Manaka Appointed to Chair Diversity Task Force

Tim Manaka, of FIA Insurance Services Inc. in Pasadena, Calif., was named as the new chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Diversity Task Force’s new chairperson at the groups 4th annual Big “I” Diversity Luncheon.

“I take this opportunity very seriously,” Manaka said. “This is a great honor, and a big challenge. If we all work together, there is so much we can accomplish.”

The luncheon allowed agents and brokers the unique opportunity to share experiences, insights and ideas while learning how others deal with comparable challenges.

Big “I” President-Elect Alex Soto, of InSource Inc. in Coral Gables, Fla., spoke at the luncheon. He discussed his experiences growing up in a new culture and challenged all Diversity Task Force members to more actively recruit. Soto also encouraged agents and company partners to educate potential association members to all of the organization’s benefits.

The Diversity Task Force is a cooperative industry group comprised of Big “I” agents and brokers, members of groups representing Latin-American, African-American and Asian-American agents, and eight leading insurance companies charged with fostering a profitable independent agency force that reflects, represents and capitalizes on the opportunities of the diverse U.S. population.

Also at this year’s luncheon, the Diversity Task Force distributed its recently unveiled Diversity Toolkit. The Toolkit, underwritten by task force company partners, is a step-by-step guide for state associations to use in recruiting and retaining new members. The booklet and CD, Building Membership from Untapped Markets, focuses specifically on recruiting from ethnic groups and emerging markets.

Agents and company representatives from the Diversity Task Force’s industry partners – Aetna, AIG Agency Auto, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, CNA, The Hartford, MetLife Auto & Home, Safeco Insurance Company and St. Paul Travelers – were all in attendance.

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