current Events” Markel- Chris Behymer 8:00-12:00pm Continuing Ed 4 hrs. Property & Casualty (Pending hours) “Unlocking Personal Lines-New Homeowners” Angela Heavener Noon-1:30pm Closing Luncheon

1:30pm Adjourn

Page 21: IIASD June Newsletter

20

$$$ WIN WITH TRUSTED CHOICE $$$2012 IIASD ConventionSeptember 9 -11, 2012

Deadwood Lodge

Come One – Come All – Head to Deadwood for a great Deal!• Golf• CompanyTradeShow• SurpriseClosedDoorFun!• Hospitality• SlotandTexasHold’emTournaments• CommunicationSkillstraining• CECclasses–6hours• LiveEntertainment• GreatFood

Online registration is now open at www.iiasd.org2012 IIASD Convention is Your Trusted Choice!

Page 22: IIASD June Newsletter

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. [email protected]

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

IIASD 2011 in color FINAL_Layout 1 10/27/2011 3:22 PM Page 1

21

For over 100 years, Austin has been constantly

creating solutions and services to meet the

ever-changing needs of policyholders.

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Create moments that matter...

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Page 23: IIASD June Newsletter

22

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: [email protected]

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

Page 24: IIASD June Newsletter

23

FRAUD CONVICTIONS A recruiter for a staged-crash gang working South Florida received 96 months in federal prison this week. Franco Padron is the highest-ranking member of the gang to be sentenced. He and other cronies convinced drivers to take part in setup crashes. Padron coached the motorists how to crash the cars, what to tell police at the crash scene, and how to claim they were hurt. Padron then took them to chiropractic clinics controlled by the crash gang. He also showed them how to fill out medical paperwork lying that they were injured then told them what to say about their injuries and treatments if fraud investigators interviewed them. Some motorists received no treatment or just a brief session but the paperwork lied that they were given lengthy exams and treatment. Padron also filled out insurance forms, mailed them to insurers via registered mail, deposited the insurance checks, and cashed checks drawn on the accounts of thechiropractic clinics. Padron avoided the $10,000 limit that triggers federal currency-transaction reporting requirements. He typically wrote $9,000 checks payable to different people.

Postal letter carrier Jacquelyn Myers said she hurt her lower back during the annual letter carriers’ food drive. The Tallahassee, FL, woman went on light duty and started collecting workers’ comp benefits. But she ran in more than 80 races and triathlons over the next several months. In fact her race times improved during those months. Topping it off, Myers ran the Boston Marathon. Her next finish line could be prison, where she faces up to 15 years when sentenced in July.

Insurance agent Douglas Terry Dean went on a $6.9-million binge of fraudulent premium financing that landed him more than four years in federal prison. The Atlanta-area producer who specialized in commercial lines submitted numerous false financing applications. Some were in the names of unknowing clients or companies and others were for made-up entities and policies. In some cases Dean sought financing from more than one lender for the same policy.

Pain doctor Oliver W. Herndon single-handedly brought a prescription addiction surge to Western Pennsylvania. He saw 80 to 130 patients a day, many of them later stumbling into pharmacies looking strung out or stoned. He wrote hundreds of thousands of pill prescriptions and was the region’s largest supplier. In time, 87 pharmacies stopped filling prescriptions he wrote and 26 contacted the DEA with concerns about his practices. One pharmacy even posted a window sign warning away anyone with a script from his office. DEA agents who visited the office pretending to be new patients got prescriptions within minutes. So many addicts flocked to Herndon’s office that he built two more waiting rooms to handle the patient overflow. Insurers paid up to $1 million in unneeded meds. One patient died from an oxycodone overdose. Herndon pled guilty to drug diversion and received more than 11 years in prison.

A Tulsa funeral-home operator lied that people had died in a plot to collect the proceeds of their pre-paid funeral policies. John William Amis cheated about 70 people, many of whom were elderly or disabled. The court told Williams to repay more than $295,500. Apparently he had financial problems and needed the money and Amis says he cannot repay the money. He received three years in prison plus nine years of probation.

Page 25: IIASD June Newsletter

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 [email protected] 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!

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EXCELLENT MARKETS AVAILABLE FOR PERSONAL UMBRELLA

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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 [email protected]

www.ins.facilities.com FOR COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS CONTACT

STEVE AKKERMAN [email protected]

PERSONAL LINES CONTACT

[email protected]

“Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work,

a company work, a society work, a

civilization work.“

Vince Lombardi

Page 26: IIASD June Newsletter

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2012 Randy Kouri Memorial Golf Benefit

Will you join us?

In just over 2 short months, the 2012 Randy Kouri Memorial Golf Benefit will take place. We expect another sold out slate of golfers gathered to raise money for a great cause, while enjoying a day filled with fun, friendship and tall tales.

Last year, 136 golfers filled Prairie Green with nearly 200 people attending the dinner party that followed. We would like to invite you to join with us this year as we raise funds for Children's Care Hospital & School.

Individual registration is now open and we are limited to 34 teams so don't delay!

In addition to Kouri Insurance, we are pleased to have Lewis Drug, The IMT Insurance Group, First Bank and Trust, Howalt McDowell, and the Luxury Auto Mall joining us as major sponsors! We will be announcing more sponsors soon as this event continues to grow daily.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss a sponsorship in more detail, please feel free to contact a member of our tournament committe. We look forward to your participation in the 2012 Randy Kouri Memorial Golf Benefit. Sincerely, Bryan [email protected]

2012 Donor Beneficiary: Children’s Care

Where: Prairie Green Golf Course with Dinner at Callaways 600 E 69th StSioux Falls, SD 57108

When:Friday August 17, 2012 from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM CDT

Tournament Committee:

Jim Klempka 605-371-0085 ChairmanDoug Schneider 605-366-3969 Dave Centra 605-929-0980 Greg Stahl 605-360-2885 Chuck Eide 605-310-8447 Troy Jones 605-376-5477 Bryan Kouri 605-521-0718

Page 27: IIASD June Newsletter

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HELP WANTED :

Send your resumes to:

Dakota Financial Services2324 NE 8th Ave

Aberdeen, SD 57401

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 - [email protected]

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 [email protected]

HELP WANTED:

Large West River agency looking to fill two producer positions.

Please send resume to [email protected].

Questions may also be directed to this email address.

Growing multi-line agency looking for a great personality! Looking for the right candidate

that is interested in selling P & C and L & H – experience great- but

would be willing to train the right person.

Please contact Cassie at 229-5200 or e-mail [email protected] if interested

or for more information.

Page 28: IIASD June Newsletter

Brian McSherry calls for the continuation of a robust crop insurance program.

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 17, 2012 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today testified in a hearing before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management titled, “Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Commodity Programs and Crop Insurance.”

Brian McSherry, an independent agent from Illinois and Big “I” Crop Insurance Task Force chairman, represented the association. He is the owner of the McSherry Agency in Pontiac, Ill. and also a member of the Big “I” Government Affairs Committee.

McSherry testified in strong support of a healthy farm safety net and spoke out against additional cuts to the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) in the upcoming Farm Bill negotiations. He also highlighted the negative impact of the agent commission caps implemented in the 2011 Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) and focused on the caps effect on rural economies and small business owners.

In summary, his message to Congress was, “that while the Big ‘I’ supports the overall goal of balancing the federal budget, the Big ‘I’ believes that the crop insurance program has already sustained a disproportionate level of cuts.” Over the past four years, cuts to the program totaling $12 billion have been made.

In his testimony, McSherry also emphasized that independent agents must have the resources necessary to effectively provide this crucial safety net for America’s farmers. He said that any FCIP reforms should focus on private sector delivery mechanisms and leverage the expertise of independent agents and not hand over delivery of the program to federal bureaucrats.

McSherry forcefully highlighted the IIABA’s serious concerns with the 2011 SRA and in particular the 80% cap imposed on the compensation a private company may pay private agents for the delivery of crop insurance. He said that the program cuts, along with the commission cap, have created great uncertainty with respect to the future of the program and are having a destabilizing effect on jobs, particularly in rural communities. McSherry said the Big “I” strongly believes the 80% commission cap should be removed.

BIG “I” AGENT TESTIFIES BEFORE HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

Page 29: IIASD June Newsletter

28

Page 30: IIASD June Newsletter

BUCKEYE INSURANCE GROUPTo grow profitably with people and technology in rural mid-America

Established in 1879, Buckeye Insurance Group is committed to working closely with independent agency partners to help them grow profitably. Whether its personal lines such as Homeowner, Dwelling Fire, or Personal Auto, or varying Farm operations; Buckeye is an outstanding choice for independent agents and their policyholder’s in South Dakota.

With a well-known niche in Farmowner insurance, Buckeye offers a comprehensive farm product enhanced by numerous unique endorsements that can address a wide range of farm operations of varying sizes. They have competitive rates for your potential and current clients and are proud to provide fast and fair claim services handled by in-state adjusters.

Buckeye has attained great success in their hands-on approach to building relationships with independent agency partners, both professionally and personally. Independent agents are invited to contact Buckeye to discuss their agency needs and markets in the future.

To learn more about Buckeye Insurance Group, visit their website at www.buckeye-ins.com or call 800-672-3558.

Page 31: IIASD June Newsletter

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.

Page 32: IIASD June Newsletter

31

.

Visit www.iiaba.net/EOContact to connect with your state associa on today.

the Big “I” Professional Liability Program

Prevent. Our exclusive risk management resources help your agency avoid making common preventable mistakes.

Protect.Our superior coverage through Swiss Re Corporate Solu�ons and our experienced claims teams are in your corner in the event of a claim.

Prosper. When you know you have the best agency E&O Protec�on, you can focus on growing your most important asset–your business.

Swiss Re Corporate Solu ons policyholders: Don’t miss out on the invaluable risk management resources available exclusively to you. Log in to www.iiaba.net/EOHappens to access claims sta s cs, preven on tools, insigh ul ar cles and more.

The Big “I” and Swiss Re Corporate Solu�ons are commi�ed to providing IIABA members with leading edge agency E&O products and services. IIABA and its federa�on of 51 state associa�ons endorse the comprehensive professional liability program offered by Swiss Re Corporate Solu�ons.

Insurance products underwri�en by Westport Insurance Corpora�on, Overland Park, Kansas. Westport is a member of Swiss Re Corporate Solu�ons and is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

WHY Walk

when you can soar?5 Tips for Powerful Prospecting

by John Chapin When you are prospecting, the people you are calling want to put you into one of two categories quickly: one, someone they should listen to or two, someone they want to get rid of as quickly as possible. People are busy and the reality is, unless they sent in for information or you happen to call them exactly when they’re looking for what you have, most are determined to put you into category number two and get rid of you ASAP. After all, the last thing they need is one more to-do item on a list that is already more than they can possibly get done. That being the case, how can you catch their attention and get them to at least consider what you have to offer?

5 Tips for Powerful Prospecting 1) Make the call about them. With the high number of people calling and e-mailing prospects these days, you have to stand out. The best way to stand out is to make your call about them, not you. When most people call they immediately start talking about themselves, their company, and the wonderful products and services they offer. In this “sales” mode, prospects immediately put a wall up and blurt out responses such as “I’m all set” or “I’m not interested” and hang up. Instead of making the prospecting call about you, focus on the benefits the prospect receives or, what’s in it for them. 2) Be short, sweet, and to-the-point. As a general rule, you want to keep the opening of your prospecting calls as short as possible. When prospecting many people feel the need to open with a ton of information to justify the call and as a result, they end up saying way too much. When a prospect answers the phone, they have two questions: Who are you, and what do you want? Simply answer those questions, give the prospect your number one benefit, and then close on the appointment.

3) Warm up your cold calls. The best ways to warm up a cold call are to get a referral, find something you have in common, refer to something you read, or name drop.

Obviously getting a referral is the most effective way to warm up a cold call. Remember, the average person knows 250 other people. You should be asking everyone you talk to for referrals. In addition to referrals, look for things you have in common with people. For example, did you go to the same school? Alumni Directories are a great source of warm leads. What other hobbies and interests do you have that you may share with people? Were you in the military, are you a sky diver, a golfer? You can also refer to something you read in the paper or on-line. Did someone recently get a promotion, have a 25th wedding anniversary, get a hole-in-one? Finally, you can drop the names of companies or people you’re doing business with that the person you’re calling will likely be familiar with.

4) Practice pleasant persistence.If we follow the rule that you have to touch a prospect 7 to 10 times before you get some name recognition and build some credibility, how do you reach out that many times without becoming a pest? Answer: it’s all in your approach. You want to use a combination of phone calls, mail or e-mail, and in-person visits, if feasible. You might start with a phone call followed by a letter or e-mail on the same day. If you get no response, follow up with another call and letter or e-mail about five business days later. After your third call and letter, stop by in-person. If an in-person visit isn’t feasible, make a fourth call five days after the third call and letter. Finally, finish with a “last-chance-to-get-back-to-you” phone call. Also, be pleasant and conversational in all your communication, as if you are talking to a close friend or family member. While energy and enthusiasm are good and some is recommended, too much will make peoples’ defenses go up.

5) Follow up and follow through.Once you have a prospect, you have to keep your momentum. Making a good first impression is great, now you have to follow it up by making a good second, third, fourth impression, etc. You are only as good as your last interaction so make sure you stay in touch and continue to impress each time. To keep the momentum, first, do what you say you’ll do when you say you’ll do it and second, go above and beyond. Doing what you’ll say you’ll do is the quickest way to build trust and credibility, not doing what you say you’ll do is the quickest way to destroy trust and credibility. Also, going above and beyond and pleasantly surprising people are the fastest ways to build long-term loyalty.

Page 33: IIASD June Newsletter

.

Visit www.iiaba.net/EOContact to connect with your state associa on today.

the Big “I” Professional Liability Program

Prevent. Our exclusive risk management resources help your agency avoid making common preventable mistakes.

Protect.Our superior coverage through Swiss Re Corporate Solu�ons and our experienced claims teams are in your corner in the event of a claim.

Prosper. When you know you have the best agency E&O Protec�on, you can focus on growing your most important asset–your business.

Swiss Re Corporate Solu ons policyholders: Don’t miss out on the invaluable risk management resources available exclusively to you. Log in to www.iiaba.net/EOHappens to access claims sta s cs, preven on tools, insigh ul ar cles and more.

The Big “I” and Swiss Re Corporate Solu�ons are commi�ed to providing IIABA members with leading edge agency E&O products and services. IIABA and its federa�on of 51 state associa�ons endorse the comprehensive professional liability program offered by Swiss Re Corporate Solu�ons.

Insurance products underwri�en by Westport Insurance Corpora�on, Overland Park, Kansas. Westport is a member of Swiss Re Corporate Solu�ons and is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

WHY Walk

when you can soar?

32

Page 34: IIASD June Newsletter

33

Merle’s House Project

First Madison Agent Greg Fender shows off

his carpentry skills with his son.

This may not be a great looking crew, but they are very efficient and know how to

show off their building abilities.

Why doesn’t anyone want to work with Rachel Smith? Maybe its because she has a tack hammer in her hand.

Agent Mike Hofmeister really made a difference in the project after he found his hammer.

Page 35: IIASD June Newsletter

IIASD Agents take on the Insurance Commissioner!

Independent Insurance Agents took on the South Dakota Insurance Commissioner and won, or at least they took on his house project.

Most people know that Merle Scheiber’s house was damaged in the 2011 flood, so several volunteer agents took a weekend to install windows, insulate and side his house. This seemed to be a very successful project as it looked a whole lot better than prior to them showing up. It was tough work, but there seemed to be more teasing and laughter than seriousness.

The IIASD Association furnished refreshments and a steak fry for the volunteers.New friends were made and part of Merle’s project got completed.

Page 36: IIASD June Newsletter

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM EXTENSION PASSES SENATE

Agreement on consideration of Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act also reached.

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2012 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today commended the U.S. Senate for passing a 60 day extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by unanimous consent.

The 60 day extension legislation also contains one policy provision that would remove the subsidies granted to second homes and vacation homes by the NFIP. This provision was included in order to ensure the measure gained unanimous consent and is also a part of S. 1940, the “Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act,” which the Big “I” strongly supports. The House is set to return from their Memorial Day recess next week, at which point they will need to consider the 60 day extension as well to avoid an expiration of the program on May 31.

“The Big ‘I’ commends the Senate, and Senate Majority Leader Reid and Sen. Vitter in particular, for their work in passing this 60 day extension in order to prevent an expiration of the NFIP,” says Charles E. Symington Jr., Big “I” senior vice president for government affairs. “We also greatly appreciate the House’s action last week on a 30 day extension and urge them to quickly pass this 60 day version next week upon their return.”

Today’s passage of a 60 day extension by the Senate was made possible by an agreement reached between Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Banking Chairman Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Sens. David Vitter (R-La.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) on a plan for consideration of S. 1940, the “Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act.” Majority Leader Reid agreed to bring the bill up for consideration before the full Senate during the next work period. As part of the agreement, Sen. Vitter earlier withdrew a flood insurance amendment he was offering to a pending bill to reauthorize the Food and Drug Administration and Sen. Coburn agreed to allow the 60 day extension of the NFIP to pass by unanimous consent.

“Today’s actions in the Senate are very much appreciated,” says John Prible, Big “I” vice president for federal government affairs. “While the 60 day extension is just a temporary patch, this patch combined with the agreement reached on the Senate floor, opens the window to the possibility of finally getting the ‘Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act’ across the finish line.”

Page 37: IIASD June Newsletter

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA2012

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE 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 9th Fall Crop Update - Pierre (Ramkota)

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

Page 38: IIASD June Newsletter

Questions? Contact Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota: visit www.iiasd.org; phone 605-224-6234; or Email [email protected]

$$$ WIN TRUSTED CHOICE $$$ Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota

2012 CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW The Lodge, Deadwood, SD

100 Pine Crest Lane, Phone: 605-584-4800 September 9-10-11, 2012

Name _____________________________________________ Spouse ____________________________________ (Print as you wish it to appear on badge and roster) Will spouse attend spouses’ function? yes no Agency or Company Name __________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________ City ________________________State _______Zip ________ Phone _________________________________ E-mail Address ____________________________________________

Check if you are: Agent Company Exhibitor

Payment must be sent with this form. (Checks payable to IIASD)

Payment: Check Enclosed; press

Card No. ______________________________________________Card Verification No.______ Exp. Date _______

Billing Address ________________________________________________________________________________

Cardholder Name_____________________________ Signature __________________________________________

Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota, PO Box 327, Pierre, SD 57501 Phone 605-224-6234; Fax 605-224-6235; or Email [email protected]

Convention Hotel FULL

Additional Lodging: (shuttle provided) First Gold 1-800-274-1876 or Mineral Palace 1-800-847-2522 (Tell them you are with the IIASD Convention.)

REFUND POLICY: Full refund allowed anytime prior to August 15, 2011. After August 15—no refunds allowed.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Elk Horn Golf Course Sunday September 9, 2012

Shotgun start 11:00 AM 18 Hole Tournament; $80 per entry

(Entry fee includes green fees, cart, and prizes) Name 18 Hole Avg ___________________________________ ______

___________________________________ ______

___________________________________ ______

___________________________________ ______

REGISTRATION FEES

Registration fee entitles registrants access to all exhibits, seminars, social events, meals, scheduled entertainment,

hospitality suite, etc. See “Agenda” on reverse.

Member or Company ($135) _____

Spouse ($85) _____

Non-Member ($200) _____

Golf Tournament ($80) _____

Early Bird before Aug. 15 ($135) _____ *Early Bird Drawing will be for individuals registered before Aug. 15. TOTAL ENCLOSED ____

Page 39: IIASD June Newsletter

POWER IN PARTNERS June 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