In this issue:

Industry News Update
Take the March President's Poll: Where Do You Stand on Key Federal Insurance Issues?
Agent Licensing Bill Signed into Law; Work on Administrative Rules to Begin
FEMA Revises Guidance for Flood Policies Affected by NFIP Lapse
Register Now for PIA's Internship Program Golf Outing Fundraiser
Survey Indicates Most Young Agents Will Stick with Insurance Career
Help IMPACT During This Pivotal Election Year
Fill Out an Awards Nomination Today!
MarketSource Product Fair, April 7, 2010

Featured Benefits 
Save on a One-Year Subscription with ISOnet
Collection Service
HawkSoft Client Management System, Save 10 Percent
PIA's Workers' Comp Group Rating Program

Education Update
Free Webinar: Are You Aware of 2010 Changes in Forms and Coverage?
E&O Seminars
CISR Classes
CIC Institutes
PIA Lunch and Learn Central Webinars

Industry News Update

Take the March President’s Poll: Where Do You Stand on Key Federal Insurance Issues?
Proposals for huge changes to our government, economy and, in turn, our everyday lives seem to be made weekly. What do you think about this from the perspective of both an independent agent and citizen? What’s your position on proposed health care overhaul plans and other efforts to reform key aspects of both the financial services and insurance industries?

Take this month’s President’s Poll and compare your thoughts to other PIA members. While you’re at it, get involved using PIA National’s Grassroots Action Center, and let your legislators know where you stand on key issues.

I look forward to viewing your responses at www.ohiopia.com.

John Burtch
PIA of Ohio President

P.S. If you experience problems with the link above, please copy and paste http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22ADCBKXTBZ into your browser. E-mail Becky Pearce with questions.

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Agent Licensing Bill Signed into Law; Work on Administrative Rules to Begin
On Feb. 25, the agent licensing bill (House Bill 300) was signed into law by Gov. Strickland. Prior to its passage in the Ohio General Assembly, several amendments were adopted by the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee, including an amendment offered by Sen. Keith Faber (R-Celina) to raise maximum amount of protection provided by the Ohio Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association for annuities from $100,000 to $250,000. Sen. Faber offered the amendment to make the annuity limits consistent with federal banking limits. An amendment to extend Ohio’s mini-COBRA program was also adopted.

With the bill now signed, the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) will begin drafting administrative rules to define how the items in the bill will work in a practical manner. This includes the increase in CE hours from 20 to 24 per compliance period and the switch to agents being required to proactively renew licenses every two years by the last day of their birth month. Most licensing provisions will take effect January 2011. ODI rules will determine practical matters, like how agents will convert from the old license renewal process to the new system, where they must proactively renew on their birthday. Some considerations are whether to switch everybody at once or to stagger implementation to give everyone enough time between one compliance period and another. ODI has already scheduled several meetings over the next few months to discuss this with interested parties. PIA will be heavily involved in these meetings to ensure the rules developed will be in the best interest of agents and that the transition to the new license renewal process will be as smooth as possible.

PIA will communicate updates on how exactly the conversion will work and what you need to know. ODI has communicated that they expect the administrative rules to be ready by June or July. Look for PIA to distribute fact sheets, post information on our Web site and host information meetings.

If you have any questions, please contact PIA’s Public Affairs Team at (800) 555-1742 or publicaffairs@ohiopia.com.

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FEMA Revises Guidance for Flood Policies Affected by NFIP Lapse
On March 2, the Senate passed a temporary reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that runs until March 28, 2010. This was needed after a brief lapse occurred in the program’s authorization. Following the lapse, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued several memos providing guidance for agents who participate in the program. On March 4, FEMA revised its guidance for insurance policies affected by the two-day lapse in the NFIP. The changes allow policyholders whose coverage was renewed on March 1 and March 2 to carry those dates in their policies. Click here to view the revised guidelines.

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Register Now for PIA’s Internship Program Golf Outing Fundraiser
PIA will be hosting this year’s Internship Program Golf Outing Fundraiser June 14, 2010, at Rattlesnake Ridge Golf Club in Sunbury, Ohio. We hope to build on the success of last year’s golf outing fundraiser and raise even more funds to help support PIA’s Internship Program and the Foundation for the Advancement of Insurance Professionals.

To download a sponsorship/registration form, click here.

Contact Kelly Lause today at (800) 555-1742 for more information about the event.

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Survey Indicates Most Young Agents Will Stick with Insurance Career
A recent survey of young agents conducted by Insurance Journal found that 84 percent consider the insurance industry to be their permanent career choice. While most young agents entered the business by accident, once they experienced the industry and found all the advantages it has to offer, they chose to stay. Young agents like the professionalism and the positive way the industry treats its employees. For these reasons, among others, many have not only decided to make insurance their career choice, but also would recommend a career as an independent agent to others. To view an article from Insurance Journal about the 2010 Young Agents Survey, click here.

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Help IMPACT During This Pivotal Election Year
2010 is a major election year, with all statewide offices up for election, including governor. All 99 seats are up for election in the Ohio House of Representatives; half the seats are up in the Ohio Senate. The Ohio Supreme Court also has two seats up for election. Given the adverse affects of many of the court’s decisions in the past, the importance of these races cannot be overstated.

As you know, the 2008 election cycle altered the balance of political power in Ohio, with the GOP losing control of the Ohio House of Representatives for the first time since 1994. The outcomes of this year’s mid-term elections can have a profound impact on the insurance industry.

IMPACT, PIA’s political action committee, was founded to generate sufficient financial resources to provide meaningful support for statewide and legislative candidates who share PIA’s views on critical issues and support the independent agent profession. Our goal is to raise $25,000 this year, and we need your help to reach that goal. To date, $7,595 has been raised.

To view a list of 2010 contributors, visit click here.

Your contribution is your influence toward a better business climate in Ohio - and a stronger foundation for you to serve your clients’ insurance needs. To make your 2010 IMPACT contribution, complete and mail an IMPACT contribution form to PIA with a personal check made payable to IMPACT, or call Carolyn Mangas at (800) 555-1742 to make your contribution over the phone. Please remember that corporate contributions are prohibited by law.

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Fill Out an Awards Nomination Today!
Does someone in your office deserve to be the Outstanding CSR of the Year? The National Alliance is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Outstanding Customer Service Representative of the Year (OCSRY) award. This award honors the CSR who has demonstrated the highest level of personal and professional achievement during the past 12 months. Click here to download a nomination form. Completed nomination forms are due May 1 and can be faxed to Katie Gratton at (614) 552-0115 or sent to her via e-mail at Katie@ohiopia.com.

Nominations are also being accepted for PIA awards. This is your chance to honor the standouts in the association – professionals who go above and beyond – professionals who make a direct impact for your agency and/or your peers. Nominate a candidate for one of the following awards: Excellence in Leadership, Industry Person of the Year and Community Service. The award winners will be recognized at this year's Agency Management and Profitability Conference, held Sept. 23, 2010 at The Columbus, a Renaissance Hotel, in downtown Columbus. Click here to fill out your nomination form now. Nominations are due June 15.

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MarketSource Product Fair, April 7, 2010
This year’s MarketSource Product Fair will be April 7 at the Aladdin Shrine Temple in Columbus, Ohio. All of MarketSource’s companies will be sending representatives to highlight the products available to you. There will be general sessions with formal presentations, as well as a buffet lunch with the companies. Not only will you leave with plenty of ideas to make money for your agency, but you are encouraged to bring along account files to discuss specific accounts with underwriters. The day wraps up with some great door prizes, but you have to be present to win!

The event is free, but registration is required to attend. To register, click here. For more information, including the agenda, directions and hotel information, click here.

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Featured Benefits

Save on a One-Year Subscription with ISOnet*
ISOnet gives you real-time access to ISO's 25,000-page commercial lines manual, including state and multi-state rules, loss costs and forms for all ISO commercial lines of business, plus the classification table, rating plans and ISO community classifications. You'll also have access to ISO's personal lines manual.

You can save on a one-year subscription. Your price as a PIA member is only $420 annually (regular price for service is $520 annually).

For more information about this product or to purchase this product, call Yveline Thomas, ISO sales specialist, at (888) 778-4102, ext. 4821.

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Collection Service
I.C. System offers a variety of collection programs, ranging from an economical series of collection letters that return 100 percent of collected monies to you, to a comprehensive approach using mail, telephone and credit reporting. As a PIA of Ohio member, you are eligible for an additional 10 percent in I.C. System products and/or services. To put I.C. System to work for you, call (800) 279-3511 and identify yourself as a member of PIA of Ohio.

Request a FREE copy of THE IN$IDE FACT$, a booklet of valuable collection-related information produced by I.C. system, at www.icmemberbenefits.com.

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HawkSoft Client Management System, Save 10 Percent
This is the complete solution for managing your paper, your customers and your agency. HawkSoft is a nationally-recognized leader in software technology for the insurance industry and the recipient of the 2009 ACORD Electronic Data Interface Award - Download Vendor of the Year - Percentage Growth. This powerful agency management software system is affordable, user-friendly and integrates easily into the daily operations of the independent multi-lines insurance agency. PIA members receive a 10 percent discount on HawkSoft licensing/installation fees.

For a free demonstration or to learn more, visit www.hawksoftinc.com or contact Linda Anderson at
(866) 884-4680, ext. 136.

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PIA's Workers' Comp Group Rating Program*
Your commercial clients depend on you for their insurance, so it should be a natural fit to manage their risk when it comes to workers’ comp insurance, too. As a PIA member, you can market one of Ohio’s largest and most stable programs, PIA’s Workers’ Comp Group Rating Program. Round out and retain your existing accounts by saving clients money on their workers’ comp — and you’ll make money, too.

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*These benefits are offered through The Ohio PIA Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Professional Insurance Agents Association of Ohio, Inc.
 

Free Webinar: Are You Aware of 2010 Changes in Forms and Coverage?
A complimentary webinar is now available to those who want to learn about recent changes in forms and coverage. Find out about 2010 business auto policy changes; how the 2008 "margin clause" in commercial property policies changed how blanket coverage losses are settled; what's new in the 2010 business owners' policy; and which custom equipment endorsements modify personal auto policies.

Click here to register for this live webinar, which will take place Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. and last for approximately one hour.

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Errors and Omissions: Avoiding the Obstacles*
Are you and your employees educated on the basics of E&O loss control? If not, this is a class you can’t afford to miss! This seminar will teach you how to uncover and handle E&O loss exposures in today’s technical and fast-paced business environment. Give your employees the opportunity to learn how to prevent E&O exposures from happening - and keep your agency out of the courtroom.

Toledo
March 24


Errors and Omissions: Problems for the Future*
Not all policies are created equal; therefore, you must be able to recognize and understand that there are differences between similar policies written through different companies. This seminar will also discuss real-life case studies as well as solutions that you can implement in your agency. Don’t be caught off guard with potential E&O gaps and exposures.

Columbus
March 24

Cleveland
April 28


Errors and Omissions: From the Courtroom to the Classroom to the Office*
Failing to understand E&O exposures can cause you to make the same mistakes over and over again until a claim happens. Even if good fortune knocks and you avoid a claim, weak office procedures can keep your agency from being as successful as it could otherwise be. It is important that you know and understand the increased expectations of your clients. This seminar will help you make sure the correct coverage is in place.

Cincinnati
April 28


Registration Fee: $69 for members/$79 for non-members per class
CE Credit: Three hours (exam not required for CE credit)
Level: Intermediate
*You could earn a discount on your E&O policy by attending one of these classes. For details, call PIA at (800) 555-1742.
All 2010 E&O seminars are sponsored by Utica Mutual Insurance Company.

To register online, click on the class dates above.
To download a registration form, click here.

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Columbus
William T. Hold¹
April 13

Cleveland
Commercial Property
April 15

Cincinnati
Personal Residential
April 20

Akron
Personal Residential
April 22

Toledo
Personal Auto
May 6

Cleveland
Dynamics of Service^{2, 3} 
May 11

Cincinnati
Commerical Casualty
May 18

Registration Fee: $160 per person (add $8 if you need OH CE)
CE Credit: Eight hours for each class (exam not required for CE credit)
Level: Intermediate
¹ A participant must hold the CISR designation and be a dues-paid member of the Society of CISR to attend the William T. Hold seminars, both classroom and online.
² You could earn a discount on your E&O policy. For details, call PIA at (800) 555-1742.
³ While attending a Dynamics of Service seminar, a participant must be a dues-paid member of the Society of CISR in order to receive their CISR update. Participants do not have to hold their CISR designation to attend.

To register online, click on the class date above.
To download a registration form, click here.

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Cincinnati
Life and Health
April 14-16

Akron
Personal Lines
May 19-21

Registration Fee: $400 for regular institutes; (add $20 if you need OH CE)
CE Credit: 20 hours for each institute (exam not required for CE credit)
Level: Advanced

To register online, click on the class date above.
To download a registration form, click here.

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PIA Lunch and Learn Central Webinars
PIA's Lunch and Learn Webinar programs bring practical, "must-know" topics right into your agency. Learn information targeted to help you and your staff perform your jobs better - all in under an hour (starting at noon), without leaving the office.

Register for Lunch and Learn Webinars and, using a speaker phone, you can offer this learning opportunity to multiple staff at once - for one price - no matter how many people participate. Just register for the program, provide the e-mail address of the primary participant and let PIA do the rest!

New: Each webinar registration now includes a free download of the webinar recording after the program. So now, there's no waiting for CDs, and staff who missed the live webinar will not miss out on essential training.

Top Ten Misunderstood Personal Lines Coverages and Issues
April 1

Green Construction Insurance – Chinese Drywall and CGL
April 27

New Business Workflow for Small Commercial or Personal Lines
April 30

Employee Theft – Who is an “Employee?”
May 11

Exploring Cyber Liability Exposures and Traditional Insurance
May 19

Using Technology to Create New Business
May 20

Approximate start time: Noon; duration approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour
Place: Your conference room/office
Participants will need: Internet e-mail access to receive/view support materials; a telephone (or speaker phone if multiple participants)
Registration fees per phone dialing in: Live teleconference only: $49 members/$69 non-members

For more information about the classes above or to register, click here.

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