Big I Virginia E-News

From the Desk of the President & CEO

The 2020 Legislature Begins

As I write this article, the legislature opens tomorrow, January 7. Over 1,200 bills have been dropped, and there are some doozies. Why does the governor want to get rid of vehicle safety inspections if not to divert attention from the proposal to increase the gas tax? I can’t believe the number of health mandates that are being introduced as if individual and small business insurance isn’t expensive enough. Thankfully, it seems like everyone wants to have their name associated with the distracted driving proposal, so we might want to get it passed this year.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=597252&issueID=70928 to view the full article online.

IIAV Member Resources

Tech Tip by Steve Anderson

The Top 10 TechTips of 2019

I published about 50 TechTips in 2019. I realize that with the continued flood of emails, some of these TechTips may have gotten sent to a “read later” folder and were forgotten. Others may have scanned the issue but didn’t have time to research to see if the tip would help.

I have never promised that every TechTips will be earth-shattering and life-changing. I do hope that there will be a few gems over the course of the year that significantly impact productivity and effectiveness for you individually and for the organization.

In this issue, I am highlighting my top 10 TechTips for 2019, listed in no particular order.

Visit https://steveanderson.com/2020/01/09/the-top-10-techtips-of-2019/ to view the full article online.

The Security You Need. The Name You Trust.

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies are rated A+ “Superior” by A.M. Best (as of 4/20/2021) and backed by the financial strength of our ultimate parent, Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. In Virginia, we offer a full product suite for your commercial clients that includes a Businessowner’s Policy (with typical limits up to $20 million; $50 million for select classes), Commercial Auto, Commercial Umbrella, Professional Liability, and Workers’ Compensation. “Pay-as-you-go” billing options are also featured.

Learn more

State & National News

The Hill Newspaper Names Big ‘I’ Leaders Among Top D.C. Lobbyists

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=597267&issueID=70928 to view the full article online.

SCC Sets Workers’ Compensation Premium Level Adjustments

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved revisions to the premium levels charged for workers' compensation insurance in Virginia. Workers' compensation insurance provides medical care and wage replacement benefits to injured workers. Almost all Virginia employers are required to provide the coverage to their employees.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=597264&issueID=70928 to view the full article online.

Fraud In L&I Claims And Workers’ Compensation Claims Hurts Injured Workers!

Over the last week, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) issued two separate news bulletins about L&I claim fraud. Without question, people who defraud the workers’ compensation system in Washington State hurt other work injury claimants. It is a very serious matter. Again, anyone who commits any type of fraud relating to a workers’ compensation claim hurts injured workers.

Visit https://blogs.lawyers.com/attorney/workers-compensation/fraud-in-li-claims-and-workers-compensation-claims-hurts-injured-workers-59885/ to view the full article online.

IIAV News

Charles ‘Bill’ Franklin Bullington – Past President of IIAV Dies

Mr. Charles ‘Bill’ Franklin Bullington, age 76, of Bonifay, Florida, passed away Dec. 14, 2019, at Doctors Memorial Hospital in Bonifay. He was born Aug. 27, 1943, in Bonifay. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. William ‘Bill’ Bullington and Lora Bullington and one sister, Ann Larson.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/pdf/Bill_Bullington.pdf to view the full article online.

Another New Year – Time to Think about Bonuses

With 2019 over and a new decade dawning, it’s an ideal time to think about bonuses for 2020.

Organizations of all sizes and across all industries use bonus programs as an important component of total compensation. Over 60% of respondents in a 2016 World at Work survey reported using some type of bonus or variable pay program as did 73% of respondents in a more recent 2019 Payscale survey.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/pdf/IIAV_2020_Bonus_Article.pdf to view the full article online.

Benefits of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT) for to Big "I" members.

Through its education resources and guides, ACT can help you find technology solutions to address cyber and data security regulations, disaster planning, implementing customer experience innovations, optimizing agency workflow and even understanding emerging tech trends.

ACT brings the experts together — carriers, vendors and agencies — to create free education and tools that are easily understood and quickly implemented.

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRUgAqKXQgA&feature=youtu.be to view the full article online.

Intrdoucing FREE Marketing Material

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=597271&issueID=70928 to view the full article online.

Upcoming Events

2020 Insurance Agents' Day on the Hill

Each year, IIAV dedicates countless hours to advocating on behalf of the independent agency system. We're passionate about making sure that your voice is heard among those making laws for our state.

It's some of the most important work we do, and we do it well.

But we'd like to do even better. While we will always advocate for you, we can do so much more with you. We invite you to join us in this effort.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, we are teaming up with PIA to speak as one voice, and we invite you to be a part of that effort. It's not hard to do, but it is powerful.

Visit https://members.iiav.com/calendar/Details/2020-insurance-agents-day-on-the-hill-143661?sourceTypeId=Website to view the full article online.

Save the Date!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=597256&issueID=70928 to view the full article online.

2020 VCU RISC Trends Conference

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=597269&issueID=70928 to view the full article online.

Education

IIAV Courses at a Glance

IIAV is committed to be Virginia's leading insurance CE provider, and we have new content planned for you in 2020! We will continue to provide courses for all agency staff no matter your experience level. Designation courses are back in full force with the MLIS being taught in the classroom this year.

Check out all that 2020 has to offer here! Click learn more to see what's coming up for the first of the year.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/pdf/Ed_Calendar_(1).pdf to view the full article online.

2020 is the Year for Your Next Designation!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=597270&issueID=70928 to view the full article online.

Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia