Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New Jersey Hosts 118th Annual Convention

Top Quote The event, which drew hundreds of independent agents and industry representatives, was held on October 16-18, 2011. End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) October 21, 2011 - The event, which took place at the historic Skytop Lodge in Skytop, PA, played host to several hundred independent insurance agents and industry representatives.

    Jill Schmidt, brand implementation manger for Trusted Choice, Big 'I''s exclusive brand, attended the meeting to announce the new partnership between Trusted Choice and Franklin Mutual Insurance (FMI). On Friday, October 14th, it was announced that FMI had joined 62 other elite insurance carriers by becoming a Trusted Choice company. Representatives from FMI were in attendance to receive their honorary plaque and meet with Big 'I' members.

    Thomas Minkler, vice chairman of IIABA and president of the Clark-Mortenson Agency in Keene, NH, presented to several hundred agents the new Consumer Agent Portal (CAP) where he explained how the system was going to effectively reclaim online market share for agents selling auto insurance. In a release distributed by Project CAP on September 20, 2011, agents were informed of the impending launch of the new web solution. During his Monday morning presentation, Tom shared with the audience the effects, benefits, leverage and awareness CAP was going to bring to the independent channel.

    Steven Hnath, of AAA Insurance of New Jersey, dutifully swore in the 2011-2012 officers - Lou Sofianakos, Roger Leonard Jr., Marianne Speakman, L. Scott Stanford, and Ron Gansfuss, as well as the complete board of directors. The 2011-2012 leaders on the Young Agents Council (YAC) were also sworn in during the Monday morning business meeting.

    In recognition for his hard work, dedication and commitment to the industry, and the association, Jerry Ford III, of Allen & Stults Company was the 2011 recipient of the Howard Kucher Volunteer of the Year Award. The award, given in remembrance of Howard A. Kucher, a long time Big "I" member and IIABNJ Board of Director, was created to honor dedicated and deserving individuals. Jerry has been involved with the Big 'I' since the early 90's and has been the Chairman of our Young Agents Council, the Chairman of our Technology Committee, a member of our Strategic Planning Committee, and a member of our Finance Committee. He has represented IIABNJ on numerous insurance industry councils and task forces, was named Young Agent of the Year in 2000, and currently serves on the IIABNJ Board of Directors.

    IIABNJ awarded the 2011 James F. Anthony Scholarship to Kaitlyn Stanford of Brick, NJ. Created in 1995, the $1,000 scholarship is given in memory of James F. Anthony, a devoted friend to IIABNJ. Kaitlyn is a graduate of Brick Memorial High School where she excelled as a student athlete and participated in a variety of extra curricular activities. She is currently enrolled at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut where she is pursuing a degree as a Physical Therapist.

    The Big 'I' announced its annual donation to the Make A Wish Foundation of New Jersey, this year totaling $35,000.

    Photos from the event can be found online at www.facebook.com/iiabnj.

    About IIABNJ
    Established in 1893, and based in Trenton, NJ, the non-profit Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New Jersey (IIABNJ) represents hundreds of locations and thousands of independent insurance agents and employees in local communities throughout New Jersey. These agents and brokers offer all lines of personal and business insurance, including, property, casualty, life, and health from a variety of insurance companies. This diversity enables flexibility, customization, competitive pricing and advocacy for the end consumer. IIABNJ members are Trusted Choice® agents committed to providing a high level of responsive, ethical, courteous and personalized customer service. IIABNJ is the state association for the nation's oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers. For more information, visit www.iiabnj.org. Trusted Choice® agents can be found at www.TrustedChoice.com.

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