Big I Virginia E-News

From the Desk of the President & CEO

Thoughts on This Year's Session of the Virginia General Assembly

With two weeks to go for this short, 30 day session of the General Assembly, I thought I might share some thoughts, observations and concerns about this particular session. I am writing this on February 2, so I could very well be proven wrong on my current expectation: I believe the legislators will finish their “business” of the General Assembly, but I don’t see how they can complete their budget work. That may require the Governor calling for a special session.

^{_{(Photo Source: IIAV)}}

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=659880&issueID=74031 to view the full article online.

IIAV Member Resources

A Question of Value with David Dillon

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=659884&issueID=74031 to view the full article online.

Trusted Choice Video

Check out the new Trusted Choice video that highlights the incredible member benefits Trusted Choice offers Big I members – including some great agent testimonials!

_{^{(Photo Source: TrustedChoice.com)}}

Visit https://youtu.be/WKhXy8tQnUQ to view the full article online.

FREE Digital Review of Your Agency Website & Social Media

Is your website optimized? Need some help with social media?

Trusted Choice's Digital Reviews provide a one-on-one consultation and detailed report on how you can improve your agency website and social media outlets. You'll walk away with an actionable report that spells out your next steps. This service is included with your Big "I" membership — why not take advantage of it?

_{^{(Photo Source: TrustedChoice.com)}}

Visit https://cobrand.iiaba.net/training/digital-review-of-your-agency-website-social-media to view the full article online.

State & National News

Free Life Insurance Policy Locator Tool Helps Virginians Recover More Than $37 Million

Between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2021, a free service provided by life insurance companies has helped 2,996 Virginia residents recover $37,338,096 pledged to them as beneficiaries of life insurance policies and annuity contracts. The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance encourages any Virginian looking for lost or misplaced life insurance policies or annuity contracts (whether issued in Virginia or elsewhere) to take advantage of the free Life Insurance Policy Locator, which is offered through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

_{^{(Photo Source: Canva.com)}}

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=659881&issueID=74031 to view the full article online.

Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission Appoints Lorraine "Lori" D'Angelo as Ombudsman

The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission announces the appointment of Lorraine “Lori” D’Angelo as Ombudsman of the Commission. D’Angelo will serve as an independent educational and outreach resource for unrepresented injured workers, employers and others seeking information about Virginia’s workers' compensation system.

^{_{(Photo Source: Canva.com)}}

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=659882&issueID=74031 to view the full article online.

DRIVE SMART Virginia’s "Love Clicks" Campaign

DRIVE SMART Virginia urges you to remind your community and clients that staying safe on the road is the best gift they can give to their friends and family. Use their graphics on your social media and in emails, or print and post them to spread this important message.

Buckling up is the best way to keep friends, family and loved ones safe. A properly used seat belt is your best defense against a drunk, drugged, drowsy or distracted driver! Our "Love Clicks" campaign is an easy way to help your community remember the importance of seat belts.

Download the "Love Clicks" messages using the link below!

_{^{(Photo Source: DRIVE SMART Virginia)}}

Visit https://drivesmartva.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b53ce93de462df3ffdc1bb06d&id=46b2b29f75&e=32b4d59d90 to view the full article online.

DC Mayor Signs Act Creating Near Total Ban on Non-Compete Agreements for DC Employees

Muriel Bowser signed the Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Amendment Act of 2020 (the “Act”) into law, moving the District one step closer to implementing one of the broadest, if not the broadest, bans on non-competition agreements in the country. There is little to no chance that this will not pass the 30-day Congressional review period.
^{_{(Photo Source: Canva.com)}}

Visit https://www.natlawreview.com/article/dc-mayor-signs-act-creating-near-total-ban-non-compete-agreements-dc-employees to view the full article online.

IIAV News

Bob Bradshaw, Jr. Column: State Inspections Can Prevent Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic

There’s a hidden danger tied to the COVID-19 pandemic that many people won’t even recognize until it’s too late. It has to do with being behind the wheel of a vehicle that has not been driven as often as usual because you’re working from home, or social distancing and not going out often. A year of not driving like normal begs the question: Is your car safe?

_{^{(Photo Source: Canva.com)}}

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=659934&issueID=74031 to view the full article online.

Missing IIAV Agents Day on the Hill This Year?

We certainly miss speaking to legislators with our members this year! But don't worry, your favorite lobbyists Bob Bradshaw and Joseph Hudgins CPCU are still hard at work ... or are they?

Visit https://vimeo.com/508941504 to view the full article online.

Important Notice About Deducting IIAV Dues!

Notice: IIAV dues may be deductible as ordinary and necessary businesses expenses except for the portion of state and national dues attributed to lobbying activities. The non-deductible portion of dues is 14.5% for IIAV fiscal year 2019/20.

Please let us know if you have any questions!
(804) 747-9300
members@iiav.com
_{^{(Photo Source: Canva.com)}}

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=659935&issueID=74031 to view the full article online.

Calling All Agencies!

_{^{(Photo Source: Little Dog Social Media)}}

Visit mailto:rarnold@iiav.com to view the full article online.

Congratulations 2020 ACSR & AAI Designees!

Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR)
ACSR is the premier designation for all agency professionals who interact with customers on a regular basis. This designation offers you the chance to narrow your focus on a specific area personal lines, commercial lines, and/or life & health. Additionally, there are no annual dues and no annual update is required. The ACSR designation can help you increase product knowledge, improve selling and account rounding skills, enhance your productivity and confidence, as well as achieve higher levels of professionalism and customer service.

Acredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI)
With in-depth insurance product knowledge and a strong focus on customer service skills, AAI is the premier designation for all agency professionals. Additionally, there are no annual dues and no annual update is required. The AAI designation can help you increase commissions, avoid E&O claims, earn CE credits, and increase your insurance knowledge.

See the full list of ACSR and AAI completers by clicking the link below!
_{^{(Photo Source: Canva.com)}}

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=659928&issueID=74031 to view the full article online.

Press Releases

Applied Systems to Acquire EZLynx

Applied Systems (“Applied”) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire EZLynx, a pioneer in real-time comparative rating and one of the fastest growing agency management systems in the U.S. This complementary acquisition will expand Applied’s portfolio of agency management and rating technologies to drive automation for agencies large to small while also increasing connectivity across the distribution channel to create greater value for all stakeholders.

_{^{(Photo Source: Canva.com)}}

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/via-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=659909&issueID=74031 to view the full article online.

Education

February 10: Webinar on Customer Data

Just 30 minutes will help you take your customer data to a new level!

The Agents Council for Technology (ACT) and Agentero, a member of ACT, are hosting the free webinar on Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. ET.

This is a great opportunity to learn new ways to increase retention and customer satisfaction by using agency data to understand customer needs.

Ron Berg, executive director of ACT, and Ido Deutsch, head of growth at Agentero, will lead a fast-paced, information-packed half hour with tips to use basic agency customer information in strategic, effective ways that will allow members to grow their agencies.

_{^{(Photo Source: Canva.com)}}

Visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1679357089216035597 to view the full article online.

Who's Making News

IIAV Board Treasurer Ryan Andrew Featured as an Agent of the Year in Insurance Journal!

Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia