A New Day in Alabama for the Independent Agent
We have found not all members are knowledgeable about all of the programs we have available for them, which means they are not getting the full value of their membership in the association.
It’s hard to believe that 2003 is history.
It seems like just yesterday I was sworn in as the 107th Alabama Independent Insurance Agent’s State president. Yet, half of my year is already gone! That short ceremony marked the beginning of one of AIIA’s most ambitious years. I chose as my theme, “A New Day.” That theme was meant to incorporate many different goals for our association, most of which have already been put into motion.
New leadership, attitude highlight 2004
It’s A New Day at the association office with new leadership in place and a new attitude about the true mission of the association—to serve our members. That means all members have access to the association to help them with their needs. This is our members’ association and it was founded to be an advocate in all areas that affect our industry. The door is always open. Please call, e-mail or drop by at any time for assistance, information or just a visit. Our members’ needs are our only business.
It’s A New Day for our physical facility in Birmingham. A number of serious limitations, parking, restrooms, education needs, and the need to modernize the building facilities have made it plain to us that AIIA needs a new facility. We hope to have that accomplished by the end of this year. Plans are already underway to procure financing, acquire property and construct a new headquarters building. It’s exciting to know that we will be able to correct the deficiencies of the current facility and make our new headquarters building “member friendly” to serve our needs.
Our Building for Tomorrow program is well underway and we hope to occupy our new facility by the end of 2004. The new building is to be constructed on a two and a half-acre lot in the new Lakeshore Extension area of Birmingham. This new facility will allow us to bring all education classes in-house, including our Certified Insurance Counselor programs.
Our current Birmingham facility marks its 25th year as association headquarters this year and while it has served our needs well in the past, it is simply not able to do so in the future.
It’s A New Day for our public image. One of my goals was to establish a speaker’s bureau so the public could contact us about positive programs to enhance the image of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agent. Visit our Web site at www.aiia.org and you will find a new link there for the general public to request a speaker. We have had tremendous response from our members to go and tell our story or present a program on an insurance topic. Many of our members will gladly go to make these presentations, as will our capable staff. There are many areas of interest with regard to insurance and we are delighted to go and share those messages in schools, civic clubs and other arenas.
Local association boards to benefit
It’s A New Day for our local association boards. In January, local board presidents were notified that the association staff and members of the Member Benefits Committee are ready and willing to assist them with their needs. Local boards can take advantage of the many programs we have available statewide.
We also have an award-winning education department that is ready to present programs of interest at these local meetings. We continue to offer a number of member benefits that not only help support the association, but also our members. We have found not all members are knowledgeable about all of the programs we have available for them, which means they are not getting the full value of their membership in the association. By allowing us to come and meet with our local boards, we can present that message to allow them the option available to other members.
It’s A New Day for our members. We want them to take advantage of everything the association has to offer. We have a second-to-none education program to assist with professional credentials. We have one of the finest professional liability policies as well as access to the RLI personal umbrella program and In-Home Business policy for our members’ clients. We recently announced availability of a new commercial umbrella program for their professional liability coverage.
We want all members to get involved in their local and state association. They will find that they will get a lot more out of it than they put into it!
Mickie Edwards is president of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents. The Alabama Independent Insurance Agents will hold their 108th Annual Convention at Florida’s Hilton Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort June 10-12.