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Minnesota News THE Official Publication of the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association April 2010 Inside this Issue: 2010 MIIAB/Trusted Choice Convention Awards 2010 MIIAB/Trusted Choice Convention Snapshots All Industry Award - John Christianson, Auto-Owners Insurance New MIIAB President - Ken Ohl, CIC Executive V.P. Message - Dan Riley FEATURED DIAMOND PARTNERS WEST BEND - PAGE 11 PROGRESSIVE - PAGE 30 FEATURED PLATINUM PARTNER INTEGRITY INSURANCE - PAGE 17 MIIAB/TRUSTED CHOICE 2010 CONVENTION ISSUE MR. REMARKABLE SAYS,“THE CONVENTION WAS A SUCCESS! YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT! “

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Page 1: The MN News April 2010

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 1

Minnesota NewsTHE

Official Publication of the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association

April2010

Inside this Issue:2010 MIIAB/Trusted Choice Convention Awards2010 MIIAB/Trusted Choice Convention SnapshotsAll Industry Award - John Christianson, Auto-Owners InsuranceNew MIIAB President - Ken Ohl, CICExecutive V.P. Message - Dan Riley

FEATuRED DIAMOND PARTNERS WEST BEND - PAgE 11

PROgRESSIVE - PAgE 30

FEATuRED PlATINuM PARTNERINTEgRITy INSuRANCE - PAgE 17

MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe 2010 COnvenTIOn Issue

Mr. reMArkABle sAys,“The COnvenTIOn wAs A suCCess! yOu shOuld CheCk IT OuT! “

Page 2: The MN News April 2010

2 The Minnesota News •April 2010www.rascompanies.com

Celebra�ng

We, at RAS, are currently celebra�ng

our 20th anniversary and would like

to thank all of our agents and loyal

insureds for their support. Due to this

support RAS has grown to one of the

largest work comp insurers in the

Upper Midwest wri�ng over $42M

in premium.

OFFICES IN MINNESOTA AND SOUTH DAKOTAP. 800.732.1486 www.rascompanies.com

2oYears in Business

Richard Johnson,

President and CEO

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION.

Our Focus. Your Opportunity.SM

You’re local, we’re local;

let’s work together.

Na�onwide Strength. Midwest Values.

Proud of our local roots, together, we

all support the Minnesota business

community. Because of RAS’s local

presence, we provide the very best in

resources helping employers manage

their workers’ compensa�on risk

while protec�ng profitability.

We would like the opportunity to

grow our business locally through

our independent agency partners.

Please contact us on-line at

www.rascompanies.com.

Page 3: The MN News April 2010

Inside this Issue 5      President’s Message 9      Executive VP Message11      Diamond Partner Article: West Bend Mutual Insurance Company14      2010 Company Award of Excellence15      2010 Agency of the Year17      Platinum Partner Article: Integrity Insurance19      2010 Young Agent of the Year21      2010 Company Representative of the Year23      2010 Agent of the Year25      2010 President’s Award26      2010 All Industry Award29      Diamond Partner Article: Progressive Insurance31      Pictures from the Convention50      In The News...57      Education60      Power in Partners

MIIAB BOARD OF DIRECTORSwalter k. Ohl, Jr., CICPresidentPioneer Heritage Insurance, LLC, Spicer, MN

Mark Z. Moores. CPCu, ArM, AAIPresident-ElectMoores Insurance Management, Inc., St. Paul, MN

rob wunderlichVice PresidentWunderlich Insurance Agency, Winona, MN

david J. szczepanskiIIABA State National DirectorGarry Insurancenter, North St. Paul, MN

Chad BjuganRichfield State Insurance, Richfield , MN

roberta Gibbons, CIsr, CICDyste Williams Agency, Minneapolis, MN

Travis hansen, CICReliable Agency, Inc., Cloquet, MN

John kellerLindfors Insurance Agency, Fosston, MN

Jamie larsonLarson Insurance of Fergus Falls, Fergus Falls, MN

Mark lenzT.C. Field Company, St. Paul, MN

vance PriggeAtlas Insurance Brokers, Rochester, MN

Bruce l. sognOakwood Insurance Agency, Inc., Coon Rapids, MN

shawn wensel, CICPresidentSMA Insurance, St. Cloud, MN

Mark white, CIC, CPCuFoster Carlson White Agency, Monticello, MN

Tanner BalfanyYIP RepresentativeAssociated Insurance Agents, Inc. Brooklyn Center , MN

MIIAB STAFFdaniel d. rileyExecutive Vice President952-253-6072 [email protected] waldhauserDirector of Insurance Operations952.253.6089 [email protected] sposetoGovernment Affairs Director952-253-6075 [email protected] lepleyChief Financial Officer952-253-6076 [email protected] GoodinDirector of Education952-253-6074 [email protected] schneiderAdministrative Assistant952-253-6070 [email protected] neffTechnical Advice952-253-6073 [email protected] dunningDirector of Work Comp Insurance952-253-6239 [email protected] norumInsurance Coordinator952-253-6237 [email protected] B. knappDirector of Marketing952-253-6243 [email protected]

Reach MIIAB At:7500 Flying Cloud Drive

Suite 900Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Telephone: 952-835-4180Tollfree: 800-864-3846

Fax: 952-835-4774www.miia.org

April 2010April 2010 • The Minnesota News 1

Minnesota NewsTHE

Official Publication of the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association

April2010

Inside this Issue:2010 MIIAB/Trusted Choice Convention Awards2010 MIIAB/Trusted Choice Convention SnapshotsAll Industry Award - John Christianson, Auto-Owners InsuranceNew MIIAB President - Ken Ohl, CICExecutive V.P. Message - Dan Riley

FEATuRED DIAMOND PARTNERSWEST BEND - PAgE 11

PROgRESSIVE - PAgE 30

FEATuRED PlATINuM PARTNERINTEgRITy INSuRANCE - PAgE 17

MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe 2010 COnvenTIOn Issue

Mr. reMArkABle sAys,“The COnvenTIOn wAs A suCCess! yOu shOuld CheCk IT OuT! “

April 2010 • The Minnesota News �

Page 4: The MN News April 2010

� The Minnesota News •April 2010

Need a Vacant Property Policythat won’t come up empty?

Vaca

nt P

rope

rty

St. Paul, Minnesota 651.487.2800 toll free 800.637.7318 fax 651.487.2010stpaul.burnsandwilcox.comBurns & Wilcox is exclusively endorsed by the MIIA as a provider of choice.

Alan Jay KaufmanChairman, President & CEO

When you partner with the experienced professionals at Burns & Wilcox,you’ll find a national network of underwriters with unparalleled access to the leading markets for Vacant Properties. That means broad coverage from a company with the speed, agility and intelligence to get the job done right. Plus, flexible solutions and large limits in protection against fire, vandalism and other unforeseen claims. If your client has an empty property, give them the right coverage with a Vacant Property Policy from Burns & Wilcox, North America’s largest specialty insurance MGA/wholesaler.

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MIIAB

Diamond Partner

www.stpaul.burnsandwilcox.com

Page 5: The MN News April 2010

President’s MessageKen Ohl, CIC

[email protected]

President Ohl’s sPeech at the cOnventiOnGood morning and welcome to the 2010 state convention for the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to join fellow agents and company representatives from around the state for a couple of days of education, networking and fun. I am a principal in Pioneer Heritage Insurance, LLC with offices in Spicer, Willmar, Pennock and Raymond, MN. And as an independent agent our agency represents a dozen or so companies selling all lines of insurance throughout west central Minnesota. And I have to tell you that I can’t think of a better place to be in the insurance business. Isn’t it great to be a Minnesotan?

Once again this year’s convention turnout is outstanding! Dan and his staff have put together a variety of speakers for seminars designed to address some of the issues facing all of us as independent insurance agents today. This year the number of exhibitors participating in the marketplace will approach 85, so we are hopeful that you can find something of interest here.

Thanks to Dan and his staff for their efforts planning this event as well as for all of Dan’s hard work throughout the past 26 years! Dan has helped make our association one of the most highly respected independent agent’s associations in the country, something we all should be proud of.

As evidence of the quality of our organization, I would like to recognize Past President Mike Donohoe of the Weir Agency in Mankato who will be inducted as the national president of our parent organization, the IIABA in September of 2011 right here in the Twin Cities. Plans are under way currently for an exciting event surrounding that ceremony which will include a national board of directors meeting, a national young agents meeting, sales seminars and a marketplace. Stay tuned for more info in the upcoming months. This event means a great deal to our state association and we hope you will all be able to attend.

In addition to great “seasoned” insurance people like mike, we have one of the top young agent’s committees in the country which has won several national awards for their outstanding efforts over the past few years representing the MIIAB. They certainly deserve our recognition as they represent the future of our agencies and this business. Thank you YIPs and keep up the good work.

As you all know, surviving in this business today takes a lot of perseverance, willpower, compassion and dedication. The benefits are limited only by your individual desire to succeed! As an agency owner and producer I understand what you all face on a daily basis: including competition from every direction, state and federal regulation, coverage issues, E & O exposures, company relations, technology concerns and of course, employee issues.

April 2010 • The Minnesota News �

Page 6: The MN News April 2010

During my presidency, I look forward to advocating for all of you on these issues along with Dan and our boards of directors as your concerns are most assuredly our concerns.

When I first started in this business just over 30 years ago I was looking for a job that could provide some stability to my income and which might eventually lead to a career. The first couple of years both my wife and I had our doubts about either of those prospects! But as my business evolved I continued to learn more about my products and as I became more confident I found it easier to talk about insurance at every opportunity. It has been said that it takes at least three years to determine if a new agent will make it in this business and I’m here to tell you that there are some who told me after my first 10 years that I might want to consider another career! Of course I didn’t and things turned out for me anyway.

Two things were key for me: one was to recognize opportunity when it presented itself and to make the most of it even if it meant taking a chance. Win or lose I tried to always come away from these experiences with something useful.

The second was to get an “insurance” education which I tried to do every chance I got starting with new agent training at MSI Insurance Company in Arden Hills, continuing with the LUTC program and then CIC, sponsored by this association. If I could give a young agent any advice it would be to learn as much as you can because as the old adage goes: “as soon as you think you’ve learned it, they change it!”. Educate yourself constantly.

I have been on the board of directors for just over six years representing region 6 in southwestern Minnesota. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to get involved in improving relations between our members and the companies we represent. Over the past several months a number of board members including Shawn Wensel, Dick McKenny, Dave Szczepanski, Chad Bjugan, Jim Stein, Myron Larson, Ross Nesbit, Dan Riley and myself have been visiting company executives in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan in an attempt to garner their support for this association, while at the same time strengthening our relationships with them. The response has been overwhelming and on behalf of the executive committee and our board of directors I want to thank all of you for your generous support and I look forward to continuing the dialogue with each of you in the months and years to come.

As board members we are also encouraged to attend the National Legislative Conference held every spring in Washington, D.C. I have been fortunate to have been able to attend this event the past five years and can say that it is a worthwhile trip and D.C. is an absolutely amazing place to visit. Frustrating at times, but still amazing.

Our primary function in attending this event is to visit Minnesota’s Congressmen and Senators to encourage them to support legislation that favors our industry and our customers and to voice our opposition to unfavorable proposals. Sometimes our voices seem to fall on deaf ears but at times it really seems like they actually “get it”!

The hot topic this year, of course, has been health care reform and we all know how that turned out! Unfortunately, by the time “we” arrived in D.C. that train had already left the station so we moved on to other threats such as the reduction in the crop insurance subsidies and an artificial cap on commissions that will reduce our crop insurance revenues by an estimated �0% starting next year. This change will not put us out of business but it will certainly have an impact on the bottom line of agencies that sell crop insurance and could eliminate the essential aspects of competition and service incentives that are vital to the program. We urged our elected officials to continue their long history of supporting the crop insurance program and to reject further cuts to the program. We continue to follow that issue and are hopeful no further cuts will be made.

Other topics we discussed included insurance regulatory reform (we contend that the current state based system of regulation is effective and much more responsive to our local marketplace and we strongly opposed proposed legislation for federal day-to day regulation of insurance.)

6 The Minnesota News •April 2010

Page 7: The MN News April 2010

Our congressmen seemed to agree with us, but were non-committal as to how they felt the legislation would go.

While we were on the hill in Washington, the House passed the NARAB Reform Act and the senate looks likely to do so as well. If implemented it would improve the state-based system by providing nonresident licensing reciprocity through a board comprised of a majority of state commissioners and industry representatives. The result will be a more efficient, modern and workable system of insurance agent licensing for agents who wish to operate in multiple states.

Last but not least, we discussed taxes since that issue affects all of us especially with regard to the tax on capital gains and dividends which could increase from the current 1�% to 20% if congress fails to act this year further restricting the necessary capital to reboot the economy. We asked to continue the status quo but in light of the budget deficits today we are not hopeful.

So we are attempting to fight the good fight on behalf of our membership, which is one of the primary reasons this association exists. We will continue as long as there are issues that adversely affect our industry. Please help us when we ask each of you to contact your legislators either in St. Paul or in Washington. Your voice can be heard, especially in an election year.

During the next several months I would like to promote more participation with the association from our out state members and at the same time interact more with Minnesota’s farm insurers and crop carriers. This segment of business represents a large percentage of revenues for rural agents and certainly deserves our attention.

Before I conclude, I would like to introduce my partners in Pioneer Heritage Insurance”, Gary and Tom Geiger (who are also owners of our affiliate Heritage Bank in Willmar), Gary’s wife, Nancy Geiger and Wayne Nelson, President of Heritage Bank. They all certainly have believed in me and helped me a great deal over the past 10 years with financing and advice. Thanks to all of you for your support, we could not have done it without you.

I’d also like to have the staff of Pioneer Heritage Insurance please stand and be recognized. Thanks to all of you for your hard work and for covering for me while I’m away working with the association. These people certainly are my “trusted choices”!

And finally I need to introduce a couple of people who are my reason for being. First my daughter and fishing partner, Jennifer, who teaches high school English in Buffalo, MN. Unfortunately she could not be here today because of a conflict with her schedule, but I know she is thinking about me. (I would also like to ask that you please keep her husband in your thoughts and prayers. Sgt. Brent Koch is serving in Iraq with the army’s 367th Engineering Battalion from St. Cloud. He will return home next January.) And secondly, I need to let you know that any success I have had in this business can only be attributed to the support of my beautiful wife, Cindy. For the past 37 years she has always been there with me, and in our early years together, paid most of our bills! Thanks for sticking with me!

Thanks again to all of you for attending this event. Please enjoy the convention. I encourage you to participate in the various programs this association has to offer throughout the year whether it be thru the town meetings, trusted choice thank you cards, the Young Insurance Professionals Committee, continuing education classes, the E&O program, the Virtual University on-line resource or the Work Comp Specialist program for mono-line workers comp. Make the most of your membership!

We hope to see you all back with us next year.

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 7

Page 8: The MN News April 2010

� The Minnesota News •April 2010

MIIAB wOuld lIke TO ThAnk Our exhIBITOrs And sPOnsOrs AT Our COnvenTIOn

AAA InsuranceABRA Auto Body & Glass

AGMAX InsuranceAllied Insurance

Allied Insurance- Bond DepartmentAMERISAFE, Inc.

AmTrust North AmericaApplied Systems, Inc.

ASPN Insurance Agency, LLCAustin Mutual Insurance CompanyAuto-Owners Insurance Company

BancInsure, Inc.Bedford Underwriters, Ltd.

Britt Paulk Insurance AgencyBurns & Wilcox, LTD

Business Impact GroupThe Cincinnati Insurance Company

Cousineau McGuireEMC Insurance Companies

Encompass Insurance CompanyErickson-Larsen, Inc.Ezlynx by Webcetera

First Nonprofit Insurance CompanyForemost Insurance GroupFSC Insurance Solutions

General Casualty CompaniesGiertsen Company

Great Plains BrokerageThe Hanover Insurance Group

Harleysville Insurance CompanyThe Hartford

HawkSoft Inc.HCC Surety Group

ICC Restoration & Cleaning ServicesIDMI Systems/PaymentPartner.com

Indiana InsuranceIndiana Lumbermens

Integrity Mutual Insurance CompanyiOwn Inventory ServicesIrwin Siegel Agency, Inc.

Kaplan Professional SchoolsKemper

League of MN Cities/Insurance Trust

LeClair CorporationLindstrom Restoration

The McGowan CompaniesMeadowbrook Insurance Group

Midwest Family Mutual InsuranceMinnesota Insurance Magazine

MN Workers Comp Insurers AssociationNetspend Corporation

New Horizon TechnologyNewman Long Term Care

North American Software AssociatesNorth Star Mutual Insurance Company

Northern States Agency, Inc.Passkey Computer Services

Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Ins.Premium Financing Specialists

Prime Insurance CompanyPROGRESSIVE Insurance

Quomation Insurance ServicesRisk Administration Services, Inc.

RPS Schneider AgencyS. H. Smith & Company

Safeco Insurance CompaniesSECURA Insurance CompaniesSelective Insurance Company

ServiceMaster Distributor OperationsSFM-The Work Comp Experts

Solbrekk Business Tech SolutionsState Auto Insurance Companies

Swett & CrawfordTomsche, Sonnesyn & Tomsche P.A.

Toshiba Business SolutionsTravelers Companies, Inc.

Van Wagenen Financial Services, Inc.Waldeck & Lind

West Bend Mutual Insurance Co.Western National Insurance GroupWilson Mutual Insurance CompanyWorkers’ Compensation SpecialistsYoung Insurance Professionals (YIP)Zurich North America Small Business

Page 9: The MN News April 2010

Executive VP MessageDan Riley

[email protected]

April 2010 • The Minnesota News �

shawn wensel ends his Presidency On a high nOteAt the conclusion of last week’s MIIAB/Trusted Choice Convention, Shawn Wensel, completed his term as President of the association. It seems as though his year went flying by for both him and the association staff. Shawn had an outstanding year as President. During his term he, and members of the Executive Committee, met with over 2� insurance company executives traveling throughout Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan to discuss industry issues and their company support for the association and the members we represent. During these meetings we accomplished a number of things as it relates to legislative issues facing insurance companies and insurance agents in Minnesota. More importantly, Shawn and his team built strong relationships for the future with our insurance company partners. We agreed that we will work together on industry issues, especially legislative issues that could cripple our industry here in Minnesota.

Also, Shawn and 16 independent insurance agents throughout Minnesota took their time and spent their dollars in lobbying congress in Washington D. C. back in March. We discussed with all of our Minnesota legislative delegation our concerns on the Obama Healthcare Proposal, the extension of flood insurance for our customers, the importance of independent agents in the sale of the Federal Crop Insurance Program, and more importantly, the changes in the federal tax laws that will affect small businesses like independent agents in Minnesota. This two day conference was attended by over 2,000 independent agents throughout the country and has a major influence on insurance legislation in Washington D. C.

Finally, our Convention last week was a huge success. Our attendance was up over last year, the company support was overwhelming, and the exhibit space was sold out weeks before the event. We had a jammed pack convention filled with an array of educational opportunities for all of our membership. This year’s award winners were honored at the Opening Luncheon and Shawn had the opportunity to present the “President’s Award” to Dorothy and David Szczepanski for their work that they put in on the Certificate of Insurance issue. With their help, we have made great strides to streamline the Certificate issue and we passed a law this year that would help alleviate a number of problems that our members were having in this area. Another highlight of the convention was Shawn and the Board of Directors honoring John Christianson from the Auto-Owners Insurance Company for his 37 years of service to our industry and Auto-Owners Insurance Company. Unfortunately John had to retire earlier than expected due to being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). John and his family were at the convention to receive the MIIAB/Trusted Choice “All Industry Award” for his service. Barry Prelaski from Auto-Owners was gracious enough to accept the award on behalf of John and Barry read a personal letter that John wrote to the agents his represented over the years.

As Shawn retires as President, Ken Ohl from Pioneer-Heritage Agency in Spicer, will take the reins of President. We all look forward to working with Ken in the upcoming year and we congratulate Shawn for his successes and accomplishments over the past year.

Page 10: The MN News April 2010

10 The Minnesota News •April 201010 The Minnesota News •March 2010

What kind of insurance company makes it their business to know small

business?

thesilverlining.com

www.thesilverlining.com

MIIAB

Diamond Partner

Page 11: The MN News April 2010

Platinum Partner Article: West Bend Mutual Insurance Company

The Silver Lining®

In 1893, a fire roared through West Bend, Wisconsin and touched the lives of many people. West Bend Mutual Insurance Company was formed the following year when local business men banded together to form a mutual insurance company because they wanted to protect their property from the dangers of fire and lightning at the lowest possible cost. Even then our company began to show that something good can come from something bad.

Relationships that foster trust and respect

Today more than 700 independent insurance agencies are proud to offer West Bend’s products to their clients. In fact, 40 percent of the agencies that represent West Bend sell $1 million or more in West Bend premium each year. There are many reasons agents prefer West Bend, including relationships that foster trust and respect, fast service, and our extensive training and education programs.

Broad range of products

West Bend offers a broad portfolio of property/casualty insurance programs. The Home and Highway® combines coverage for personal auto, home, motorcycle, boat, and other personal property on one policy.

Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association

Power in PartnersProgram

PLATINUM PARTNER

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 11

Page 12: The MN News April 2010

SMARTbusiness™ is an innovative product that helps our agents provide superior customer service to their clients while providing ease-of-doing-business solutions that translate into writing more small commercial business with West Bend.

NSI, our specialty lines division, provides programs for unique marketing segments and situations like childcare operations, special events, and fidelity and surety bonds.

Argent™ is West Bend’s new monoline workers’ compensation division. The division will partner with West Bend agencies in selecting accounts, then work closely with businesses to determine their most critical workers’ compensation needs and improve results through loss control, medical cost containment, and education. As the newest division in the West Bend family, Argent will focus on large commercial workers’ compensation risks and bring The Silver Lining® to a segment of the insurance industry deemed by many to be broken.

A+ (Superior) rating

West Bend is proud to be rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best since 1973. According to A.M. Best, an A+ rating is only assigned to companies that have “a superior ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. West Bend has maintained this rating since 1973.

Easy to do business

West Bend leads the country’s property-casualty insurance carriers when it comes to ease of doing business, according to Deep Customer Connections (DCC), a firm that specializes in helping carriers achieve profitable growth by measuring and improving their ease-of-doing-business performance. In DCC’s annual survey of thousands of independent agents and brokers nationwide, West Bend has been ranked Number One or Number Two overall for the past four years.

Learning opportunities

West Bend offers a comprehensive training and education program for our agents. The cornerstone of the program is West Bend University of Insurance (WBUI). One of the most comprehensive secondary insurance education programs in the Midwest, WBUI is designed for and offered exclusively to West Bend agents and their associates, and provides a broad continuing education program for insurance professionals at all levels. WBUI classes are taught in our spacious Prairie Center in West Bend using state-of-the-art technology.

Our continuing education program brings classes directly to our agents at venues throughout the Midwest and offers a wide variety of insurance topics. Special programs, such as Producer Development, provide opportunities for agents to participate in a more extensive training experience.

12 The Minnesota News •April 2010

Page 13: The MN News April 2010

The Silver Lining

West Bend’s associates are the driving force behind our success. With more than �00 professional insurance designations held among 1,000-plus associates, including 75 CPCUs, they’re committed to learning all they can to do their jobs well. From processing claims quickly and efficiently to finding the very best coverages for businesses and homeowners, our associates will do what they can to provide our customers with The Silver Lining.

Pride in our community

West Bend shows it support for the community by providing funds for dozens of not-for-profit organizations. West Bend’s associates also offer their time and talents as company representatives for fundraising and community service events. In the past four years, West Bend has hosted several Habitat For Humanity Blitz Builds where dozens of associates received a paid day away from the office to help build or renovate homes for families in need.

The West Bend Independent Agents’ Fund was established in 2006 for nonprofit organizations served by our agents. Grants from the fund are aimed at bettering these organizations and improving the lives of those served by them. In 2010, the West Bend Independent Agents’ Fund awarded grants totaling $��,000 to charitable organizations supported by West Bend agencies throughout the Midwest

At the core of everything we do lies a simple premise. A sincere desire to help our customers through problems and adversity. To make sure that positives come from negative situations. To step up when they need us. To do the right thing.

The worst brings out our best®.That’s The Silver Lining®.

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 1�

Page 14: The MN News April 2010

Excerpts from the award presentation for the Company Award of Excellence...This year’s recipient is one of the most outstanding and respected insurance companies in Minnesota, as well as in the other states they represent. They were established in a very unique way. In 1���, a fire roared through a small town community and touched the lives of many people who were devastated by losses that were not covered at the time. The company was formed the following year when local businessmen banded together to form a mutual insurance company because they saw the need to protect their property from the dangers throughout their community. From that point forward the company grew and grew.

Today more than 700 independent insurance agencies are proud to offer this company’s products to their clients. In fact, �0 percent of the agencies that represent them sell $1 million or more in premium each year. There are many reasons agents prefer this carrier and include the relationships that foster trust and respect, fast service, and their expansive training and education opportunities.

In fact, one highly respected independent agent, Ross Nesbitt, from the Nesbitt Agency who is one of the many agencies who nominated this company stated that “this company is one of the best and most reliable companies we have in our agency. Their underwriters, field representatives and even the CEO are quick to ensure that the agencies they represent and their customers are well taken care of and treated fairly and with the utmost respect. Our agency is very confident that when we place our customer with them they are in the best of care.”

Over the years in Minnesota, they have had steady growth and are truly dedicated to their agency force. This company is hailed by the agents for their product, services and attention to the customer. Today, this company has broken from the pack by instituting a multi-level advertising campaign to help brand their company and the independent agencies they serve. We give them credit for moving forward in telling the story about their company their concerns for their client’s insurance needs and why the public should look to trusted choice, independent agent for professional advice.

Therefore, it is our honor and pleasure to present this year’s recipient of the MIIAB/Trusted Choice Company Award of Excellence to Westbend Insurance Company of Westbend, WI.

2010 Company Award of Excellence

1� The Minnesota News •April 2010

Page 15: The MN News April 2010

Excerpts from the award presentation for the Agency of the Year...The Agency of the Year Award honors an agency that has dedicated themselves to their profession, their clients and to the companies they represent. This year’s Agency of the Year award is going to a special agency with a long legacy in the insurance industry and a major supporter of the association.

This Twin Cities agency is dedicated to its position as a full service independent agency offering a broad range of insurance products to its customers since it was established in 1��� as the result of a merger of 2 agencies. The agency is committed to establishing and maintaining a relationship of mutual trust, quality products and service with each of its customers and with each of the companies it represents. They have grown from $�0 million dollar agency to over $16� million in sales today.

Their agency reputation as one of the premier agencies by fellow agents, insurance companies and customers is envied by all. This agency is primarily a specialist in commercial lines specializing in agricultural business. They have over �0 producers in their operation and 120 employees in Inver Grove Heights.

The company that nominated this agency wrote, “This agency is one of the most professional agencies we have in our agency force. Their dedication to their customers and their insurance carries it above reproach. We wish all of our agencies could be as professional as they are.”

It is our pleasure to award the 2010 Agency of the Year award to the Ag State Group of Inver Grove Heights, MN. Accepting this award is Corwin Tufte of the agency.

2010 Agency of the YearAg States Agency

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 1�

Page 16: The MN News April 2010

16 The Minnesota News •April 2010

"As an Integrity field underwriter and agency advocate, I develop strong relationshipswith agents and together we capitalize on profitable growth opportunities inkey markets."

Liz WaltherCommercial Lines Field Underwriter

Discover the Integrity difference, contact Cathy Beaudin at 800-348-1741 ext. 8326.

www.integrityinsurance.com

Page 17: The MN News April 2010

PLATINUM PARTNER

Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association

Power in PartnersProgram

As an independent agent, Integrity Insurance understands you need a go-to company focused on you. You want companies willing to build solid long-term relationships you can trust to deliver the service, technology, products and compensation you need. We’re Integrity Insurance, located in Appleton, Wisconsin, and we’ve been partnering with Independent Agents in Minnesota since 1��6. In 200�, Integrity grew 16.1 percent in direct written premium in Minnesota; overall company growth was 10.� percent. Our Commercial Lines premium grew 9.7 percent, while Personal Lines premium grew 10.7 percent.

Integrity’s products — focused on you:

Integrity Insurance is focused on you, our agency partners, offering a complete package of commercial, personal and life products combined with outstanding claims service — giving agents even more opportunity to write and retain business — backed by an A.M. Best Rating of A “Excellent.”

Commercial Lines — even more opportunity:

Visualize your potential with a company that looks to write the best in class in almost any class with underwriters ready to take your call. Bring value to your customers with expert loss control services offering ways to improve safety and training — like the new OSHA 10- and �0-hour courses in General Industry and Construction. Agencies receive support with co-op advertising and electronic alerts keeping you in touch with customers. Watch for our new non-standard product, Auto Accel in Minnesota.

Personal Lines — picture this:

Integrity’s agents have access to a great team of underwriters who are real people offering real solutions. Increase your sales with new PinPoint Auto and Homeowners products targeted at a broad market. Agents are rewarded with new and renewal commissions above the competition, co-op advertising to increase name recognition and the added value of on-line training webinars. Ask about our new rollover service.

Platinum Partner Article: Integrity Insurance

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 17

Page 18: The MN News April 2010

Life — improving retention:

Integrity’s affiliate partner, Grange Insurance, brings the added value of life products helping agents cross-sell and increase retention. Plus, customers receive an additional discount off their Integrity auto policy.

Integrity’s future — more service to you:

Focusing on the independent agent, Integrity is positioned for profitable growth along with internal business process improvements, automation, outsourcing and leveraging of the Grange affiliation to manage and grow our book of business.

Contact Name for Further Information: Cathy Beaudin, Director of Agency Relations

Contact Phone Number: �20.�6�.���6

Company Web Site: Learn more at www.IntegrityInsurance.com.

1� The Minnesota News •April 2010

Page 19: The MN News April 2010

Excerpts from the award presentation for the Young Agent of the Year...The recipient for the Young Agent of the Year Award is relatively new to the insurance business, this young insurance professional is making his mark in our industry. He began his insurance career after graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2002. He never expected that he would end up as an insurance agent…that sounds familiar to all of us! Over the past � years this individual has been a producer for two large and successful agencies in the Twin Cities before deciding to embark on his own and start his agency from scratch in 2007.

In a few short years, through an aggressive sales effort he has increased his agency triple fold. He has added staff and plans to add additional producers in the near future. This is a major accomplishment for him and we should applaud him for taking the risk to become an entrepreneur in our business.

This individual was nominated by one of his top carriers, Western National Group. Dave Eide, Executive Vice President of the company, stated that “this agency is one of the fastest growing and premier agencies we have representing Western National Insurance Company. He is relentless in his ability to drive business into his agency. His dedication to the companies in his agency and his customers is admirable. I wish more young agents had his drive and ambition. Western National expects great things out of his agency in the future.”

Over the years, he earned his CIC designation in 2007 and is dedicated to being one of the more professional agencies in Minnesota.

With that, it is our pleasure to recognize Ryan Brellenthin of Wayport Insurance Advisors in Excelsior, MN as the 2010 Young Agent of the Year.

Ryan Brellenthin

2010 Young Agent of the Year

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 1�

Page 20: The MN News April 2010

20 The Minnesota News •April 2010

A BIG CLUBSpeak softly

and carry

Insurance underwritten by Auto Club Insurance Association or MemberSelect Insurance Company.

AAA sells insurance products through Independent Agents.What makes us different from other insurance carriers? Simple. We’re a club, not just another company — creating marketing opportunities in select Midwestern markets that aren’t available through other companies.

Here’s your opportunity to share in AAA’s brand strength — while enjoying a competitive commission structure, outstanding contingency program and innovative co-op advertising resources.

Contact Vicki Hanson at 952-707-4952 or [email protected]

www.aaa.com

Page 21: The MN News April 2010

Excerpts from the award presentation for the Company Representative of the Year...This year’s recipient is a person who represents the insurance industry with true professionalism. This individual is by far one of the hardest working insurance representatives in our business. This individual’s knowledge and experience is what separates her from the competition.

This year’s recipient has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. Over that time she has worked for three national insurance companies, SAFECO, Fireman Fund and Progressive. Today, she is currently an Assistant Vice President with her company. She was nominated by the MIIAB members; one member in particular stated that “over the past years, she has shown exceptional leadership in our business. Her dedication to the agency and our customers is outstanding. She was instrumental in putting her current company in its position in Minnesota as one of the premier companies in Minnesota.” She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and proud mother living in Prior Lake. Today, it is our pleasure to honor Vicki Hanson, Assistant Vice President, from the AAA Insurance Company, with the MIIAB/Trusted Choice Company Representative of the Year.

2010 Company Representative of the Year

Victoria Hanson

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 21

Page 22: The MN News April 2010

22 The Minnesota News •April 2010

trust.

acuity.com

www.acuity.com

Page 23: The MN News April 2010

Excerpts from the award presentation for the Agent of the Year...Our next individual will need little introduction. His experience in our industry is matched by few. He has over �� years experience in the insurance industry. His career started in the 1970’s with an insurance company in St. Paul and in a very short time period he saw the light and became an independent agent.

This insurance icon is admired by his insurance colleagues, his agency staff and the MIIAB board as he comes to his tenure on the board. Shawn Wensel, current President of the MIIAB stated that “he is a true leader in our business. I have learned a tremendous amount from him not only about our business but in life in general. He is a true leader of men!”

Dan Riley, CEO of the Association also would like to go on record that “this organization has been shaped and re-shaped by his leadership. We joke that he is like a bad penny, which won’t go away. But, he is worth his weight in gold.” Over the years in our industry, he has been extremely active with his insurance carriers and the association. Throughout his business carrier level he has served on many advisory boards. On a volunteer level he has been very active in the association back on a local, regional and state board level, and eventually peaking to the presidency. His immense expertise and experience has been invaluable on the MIIAB Legislative Committee and today, he serves as the National Trusted Choice Board of Director.

This year’s recipient of the MIIAB/Trusted Choice Agent of the Year award is Richard McKenny, of the Advance Insurance Agency in Edina, MN.

2010 Agent of the YearRichard McKenny

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 2�

Page 24: The MN News April 2010

2� The Minnesota News •April 2010

I used to think EMC was ju st for commercial lines. Then again, I used to think the moon was made of cheese.

© Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2009 All rights reserved

INTRODUCING EMC ChOICE® hOMEOwNERs PROGRaMwITh EqUIPMENT BREakDOwN COvERaGEEMC’s new homeowners product provides three levels of comprehensive coverage with outstanding

features and cost-saving benefits. Our premier policy, the EMC Choice® Homeowners program, includes

equipment breakdown coverage. Even our most basic level of coverage provides better-than-average

protection with identity theft resolution service and extra coverages such as silverware theft, refrigerated

property, lock replacement, personal injury, identity fraud expense, golf cart liability and many more.

Learn about these exciting new coverages by contacting your local EMC branch office.

Minneapolis Branch: 800.362.4670 | Home Office: Des Moines, IA www.emcinsurance.com

3431_MN News_Cheese_P_7.5x10clr.indd 1 5/1/09 10:07 AMwww.emcinsurance.com

MIIAB

Diamond Partner

Page 25: The MN News April 2010

Excerpts from the award presentation for the President’s Award...The President’s Award is an honor bestowed on an individual or individuals who have shown leadership and dedication to the American Agency System and is chosen by the President as a personal privilege.

This year it is President Wensel’s privilege to honor two individuals who have shown these following characteristics: leadership, dedication and foresight, by improving the image of our industry. Also, these individuals have the deepest respect for the independent agency system and the company they represent.

Over the past two years, these agents have worked closely with the association lobbyist and the legislative committee to bring about needed change in our industry. Their willingness to work above and beyond the call of duty in promoting the professionalism of our industry is very hard to match. When the association membership was struggling with the certificate of insurance issues, we called upon them for their insurance expertise. As you know this central issue we all face is very complicated and costly to our business. Their knowledge of all aspects of the issues is phenomenal. In fact, they have personally lobbied for legislative change in front of the Minnesota Legislature on these issues on your behalf. Today with their help and guidance the MIIAB has lead the fight to streamline the certificate of insurance, and passed the legislation that will help all of our agencies in their daily business routines of issuing certificates.

While one is active on a daily basis with the MIIAB and serves on the National Board of Directors; his partner runs the office and her technical expertise is second to none!

This year’s recipient of the MIIAB/Trusted Choice President’s Award is bestowed on true partnership among our membership, Dorothy and Dave Szczepanski, Garry Insurancenter Agency in St. Paul.

2010 President’s Award

Dorothy & David Sczepanski

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 2�

Page 26: The MN News April 2010

2010 All Industry AwardJohn Christianson

Excerpts from the award presentation for the All Industry Award...The board of directors of the MIIAB and the agents who represent Auto-Owners Insurance Company would like to honor the following individual for the MIIAB/Trusted Choice All Industry Award.

This award is a special award presented by the board of directors to an individual who is dedicated to the American Agency System, to the insurance company he serves, his agency force, and finally, to the policy holders they insure.

This individual has been in the insurance business for over �� years. He has represented Auto-Owners Insurance Company for the past 37 years and his most recent position was as the marketing representative with them.

Over the years, John Christianson has had an outstanding reputation with his fellow agents that he served, in fact, Myron Larson, from Larson Insurance in Alexandria, Minnesota, stated that, “John is one of the most professional company representatives our agency has ever experienced. He is dedicated to the business, respects and admires the agencies he represents, and cares deeply about the success of not only Auto-Owners Insurance Company, but the agencies he works with. The Auto-Owners motto, ‘the no problem people’ is truly what John adheres to over the decades of service to our industry and when there is a problem, John makes sure that he gets back to the agents so they can insure coverage is available in a time of need”.

In a letter John sent to all of his agents on March 12, 2010, John explained to his agency force that he will be retiring on March 18, 2010. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and it has rendered him physically challenged to do the day to day activities of his job. We are saddened that John has been inflicted by this debilitating disease, but we know he and his family will do everything possible to work through these challenges that they face.

With that, we want to thank John and his family, who are here today, to honor him for his many years of service to the Minnesota insurance industry and to Auto-Owners Insurance Company. He is a person that deserves to be honored with the All Industry Award today. The association will also be providing a donation of $500 to the ALS Foundation in the Christianson’s name to help in the research and defeat of this crippling disease.

It is our pleasure to honor John Christianson today. Barry Preslaski, from Auto-Owners Insurance Company will accept this recognition on behalf of John and his family.

26 The Minnesota News •April 2010

Page 27: The MN News April 2010

2010 All Industry AwardJohn Christianson

John’s Comments as Read by Barry Prelaski from Auto-Owners Insurance Company:

Happy Wednesday! I’m honored to receive this award and truly appreciate the recognition.I feel there is no finer industry to work in than the insurance industry and no better group of people to work with than those in the insurance business. Thanks to the great people I’ve been associated with, the �� years I’ve been in this business has never seemed like work. I believe in keeping a positive attitude and you’ve helped me do that. I believe you need to communicate with people and the best way to do that is by listening. I believe in being enthusiastic about what you do and that enthusiasm will be contagious and will help others be enthusiastic as well. Every day is more enjoyable if you have a positive attitude. I want to thank my wife Sandy, for the 42 years of support she’s given me and for putting up with me for those �2 years. I want to thank all of you again for this award and for the wonderful career you’ve shared with me. (This is where John would want to tell an Ole and Lena joke but he’s told me that now it would take him the rest of the afternoon to finish the joke so he’s decided to defer.) So instead, John would like to close with: “Have a great day and may every day be good for you! Happy Wednesday!”

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 27

Page 28: The MN News April 2010

2� The Minnesota News •April 2010www.progressiveagent.com

PrOGressIve Ad

WE CAN HELP your CustomErs INsurE ANytHING oN Four WHEELs,tWo WHEELs or No WHEELs At ALL.

THE ONE STOP-SHOP THAT SAVES YOUR CUSTOMERS AROUND $550 ON THEIR AUTO INSURANCE. 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.

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. 10A0065.B (01/10)

/ / / /

MIIAB

Diamond Partner

Page 29: The MN News April 2010

Diamond Partner Article: Progressive Insurance

Attract new customers with a discount from Progressive that rewards safe, low-mileage drivers

Agents in Minnesota can now offer customers MyRate, a usage-based discount from Progressive that rewards safe, low mileage drivers. With MyRate, customers can earn up to �0 percent off based on how, how much, and when they drive.

Progressive’s MyRate is the result of 10 years of research into understanding how you drive affects what you should pay for car insurance. Now available in 1� states, MyRate represents a leap forward in giving drivers control over their insurance costs.

“With MyRate, you can offer customers a new opportunity to save big bucks on car insurance,” said Richard Hutchinson, Progressive’s general manager of usage-based insurance.

If you think a customer is a good candidate for MyRate, you can add it as an option when processing their Progressive quote. Customers can choose whether or not they want it as part of their policy.

When customers choose MyRate, we mail a small device directly to them that they plug in to their car’s OBD port. It records their driving habits and transmits the data to us so that we can calculate their discount. Generally, customers who drive fewer miles than average and rarely slam on the brakes or drive late at night can expect to save.

“Customers have been receptive to MyRate. It’s been especially attractive to folks who take public transportation or have short commutes,” said Eric Lardy from Lardy’s Insurance Agency in Eagan, Minn.

For more information and to learn how you can offer MyRate, contact regional sales manager Drew Ferguson at 712-485-2196 or [email protected].

DIAMOND PARTNER

Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association

Power in PartnersProgram

MIIAB

Diamond Partner

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 2�

Page 30: The MN News April 2010

�0 The Minnesota News •April 2010

www.austinmutual.com

Protection You Can Count On

Maple Grove, MN 55369Austin’s Got You Covered

Page 31: The MN News April 2010

Pictures from the Convention

2010 MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe COnvenTIOn

April 2010 • The Minnesota News �1

Page 32: The MN News April 2010

�2 The Minnesota News •April 2010www.encompassinsurance.com

Encompass has been around for a while, but it has a new look and a new commitment: to be the top choice for independent agents. By giving you a simple approach to selling total protection.

Unique product. The Encompass Universal Security Policy—one policy for both home and auto—helps simplify your customers’ lives. And the depth and breadth of its coverage helps protect them better.

Superior claims service. A 94% overall customer satisfaction rating* means your Encompass customers are more likely to refer their friends and family to you.

Strong sales support. Competitive compensation, profit sharing and a nationwide network of sales and education teams give you simple ways to help your agency grow.

Financial stability. Encompass is one of the largest personal insurance brands sold exclusively through independent agents. Superior claims-paying ability and excellent A.M. Best ratings make Encompass a company you can trust.

Protect your customers with the simple solution: Encompass.

Come grow with us! Along with our new look, Encompass has new offerings coming soon. To find out more, please contact us at encompassinsurance.com

*2008 Encompass customer satisfaction survey. Insurance subject to terms, conditions and availability.

MIIAB

Diamond Partner

Page 33: The MN News April 2010

2010 MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe COnvenTIOn

April 2010 • The Minnesota News ��

Page 34: The MN News April 2010

�� The Minnesota News •April 2010

to our Trusted Choice

Partners in Minnesota

Liberty Mutual Agency Markets

Page 35: The MN News April 2010

2010 MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe COnvenTIOn

April 2010 • The Minnesota News ��

Page 36: The MN News April 2010

�6 The Minnesota News •April 2010

Some good thingsmake other good things

even better.

It’s what our independent agency partners do every day with the quality insurance programs from Western National. Together, we meet our customers’ unique insurance needs by providing a mix of coverage, expertise, and relationship-based service that no other team can bring to the table.

Western National is proud to be a Trusted Choice® company partner

www.wnins.com

MIIAB

Diamond Partner

Page 37: The MN News April 2010

2010 MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe COnvenTIOn

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 37

Page 38: The MN News April 2010

�� The Minnesota News •April 2010

To sell Sentry’s Transportation products contact:

Midwest General Agency Eau Claire, Wisconsin

1-800-472-6919or visit our Web site at www.mgarws.com

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. *Some coverages available at additional premium. 11/07 ( )

More Coverages.

Sentry 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 provide include: • Unlimited towing coverage • Pollution liability• Unladen liability* • Enhanced deductible options• Bobtail coverage* • Blanket additional insured endorsement• Cargo pollution cleanup • Accident travel coverage• Workers’ compensation

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

www.mgarws.com

Page 39: The MN News April 2010

2010 MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe COnvenTIOn

April 2010 • The Minnesota News ��

Page 40: The MN News April 2010

�0 The Minnesota News •April 2010

© 2

009

SE

CU

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Insu

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3819 Zebra MN News Color.indd 1 3/10/09 11:49:34 AM

www.secura.net

MIIAB

Diamond Partner

Page 41: The MN News April 2010

2010 MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe COnvenTIOn

April 2010 • The Minnesota News �1

Page 42: The MN News April 2010

�2 The Minnesota News •April 2010

Auto-Owners Insurance ranks highest among auto insurance providers in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Auto Claims Studies.SM Study based on 11,616 total responses, ranking 25 insurance providers. Excludes those with claims only for glass/windshield, theft/stolen, roadside assistance or bodily injury claims. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed June 2008 - June 2009. Your experiences may vary.

Visit jdpower.com.

Auto-Owners Insurance is “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Claims Experience, Two Years in a Row”

according to J.D. Power and Associates.

AUTO-O

WNERS.COM

Thank you agents!A special thanks to all the independent agents proudly representing

Auto-Owners Insurance. Your ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction has paid off once again.

Thank you for partnering with us to take care of our policyholders!

www.auto-owners.com

Page 43: The MN News April 2010

2010 MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe COnvenTIOn

April 2010 • The Minnesota News ��

Page 44: The MN News April 2010

�� The Minnesota News •April 2010 [email protected]

Workers’CompensationSpecialists, LLC

Protecting Your Customers

Cormac DunningDirector of Insurance

[email protected] P: 952.253.6239F: 952.253.6242

Terri NorumInsurance Coordinator

[email protected] P: 952.253.6237F: 952.253.6242

MIIAB, 7500 Flying Cloud Drive, Suite 900 Eden Prairie, MN 55344

For more information contact:

When one is helping another, both are strong.

Page 45: The MN News April 2010

MIIAB Leaders sworn in at Annual Business Meeting.

Robert Wunderlich Vice President

Mark Moores President-Elect

Ken OhlPresident

Chad BjuganBoard Member

2010 MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe COnvenTIOn

April 2010 • The Minnesota News ��

Dan Riley, CEO, David Daniel, National IIABA Chairman and Ken Ohl, President-Elect at the Annual Business Meeting

IIABA National Chairman David Daniel Shawn Wensel receives Past President’s Eagle

Page 46: The MN News April 2010

�6 The Minnesota News •April 2010www.sfmic.com

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

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

A leading regional insurer, specializing in workers’ compensation.

SFM–The Work Comp Experts

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

Trust the experts.

Page 47: The MN News April 2010

2010 MIIAB/TrusTed ChOICe COnvenTIOn

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 47

Retiring Director Jason Tritt

Wolfgram/Tritt & Associates, Inc.

Retiring Director Mary McClure

McClure Agency, Inc.

Ken OhlDavid SzczepanskiRichard McKenny Shawn Wensel

Dan Riley

Page 48: The MN News April 2010

�� The Minnesota News •April 2010

� 20% of agency E&O claims are from failure to procure coverage. � 100/300 auto limits available for most customers.� Flexibility to take advantage of RLI's personal umbrella and still get auto or home iiicoverage from any carrier. � Competitive, low premiums for increased limits of liability, up to $5 million on A+ iiirated paper.� Friendly, broad underwriting so most people easily qualify for the program.�iA simple, self-underwriting application that lets you know immediately if the insured iiiis accepted and offers automatic, direct billed renewals. � Support your association by accessing the RLI personal umbrella.

For more information on this program, please visit

BIGIMARKETS

In today’s crowded field of personal umbrella options, one carrier stands out; RLI, with its “stand alone” personal umbrella policy.

Why RLI?

www.independentagent.com/RLI

Are you walking the E&O tightrope by not offering personal umbrella protection to your clients?

Terri Norumph: [email protected]

For assistance please call:

Page 49: The MN News April 2010

April 2010 • The Minnesota News ��

DON’T GET BITTENBY AN E&O CLAIM

YOU COULD HAVE

AVOIDED.

Swiss Re policyholders written

through the Big “I” Professional

Liability Program have access to an

exclusive risk management web site.

Log on today to fish for E&O claims

frequency data, real-life case studies

and analysis, sample client letters,

sample agency procedures, agency

E&O self assessments, podcasts on

important E&O topics, and much

more.

www.independentagent.com/EOHappens

JuST FOR FuN...

Page 50: The MN News April 2010

wesT Bend MuTuAl InsurAnCe CO. AnnOunCes new dIvIsIOn

West Bend today announced the creation of a new monoline workers’ compensation insurance division, Argent.

Argent will partner with West Bend agencies in selecting accounts. Together they will work closely with businesses to determine their most critical workers’ compensation needs and improve results through loss control, medical cost containment, and education.

“Argent’s focus will be on business owners who have a sincere desire to improve their workers’ compensation results,” said Kevin Steiner, West Bend’s President and CEO. “They will also work closely with claimants and the medical community to deliver results that consistently outperform the industry by advocating for safer workplaces through prevention and education, better care to those injured on the job, and getting people back to work.”

Paul Hingtgen, Vice President of Argent, said, “Ours is a people business. We understand and appreciate the importance of the human element in this industry. We will set ourselves apart from other carriers by working in partnership with selected risks to improve their workers’ compensation performance through innovative and customer-focused prevention, medical cost containment, education, and communication. We’ll work hard to exceed the expectations of our policyholders, agents, claimants, and associates.

“We built our operations on two integrated operating triangles. The first is a risk selection model that incorporates loss control, underwriting, and claims. The second is an external model that encompasses the insurer, the insurance agency, and the policyholder. This integrated model capitalizes on the strong, consultative relationships West Bend shares with their independent agencies. It’s designed to create long-term, problem-solving solutions for our mutual customers.”

“We provide a solution that helps manage the

largest piece of a workers’ compensation claim – the medical costs,” said Sandy Czerniak, Argent’s Assistant Vice President. “A critical component of our operations is to manage unnecessary costs. This effort is predicated on consistent and effective communication with medical providers, claimants, and insureds.”

Mike DeLaney, Assistant Vice President, heads up the division’s loss control efforts. “Loss control is the final piece of the model that allows us to effectively underwrite, manage claims, and provide effective solutions to control losses,” DeLaney said. “In a manner of speaking, we will focus on where the account has ‘pain’ in order to provide a remedy.”

The division will move its operation to Waukesha County and expects to begin writing business in late April, initially with West Bend agencies in Wisconsin and Eastern Iowa.

Argent, derived from argentum, the Latin term for silver, was named, in part, because of silver’s historical use as a medicine. Today silver is being investigated by prominent universities for its healing properties. And just as silver has healing properties, West Bend’s Argent division will be the best remedy for what ails workers’ compensation insurance. As the newest division in the West Bend family, Argent will focus on large commercial workers’ compensation risks and bring The Silver Lining® to a segment of the insurance industry deemed by many to be broken.

West Bend’s tagline, The Silver Lining, was introduced in 2008, and stands for empathy, excellent service, compassion, value, and respect. It serves as a promise to the company’s agents, customers, associates, and community that West Bend will be there when they’re needed most.

ACuITy 2009 AnnuAl rePOrT hIGhlIGhTs AChIeveMenTs

ACuITY has released its 2009 Annual Report, which details financial achievements on an organizational level as well as strong operational performance in both its personal and commercial

In The News...

�0 The Minnesota News •April 2010

Page 51: The MN News April 2010

lines property/casualty insurance business.

ACuITY’s surplus grew over 18 percent to an all-time high and a percentage increase that was nearly three times greater than the industry. Additionally, ACuITY set a record for having over one dollar of policyholder surplus for every dollar of written premium.

“Surplus ensures we meet our financial obligations to policyholders when losses occur,” said Wendy Schuler, Vice President - Finance. “Particularly in today’s troubled economic times, independent agents and consumers need to know their insurance protection is built on a solid foundation.”

“Our strong surplus position and favorable leverage ratio allow us to be a broader market for our agents, take on more business, and provide more opportunity for our staff,” added Wally Waldhart, Vice President - Sales and Communications.

Additionally, ACuITY recorded other financial successes in 2009. The insurer’s assets reached an all-time record $2.14 billion. ACuITY generated $120 million in cash from operations, up 18 percent from the previous year, while net income surged 66 percent to nearly $50 million. The company also earned a $21 million underwriting profit and finished 2009 with a 100.8 combined ratio.

“The insurance industry, national economy, and global marketplace have been riddled with layoffs, bankruptcies, and uncertainty. In contrast, ACuITY’s surplus position and operational performance have allowed us to navigate this Great Recession, provide the financial protection our agents and policyholders depend on, and have no layoffs,” Salzmann said. “We are not only proud of our performance in 2009, but incredibly optimistic about the years ahead.”

seCurA PrOMOTes Three On leAdershIP TeAM

SECuRA Insurance has promoted three members of its leadership team to vice president positions.

glen Dye, former Regional Director-Sales, has been promoted to Regional Vice President-Sales. Dye’s accomplishments include leading SECuRA’s presence in Arizona and Colorado. As part of his new position, Dye’s duties include continuing to grow a profitable region and develop strong agency relationships.

Dye joined SECuRA in February 2007 after eight years with RTW in Minneapolis, Minn., where he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Regional General Manager. Prior to RTW, he spent 12 years with uSF&G as a Branch Vice President and Regional Vice President.

Shane Roh, SECuRA’s former Regional Director-Sales, has been promoted to Regional Vice President-Sales. Roh’s accomplishments include the continued growth and success of the company’s Wisconsin market, which is the company’s single largest business unit. As part of his new position, Roh will take the Wisconsin territories to even greater heights and continue to leverage strong relationships with the independent agents who write the company’s business.

Prior to joining SECuRA in January 2008, Roh spent seven years with Willis HRH, where he served as a leader in the national insurance agency’s commercial property and casualty business unit. He also spent seven years with Wausau Insurance. A native of Neenah, Roh earned his bachelor’s degree in Risk Management and Insurance from the university of Wisconsin-La Crosse and holds the CIC insurance designation.

Jean Van Den Brandt was promoted from Director of Marketing to Vice President-Marketing and brings to her role more than 22 years of marketing and branding experience, including re-branding SECuRA.

Before coming to SECuRA in 2005, Van Den Brandt spearheaded the successful marketing efforts of two regional wireless providers that catered to both commercial and personal accounts. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the university of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

“We want the agents who partner with us to know we’re doing all we can to help them succeed,” said John Bykowski, SECuRA president and CEO. “Part of delivering on that promise is hiring, developing, and retaining the right people for the right roles.”

AusTIn MuTuAl COMPleTes AffIlIATIOn wIThCOOPerATIve MuTuAl - rATInG AffIrMed

Austin Mutual announced today that it has completed its affiliation with Cooperative Mutual Insurance Company of Omaha, Nebraska.

April 2010 • The Minnesota News �1

Page 52: The MN News April 2010

Cooperative Mutual is licensed in 24 states and writes approximately $27 million of direct written premium for commercial property casualty and worker’s compensation lines of business throughout the Midwest. For 75 years, Cooperative Mutual has been providing insurance solutions for agribusiness and is focused on enhancing safety through state of the art loss control services provided to all of its policyholders.

“It is a great success to have this behind us and are now ready to look forward to growth and stability for Cooperative,” remarked Doug Derscheid, Chairman of the Board. Cooperative Mutual will operate as a stand -alone affiliate of Austin Mutual, operating from its current Omaha location.

‘We are extremely pleased to have completed this transaction,” stated CEO Jeffrey B. Kusch. “This will allow diverse growth for Austin while providing a stable insurance market for thousands of farmers associated with our Cooperative policyholders,” added Kusch.

In addition, based on the conditions of the affiliation, the financial strength rating of Cooperative Mutual has been affirmed at B+ (Good), Stable. Austin Mutual’s AM Best financial strength rating remains unchanged at A- (Excellent).

wesTern nATIOnAl InsurAnCe GrOuP AnnOunCes yeAr-end 2009 resulTs

Western National lnsurance Group today announced full year financial results through December 31, 2009.

Significant comparative financial measures include:

Total Assets grew from $533.5 million to $569.8 million ($36.3 million, or 6.8 percent)

Net Income After Tax totaled $20.4 million, compared to $12.3 million in 2008

The Combined Ratio was 94.2 percent, compared to 96.7 percent in 2008

Surplus increased from $21 0.5 million to $235.1 million ($24.6 million, or 11.6 percent)

“We’re pleased to report yet another year of excellent growth in the funds available to protect Western National’s policyholders,” said Stuart

Henderson, President & Chief Executive Officer. “To produce positive results like these in the face of the persistent economic and soft-market challenges is a credit to the quality of our business plan and to the hard work of our dedicated employees and business partners. We look forward to building on these successes as we work to enhance policyholder protection throughout 201 0 and beyond.”

1-800-we-Insure

Trusted Choice wants to make it a little easier for its members to make meaningful contacts. 1-800-WEINSuRE is a new service that connects consumers with Iocal Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents. To start, the phone number will be included in all of the Trusted Choice national TV ads, the website and consumer print materials. With more than 208 million consumer impressions in 2008, imagine what 2010 will bring. Sign-up now and reap the rewards. You will need your user ID and password to log in.

seCurA lAunChes new sPeCIAlTy lIne Of BusIness

SECuRA Insurance brings its new Specialty line of business to the market with six property and casualty, and two professional liability programs. Starting in March, the company introduced programs for Human Services, Sports and Recreation, Protection and Security Systems, and Non-Profit Directors and Officers Liability. It will phase in other programs in the near future.

SECuRA leaders, including President and CEO John Bykowski, Senior Vice President of underwriting Operations Dave Gross, and Vice President of Specialty Lines underwriting Jeff Peterson, have been introducing the new line during agency meetings across the company’s 13 states of operations.

“Agents are excited to have new markets to tap into, and we’re thrilled to bring these opportunities to them,” said Bykowski. ‘They’ve hit the ground running, and together we’ve already written a substantial amount of business in a short amount of time.”

The company hired Peterson in July 2009 to lead the implementation and introduction of SECuRA

�2 The Minnesota News •April 2010

Page 53: The MN News April 2010

ClASSIFIED ADS

AgENCy FOR SAlENo listing this month

lOOKINg FOR AgENCyI am interested in purchasing a small to medium size P/C agency in Central Minnesota. If interested I can be contacted at [email protected]

To post a classified ad please email ad to [email protected]

POSITIONS AVAIlABlE

Foster Carlson and White Agency is interviewing to hire a highly motivated individual to produce new personal and commercial lines business. We offer personal and commercial CSR’s to help with your day to day work, many insurance company contracts, a very generous commission split, 401k and health insurance. Please email your resume to [email protected]

WANTED TO Buy

No listing this month

Specialty. In turn, he opened a Specialty Lines underwriting office in Middleton, Wis., and hired an experienced underwriting team. All other functions, such as claims, risk management and other services, are supported through existing staff at the Appleton home office or field associates.

Peterson joined SECuRA after seven years leading specialty underwriting functions. His 25 years of experience with property and casualty includes roles with NSI - a division of West Bend Mutual, SAFECO, Kemper, and Third Coast. Peterson earned his bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and his M.B.A. from the university of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also earned several designations including CPCu, ARM, ARe, and AIM.

The SECuRA Specialty programs

Human Services

Coverage for a wide variety of individual and family services, including counseling, referral services, transitional housing, community services, food pantries, aging and youth services, hospice services, sheltered workshops, home health care, and companion care.

Sports & Recreation

Coverage for sports teams, leagues, tournaments, camps, and clubs, along with recreational pursuits, such as health and exercise clubs, martial arts, paintball, climbing walls, amusement rental of inflatable devices, ice skating, hunting and fishing guides, hunt clubs and preserves, archery/pistol/rifle shooting ranges, trap and skeet clubs, and more.

Protection & Security Systems

Coverage for burglar alarm or fire alarm installation service and repair, alarm monitoring, controlled access installation and service, vehicle alarm installation, and other similar businesses.

Non-Profit Directors and Officers liability

Liability coverage, including damages or defense costs for any wrongful act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, or breach of duty by a director, officer, or trustee while performing duties for a non-profit organization.

April 2010 • The Minnesota News ��

Page 54: The MN News April 2010

�� The Minnesota News •April 2010

Close the Gap in Your Client’s Circle of Protection • Multiple Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI) solutions • Highly rated carriers • P&C marketing program • Independent agency with 18 years of LTCI leadership • Partners in Power sponsor

®Long Term Care Insurance is All We Do! A Member of the National LTC Network

(800) 625-9267 NewmanLTC.com/MIIAB

www.westfieldinsurance.com

Proud to be a Trusted Choice®

member company

8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 250Bloomington, MN 55437(952) 897-3000 www.hanover.com

Success Takes More Than A Few Ingredients

Satisfy your appetite for business with a strong partner.

Talk to us about how we can partner with you–and provide the right ingredients to grow and succeed.

Rated “A+ Superior” by A.M. Best

“Insuring Homes, Farms, Businesses and Autos”

www.nstarco.comPhone - 1-800-622-5230 Fax- 1-507-423-6323

“A Personable Company - Keeping You on Course”

Box 48, Cottonwood, Minnesota 56229

Risk Placement Serv

Largest MGA/Underwriting Manager

www.wilsonmutual.com

MIIAB WOulD lIKE TO THANK OuR gOlD AND SIlVER PARTNERS

A New Way for Insurance Agents To:

To Find Out How Contact Brenda at:651.739.4289 or [email protected]

Improve Policyholder Retention

Increase “Word of Mouth” ReferralsGain a New Competitive Edge, Especially Against

Internet Insurance Competition

Better Control Loss Ratios

Phone 763.521.4499 Fax 763.521.4482 www.tstlaw.com

Rolf E. Sonnesyn Phone 612-520-8604

Insurance DefenseOur portfolio includes an emphasis on the

defense of insurance agents

Page 55: The MN News April 2010

April 2010 • The Minnesota News ��

Online Courses: The VU offers a wide variety of online classes to enhance and expand insurance technical and business skills. When taking an online class through the VU, you can be confident you or your staff is learning the highest quality education available online. You do NOT have to be a member or subscriber to take an online course since a separate fee is charged.

Research Library: For those who seek a smarter way to research, the VU provides access to hundreds of insurance, business and technology articles written by volunteer faculty and other contributors. Technical insurance articles often include links to full sample ISO forms. You’ll also find white papers and articles on many issues affecting today’s insurance marketplace.

Expert Advice: Sometimes you need answers to questions that can’t be found in the research library. To help with these “just in time” issues, we have assembled a faculty of leading experts from around the country. Big “I” Members can submit questions to our “Ask an Expert” service and a response is usually sent within �-� business days, but often sooner.

All of this can be accessed on the web at

www.independentagent.com/vu

Virtual UniversityIs that thebest youcan do?

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needs the updated policyimmediately. But it willtake a couple of hours. Isthat the best you can do?

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RT third pg ads 4 5/9/07 10:10 AM Page 1

Page 56: The MN News April 2010

�6 The Minnesota News •April 2010

When it comes to protecting your reputation, you may fi nd us surprisingly fi erce. With over 30 years of serving the U.S. insurance agents market, we’re the most experienced provider of professional liability coverage. Yet it’s not just our longevity in the market that may surprise you; it’s our commitment. As more than 20,000 insurance agencies across North America have discovered, we’re fi ercely committed to protecting what matters most – your business, your fi nancial assets and your reputation. At Swiss Re, we always work with the same raw material: risk. And what we work to create for our clients is always the same product: opportunity.

See for yourself at www.swissre.com/insurance

For more information on our Insurance Agency professional liability program, please contact your state association.

Shelley Waldhauser, Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association7500 Flying Cloud Drive, #900, Eden Prairie, MN 55344P) 800-864-3846/X-6086, F) 952-835-4774, D) 952-253-6086, C) [email protected]

Insurance products underwritten by Westport Insurance Corporation, Overland Park, Kansas, a member of the Swiss Re group. Westport is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

© 2009 Swiss Re

[email protected]

Page 57: The MN News April 2010

April 2010 • The Minnesota News 57

1/13 - 1/16/10 Eden Prairie Commercial Property2/3 - 2/5/10 Plymouth *Ruble Graduate Seminar3/10- 3/13/10 Eden Prairie Personal Lines4/14 - 4/17/10 Eden Prairie Life & Health5/5 - 5/8/10 Eden Prairie Commercial Casualty6/16 - 6/19/10 Alexandria Commercial Property7/14 - 7/17/10 Eden Prairie Agency Management8/4 - 8/7/10 Eden Prairie Commercial Casualty9/15 - 9/17/10 Plymouth *Ruble Graduate Seminar10/6 - 10/9/10 Eden Prairie Life & Health11/10 - 11/13/10 Eden Prairie Personal Lines

* Must be a dues paid member of CIC or CRM to attend a Ruble Graduate Seminar

Dates and locations are subject to change. Before making any travel arrangements, call to verify the dates, location, start time and availablility when registering for a program.

Cost Seminar

$421.00 CICInstitutes

$420.00Ruble

Graduate Seminar

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Card Number Expiration Date Signature

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name on Card Security Code (3 digits) Billing Address

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name MN Insurance License # DOB Designations

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Agency/Company Phone Email

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Address City State Zip

Return to: MIIAB, 7500 Flying Cloud Dr, Suite 900, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 P: 952.835.4180 F: 952.835.4774 E: [email protected]

www.miia.org

Method of PaymentCheck Enclosed (Payable to MIIAB) or Charge to: VISA Mastercard

In accordance with Title III of the American with Disabilities Act, we invite all registrants to advise us of any disability and any request for accommodation to that disabily. Please submit your request as far as possible in

advance of the program you wish to attend

2010 MIIAB CIC Program Schedule

All courses begin Wednesday’s at 8:00 a.m., Thursday’s from 8:00 a.m.

until 5:00 p.m., and Friday’s from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Important InformationAll participants must present photo identification to the on-site registrar at the institute. Cancellations received within 7 calendar days of a program will incur a $75 non-refundable fee. If you do not cancel and do not attend the program, you will incur a $125 fee. The balance of the registration fee may be refunded or transferred to another course. You may substitute an eligible person for the same event anytime at no charge with notification prior to the course.

Please select Seminar date

It’s easy to register - by fax, phone, mail or on-line!

Page 58: The MN News April 2010

�� The Minnesota News •April 2010

1/21/10 - St. Cloud Commercial Property

1/27/10 - Eden Prairie Agency Operations

2/9/10 - Eden Prairie Commercial Casualty

2/11/10 - Rochester Personal Auto

2/17/10 - Shoreview Commercial Casualty

3/9/10 - St. Cloud Personal Residential

3/17/10 - Eden Prairie *WTH Commercial Lines

3/18/10 - Duluth Personal Auto

3/23/10 - Eden Prairie Personal Auto

4/1/10 - Eden Prairie Personal Residential

4/6/10 - Rochester Commercial Casualty

4/8/10 - Fergus Falls Commercial Casualty

4/27/10 - St. Cloud Personal Auto

5/4/10 - Duluth *WTH Commercial Lines

5/12/10 - Willmar Agency Operations

5/13/10 - Shoreview *WTH Personal Lines

5/18/10 - Thief River Falls Commercial Property

5/19/10 - Eden Prairie Commercial Property

6/2/10 - Rochester **Dynamics of Service

6/8/10 - Mankato Personal Auto

6/9/10 - Eden Prairie Agency Operations

6/15/10 - Alexandria **Dynamics of Service

6/23/10 - St. Cloud Agency Operations

6/24/10 - Shoreview Commercial Property

7/8/10 - Rochester Personal Residential

7/20/10 - Brainerd Agency Operations

7/22/10 - Eden Prairie Dynamics of Service

8/10/10 - Duluth Commercial Casualty

8/12/10 - Eden Prairie Commercial Casualty

8/18/10 - Worthington Personal Residential

8/25/10 - Bemidji Agency Operations

9/9/10 - Rochester Commercial Property

9/14/10 - St. Cloud *WTH Personal Lines

9/21/10 - Shoreview Personal Auto

9/23/10 - Eden Prairie Personal Auto

10/5/10 - Hibbing Commercial Property

10/12/10 - Detroit Lakes Agency Operations

10/13/10 - Eden Prairie Personal Residential

10/21/10 - Mankato Commercial Casualty

11/2/10 - Duluth Personal Residential

11/3/10 - Eden Prairie Commercial Property

12/7/10 - Eden Prairie Agency Operations

Cost Seminar

$148.00 CISR Seminar

$158.00 William T. Hold Seminar (WTH)

$158.00 Dynamics of Service

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Card Number Expiration Date Signature

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name on Card Security Code (3 digits) Billing Address

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name MN Insurance License # DOB Designations

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Agency/Company Phone Email

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Address City State Zip

Return to: MIIAB, 7500 Flying Cloud Dr, Suite 900, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 P:952.835.4180 F: 952.835.4774 E: [email protected]

www.miia.org

Method of PaymentCheck Enclosed (Payable to MIIAB) or Charge to: VISA Mastercard

CANCELLATION POLICY: Registration fee is fully refundable if cancellation is received seven days prior to class. A $30.00 fee will be charged for cancellations less than seven days before the

scheduled class. NO SHOWS will NOT receive a refund.

In accordance with Title III of the American with Disabilities Act, we invite all registrants to advise us of any disability and any request for accommodation to that disabily. Please submit your request as far as possible in advance of the program you wish to attend

2010 MIIAB CISR Program Schedule

* REQUIREMENT FOR WILLIAM T. HOLD SEMINAR

(WTH)You must be a CISR, ACSR or CPSR designee and a dues paying member of the National Alliance to attend and get credit for WTH. For inquiries on dues, please call the National Alliance at 1-800-531-5197.

** REQUIREMENT FOR DYNAMICS OF SERVICE

The Dynamics of Service program satisfies the update requirement for all dues paying members of the National Alliance. However, you do not need to hold the CISR designation to attend. For inquiries on dues, please call the National Alliance at 1-800-531-5197.

Please select Seminar date - Each course is 8 MN CE credits, general non-company sponsored

It’s easy to register - by fax, phone, mail or on-line!

Page 59: The MN News April 2010

April 2010 • The Minnesota News ��

Please Check Location1/20/10 - Eden Prairie 8:30am-3:30pm

Prairie Conference Center7500 Flying Cloud DrEden Prairie, MN 55344952.835.4180

3/10/10 - St. Cloud 8:30am-3:30pmBest Western Kelly InnHwy 23 & 4th AveSt. Cloud, MN 56301320.253.0606

4/22/10 - MIIAB Convention9:00am -12:00pm & 12:30pm - 3:30pmRadisson Hotel and Conference Center3131 Campus DrivePlymouth, MN 55441763.559.6600

5/18/10 - Fergus Falls 8:30am-3:30pmBest Western/Bigwoods Event Center925 Western AveFergus Falls, MN 56537800.293.2216

6/22/10 - Morton 8:30am-3:30pmJackpot Junction39375 County Hwy 24Morton, MN 56270507.644.3000

7/28/10 - Walker 8:30am-3:30pmNorthern Lights Event Center6800 Y Frontage Rd. NWWalker, MN 56484218.335.3151

8/26/10 - Rochester 8:30am-3:30pmRamada Hotel1517 16th St. SWRochester, MN 55902507.289.8866

9/22/10 - Duluth 8:30am-3:30pmCanal Park Lodge250 Canal Park DriveDuluth, MN 55802218.279.6000

10/20/10 - Eden Prairie 8:30am-3:30pmPrairie Conference Center7500 Flying Cloud DrEden Prairie, MN 55344952.835.4180

AgEnCy StAFF

SIzE

totALAttEnDEESREquIRED

At A (6 houR)

SEMInAR

PoSItIon In AgEnCyPLuS

ADDItIonALREquIREMEntS

1 1 ACtIvE AgENCY PRINCIPAL, OWNER,PARtNER OR OFFICER NONE

2-7 2 ACtIvE AgENCY PRINCIPAL, OWNER,PARtNER OR OFFICER

ONE PRODuCEROR CSR

8-20 4

ACtIvE AgENCY PRINCIPAL, OWNER,PARtNER, OFFICER AnD ONE

ACtIvE AgENCY PRINCIPAL, OWNER,PARtNER, OFFICER, OPERAtIONS

MANAgER OR PRODuCER

tWO PRODuCER’SOR CSR’S

21-50 6

ACtIvE AgENCY PRINCIPAL, OWNER,PARtNER, OFFICER AnD ONE

ACtIvE AgENCY PRINCIPAL, OWNER,PARtNER, OFFICER, OPERAtIONS

MANAgER OR PRODuCER AnD ONECSR

tHREEPRODuCER’S OR

CSR’S

51+ 10

ACtIvE AgENCY PRINCIPAL, OWNER,PARtNER, OFFICER AnD tWO ACtIvE

AgENCY PRINCIPAL’S, OWNER’S,PARtNER’S, OFFICER’S, OPERAtIONSMANAgER’S OR PRODuCER’S AnD

tWO CSR’S

FIvE PRODuCER’SOR CSR’S

Method of PaymentCheck Enclosed (Payable to MIIAB) or Charge to: vISA Mastercard

CAnCELLAtIon PoLICy: Registration fee is fully refundable if cancellation is received seven days prior to class. A $30.00 fee will be charged for cancellations less than seven

days before the scheduled class. no ShoWS will not receive a refund.

In accordance with Title III of the American with Disabilities Act, we invite all registrants to advise us of any disability and any request for accommodation to that disabily. Please submit your request as far as possible in advance of the

program you wish to attend

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Card Number Expiration Date Signature

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name on Card Security Code (3 digits) Billing Address

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name MN Insurance License # DOB Designations

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Agency/Company Phone Email

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Address City State Zip

Return to: MIIAB, 7500 Flying Cloud Dr, Suite 900, Eden Prairie, Mn 55344 P: 952.835.4180 F: 952.835.4774 E: [email protected]

www.miia.org

Cost per person$151.00 MIIAB Member Price

$166.00 Non-Member Price

Agencies that attend this seminar will receive a 10% loss control credit on their Westport E&O Premium.Once an agency attends the seminar the 10% credit will apply for 3 years if the agency remains claim free

during the 3 year period.

2010 MIIAB Errors & omissionsSeminars

6 MN CE Credits - general, non-company sponsored

Page 60: The MN News April 2010

60 The Minnesota News •April 2010

Power in Partners

Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association

Power in Partners ProgramListed below are the companies who strongly support the Indepenent Agency System and the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association

2010

DiamonD

allied insuranceGeneral Casualty Companies

Grinnell Mutual reinsurance Companyindiana insurnace

Midwest Family Mutualnorth star Mutual insurance Companies

the Hanover GroupZurich north america small Business

ACUITYAmTrust North America

ICC Restoration & Cleaning ServicesMeadowbook, Inc.

Newman Long-Term CarePremium Financing Specialists, Inc.

Prime Insurance CompanyRobert A. Schneider Agency, Inc.

S.H. Smith & Company, Inc.

Solbrekk Business Technology SolutionsState Auto Companies

The HartfordTomsche, Sonnesyn & Tomsche, PA

Travelers Companies, Inc.Westfield Insurance

Wilson Mutual Insurance CompanyWorkers Compensation Specialist

Platinum

GolD

Silver