INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

SEPTEMBER 2012

2012 Win With Trusted Choice Convention

in Deadwood, SD

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2012 OFFICERSPRESIDENT

Dale HeeschDakota Ins Agency

Baltic SD

PRESIDENT-ELECTKathy Johnson

First Western InsuranceRapid City SD

VICE PRESIDENTGerrit Juffer

Juffer Inc.Wagner SD

SECRETARY-TREASURERSteve Walker

First Madison InsuranceMadison SD

PAST PRESIDENTAmy Olson-Miller

McKinneyOlson InsuranceSioux Falls SD

IIABA STATE NAT’L DIRECTORGary Joyce

Howalt-McDowell Ins. Inc.Sioux Falls SD

2012 DIRECTORSDISTRICT # 1

Jesse KonoldKey Insurance Inc.

Mobridge, SD

DISTRICT # 5Gerrit Juffer

Juffer Inc.Wagner SD

DISTRICT # 2Mindy Huntington

Fischer Rounds & Assoc.Watertown SD

DISTRICT # 6Pat Tollefson

Insurance PlusAberdeen SD

DISTRICT # 3Steve Walker

First Madison InsuranceMadison SD

DISTRICT # 7Annette Conway

First Western InsuranceSturgis, SD

DISTRICT # 4Chad Dubisar

Boen & AssociatesSioux Falls SD

DISTRICT # 8Dan Maguire

Black Hills Agency IncRapid City SD

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTJerry Diamond

IIASDPierre SD

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

AT UNITED FIRE GROUP . . .

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

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

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

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UNITED FIRE AGENT RON HAMMERBERG The Executive Corner

Jerry Diamond, Exec VP

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When you read through the newsletter this month, please be aware that we dedicated it to our State Convention held in Deadwood.

I might be biased, but the Convention in Deadwood was one of the best rounded events that the IIASD has put on. With the input from the Board and the IIASD staff, there was quite a variety of education, entertainment, and fellowship. There are plenty of photos in this newsletter to show the large crowd we had present. The staff and I were overwhelmed by how many attended. We knew that this group was expecting great education and entertainment when the motel was booked up 10 months in advance. We thought the problem was solved when another motel was booked for 50 rooms, Right? Wrong. The second motel started filling up fast, so a 3rd motel blocked off 20 rooms for us. Hopefully, all turned out well.The programming for education and entertainment started to take a twist when we had an over-abundance of people wanting to speak, however we went to a university style setup giving the agents a choice of educational opportunities. The speakers were some of the best and their topics turned out to be very educational.

For those of you who missed out on the ping pong ball free-for-all, we have it on tape. The staff and I came out with three buckets and led the agents to believe that there was some type of critters in the buckets. Just as we released the ping pong balls, the lights were dimmed, making it impossible to see what was being released. The lights came back up again and everyone scrambled for a ping pong ball. The balls were numbered and worth anywhere from $100 to $10. There was over $6,500 bouncing around in the auditorium with the agents in hot pursuit. It was a competition between agents, company people and exhibitors. It was hilarious. You had to be there to fully enjoy the spectacle.We cannot promise you this quality of a convention every year, but we have our bar set now and we know what it is going to take to exceed this year’s event.

Enjoy the photos!

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www.dakotaclaims.com

ABERDEEN P.O. Box 291

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

Email: dcsaberdeen@dakotaclaims.com

CHAMBERLAIN P.O. Box 149

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

Email: dcschamberlain@dakotaclaims.com

HURON P.O. Box 201

Huron, SD 57350 (605) 352-5000 Fax (605) 352-5173 Email: dcshuron@dakotaclaims.com

PIERRE

P.O. Box 400 Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 224-6155 Fax (605) 224-4735 Email: dcspierre@dakotaclaims.com

RAPID CITY

P.O. Box 2138 Rapid City, SD 57709

(605) 343-3764 Fax (605) 343-1274 Email: dcsrapidcity@dakotaclaims.com

SIOUX FALLS

P.O. Box 611 Sioux Falls, SD 57101

(605) 338-3561 Fax (605) 338-0257 Email: dcssiouxfalls@dakotaclaims.com

SPEARFISH

P.O. Box 435 Spearfish, SD 57783

(605) 642-4769 Fax (605) 642-4760 Email: dcsspearfish@dakotaclaims.com

WATERTOWN

P.O. Box 203 Watertown, SD 57201

(605) 886-2318 Fax (605) 886-2335 Email: dcswatertown@dakotaclaims.com

YANKTON P.O. Box 265

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

Email: dcsyankton@dakotaclaims.com

Independent Claims Services to the Insurance Industry

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

Put Out the FIRE!!!IIASD Board Approves

Fire Department GrantsWe are again offering an opportunity for IIASD members to support their local fire departments. We had an overwhelming response to our fire department grant program in 2011 and many of you have asked when we are going to have another grant available. Your IIASD Board of Directors has authorized the award of two (2)$5,000 Fire Department Grants funded by your IIASD Service Corp E&O Program.

Nominations deadline is October 31st. The grant application form can be accessed on our website at www.iiasd.org. The two $5,000 grant recipients will be decided by November 15th by a Fire Department Committee.

Fire Department Nomination Guidelines:1. Nomination must be presented by an IIASD member in good standing and is open to all South Dakota Fire Departments.

2. Entry must be submitted on Nomination form and returned to Carolyn Hofer, IIASD, Box 327, Pierre, SD 57501 or emailed to chofer@iiasd.org no later than October 31st.

3. Grant dollars can be used for needed equipment, firefighter training and community education programs.

4. Selection will be made based on grant program criteria with an emphasis placed on need.

5. Proposals for partial funding are acceptable only if the grant would provide the final amount needed to purchase an item.

6. The selected fire departments will be required to furnish IIASD with proof of purchase and agree to hold a publicity event. IIASD will work with the Fire Department to assist them with this process.

Nominate Your Local FireDepartment for a

$5,000 Grant

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/ / / /

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and its affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. Auto insurance prices and products are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agents/brokers. Not available in all states. Market positions from Highline Data’s 2007 written premium data, NAIC 2008 market share data, and 2008 Millward Brown & Harris Interactive survey data. 10A00065.A11 (08/10)

Whether your customers drive it, ride it, or boat it. We can insure it.HELPING YOUR CUSTOMERS FIND THE RIGHT POLICY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER. Partner with a leader. It’s no secret why drivers use independent agents. You offer quality service, and a convenience second to none. But Progressive can help too. Because Progressive is not only a leader in auto insurance, but also truck, boat, motorcycle and RV. Plus, drivers who switch to Progressive save an average of $550 on their auto insurance. So no matter what you’re helping your customers insure, together — we can help them insure it for less.

Gary Joyce Reappointed to the IIABA Professional Liability Committee

IIASD’s State National Director, Gary Joyce, has been reappointed to the National Professional Liability Committee (PLC). The PLC is charged with the oversight of the IIABA Agency E&O Program. The members of the committee are appointed by the IIABA Executive Committee and generally serve a 3-yr term. PLC members are made up of IIA members, state executives, and state E&O administrators. The mission of the PLC is to work closely with state associations and insurance company partners to provide a long-term, stable E&O market for the membership. IIABA feels that Gary’s insight and experience is vital to IIABA fulfilling its objectives to serve the independent insurance agents throughout the country. They are grateful for Gary’s contribution to the committee and are looking forward to his insight in the upcoming year.

FloodTalking Points!

Extension of Preferred Risk Policy Eligibility –

The Preferred Risk Policy Eligibility Extension program (PRPEE) has been extended by FEMA until further notice. The PRPEE was originally set to expire on 1/1/2013. Policies written as Preferred Risk Policies (PRP) under the PRP Eligibility Extension may continue to be renewed as PRP’s beyond the previously designated 2-year period.

Under the 2-Year PRP Eligibility Extension, buildings newly mapped into a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) on or after Oct 1, 2008, became eligible for the PRP for two years beginning on January 1, 2011. Buildings newly mapped into an SFHA on or after Jan 1, 2011, were also eligible for the PRP during the 2-year period following the map revision date. At the end of the 2-year period, the policies were required to be rewritten as standard-rated policies.

Beginning with the first renewal effective on or after Jan 1, 2013, policies issued under the PRP Eligibility Extension that meet the PRP loss history requirements will not be transitioned into standard X-zone rating, but will continue to be issued as PRP’s at each renewal until further notice. Under the extension, new-business PRP’s may also continue to be issued for properties newly mapped into the SFHA as a result of a map revision that became effective on or after Oct 1, 2008.

Premium IncreasesPremiums will increase on an average of 13% for PRP’s written or renewed on or after Jan 1, 2013.

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Kayla’s Computer Advice“Bring You Own Device”

Opportunites & RisksEmployees expect it; but employers need

to manage the risks

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The consumerization of IT revolution - sparked by the iPhone - has shifted the IT culture so that the users are the ones getting the latest, cutting edge technologies first, and they want to bring those devices to work.- PC World Magazine, Dec. 20, 2011, Tom Bradley "Pros and Cons of Bringing Your Own Device to Work"What Is BYOD?Many workers today expect the companies they work for to allow them to use their personal mobile devices and personal computers at the office, and/or to provide remote connectivity to the office via personal devices. Technologists dub this trend "BYOD" (bring your own device).Why is BYOD Important?Mobile devices - along with their applications and on-the-go Internet access - provide attractive options for speed, connectivity and productivity. Many people wouldn't think of spending their workday without a Blackberry, iPhone, Android, iPad or other device to access company systems and data. Most important, senior managers want to use these devices and are using their organization's technology more because of them.Many employees see their own personal devices as superior to those provided by their employers. Employees also tend to believe they are more productive if allowed to use their own devices for work and data syncing between office and home.Thus, BYOD is significant because employee-owned devices are now accessing company systems and being used for work purposes presenting security and privacy concerns to the employer.Employers see the inherent value in a more mobile, more connected and more productive workforce. Many employees and managers have no problem connecting and addressing work issues after hours and/or on the weekends. It can be considered a motivational strategy.

What Are the Security Risks?BYOD mobility offers access to enterprise data, systems and corporate email. Employees can store and process data and connect to networks.While BYOD may be considered necessary and convenient, this type of connectivity can raise significant data security and privacy concerns which lead to potential legal and liability risks.

Consider:1. The device gets lost or stolen with access to company data and systems.2. The device contracts a virus or has malware installed that can obtain company logins and data from that device.3. The personal device user - however good his/her intentions are - can in effect be circumventing company security standards.4. The company cannot control the use of the personal device should the employee allow children or friends to use the device.5. The employee may use the device to place files in personal applications in the cloud which may not be secure.

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Continued from Page 66. The employee plugs a mobile device into the USB port of his or her office computer thereby transmitting a virus to the office desktop.Here are some facts to consider when trying to balance personal device access with security:Employees don't perceive the risk. Many employees perceive the use of their own devices at work as placing no extra burden on technical support. But dealing with any data or system security issue requires know-how and technical resources.Executives perceive the risk, but aren’t fully ready. In August of 2011, a Deloitte webcast poll of more than 1,000 U.S. information technology and businessexecutives found that 28 percent of respondents believe there are unauthorized personal digital assistants (PDAs) and/or tablets connecting to company systems, especially to email servers. About 87 percent of respondents think their systems are at risk for a cyber attack originating from a mobile security lapse, the poll reported.The same poll found 40 percent of respondents are unaware of whether their organizations have strategies or controls to enforce mobile security. Further, it found that only 24 percent of respondents believe that “all devices connecting to my intranet are authorized.” Only 17 percent reported that they monitor for rogue connections.Malware is on the move. Malware that targets mobile devices is increasing, reported IBM Security Solutions researchers in a fall 2011 whitepaper. Citing an IBM security research report, the whitepaper presented statistics showing that mobile operating systems vulnerabilities tripled from 60 to a projected 180+ from 2009 to 2011.Enterprise systems and mobile systems are catching up with each other. While many corporations have for years allowed Blackberry-based access to email and other company systems, users are now demanding that iPhone/Android-based smartphones and tablet computers be provided access to these same services.How do you proceed once BYOD is determined necessary?Since there are risks to the mingling of personal devices and work systems, companies must take the lead in assessing and managing the risks so as to safeguard their systems and data. Some simple steps include:1. Institute a strong written BYOD Policy such as the IT Policy and Acceptable Use Policy.

2. Determine which data to protect.3. Define what devices will be supported.4. Determine which employees need remote access via personal devices. Do not open BYOD participation beyond those employees that have a strong business reason for mobile access.5. Define security requirements.6. Train and educate employees concerning policy and BYOD use.7. Monitor employee mobile devices for compliance with your organization’s policy.8. Secure employee’s authorization to “wipe” the employee’s mobile device remotely (restore to the original factory state), as a condition of giving access to any of the business’s systems.9. Place controls over access to and use of the company’s wireless internet. For example: do not broadcast your wireless SSID, restrict access to employees only using MAC address filtering in the router and invoke WPA 2 on the router.Security SolutionsIf an enterprise is allowing employees to use their own mobile devices, the following security measures should be implemented.1. Require strong phone startup PIN which is at least 6— 8 characters long. If not supported, use the maximum allowed. Reduce the PIN required timeout setting to no longer than 10 minutes.2. Require specified encryption and anti-malware software on each device.3. Require and install mobile tracking software/applications which allow online access to track the location of a lost/stolen phone and the ability to perform a lock/scream and/or remote data wipe. Secure employee’s authorization to take these actions on the device if the device is misplaced, lost or stolen, as a condition to giving the employee access to the business’s systems and data.4. Do not allow “broken”/”rooted”/’jailbroken” devices on your network. These phones have removed limitations installed on the phone by the carrier allowing the user to run apps and files not approved by carriers. This process opens the device up to security risks.5. Large enterprises monitoring multiple devices and platforms should consider Mobile Device Management (MDM) software. MDM software centrally controls and protects the data and configuration settings for all mobile devices in the network.

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MDM can also provide a secure document delivery platform and end to end data transmission encryption.

The opportunities of BYOD are present - and here to stay. As an analogy, home security is more complex for a bigger house with more entrances and windows. So too is systems security more complicated as smartphones and other remote devices present new entry points to be analyzed and protected.

All of the security tips presented here are simply guidelines to aid agencies in diminishing security and privacy risks and managing them. However, none can be guaranteed 100% effective.

Article by: Danielle Johnson is the VP, Director of Information Technology at InsurBanc, which IIABA and the W. R. Berkley Corporation established to assist independent agencies with their specific banking needs. This article reflects the views of the author and should not be construed as an official statement by ACT.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK – DISPOSING OF OLD COMPUTER

EQUIPMENT

Question: "Our agency does not have written guidelines for the preparation or disposal of used PCs. I think we should have one, and it seems to me all agencies would have this same issue, but I've not heard anything about this topic. Have you looked into this or written about it that I could reference? If not, do you know of suggested guidelines and software we could use?"

Answer: With today's legal requirements, it is prudent to make sure you destroy any data on all storage devices prior to disposing of the item. Following are some suggestions:

Erasing Data – Computer Hard Drives: The method used to erase data off of a hard drive before giving the computer away depends on the information you want to preserve. Your options are:

File-by-File - If you are giving the computer to someone else, you may not want to eliminate all the valuable software along with your private information. However, just deleting your personal files does not make them unrecoverable. To completely destroy a file, you must use a data-shredding program. It takes a conventional "erase" a step further by actually writing over the file.

Whole-Drive - Completely reformatting your drive may seem like a good option, but this method doesn't eliminate data either -- the information can easily be restored using off-the-shelf data recovery software. Many of the best data erasing programs come from the same companies that produce data recovery software. Set aside some time: this can take hours on large hard drives.

Power Tools - There is no better way to completely annihilate your data than to physically destroy the device that stores it. We still suggest a software shredder first, but if your personal data security justifies the extra effort, put on protective eyewear and gloves and break out the power tools. Drilling four holes through the platters will ensure that they never spin properly again. Better yet, unscrew and remove the top lid of the drive, and go at the platters with a sander or angle grinder. Scuff the surface of the platters until all the shine is gone.

Flash Drives: Flash drives are different than hard drives. It has been found that various methods to wipe data off of a flash drive are unreliable. I recommend taking a hammer to the drive. You want to make sure you smash the circuit board and chips.

Cell Phones: Modern cell phones are like computers; deleting data using menus may not truly delete it from the hardware. Always wipe your phone by deleting the data using menu settings and then performing a factory reset. Every phone has a different process, so check the phone's manual to restore the phone to its factory settings, or search YouTube for an instructional video. According to PCWorld, no wipe solution is perfect. The only way to totally guarantee old cell phone data is gone for good is to take the phone apart and physically destroy the memory chip.

Physical Disposal – Non-Profit - After making sure all sensitive information is wiped from the device, you may want to consider giving it to a local non-profit organization. Although, be aware that many organizations have become more selective about what devices they will accept.

Recycling - Check with your local city or county. Many have computer recycling programs. In my county, all you need to do is take your equipment to a special recycling center.

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BIG “I” PRESENTS COMPANYPARTNERS BEST PRACTICES

AWARDS

Central Insurance, Erie Insurance Group, Harleysville Insurance, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Progressive Insurance and Travelers honored for

advocating “Best Practices" philosophies.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 10, 2012 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) presented insurance carriers Central Insurance, Erie Insurance Group, Harleysville Insurance, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Progressive Insurance and Travelers with the prestigious Best Practices Award of Excellence at the recent education convocation held in conjunction with the Big “I” Leadership Conference this weekend in Atlanta.

The awards recognize those companies that have made imaginative, outstanding and unique contributions in advocating Best Practices philosophies that enhance the independent agency system. The Big “I” Best Practices program provides performance benchmarks and business strategies that serve as a guide to improving agency performance.

Central Insurance Companies, a Trusted Choice® and CAP company, launched their support for the Best Practices program as agents requested help from their company partner to grow their personal lines books of business. Central used the Best Practices studies to develop and implement a Best Practices plan. Central communicates the value of the resources through agent education and business consulting, its website and monthly agency newsletters and other outlets. Central uses Best Practices in their agent workshops and meetings to help them grow their book of business, regularly publish articles on Best Practices topics for their agents, actively participates in the Council for Best Practices and promotes the program on their website. Central has actively nominated agencies to participate in Best Practices studies.

“Through numerous professional development, online and company-wide efforts, Central Insurance Companies promotes the philosophies of the Best Practices through materials in agent education, business consulting and numerous innovative efforts,” continued Rusbuldt. “We applaud Central’s ongoing leadership and cutting edge efforts.”

Since Best Practices was launched in 2001, Travelers, a Trusted Choice® company, has been recognized each year and their support of the program continues to grow stronger.

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Travelers is committed to communicating the value of the resources and working with agents to help them grow their agencies. Working with thousands of agencies, presenting keynote sessions that incorporate Best Practices topics and resources, dedicating a monthly article in the company newsletter and presenting “Lunch and Learns” are just some of the many ways Travelers has nominated numerous agencies to participate in the Best Practices program. Travelers also provides materials for select agencies and dedicates staff time and resources through participation on the IIABA Council for Best Practices. Over the last few years, the company has nominated hundreds of agencies for participation in the Best Practices program, helping select the very best agencies for this critical industry resource.

“We are proud to announce that for the eleventh year in a row, we are pleased to present Travelers with a special award recognizing their support for Best Practices,” said Rusbuldt. “Through numerous efforts, Travelers continues to demonstrate their commitment to Best Practices by working directly with agents to help them reach their goals.”

Progressive, a Trusted Choice® company, is a new member to the Council for Best Practices and actively promotes Best Practices on their Facebook page, and markets and promotes the program through webinars to all their agents. Progressive also publishes articles highlighting Best Practices topics in agent newsletters and online publications.

“As a new member of the Council for Best Practices, Pro-gressive has quickly and effectively integrated Best Practices in relatively short period of time,” says Rusbuldt. “We are honored to recognize Progressive for their hard work and dedication.”

Harleysville, a Trusted Choice® company, markets and promotes Best Practices webinars to all their agents and actively participate in the Council for Best Practices. The carrier regularly publishes articles on Best Practices topics in their agent newsletters and online publications. Harleysville has trained its field staff on the Best Practices tools and initiatives, and promotes the programs with e-mail blasts.

“We are proud to present Harleysville with a Best Practices award for their commitment to the program,” says Rusbuldt. “We applaud their effective use of technology to promote Best Practices.”

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OKLAHOMA AGENT TO LEAD NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 14, 2012 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has announced that Robert “Bobby” Bramlett was installed as its chairman at the association’s 2012 Fall Leadership Conference in Atlanta.

Bramlett is president and CEO of the Bramlett Agency in Ardmore, Okla.

“Bobby Bramlett has been instrumental in providing valuable insight to our agent and broker members on many issues, especially on health care issues which have dominated the headlines the past few years,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “He brings incredible experience to the table, and the Big ‘I’ is pleased to announce that he will now serve as the chairman.”

Bramlett began his insurance career with The Bramlett Agency in 1975 and has served as its president and CEO since 1983. He purchased the agency, founded in 1948, from his parents, Jim and Janie Bramlett.

Bramlett has long been active at the Big ‘I’ state and national association levels. He is past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma (IIAO) and served as a director on IIABA’s national board. In 2008, Bramlett received IIABA’s highest Government Affairs award, The Sydney O. Smith National Legislative Award. He also was honored with IIAO’s highest award, The Eagle of Excellence Award, in 2009.

In his community, Bramlett serves as a director of First National Bank and Trust Company, trustee of The Glen Foundation and trustee of St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. Bramlett is a graduate of St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield, Wis., and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma. Bobby and his wife Nanette are proud parents of son, Jake, who now works in the agency, daughter-in-law, Jennifer and grandson Bryce.

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Erie regularly uses the Best Practices tools to train agents, the Erie sales teams and for agent peer training. It has integrated Best Practices tool into its program to help agents better communicate with their clients and uses the tools to gauge sales behaviors of potential agents and producers.

“Erie’s commitment to enhancing its training programs with Best Practices has resulted in better communication and they are seeing results,” says Rusbuldt. “We applaud innovation and dedication to continuing education for all the professionals involved in providing excellent customer service.”

Liberty Mutual Insurance, a Trusted Choice® and CAP company, has promoted Best Practices using numerous avenues including: Actively participating in the Council for Best Practices, continually using and promoting Best Practices to its agents to help them retain their value and grow their sales, training company sales teams on the Best Practices tools and promoting Best Practices on its employee websites and agent portals.

“Liberty Mutual Insurance has led by example and demonstrated excellent promotion and use of the Best Practices programs,” said Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “We are honored to recognize Liberty Mutual Insurance for their hard work and dedication.”

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17

AGENT WANTED:

Licensed in all Lines;Must locate to Rapid City;

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

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required Health and Dental Insurance provided: Retirement plan

Send Resumes To:

IIASDPO Box 327

Pierre, SD 57501or send e-mail to

klongbrake@iiasd.org

“Insuring Homes, Farms, Businesses and Autos”

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Rated “A+ Superior”

Offered Exclusively Through Independent Agents

18

Scobie Group 1501 42nd St, Suite 100

West Des Moines, IA 1-800-475-1000 www.fwins.com

Scobie Group 14748 West Center Rd, Suite 202

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Some of the important coverages we offer include:

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• Workers’ compensation coverage

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

Property and casualty coverages are underwritten by a member of the Sentry Insurance Group, Stevens Point, WI. For a complete listing of companies, visit sentry.com. Policies, coverages, benefits and discounts are not available in all states. See policy for complete coverage details.

688225 05/26/11

Ringwalt & Liesche

Tired of waiting for the market to change?

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

• Garage Liability

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• Prize Indemnification

19

What is IIASD?

The Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota serves fourteen hundred agents statewide since 1930. We provide education, service, insurance products, and coordinated Legislative support for our Members. IIASD works closely with carriers and other industry associations and the state of South Dakota to promote the interest of our members and all of South Dakota.

The IIASD is the South Dakota Chapter of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association also known as the “Big I” (IIABA). The IIABA represents a network of over 300,000 agents with state organizations in all 50 states. Their headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia the national association administers and enormous array of products and helps member agencies compete in today’s dynamic and ever changing marketplace.

20

NEW MEMBERS CORNER:

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

Member Agencies:

Dakotaland Community Insurance, LLCHuron, SD

Vic Gross, Manager

Associate Agencies:

VandenBerge Benefit Advisors, Inc.Sioux Falls, SD

Nancy VandenBerge, Principal

Join us in welcoming them to IIASD!

Not sure where to turn for Commercial Auto insurance?

Let the insurance experts at E&L show you the way.

www.ericksonlarseninc.com

Maple Grove, MN 800-442-3168

Fargo, ND 800-284-0965

Madison, WI 888-249-6050

www.nwgf.com INSURANCE FOR: Homeowners Farmowners Modular Homeowners Personal Auto Farm Property Dwelling Property Mobile Homes Excess Liability Farm and Personal Liability Classic Vehicle Semi-Truck

A good agent isn't so hard to findLarry Case, executive vice president, MAIA

Once again, an election is approaching, and those of us who actually vote are weighing our options. We are watching ads and evaluating the candidates. As we watch the negative ads tear down the character of each candidate, it is not hard to understand why politicians have such a low rating with the public and why we have so little confidence that they are really there to represent our best interests.

As I reflected on the low level of confidence we have in our political leaders, it made me wonder why the public historically holds insurance agents in such low esteem. Most surveys I have seen indicate that the public generally rates insurance agents not far above politicians or even used car or home siding salespersons despite the fact they rate their own agent relatively high. I have always felt that independent agents deserve a much better shake in the public eye.

As I think about it, there may be some parallels between politicians and agents, yet agents grade out much better in these areas. While choosing an agent does not include casting a ballot, consumers are evaluating who they believe can provide the best service and value in their insurance dealings and fairly represent them when claims arise.

Before I cast my ballot for someone, I would prefer they have my respect. Similarly, you must earn the respect of consumers if they are to be confident that they have proper insurance coverage in place. Such respect is something that must be earned. It cannot be dictated or demanded.

Successful agents all have a number of personal character traits in common that are essential in your business dealings and are so important in earning mutual respect of your clients and peers. Perhaps that explains why the individual ratings of one’s personal insurance agent are high in spite of the low perception in general.

Politicians could be well served by taking a lesson from independent insurance agents and striving to have terms such as trustworthy, integrity, credible, honest and ethical used in describing their character. They could certainly learn from you.There is a significant responsibility for agents to have someone trust you in protecting their property, lives and family. It is unfortunate that we question whether representatives or government officials understand a similar responsibility. When is the last time you really trusted something you heard in a political speech?

You have integrity with your clients because you maintain a rigid code of conduct and consider what is morally right in your business dealings. Clearly, that does not always occur in the highly charged political world or lethargic government bureaucracies, but it is sorely needed to restore the public’s confidence.

You maintain credibility with both your insurers and policyholders because of your track record in fair dealing. You are believable because you present facts and circumstances as they exist without spin or superfluous commentary to twist the issue. I doubt I need to expound on a comparison to whether this exists in today’s political climate.

You would not have company appointments or customers seeking your advice and purchasing coverage from you if the companies and the clients did not believe you were honest. Your sincerity in doing what is best for the customer without even a hint of deceit and your straightforward manner in addressing questions are what create customer loyalty and result in continued business growth. How often do you get a straight answer from a politician or bureaucrat?

Finally, I have written in the past about my feelings regarding government mandated ethics training for insurance agents. Ethics cannot be mandated. Attending training sessions once or twice a year isn’t going to make someone ethical. Either you know the difference between right and wrong, or you don’t. Moreover, either you care about and are committed to doing what’s right or not. This is true whether you are an insurance agent or a politician.

You know, the more I think about it, perhaps one problem with our political system is that we do not have enough insurance agents involved. Have you ever considered running for office or working on a campaign? Maybe it’s time you did.

22

THANK YOU

I would like to thank the District 5 voters that supported me in the election at the convention. I will look forward to serving our

Independent Insurance Agents during my term.

Thank you for placing your confidence in me!!

Jan Noteboom

Pre-Licensing Class Announcement

IIASD and A.D. Banker of the Dakotas Have Partnered

We are excited to announce that IIASD and A.D. Banker of the Dakota have partnered to provide insurance and securi-ties licensing preparation classes and materials at a 15% IIASD Member Discount. A.D. Banker offers Exam Prep classes each month in Sioux Falls and quarterly classes in Rapid City.

Class schedules are listed at: www.adbanker.com/dakotas

Self-study and online study options for Exam Prep are also available. Materials and classroom instruction have been very successful with an average of 95% of students taking their license exam passing on the first try!Sandy Kost is the Owner/Managing Director of A.D. Bank-ers of the Dakotas and has worked in the insurance and financial services industry since 1988. She has worked with insurance agents, investment reps, agencies and banks in SD, ND, NE, IA, MN and WI. She has provided training on various products and topics.To register for a class or to order materials, go to:www.adbanker.com/dakotasCall: 605-271-4440 or 877-317-3087. Be sure to use the IIASD Promo/Discount Code to receive your 15% Member Discount. Promo Code: 1594626

PO Box 89846 Sioux Falls, SD 57109-9846

P. 605.361.5705 or 866.440.1840E. beth.dobbs@insurancealt.com

WHOLESALE ACCESS toFirst Dakota Indemnity and Dakota Truck Underwriters,known as the Dakota Group. The DakotaGroup is the largest writers of workers’compenation business in South Dakotaand a leading writer in the Midwest.

Contractors

Healthcare

Hospitality

Manufacturing

Retail

providing workers’ compensation solutions

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

23

For over 100 years, Austin has been constantly

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24

STeAdY ANd True

No company understands the insurance needs of

truckers more than Truckers Insurance Associates

— created by truckers for truckers. And for 60 years,

Truckers Insurance has remained solely focused on

transportation industry insurance. So whether your

clients include a single owner-operator or a full-fledged

fleet, Truckers Insurance will deliver the right coverage at

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account manager at 800.652.9515 for a quote today. WE DELIVER MORE

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driven

New Branch Office in Rapid City, SD Bruce Eleeson John Keffeler

Milo Schindler, Auto Appr Ph: 605-791-5565

Assignments: claims@claimsassoc.com

We commit ourselves to providing you with the highest quality claims and case management services available in our industry. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to serving your needs. Please visit our website for a directory of our staff, services, and coverage area.

Jeff Jares, AIC AIM President

Adjusters

Nancy Almendinger SCLA SDWCS Jennifer Andrisen Selzler, Mgr. SCLA AIC CSRP SDWCS

Bill Blackman AIC Lynn Bren SCLA AIC Ron Burmood MBA AIC Kay Greve AIC, INS Dave Johnston SCLA Jerry Matthiesen AIC Chad Moore Wendi Peterson AIC Kimberly Rausch SDWCS Dave Sendelbach CPCU AIC Karl Weber SCLA AIC Tim Wieker SCLA AIC HCRI-R Amy Kvernmo Christopher W. Madsen J.D. Erin Williams SCLA Justine Frank WCLS

Case Managers Donna Passick RN CCM Kelly Rud RN BA LNCC Deb Whipple RN BA CCM Brenda Whiting RN CCM

Lori Schaefbauer RN BSN CCM

23

FRAUD CONVICTIONSPorky only dimly grasped what Gerald Hardin wanted to do: saw off the mentally disabled South Carolina man’s right hand for a $671,000 disability payout. Hardin and David Player schemed to lure Michael “Porky” Weaver into the grisly plot by promising him a down-payment on a truck and some rent money. Player bought the policy, paying for the premiums with dozens of credit cards he had secretly obtained in Porky’s name. Then Hardin, a tree trimmer, tied Weaver’s arm to a tree limb with rags and then sliced off Porky’s hand using a trimming saw with an eight-inch chain-saw blade at the end of a pole. Hardin claimed the wound was an accidental injury when the blade fell on Porky, but the wound was too clean a break to be accidental. Even so, the insurer paid up. Player used the money to buy a home for his son and a storage building for himself. The scheme was busted when Player’s wife found a briefcase containing the credit cards. Hardin pled guilty Tuesday and faces up to five years in federal prison when sentenced Nov. 20. Player still faces trial.

Former New Orleans cop Kevin Guillot said he had gone fishing, but he has gone to jail instead. Guillot’s Ford F-250 truck needed a lot of repairs, and he did not want to spend the money. So he lied that someone stole the truck from a boat launch while he and his nephew Anthony Venezia were fishing. Guillot actually was at home and the truck was sitting comfortably in his driveway when he reported the fake theft. A fellow cop filed a phony theft report to support the claim and another cop, Salvadore Battaglia, wrote a fake report saying the truck had been recovered. Guillot and Venezia each received less than a year in federal prison Wednesday. Battaglia avoided prison; he shot himself.

Insurance agent Eden Paul Agnew could not take the hint the first time. The Palm City, FL, producer insured homes for Universal Property & Casualty, illicitly charging homeowners $150-$500 for wind-mitigation inspections for newer homes that automatically received wind discounts. Agnew’s con was discovered and the insurer reinstated him with a warning.

But he did not take the hint and began selling the unneeded inspections six months later. Agnew received four years in prison Monday. His 91-year-old mother pleaded for leniency so Agnew could care for her. The court granted a furlough.

A terrible injury overtook Robin Hammond’s life. The Ohio woman said she hurt her shoulder while working in a nursing home and then was stuck in a wheelchair after developing Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy from the injury. The condition spread throughout her body, leaving Robin unable to use her arms and legs, she claimed. The Ohio workers’ comp bureau paid out $173,000, but began looking closer. Surveillance found husband Randy pushing her to and from doctor appointments in a wheelchair, but afterward she was caught walking, driving, climbing stairs, holding and carrying things, and grocery shopping. The Hammonds disappeared after Robin was questioned, but investigators picked them up in Hurricane, Utah. Hurricane pretty much describes their legal problems. The pair pleaded guilty to varied charges Monday. No word on potential jail time when sentenced.

Continued on page 33

Why American West Insurance?• Local company with over 60

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yourawi.comTo learn more about AWI contact Bruce Meyer at bmeyer@yourawi.com or call 605-929-2782.

Agribusiness • Farm & Ranch • Farm & Ranch Auto • Personal Auto Excess Liability • Watercraft • Crop-Hail • Multi-Peril

26

LOOKING FOR A MARKET?

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TRUCKING ACCOUNTS PLEASE CALL

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STEVE AKKERMAN sakkerman@insfacilities.com

PERSONAL LINES CONTACT

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2012 IIASD Trusted Choice Scholarship Awards

The drawing for five (5) $500 scholarships was held at the Convention in Deadwood. Any member could submit the name of their child or children who are currently attending college or trade school as an undergraduate student. Close to 75 applications were submitted and the lucky recipients are:

Cera Rensch, daughter of Karen RenschHowalt McDowell Insurance, Sioux Falls

Kate Starr, daughter of Ed StarrStarr Insurance, Custer, SD

Kylie Meyen, daughter of John/Lisa MeyenRosholt Insurance, Rosholt, SD

Ian McClanahan, son of Ken FisherCorInsurance, Sioux Falls, SD

Austin Koch, son of Marty KochRoyal F Koch Agency, Tyndall, SD

Congratulations!College Students from

IIASD

25

Comp or Collision?An insured damages his car by backing his tractor into it. Should it be covered under collision?

An insured backs his tractor into his parked vehicle, and his insurance company pays out damage under the auto policy’s collision coverage.

But if the car wasn’t moving, then why would the carrier opt for collision coverage instead of comprehensive? What would happen if an insured had no collision on his vehicle?

The current ISO personal auto policy says:

B. "Collision" means the upset of "your covered auto" or a "non-owned auto" or their impact with another vehicle or object.

Loss caused by the following is considered other than "collision": 1.Missiles or falling objects;2.Fire;3.Theft or larceny;4.Explosion or earthquake;5.Windstorm;6.Hail, water or flood;7.Malicious mischief or vandalism;8.Riot or civil commotion;9.Contact with bird or animal; or10. Breakage of glass.

If breakage of glass is caused by a "collision," you may elect to have it considered a loss caused by "collision." [Emphasis added.]

“Collision” is defined to be the impact of the auto with another vehicle or object. It is silent as to any requirement that the damaged vehicle actually be in motion. You could have a collision in at least three different ways: the moving auto strikes a stationary telephone pole, a tree limb falls onto a stationary auto and a moving auto strikes a moving deer.

However, review the list of “comprehensive” perils cited above. The tree limb—falling object on the list—is defined to be a comp loss. Likewise, the deer falls into category nine on the list and is a comp loss. Otherwise, they would be collision losses. That demonstrates that the auto does not have to be in motion for there to be a collision claim.

In general, many collision losses that are not the sole fault of the driver are considered comprehensive losses because the deductible is usually lower and there is usually not a rating penalty. In this case, from a justice standpoint, the insured’s own negligence was the cause of the damage to his auto and it’s not unreasonable that it is considered a collision.

Bill Wilson (bill.wilson@iiaba.net) is director of the Big “I” Virtual University.This question was originally submitted by an agent through the VU’s Ask an Expert service. Answers to other coverage questions are on the VU. For help accessing the website or to request login information, email logon@iiaba.net.

28

HELP WANTED :

Send your resumes to:

Dakota Financial Services2324 NE 8th Ave

Aberdeen, SD 57401

HELP WANTEDNWGF Mutual Insurance Company has an

immediate opening for a Marketing Representative to service our South Dakota Agents. NWGF is a South

Dakota domestic company who specializes in developing strong service oriented personal

relationships with our South Dakota IndependentAgents. This is a unique position which offers

reduced hours, flexible scheduling and field office environment, not requiring relocation for current South

Dakota residents. This position presents an ideal opportunity for the mature agent or CSR

desiring a transition from the hectic pace of full time employment into a more manageable balance of work

and personal time. Responsibilities include supporting and training our NWGF agents on all aspects of NWGF product lines and technology necessary for the placement and maintenance of

personal and farmowner lines of business. Preference will be given to candidates possessing agency

experience and knowledge of personal and farmowner product lines. Candidates should be

experienced in the “on-line” placement of business and possess familiarity with a variety of carrier

technology offerings and environments. Strong written and verbal communication skills with

excellent customer service skills required. Benefit package and company vehicle included.

Please send your resume to: NWGF Mutual Insurance Company - Attn: Sharon

Kunz - P.O. Box 100 – Eureka SD. 57437-0100 - sharonk@nwgf.com

HELP WANTED:Established bank-owned agency in southeastern South Dakota seeking

Property /Casualty and Multi-peril Crop insurance agent.

Offer a very good compensation package with an excellent working

environment. Prime opportunity for advancement and growth.

Send resume to:

IIASD, Box 327,Pierre, SD 57501

or email to klongbrake@iiasd.org

HELP WANTED:

Large West River agency looking to fill two producer positions.

Please send resume to info@firstwesterninsurance.com.

Questions may also be directed to this email address.

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

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

would be willing to train the right person.

Please contact Cassie at 229-5200 or e-mail cassie@dakfs.com if interested

or for more information.

33

FRAUD CONVICTIONS

Noodle’s hot streak has ended. The Los Angeles fire fighter claimed he was badly hurt on the job and needed several surgeries but Raphael “Noodle” Davis collected $30,000 in workers’ comp money while competing in pro mixed martial-arts bouts. He compiled a 6-1 record during that span but prosecutors were stiffer opponents; they KO’ed him in the courtroom when most opponentsfailed in the ring. Noodle reached a plea deal for 200 hours of community service and repayment of the comp money. He says it was a misunderstanding about what activities he was allowed to pursue while on compleave.

A retired Virginia Air National Guard officer forged death certificates to steal life-insurance money and other benefits. Vickie Armes lifted more than $800,000 by falsely claiming her and her husband’s deaths. She lied that her husband, also a retired reservist, had died. She received $435,000 then forged her own death certificate and submitted a $400,000 claim in her son’s name. Armes blew the money on internet gambling and cited her addiction as grounds for lenience. But Armes stole another $200,000 by pulling a similar con on another insurer before her addiction, prosecutors discovered just before her federal sentencing. She faced a 2½ maximum term but the irate judge hiked her sentence to 3½ years this week.

Clients wondered about the mysterious automated bank drafts against their accounts. Just an administrative error that will be corrected, agent San Juana Aidee Lopez told them. But the only error was Lopez’s signing up clients for health and other insurance policies without their knowledge in order to illicitly score commissions. The Edinburgh, TX, woman “sold” coverage to at least 20 clients then paid commissions via electronic withdrawals. Adjustments for refunds were not taken from her commissions as long as two payments were made on new policies. Her con unraveled when the agency noticed the same phone number for different policies appearing repeatedly on applications. Lopez received 33 months in prison for the $49,000 con.

Disguising claims is not James Hanna’s strength. The Las Vegas home-healthcare assistant billed Medicaid for services when he actually was on vacation or working another job. He was ordered to repay nearly $7,000.

FRAUD CHARGES

Intent on burning his entire family to death for an insurance payout, Armin Wand III tried to shove his daughter back into his burning house after her pregnant mother had rescued her from the fire, prosecutors say. The Madison, WI, man enlisted his brother to help for $300 of the expected insurance score. Prosecutors allege that while his wife and kids slept, Armin and Jeremy repeatedly tried, but failed to set the carpet on fire. Then they shoved crumpled pieces of paper under Armin’s sleeping wife Sharon. Waking up in flames, a pregnant Sharon brought their two-year-old daughter outside and handed the child to Armin. He then ordered Sharon to move a minivan while he tried to put the child back into the house through a broken window, the complaint says. A woman stopped him just in time. The rest of the family did not fare as well: Lighter fluid burned three-year old Joseph to death while he slept on a couch. Two older boys were locked in their rooms before the blaze began. Their bodies later were found charred together on the bedroom floor. Armin says he sought life-insurance money, while Jeremy claims they wanted a renters’ insurance payout. They both face homicide and arson charges. Sharon remains in critical condition and has lost their unborn baby. Armin’s bail is $1.4 million.

Three masked burglars set fire to the home of a South Carolina state trooper after his wife prevented them from breaking in one morning, so Skeet Martin’s wife Rose told their home insurer. But the Greenville-area woman lit up the house herself to collect insurance payola, prosecutors allege. The fire caused about $175,000 in damage and Skeet has not been charged. More details to come as Rose Martin’s trial unfolds.

New numbers estimate the costs of healthcare fraud and waste at $75 billion annually. That is part of the $750 billion the health system wastes annually, says a report the Institute of Medicine released this week. The system wastes 30 cents of every dollar spent on healthcare. The report identifies six major areas of waste: Unnecessary services ($210 billion annually); inefficient delivery of care ($130 billion); excess administrative costs ($190 billion); inflated prices ($105 billion); prevention failures ($55 billion); and fraud ($75 billion). The Institute of Medicine is an independent adviser to the government and public, and part of the National Academy of Sciences.

34

Company Representative of the YearJeff Hurd, Progressive

Adjuster of the YearSteve Everson, Farmers Mutual of NE

CSR of the YearPhyllis Johnson, Insurance Plus

Agent of the YearBeverly King, King Insurance

2013 Board of Directors Swearing In Ceremony

33

2012 Win With Trusted Choice Convention

Five Ideas for Keeping Customers for Life

By: John ChapinThese days I hear many excuses for agents losing customers. The most prevalent by far is price. “The other company had a better price. There was nothing I could do.” While price is always a factor, very rarely is it the main consideration when considering a switch, the best estimates put the percentage at about 7%. The real-ity is, many agents simply aren’t building the strong relationships and they use price and other excuses when the customer naturally goes elsewhere. If you build a strong relationship and keep customers happy, they won’t jump ship the first chance they get. Also, if you thrill customers such that they are customers for life, they are much more likely to refer friends and family, thus increasing business and making your life a whole lot easier. In addition, if you’re working with happy, life-long customers all day, your work and life will be also be much more enjoyable.

Five Keys to Keeping Customers for Life 1) Always make the customer your number one priority.You must bend over backwards for the customer and make sure that every experience with you and you company is an absolute pleasure. This begins with the number one rule of customer service: making sure the customer is always right. It also means doing what you say you’ll do when you say you’ll do it, and going above and beyond, doing more than you get paid for, to make sure the customer is always pleasantly surprised by the extra service they receive. In addition, the customer comes before paperwork, phone calls, and other tasks you need to get done. When customers think of the best customer service they’ve ever received, you should be the one that comes to mind. They should always feel like a V.I.P. 2) Keep communicating.While some people require more communication than others, you want to reach out to people on a regular basis. This includes sending at least three cards to everyone you do business with: a Birthday Card, Holiday Card, and Anniversary Card on the date you started doing business with them. You also want to have your e-mail customers on an e-mail list that you send something of value to once a month. The title should make the content obvious to the recipient. In addition, you should talk to each client on the phone a minimum of once or twice a year, and meet with them in person at least once a year to review their coverage and find out if anything has changed that might affect their coverage. A note on your cards: make sure they are personally signed by you in blue ink. Better yet, handwrite a personal note. If you don’t have good handwriting, you can have the note printed, but make sure you still sign it no matter what your signature looks like. Everyone from teenagers to centenarians appreciates a hand-written note. 3) Personalize the relationship and always seek to build and strengthen it. You want to take a personal interest in customers. Where are they from, where did they go to school, what interests do they have, do they have kids, grandkids, are they married? What activities are the people in their lives involved in? Once you have this information, show interest is what makes each customer unique. Ask about children, grand children, their personal interests, and the like.

Also, ask customers for their personal preferences and do business with them according to those preferences. For example, do people prefer e-mail or hardcopy? Are they okay receiving their renewal in the mail, or would they rather you deliver it personally? Yes, these are extra steps, but they are extra steps that your competition is more than likely not taking. Ultimately you want to move customers from acquaintances, to friends, to good friends. The better relationship you have with a customer, the more likely they are to stay with you. If all your customers are good friends, and you take good care of them, they will stay with you. 4) Let them know you appreciate their business and that you don’t take them for granted. Thank customers for their business on a continual basis. You should be saying, “Thank you for your business, I really appreciate it” and/or “Thank you for being a customer” during phone calls and in-person meetings. You don’t have to mention this in the Birthday and Holiday Cards you send out, but you do want to mention it in the Anniversary Card as that is the main focus. The primary objective of the Holiday and Birthday cards is to add a personal touch. The bottom line: Treat customers right by making them a priority, taking a personal interest in them, and by letting them know that you appreciate and care about them. If you would like access to John's free white paper on what it takes to be successful in sales along with a monthly newsletter, you can visit John's website at http://www.completeselling.com

John Chapin’s specialty is helping salespeople and sales teams double sales in 12 months. He is an award-winning sales speaker, trainer and coach, a number one sales rep in three industries, and the primary author of the gold-medal winning “SalesEncyclopedia”. In his 24 years of sales, customer service and management experience, he has sold in some of the toughest markets and economies. For permission to reprint, or to reach John, email him at johnchapin@completeselling.com.

Enjoying Friends at the 2012 Convention

Convention Comments:You people out did yourselves (fun, educational, and great location) The bar has been set.

Thank you for a great convention, time for myself and for the spouses.

Thanks,Mel Juran & Charlene Juran

I wanted to thank you for the great time in Deadwood, Great Education, Great Entertainment; and Great Fellowship. Very well organized and the staff at the facility were very courteous! The Board of Directors also did an excellent job. We wanted you to know we appreciate the hard work !

Thank you, Thank you, Thank youFischer Rounds & Associates

You guys did a great job with the convention as everyone I talked to really enjoyed it !

Thanks,Chad Dubisar

Just thought I would let you know that convention was amazing. I was very impressed how well everything went, especially considering it had never been at that venue in the past. The employees at the lodge were so friendly and courteous. That you for all you do for the association. We are so lucky to have a great team taking care of everything! I want you to know all your time and effort does not go unrecognized.Thanks,Elizabeth Nepodal

I want to thank you for all your efforts in putting together the best convention that I have ever attended. I’m sure that the location was a hit with most folks, but the structure of the events and agenda demonstrate how hard you folks worked to make the convention a great event for all. You certainly make a fine team. Please stop in and visit if you are ever in our community.

PS - Jerry, by the way I had to get a tetanus shot after the little critter bit me on Sunday evening. You’ll be hearing from my attorney! :)

Thanks,Jim Hegg

Thanks to all of you who attended Convention 2012 and those who voiced your appreciation. It is our pleasure to work for such a great group of agents, company partners and vendors. We are looking forward to Convention 2013 and we are already scheming new surprises !!Jerry Diamond, Kayla Longbrake & Carolyn Hofer

POWER IN PARTNERS September 2012

DIAMONDProgressive Insurance Co.

PLATINUMFarmers Mutual of NebraskaRisk Administration Services

Great American Insurance Company

GOLDAllied Insurance

Dakota Claims ServiceDoss & Associates

EMC Insurance CompaniesGreat Plains Brokerage

The IMT GroupMidwest Family Mutual

North Star Mutual Insurance CompanyRain & Hail, LLCUnited Fire Group

Western National InsuranceSFM “The Work Comp Experts”

NAU Country InsuranceContinental Western Group

SILVERAcuity Insurance

Farmers Alliance MutualLe Mars Insurance CompanyReliamax Insurance CompanyRisk Placement Services, Inc.

State Auto InsuranceSwiss Re

BRONZEAmerican West Insurance

Berkley Risk Administrators LLCBuckeye Insurance GroupColumbia Insurance Group

Indiana Insurance Insurance Alternatives, LLC

Insurance Facilities Inc. Missouri Valley Mutual Insurance Co.

Northwest GF Mutual InsuranceQBE

Rural Community Insurance Services