Wisconsin Independent Agent | June 2023 Magazine

The Future of the Wisconsin

Industry

wisconsin INDEPENDENT AGENT

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF WISCONSIN

725 John Nolen Drive

Madison, Wisconsin 53713

Phone: (608) 256-4429

Fax: (608) 256-0170

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INSURCON2023............................................................................4

Thank You for Attending InsurCon2023

INSURANCE BARTENDER......................................................8-9

Are You Ready to Get Strategic About Growing Your Agency?

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Preparing a Home Inventory Before Storm Season Eases the Path to Faster Claim Settlements AGENCY

ADVERTISERS INDEX

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2022-2023 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President:

Nick Arnoldy | Marshfield Insurance Agency, Inc., Marshfield

President-Elect:

Michael Ansay | Ansay & Associates, Port Washington

Secretary-Treasurer:

Joanne Lukas Szymaszek | Johnson Insurance Services, LLC, Racine

Chairman of the Board:

Marc Petersen | American Advantage - Petersen Group, New Berlin

State National Director:

Steve Leitch | Leitch Insurance, River Falls

2022-2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Janel Bazan | Avid Risk Solutions/Assured Partners, Middleton

Mike Harrison | R&R Insurance Services, Inc., Waukesha

Aaron Marsh | Marsh Insurance Services, Inc., Rice Lake

Kash Motlani | Ansay & Associates, Inc., Port Washington

Dan Lau | Robertson Ryan & Associates, Milwaukee

Andrea Nelson | Unisource Insurance Associates, LLC, Wauwatosa

Brad Reitzner | M3 Insurance Solutions, Madison

IIAW Staff

Matt Banaszynski | Chief Executive Officer 608.256.4429 • matt@iiaw.com

Mallory Cornell | Vice President 608.210.2975 • mallory@iiaw.com

Kim Kramp | Accounting Supervisor 608.210.2976 • kim@iiaw.com

Trisha Ours | Director of Insurance Services 608.210.2973 • trisha@iiaw.com

Evan Leitch | Agency Solutions Advisor 608.210.2971 • evan@iiaw.com

Kaylyn Staudt | Marketing and Communications Coordinator 608.210.2977 • kaylyn@iiaw.com

Jeff Thiel | Director of Agency Success 608.256.4429 • jeff@iiaw.com

Andrea Michelz | Education & Membership Engagement Coordinator 608.210.2972 • andrea@iiaw.com

Diana Banaszynski | Education & Events Coordinator and HR Business Partner 608.256.4429 • diana@iiaw.com

Ali Smeester | Accounting Specialist 608.256.4429 • ali@iiaw.com

Wisconsin Independent Agent is the official magazine of the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (IIAW) and is published monthly by IIAW 725 John Nolen Drive, Madison WI 53713. Phone: 608.256.4429. IIAW does not necessarily endorse any of the companies advertising in publication or the views of the writers. IIAW reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject advertising that does not meet IIAW qualifications or which may detract from its business, professional or ethical standards. © 2023 For information on advertising, contact Kaylyn Staudt, 608.210.2977 or kaylyn@iiaw.com.

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING

Thank you to everyone who attended InsurCon2023! We are proud to have brought together such an amazing group of insurance professionals to further the goals and growth of the independent agency channel.

EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

AWARD WINNERS & EVENING ENTERTAINMENT

Wisconsin Insurance Industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of the insurance industry, Wisconsin stands at the forefront of innovation and excellence. As we embrace the winds of change, it becomes increasingly crucial to recognize and celebrate the individuals who will shape the future of this vital sector. In this special edition of our magazine, we proudly present to you the trailblazers, visionaries and leaders who are destined to redefine and revolutionize the Wisconsin insurance industry.

Through insightful interviews, we delve into the lives and accomplishments of these skilled professionals, as they not only shape the future of the Wisconsin insurance industry but also reimagine it.

Join us in celebrating these extraordinary leaders who are poised to revolutionize the Wisconsin insurance industry. Together, let us welcome the future of insurance with open arms and empower this new generation of leaders to shape a vibrant and resilient industry for years to come.

Meet the Leaders:

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Heather Boyer, President of Society Insurance

What's your background and what roles prepared you to lead your company?

I am in my ninth year at Society Insurance with almost 25 years of experience in the P&C industry. I have worked at two mutual companies that distributed their products exclusively through independent agents and greatly valued those relationships. I also worked for a public company that was a direct writer of personal lines, which helped me understand why I so appreciate the independent agency system and mutual companies owned by their policyholders!

What advice do you have for young insurance professionals?

Continue to take risks and challenge yourself.

I recently watched a video by Daron Roberts, former NFL coach and founding director for a leadership center at the University of Texas. He shared that his motto is “stay in the deep end.” That resonated with me because this is where growth and change happen.

Life's deep end can be scary, but it can be worth it. You will discover more about yourself and your values. It’s an opportunity to advance leadership courage to make sure your voice is heard. Embrace trying new things and learning from it!

Throughout my career, I have led a variety of disciplines and provided executive leadership to strategic planning, enterprise risk management, finance, information technology, human resources, actuarial, data and product, enterprise agility, claims, underwriting and sales and marketing. For the past six years, I have led an enterprisewide business transformation that has a focus on agent and policyholder experience while improving on operational efficiency.

What's your vision for your company?

In particular, I want to see the company build off the momentum we have created over the past few years, continue to grow profitability, and be seen as a leader in the P&C industry, the states we write in, the agencies we partner with, and the communities we live in. We will accomplish this by embracing the vision to continually improve our service, our expertise, our products, and our technology to be the preferred choice of policyholders and agents.

What's the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

While leading a business transformation that impacts policyholders, agents, claimants, and employees, it is very important to listen, learn, and communicate with everyone, including our agents. Listening is so often missed when changes are introduced. We established new approaches to support this enterprise initiative:

• Created an “agile” culture by focusing on customer experience, continuous improvement, and change management

• Used agent and employee focus groups to obtain feedback on new portal functionality.

• Evolved strategic planning to include the opinions and perspectives of a variety of people in the company, from the executives to the directors and managers. This allowed us to get closer to how agents, policyholders, and claimants feel.

I’m very pleased to share that we have delivered successfully on our plan over the past six years.

The new technology platform is being used in our five most recent expansion states and is well-received by agents. We are in the process of converting our four remaining states of operation onto the new platform.

Where do you see your company for the next five years?

Our business transformation has put us in a great position to be able to generate profitable growth and evolve to meet the needs of our independent agents and policyholders, while we continue to expand geographically and with new products. For our key product lines - insuring restaurants and bars - I believe we will be well on our way to becoming the leading writer of these businesses in the country.

It’s also an exciting time to build our talent and offer opportunities for our employees to grow. We’ve recently launched a revamped leadership-development program and have seen two groups complete the program. Several of these employees have already been promoted to greater responsibilities and we are expecting more in the future.

What's your prediction for the industry in the next five years? Where do you see challenges and opportunities?

We will continue to see loss trends impacted by a combination of extreme weather events, supply chain issues, increases in public adjusters, increases in litigation, third-party litigation funding, and general inflation trends.

People make a big difference as we continue to ensure that we work effectively in a hybrid world. This requires a focus on the agency experience, policyholder experience, and employee engagement. We are creating a sense of belonging for everyone. We support a collaborative environment where people work with each other to make the company and communities where we live a better place.

Data and artificial intelligence will continue to be used throughout the lifecycle of a policy and will help create new ways of managing risk. This will speed up change the P&C industry is already experiencing. AI will never replace the insights of people, but it will allow us all to do much more to serve customers.

What's your prediction for the IA channel in the next five years?

Independent agents are at the forefront of providing expert guidance and counsel to businesses. The independent

agent channel will continue to be the primary distribution method for commercial lines. In a relationship business, it’s all about the people – independent agents, policyholders, claimants, employees, and the community.

What’s your view on technology and how will you use it to innovate your company?

We’re about halfway through a significant business transformation that’s focused on providing exceptional customer experience through ease of doing business with the agency portal, but also by automating transactions. This allows more time for employees to focus on valueadded touchpoints with agents, policyholders, and claimants.

Speed to market has also improved with our business transformation as we’ve been able to enter three new states within a year and grow profitably. We continue to receive positive feedback from claimants, policyholders, and agents reflecting the importance of our people, interactions, and relationships even as technology changes.

What’s your message to the independent agency channel?

Society Insurance is a commercial-lines mutual company headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis. We partner with independent agents in nine states and provide a package solution that includes businessowners policy (BOP), auto, liquor, umbrella, cyber liability, and workers compensation.

Policyholders view their independent agent as a valued consultant and an important part of their team, helping to protect the business while supporting growth and expansion by managing risk. Society Insurance values that relationship. We focus on the agent and policyholder experience while delivering leading-edge products and solutions.

Fun facts/interests?

I enjoy expressing my creative side through photography and glass art. I also enjoy yoga, downhill skiing, hiking, and biking. I’ve ridden by bicycle across the entire state of Iowa on RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) twice!

Book/Author you would recommend?

Fiction: “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr

Historical non-fiction: books by Jon Meacham

Anything else you would like to share?

To finalize my preparation for the upcoming leadership transition, I’ve made meeting agents a priority. I’ve been able to visit agents from all nine states over the past two years, which has given me valuable insights on how we can best serve the agent community.

What's your background and what roles prepared you to lead your company?

Throughout my life, I have been immersed in the world of insurance. Whether it was through the conversations I heard or the adults I looked up to, the industry was always present. My father, in particular, instilled in me a passion for insurance that has never wavered. Pursuing a degree in Risk Management and Insurance was a natural progression and one of my BA degrees. After college, I began my career at Chubb Insurance as a commercial underwriter. Chubb provided in-depth training through a 3 month program and a solid foundation for my career. Subsequently, I moved to RLI Insurance where I gained valuable experience in CAT and E&S markets, as well as the opportunity to work closely with the reinsurance market. My experience working with reinsurers is particularity useful in my role today. After working in the CRE group at M3 insurance as an Account Executive, I joined Wisconsin Mutual almost 8 years ago. My career has been characterized by working for industry leading companies that are people-centric and value training, continuing education and career advancement.

Throughout my career, I have been incredibly fortunate to have had exceptional mentors who have guided and supported me through every stage. These individuals have taken the time to share their extensive knowledge and expertise with me, and have consistently led by example, inspiring me in all that I do. Their mentorship has been invaluable to me, not only in terms of professional growth but also in personal development. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have maintained close relationships with many of these mentors, who have not only become trusted advisors but also lifelong friends. Their feedback and advice continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for me as I navigate my career journey. Currently, I hold my CPCU and CIC designations.

What's your vision for your company?

Our company has a unique vision that centers on the team that makes up our WMI family, commitment to those we serve, and managed smart growth. Our team is more than just a group of employees, we are a group that cares about each other and views our agents as an extension of that family. We are proud of the many employees who have been with our company for more than 20 years, which is a testament to our culture. Our consistent and strong management team, led for decades by Dan Keyes, has transformed our company and achieved remarkable growth of almost 100% in the last 20 years.

As we look to the future, our vision remains focused on being a committed partner that supports sustainable growth. We understand the importance of staying agile and adapting quickly to the ever-changing market around us. We strive to stay ahead of the curve and proactively anticipate and address the needs of our policyholders. At WMI we recognize that our success is ultimately tied to the satisfaction of our policyholders and the agents that connect us to them. We will continue to invest in new technologies and resources that enable us to provide the most value to our policyholders. We believe these commitments will position us for long-term success.

What advice do you have for young insurance professionals?

3 pieces of advice I would offer to a young insurance professional:

1. Build a robust network: In the insurance industry networking is essential, so it’s important to cultivate relationships with colleagues, industry experts, and insurance partners. Attend networking events, join industry associations, many of which have opportunities specifically targeted towards young professionals, and seek mentors. Remember to include people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to broaden your understanding of the industry and build deeper relationships. You can also seek out leadership opportunities in non-profit organizations that you’re passionate about. Not only will allow you to serve your community, but it will also enable you to learn from people outside our industry and gain leadership experience you can bring back to your organization.

2. Be adaptable: our industry is constantly evolving, and as a young professional, you should strive to be a valuable resource to your company by staying up-todate with new technologies, products, and regulations. Embrace opportunities to learn and expand your skill set in various areas of the industry to determine which facet of it most interests you. Being adaptable and versatile will help you thrive in the dynamic and everchanging world of insurance.

3. Always evolve and improve communications skills: Whether you’re working with customers, colleagues or company partners, the ability to convey information and build relationships through communication is essential for success. While it’s important to develop your written skills, it is equally important to focus on your verbal communication skills. This involves actively listening to others and adapting your communication style to different situations and audiences.

What's the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

One of the challenges I faced initially, and continue to work through, is penetrating long-standing industry relationships and established hierarchies to emerge as a leader in this space. Insurance is a relationship-driven industry, and it can be challenging to establish yourself when many players have been in in the industry for years or decades.

To overcome this challenge, I recognize the importance of building my own network, displaying my skills and expertise, and establishing myself as a thoughtful leader in my areas of specialization. Unfortunately, limited faceto-face interaction during COVID-19 pandemic, combined with my focus on the priorities of the organization, hindered my ability to network with my peers and agent partners in recent years. However, I am now actively working to find a better balance between supporting the company by being physically present in the office as well as building external relationships.

The insurance industry has the unique ability to retain talented individual who remain passionate about what we do for the duration of their career. It’s not often you hear of someone who left insurance to do something else entirely. This longevity creates the opportunity to build connections, even amongst friendly competitors. I am committed to developing relationships that allow for collaboration and drive positive change in the industry that benefits both the carriers and policyholders.

Where do you see your company for the next five years?

With 120 years of experience in insurance, Wisconsin Mutual has built a reputation for offering fairly priced products that meet the and needs of our policyholders. Additionally, the company's focus on sound underwriting, agent relationships, and excellent service has allowed us to secure a strong and financially secure foundation that allows for strategic growth.

Given these strengths, it's reasonable to expect that Wisconsin Mutual will continue to grow and prosper over the next five years. As long as the company stays committed to its values and continues to adapt to the ever-changing insurance environment, it's likely that it will continue to provide policyholders with more value for their insurance dollar while remaining a secure Wisconsin-based company.

What's your prediction for the IA channel in the next five years?

Despite predictions of its demise over the past decade, the IA network has continued to grow in number and profitability, even in the face of a challenging economy and world pandemic. As customer communications methods shift towards email, phone and even text, agencies are adapting their business models to suit these changes and become more efficient. However, the need for skilled professionals who can tailor an insurance policy to meet the specific needs of their customers remains unchanged.

While customers may not interact with their agents frequently, they rely on them during significant life events such as purchasing a new home or car, or in the aftermath

of a loss. These interactions are something that cannot be replaced solely with technology. Only a live person can offer guidance and reassurance when our consumers feel most vulnerable. Insurance policies need to adapt to changes in exposure at a broad societal level and a more personal level, and our independent agents play a vital role in ensuring this happens.

What’s your view on technology and how will you use it to innovate your company?

At WMI we have made strides in updating both the technology we use and how we incorporate technology to improve the ease of doing business with our company. We know that we need to continue integrating technology in all realms of how we do business to remain competitive. We have large projects going live this summer and are in the planning phase of others. The use of technology and evaluating when and how much to invest are an integral part of our business model now compared to even 5 years ago.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) alone is a major consideration in how technology changes how we do business. The efficiencies and automation AI lends itself too will benefit policyholders with almost real time policy servicing and coverage customization. From a carrier perspective, AI makes it easier to counter fraud and inaccuracies or changes in policyholder exposures. Accurate and mass data gathering along with global trends on current and new exposures allows for the most accurate pricing which is a win for both the consumer and the carriers.

What’s your message to the independent agency channel?

Our policyholders need professional insurance advisors; I don’t see this ever going away. The public typically doesn’t fully understand the language used in an insurance policy or the coverage they are buying. There isn’t an “insurance 101” class given in high school, and our policyholders can’t be expected to know these things or the vernacular that is exclusive to insurance. Agents work to create a policy that changes with the cycles of our policyholders’ lives. In many cases, this means updating and reviewing coverages annually. Agents also know the newest coverages on the market that are meant to keep up with ever changing exposures. A policy written 5 years ago may not include Cyber Coverage or Underground Service Line.

Lastly, agents serve as a trusted advisor in times of loss. When our policyholders are in the midst of loss that can range from a minor inconvenience to a life changing event, they need an expert to turn to. They need the comfort of having the process explained and knowing they have a trusted insurance expert that has their back.

Fun facts/interests?

I have two daughters ages 5 and 9 who keep my husband and me busy. I work out to counter my hours sitting at a desk and enjoy an active lifestyle outside of work. Free time feels rare at this stage in my life but traveling and live music are a part of my fun!

Rob

Jacques,

President of West Bend Mutual Insurance Company

What's your background and what roles prepared you to lead your company?

I’ve held many positions within the insurance industry, with my earliest exposure beginning in claims. I moved later into marketing, then sales, and eventually underwriting. Within each phase of my career development, I picked up skills that enabled me to learn about and dive deeper into insurance operations and how the business works.

What advice do you have for young insurance professionals?

The first thing to recognize is that many people joining our industry and our organization didn’t initially have insurance in mind as a career. However, many have found the insurance business has offered them endless opportunities. Though the insurance business has been around for a long time, it continues to evolve. It has proven to be a rewarding career choice for those willing to invest the time to learn about the industry. My advice to those wanting to succeed in this business is that you must become a technical expert – and doing so will open doors for you in the future.

What's the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

What's your vision for your company?

The vision for West Bend is to continue along our current path by making the right investments in our talent, technology, and product offering so that we continue to be the company of choice for our independent agents, associates, and policyholders.

The biggest challenge I faced in my career was when I moved from being an individual contributor to someone responsible for managing people. Of course, managing others is an important role and not one to take lightly. However, I discovered it was more than just supervising. You are also a mentor and responsible for supporting the goals and ambitions of your team that help them to the next level in their careers.

Where do you see your company for the next five years?

West Bend has been around for a long time, over 125 years. Our founding principles of excellence, integrity, and responsibility drive our strategy. We are growing and will continue to grow through the dedication of our independent agency channel and the hard work of our associates. We foresee the expansion of our full product line in new markets and improving how we will service and support our agency network and policyholders.

Today they control 88 percent of commercial business and 36 percent of personal lines business. As risk exposures become increasingly complicated, individuals and companies will need and want to rely more heavily on a trusted advisor, which the independent agent provides.

What’s your view on technology and how will you use it to innovate your company?

West Bend is a relationship-based company and will always conduct business face-to-face. Still, to better support this model, technology enhances our ability to conduct business with greater efficiency.

What’s your message to the independent agency channel?

Independent agencies should continue to invest in their business and invest in the right technology that enhances and supports what they do. I also advise you to invest in talent. Doing so ensures a bright future for our industry because the associates you mentor today are the future leaders of tomorrow.

What's your prediction for the industry in the next five years? Where do you see challenges and opportunities?

We will see growth in written premium for the industry as risk evolves and products to cover these risks develop. Two challenges that are also opportunities are tapping into underserved lines of business and meeting the needs of emerging exposures. Cyber security is a growing opportunity as the threat continues to evolve, and we’ll continue to battle the challenges of inflation and increasingly catastrophic storm damage.

What's your prediction for the IA channel in the next five years?

The independent agency channel has a long runway and will continue to grow.

Fun facts/interests?

My favorite place is the outdoors, either on a lake or a golf course. I’m also highly inquisitive, this is how I like to learn new things, so I may ask many questions when you meet me in person.

What's your background and what roles prepared you to lead your company?

My background is in human resources. I joined SECURA’s Human Resources division in 1996 and was promoted to Vice President – Human Resources in 2002, and later to Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. In that role, in addition to leading HR, I also oversaw Marketing, Research & Development, and Agency Training.

What's the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

One of the greatest challenges I have faced was calendar year 2022. During that year, our organization saw a record number of catastrophic storms hit our book of business, we experienced one of the worst investment returns in company history, and inflation was increasing at levels we had not seen since the early ‘80s. At that same time, I was named CEO. While the overall financial results of 2022 were a challenge, our underlying book of business and strong reserves, our agency partners, and the opportunities in front of us, have all been very strong.

What advice do you have for young insurance professionals?

Know that your own personal ability will only get you so far. I would always advocate for performance excellence – know your craft and do it exceptionally well. However, you must also develop meaningful relationships (not just 1,000+ LinkedIn connections) with others. At some point you’ll need the relationships you’ve built to help “pull you up” to more challenging roles (if that’s what you aspire to do), and you’ll find it very difficult to get pulled up to the next level if you only focus on yourself.

Where do you see your company for the next five years?

Relationships have always been the core of our business, and that will stay the same. We’re committed to being a great place to work for our associates, and delivering genuine service to our agents and policyholders. Over the next five years, we are making significant investments in our technology to upgrade our systems so we can continue to deliver the best experience to our associates and customers.

What's your prediction for the industry in the next five years? Where do you see challenges and opportunities?

I believe the industry will continue to be strong, and that there will always be disruptive forces to both create opportunity and challenge the industry. If we continue to see the volatility in weather, the products that cover property may need to change even more so than they have in the past year. There will no doubt continue to be technological advances that create opportunities to deliver something better for customers, and at the same time I fundamentally believe that most consumers of business insurance will continue to value the advice of a trusted partner – the independent agent. I continue to believe that the future of the independent agent is strong irrespective of the challenges in front of us all.

What's your prediction for the IA channel in the next five years?

We have seen a lot of merger and acquisition activity in the independent agent channel over the last several years, and while we expect this to continue, we also anticipate an increased focus on organic growth. Data will be a big opportunity for agencies, as they find ways to gain greater insights into their data and use this to evaluate their book of business to identify opportunities and efficiencies. The agencies that invest in themselves to stay relevant and modern – putting resources into hiring, training, and technology –will continue to grow and thrive, and we know the independent agent channel will remain strong over the next five years and well beyond.

What’s your view on technology and how will you use it to innovate your company?

As a leadership team, we are putting in a technology roadmap to ensure we are better positioned in the future to make our technology systems much easier for our agency partners and policyholders to use.

What’s your message to the independent agency channel?

While my previous roles didn’t get me out in the field as much as our great Sales team, I have always seen the incredible strength of our independent agency partners. It’s because of our agency partners that we have consistently reached new levels of growth. Our strength today is the result of both our agency partners and our 1,000+ associates showing both dedication and belief in each other and our organization. I am fully committed to the independent agent channel as the sole method of our distribution.

Fun facts/interests?

When not at work there’s a great chance I’ll be doing something outside. In the spring you’ll catch me pretending to be a farmer planting food plots for wildlife, my family and I enjoy all things water related in the summer, and I love hunting in the fall. A fun factoid would be that for the past 10+ years our family has taken a summer camping trip with five other families, having traveled to Yellowstone, Bar Harbor, Outer Banks, and many other fun spots.

Book/Author you would recommend?

I recently enjoyed reading The Five Graces of Life and Leadership. It really resonated with me, and I sent it on to a few of my mentors.

What's your background and what roles prepared you to lead your company?

I’ve been with Acuity since 1998, starting in our Claims Department where I was an adjuster and manager before moving to Business Consulting where my focus included innovation, strategy, and training. I was named Vice President-Business Consulting in 2016, where I led our corporate strategic planning with a core emphasis on innovation and continuous improvement. Over that time, I was privileged to work closely with my predecessor, Ben Salzmann, who remains our CEO - a strong partnership that continues today. Having deep expertise in the core of our insurance operations as well as change leadership provided me with diverse experience as I stepped into the President role in February of this year. And, having lived Acuity’s exceptional culture for 25 years, I’m closely aligned with and passionate about our people-centric approach – across our family or employees, agents, and customers. Synergy and commitment to perpetuating culture is as core to leadership preparation as a strong technical background.

What's your vision for your company?

The vision for Acuity has been shaped through the collective work of our entire leadership team, Board of Directors, and staff and through our renown

Winter, President of Acuity Insurance

strategic planning process. Acuity’s vision is “To be a national growth leader of innovative insurance solutions through future-ready technology and a caring culture.” All our strategic initiatives are aligned around that vision. Our leaders and employees embrace this shared vision at all levels. It drives us.

What advice do you have for young insurance professionals?

Seize opportunities, especially those that really stretch you, or go beyond your boundaries. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. The greatest growth and learning come in those moments. And, at the same time, commit yourself to being a lifelong learner, whether that’s through continuing education courses, advanced designations, or onthe-job learning. Never stop adding to your personal talent stack – building new skills, competencies, and experiences that complement your personal career portfolio.

What's the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

At a personal level, it was making the decision to shift from a front-line operations role as a claims manager to an internal consulting role. It was an unexpected and exciting opportunity to take my claims knowledge and apply it in a different way. Yet, at the same time, it meant a willingness to step into the unknown. The decision itself represented the challenge. Once I stepped through that new doorway it opened up a host of new opportunities in leadership, change management, and enterprise focus. That big stretch moment ultimately catalyzed the future of my career.

Where do you see your company for the next five years?

Acuity will continue to expand – geographically as well as in segments and classes, diversifying who we are and enabling us to be an even stronger partner to our agents and customers. All while retaining the heart of who we are – relationship and innovation

driven, bringing continued financial strength and stability for our growing family of employees, agents, and customers. Over the past 20 years, we have outperformed the competition in terms of sales growth, surplus growth, profitability, and more. Thanks to the efforts of our amazing staff and agency partners, we will continue on that trajectory.

more awards from ACORD over the years than any other insurance carrier. 30% of our employee force is dedicated to innovation and technology – keeping Acuity future-focused and ready to meet the needs of our agents and customers. We are committed to providing innovative coverage solutions, offering customers a wide array of technology-enabled service options, and being the easiest company for independent agents to do business with by supporting the systems they already use through platforms such as SEMCI.

What’s your message to the independent agency channel?

What's your prediction for the industry in the next five years? Where do you see challenges and opportunities?

Those who thrive through innovation, have strong technological competence, and change management will prevail. Massive data sets, the deployment of next generation artificial intelligence, dynamic insurance products to meet the changing needs of customers and businesses… the list goes on. These collective changes poise the industry for another level of transformation. There will be tremendous opportunity to test and learn – both through in-house technology and external partnerships. Carriers must be ready. We can gain efficiencies while delivering even greater value to our customers and agents. The challenge is to leverage these advancements effectively, such as balancing customer demands for self-service while still retaining the human touch that is the core of the insurance promise.

What's your prediction for the IA channel in the next five years?

The IA channel will continue to be a dynamic force in the insurance industry. Independent agents have increased their share of the commercial lines market over 10 years ago and continue to grow premium in personal lines. Independent agents are resilient, innovative, and deliver service that other channels can’t provide, and customers value that.

What’s your view on technology and how will you use it to innovate your company?

Acuity is a recognized leader in technology, earning

For years, doubters have predicted the demise of the independent agency channel, and for years you have proven them wrong. You have shown that you will not only survive but thrive. Your strengths position you for continued growth and success in the years ahead, serving the customers who depend on your counsel and expertise. You are creating a vibrant future by adopting innovative technology, developing your internal talent, committing to continued education, and building partnerships with carriers that add value and efficiency to your operations.

Fun facts/interests?

Above all, shared time with my amazing family. I love music and theater – playing the piano, attending live concerts, theater productions – all interests that our family shares. And, we have a passion for Disney –movies, trips, trivia; it’s been the source of countless great memories.

Book/Author you would recommend?

April Rinne and her book Flux – 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change. We live and work in a world that continues to face accelerating change. April provides thought-provoking, people-centric, practical ways (“superpowers”) to build your flux mindset. These mindset shifts help leaders be personally ready and receptive to change, while also preparing them to lead change in their own organizations.

Anything else you would like to share?

Acuity is grateful for our exceptional agency partners, the relationships we have built, and the shared successes. We are committed to the success of the independent agent channel and to continuing as a stable, relationship- and service-driven partner for decades to come.

PREPARING A HOME INVENTORY BEFORE STORM SEASON EASES THE PATH TO FASTER CLAIM SETTLEMENTS

The National Weather Service cited an article recently that found that tornado frequency may be increasing in the U.S. Previously, insurers referred to “Tornado Alley," – the Great Plains. Today, this new study finds that the “Dixie Alley" – Mississippi through Tennessee and Kentucky, including southern Indiana, may be the new tornado hotspots.

No matter where your insureds live, many hazards lurk – floods, wildfires, tornados, hurricanes, and home burglaries. A home inventory can help your insureds after a loss, when they are often least equipped to be thinking logically.

When it looks like rain

Devastating storm damage or a fire can lock your insureds out of their homes, sometimes for months. One of my agent friends had a small kitchen fire when his daughter decided to cook tacos for the family. When I asked him what had happened, he replied glumly, “She's trying to kill us!"

They were out of their home for more than nine months. Relocating after a storm, even temporarily, brings many problems, including finding lodging that allows family pets. The last thing your insured needs after a major storm or fire loss is the preparation of a home inventory, yet that is exactly what they will face.

A thorough home inventory can make the claims settlement process much, much easier on your insureds. Here are some recommendations you can give your insureds.

Make a list

Your insureds should list all their possessions by logical categories. For example, list all appliances, all business property, all clothing, or all kitchen appliances.

This is where home inventory templates can help. If your insureds make a physical inventory, they should store a copy away from their homes in the unlikely event of a total loss. Even using an excel spreadsheet can be a straightforward way to make an inventory.

Take time to document

In today's cell phone world, one of the easiest approaches to inventory management is to photograph or videotape each item, adding a brief description. If your insured is narrating, he or she can add the age, purchase price, and with antiques or scheduled items, the approximate current value. This can help the insured to prepare a running total to help ensure they have sufficient contents coverage.

Remind them to open doors, look in storage boxes (this might encourage them to manage those old family photos), as well as look in the basement and attic if they store things there. An annual inventory update makes it easier to track possessions and increase coverage when needed.

There are several applications that download to your clients' phones. The National Association of Insurance Commissions offers an online home inventory application for both Androids and iPhone.

Remember that adage, “A picture's worth a thousand words."

Remind your insureds of personal property policy limitations

Personal property limitations in the various homeowners forms can leave your insureds facing uninsured losses. Remind your insureds often that if they have the following assets, they should review their policies to determine any limitations, and contact you to discuss scheduling specialized personal property that exceeds these limitations.

• Money, gold, gift cards and other monetary items

• Watercraft and trailers

• Jewelry, watches, silverware, furs, etc.

• Artwork

• Business personal property

• Antiques, jewelry and collectibles are tricky to value and usually require appraisals.

Avoid listing personal property contents limits assuming all your insureds have HO-3 or HO-5 forms. Simply discuss the categories that can be problematic and ask them to call you if they would like more information. This creates an opportunity to update their information and inform them of other critical issues such as coinsurance penalties and limits of liability. Be sure to check their forms for replacement cost on contents. Facing a loss without replacement cost coverage can be costly to your insureds.

After your insureds experience a loss, they do not want to scramble to build an inventory. Some preparation now can save them a lot of time and frustration after a loss. There are many good home inventory templates out there, including this one from the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Review these tools or search “home inventory templates" on your favorite search engine for more examples.

Update your social media or email campaign with these entries

• With [storm season] [hurricane season] [fire season] approaching, take time to prepare a home inventory before you experience a loss. Here's a home inventory tool that can help you prepare.

• No one expects [flood] [home fire] [wildfire] [tornado] damage. Losses happen unexpectedly. You can prepare with this handy home inventory tool.

• Did you know you have special limits on certain valuable items you may own such as jewelry and guns? Reach out to us to discuss how to protect your valuable assets.

• Any time is a suitable time to inform your insureds

Look for events to reach out to your customers such as Independence Day and seasons like fire season that carry special hazards. The more you can educate your insureds on their policies and perils they may face, the more you gain opportunities to better protect their assets and reduce your errors and omissions exposure.

This article was originally published on independentagent.com in June 2022.

20 Years and Counting

Unlike many other carriers, West Bend believes in the value of long-term relationships. That’s why many of our personal lines underwriters, like Sarah, have worked with their agents for so long. Sarah’s agents trust her knowledge, making it easier for them to do business with West Bend. And that makes the relationships that much stronger.

WE HAVE A BURNOUT PROBLEM

If there’s a phrase you’re probably all too familiar with these days, it’s “I’m tired.”

After three years of pandemic-fueled adaptations, always-on remote availability, increased stress, and juggling of work and personal demands without clear guidelines or boundaries, we’re all understandably exhausted and burned out. In fact, a Gallup survey found that nearly 60% of employees report that they are stressed at their jobs every day. Korn Ferry found that even higher-level executives are switching jobs and careers because they’re feeling tired and drained.

Unfortunately, this burnout is having serious repercussions on not only our physical and emotional health, but the health of our businesses, as well. According to Harvard Business Review, it’s “manifesting as decreased productivity and performance, no-notice quitting and workplace conflict” in the workplace.

Clearly, we have a burnout problem. How do we fix it? And, perhaps even more important, how do we avoid this problem in the future by preventing burnout in the first place?

First and foremost, we must adopt the strategy of “proactive rest,” according to HBR. Rest shouldn’t just come after a period of stress or intensity. It should be encouraged regularly. What does it look like? It could be giving PTO before demanding work periods, or instituting days of the week where no meetings can be scheduled. It might involve planning times for wellness checks, or giving mandatory vacation time.

The effective companies, according to HBR, will also offer employees the opportunity to discuss difficult issues or topics without consequences or judgment. Some might even enlist trauma counselors to train managers on how to handle workplace conflict and potentially difficult conversations.

“Over time, well-being is vital to success,” organizational psychologist Adam Grant has said. “Daily exhaustion adds up to long-term burnout. Success can be attained without rest, but it isn’t sustained without rest.”

It’s time we learn not just to rest, but how and when to rest.

What are some ways that you take a break? How do you encourage those around you to rest, too?

IIAW PRELICENSING CLASSES

Since 1993, more than 20,000 students have graduated from our in-classroom prelicensing school.

The IIAW in-classroom prelicensing school has some of the highest passing ratios in the state for the last 25+ years!

“Overall the class went very well and I felt included as if I was in the room.”

-Former Online Student

REGISTER AT IIAW.COM/EDUCATION

IIAW PRELICENSING CLASSES:

• Now offering classes in-classroom and broadcasting online* in real-time

• Located at IIAW Headquarters

• Fulfills the study requirements for life, health, property and casualty

• Designed to help you pass your state licensing examination

• Taught by an experienced insurance professional

UPCOMING COURSES:

PROPERTY & CASUALTY

• August 7-10

• October 2-5

LIFE & HEALTH

• July 10-14

• September 25-28

• November 6-9

To register, click the Education tab on IIAW.com.

IIAW Member Pricing: $374*

Non-Member Pricing $399*

The course fee includes all class materials. Materials are distributed on the first day of class. You receive:

• Life & Accident/Health or Property & Casualty Insurance Study Manual

• The Intermediary’s Guide to Wisconsin Insurance Law

• The State of Wisconsin Ins. Licensing Candidate Handbook (This provides all the information to obtain a license)

• Exam Simulator - A computer program designed to help you pass your prelicensing exam on the first try

For any questions please contact andrea@iiaw.com.

IIAW.COM/EDUCATION

MEET OUR INSTRUCTOR

Gabrielle O’Brien, MBA, has been active in the insurance industry for more than 25 years, developing continuing education classes in related fields such as Ethics and Errors and Omissions. As the lead instructor of the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin’s Property & Casualty and Life & Health Prelicensing Schools, she has guided thousands of students to successfully passing the insurance intermediary’s exam. O’Brien has participated in many other aspects of the industry as an underwriter, manager, and field representative. O’Brien’s received her Master of Business Administration from Loyola University and her Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary's College.

WHAT IS THE BUSINESSOWNERS POLICY?

The businessowners policy (BOP) is one of the most widely used commercial insurance policies on the market today. Its versatility and its broad coverage offerings can make it a great solution for many small-to-midsize business owners. The BOP combines a variety of needed coverages in one policy, making risk management and managing renewals much easier for small business owners.

What Coverage Does the Typical BOP Policy Provide?

While the Insurance Services Office (ISO) BOP form is one commonly used form providing coverage for businesses, many commercial insurers develop their own BOP forms to dovetail coverage to many different industries. Typically, these are the coverages the BOP provides.

• Commercial property insurance covering buildings. The BOP does not cover flood and earthquake exposures.

• Business personal property, such as computers and other business equipment

• Personal property of others, for example, a computer repair person who takes in computers for repair (bailment)

• Business income and extra expense surrounding business income losses arising from a covered loss under the policy

• Premises operations and liability, for example if a business customer trips and falls at your insured's location

• Contractual liability such as coverage for the usual contracts used in small business, such as lease agreements

• Personal and advertising injury, which can cover allegations of libel, slander and trademark or copyright infringement

Be aware that not all BOPs automatically cover personal and advertising injury, so be sure to evaluate each carrier's form to determine coverage

• Employee dishonesty, for example if an employee steals money from his or her employer

• Theft of money and securities, which can arise when an employee makes a bank deposit or other theft risks such as burglary or robbery

• Forgery and alteration can cover incidents where the insured accepts an altered money order, for example

• Equipment breakdown, which can cover electrical, mechanical and computer equipment against malfunctions

What Coverages Should I Include on the BOP?

There is no business auto coverage under the BOP. Many regional carriers use their own or the ISO business auto coverage form and include coverage for autos separately but alongside the BOP policy.

Hired and non-owned auto coverage is a critical protection for most businesses. This coverage can provide liability coverage for your insureds when they rent a vehicle, or their employees drive their own vehicles on their employers' errands. This is a liabilityonly coverage and does not cover the cost of the employee's vehicle or a leased vehicle. Many agents will only write a BOP with this important added coverage. Remember, though, the BOP may require an endorsement to add this coverage, while some carriers include it automatically.

Additionally, even though the BOP covers premises liability, you should always offer an umbrella policy to provide an additional layer of liability coverage. With verdicts going higher each year, almost any small business should understand the importance of an umbrella policy. Document a declination with a properly signed declaration form or in your agency management system through email when your insured rejects umbrella coverage.

The BOP will not protect your insured against allegations of professional negligence. For example, if your insured provides accounting advice, the BOP may be perfect to protect your insured against general liability negligence allegations such as a slip in fall in the accountant's office. However, it will not provide coverage for your accountant who provides professional advice. The same holds true for contractors and others who offer professional opinions and guidance. Your insured will need professional liability coverage under a separate policy.

Finally, the BOP may not offer liquor liability for restaurants. Even food trucks that serve alcohol may face liquor liability, and the added risk of an assault occurring as a result of overindulgence. These are two important exposures to consider. Many business owners think if they have liquor liability coverage, they also have coverage for assaults that may occur. This may not be the case, so be sure to evaluate coverage forms if your restaurants serve liquor or offer bring-your-own bottle availability.

How Do Insurers Rate and Underwrite BOPs?

Traditionally, insurers developed the BOP for typical small businesses like florists, small retail stores and other “main-street" insureds. Over the years, however, many carriers have grown their appetite, and included formerly nonstarter businesses such as contractors and restaurants.

Typical rating appetites are below.

• Under 35,000 square feet in total floor area

• Under $6 million in annual gross sales per location

• Building height usually under four stories

Typical rating criteria are below.

• Territory (crime and weather are important variables in eligibility)

• Building construction

• Access to public fire protection

• Building occupancy, usually not writing manufacturing exposures

• Fire protection including sprinklers and Ansul systems to protect cooking areas

• Deductible

• Each insurer has its own criteria for rating BOPs, so it may be a great idea to ask a few of your carriers to present a brief seminar on their BOP features versus their competitors.

The great thing about insurance is that as societal needs change, insurance changes to meet those changes. Enter the “Micro-BOP."

What is the Micro-BOP?

Designed by Insurance Services Office (ISO) and available in most states in 2020, the micro-BOP can meet the needs of the small business enterprise. For those professionals working from home or in shared spaces such as a kiosk in a mall, this trimmer version of ISO's BOP can meet the needs of that market segment.

Here are the key underwriting limitations for the microBOP.

• Less than $500,000 in gross annual sales or revenue

• Fewer than five employees, including the owner These businesses are ineligible for the micro-BOP but will be better served by a traditional BOP or a commercial general liability and commercial property policy.

• Businesses operating from a commercial building for more than 90 days (unless a shared space)

• Businesses specializing in furnishing rented or leased equipment

• Businesses with any sales of alcohol

• Manufacturers of personal care or consumed products

• Business operating as licensed construction contractors

• Wholesale distributors

• Auto repair

• Businesses that subcontract work

The form offers limited property coverage, but the liability coverage is similar to that of the regular BOP. Additionally, the micro BOP in contrast to the full BOP offers named-perils property coverage as opposed to all-risk coverage. Named-perils coverage provides coverage only for the perils listed in the policy form. In contrast, all-risk coverage provides comprehensive coverage from all loss causes not specifically excluded.

Another important feature of many micro-BOPs is they do not exclude professional services, so your clients who engage in consulting, writing, graphic design, or other professions may find the micro-BOP a perfect fit.

The micro-BOP may be the answer for your insureds who are gig workers or who work from shared spaces. This linked article provides more information on the microBOP. The micro-BOP is a great marketing tool for those gig workers who currently shop coverage online or go uninsured.

Gear social media posts to the many advantages, the easy underwriting requirements and the benefits of coverage, and you can build your commercial business with the micro-BOP.

Conclusion

The BOP is a convenient and affordable insurance coverage package designed for a variety of small businesses. It's a great way to get your start in commercial lines before tackling more complex coverages like the commercial property policy or the comprehensive general liability insurance form.

Once you've written the business's BOP, be sure to ask if you can quote their personal business, as well. Then, it's only one step away from offering your BOP clients other life-related products such as critical illness coverage or disability coverage.

The BOP is a solid gateway into your building your commercial lines career. While the BOP is not the answer for more complex business enterprises, it is solid protection for many of your smaller commercial clients without professional liability exposures.

In 1919, A group of Pennsylvania farmers founded Penn National Insurance to provide affordable workers’ compensation insurance.

Today, Penn National Insurance sells property-casualty insurance in 11 states by partnering with more than 1,200 independent agency operations. In 2012, we affiliated with Wisconsin-based, Partners Mutual Insurance Company. As one company, we bring the personal attention and local focus of a regional carrier, along with the quality of products and ser vices of national carriers.

Interested in partnering with a thriving insurance carrier with superior customer experience? We are looking for select commercial-lines agencies in Wisconsin.

Contact: Vicki Lentz 262-432-3420

vlentz@pnat.com

Contact: Clayton Zogata 715-383-5454

czogata@pnat.com

• Strong financial performance and A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating of A-

• Expanded Commercial Lines products and services with competitive pricing and comprehensive coverages to help our agents grow profitably

• Comprehensive Personal Lines product offerings, including Homeowners Equipment Breakdown and additional protection plans

• State-of-the-art quoting, processing and self-service tools, making it easier and faster to meet your customers’ needs

• Local, experienced underwriting, claims and management staff

SUMMERFEST MEETUP

When: 1 p.m. Thursday, June 22nd

Where: Miller Lite Oasis (see map)

Join members of the IIAW Emerging Leaders and IIAW staff for Summerfest’s Insurance Day on June 22nd. We will meet at the Miller Lite Oasis at 1 p.m. to listen to amazing music and have a great time.

Questions? Contact Evan Leitch at evan@iiaw.com.

HUMAN RESOURCES

FINDING AND HIRING THE RIGHT STAFF

Finding and hiring the right staff to maintain and grow your business is an important key to your success, and likely your biggest challenge. IIAW partners with CareerPlug to support all IIAW members in their hiring efforts. CareerPlug is an ATS (applicant tracking system), a kind of software that helps you attract, evaluate, and hire candidates quickly and easily. CareerPlug’s easy-touse system automates many of the tedious, manual steps of the hiring process, from job posting to job offer.

to the Pro subscription for unlimited job postings to all the top job boards (Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.), access to communication tools that allows you to email and text within the app, built-in evaluation tools like pre-screen questions and personality assessments, and all the tools you need to identify, evaluate, and hire the right team members.

Finding the time to interview quality candidates can be a daunting process.

Allowing you to spend less time hiring and more time running your business. In a nutshell, you hire like you sell – efficiently and effectively.

Every IIAW member receives a free Basic CareerPlug account that comes with a branded careers page, pre-built job templates, and a configured hiring process. If you are actively hiring, we highly recommend that you upgrade your CareerPlug account

Let the IIAW help you save time and resources getting the right person hired.

IIAW offers hiring solutions that work together with your CareerPlug account. We manage the application review process and screening of candidates, giving you an improved experience. Providing only qualified candidates for you to interview. For more information, please reach out to IIAW’s HR Business Partner, Diana Banaszynski.

AGENCY HIRING

The IIAW is here to help you with your hiring! Our members have access to these hiring solutions:

FULL-SERVICE:

• This option is tailored to the needs of an agency who doesn’t have the time to find quality candidates to interview. Let your IIAW HR Business Partner handle the process for you.

• Save time and resources by getting the right person hired faster

• We will manage the application review process and screening of candidates giving you an improved experience providing only qualified candidates for you to interview

• Attract top agency talent through a customized CareerPlug page set up

• Compelling job posting tailor-made for your agency

• Custom applicant scorecards allowing you to measure candidates quickly

• Unlimited job posts on all major job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, Zip Recruiter, etc.)

• Customized job links for effective hiring (Facebook, other social media sites)

• Reduce interview prep time with Best Practices resources and templates

• Personality assessments designed for your open position

• Customized employment offer letter

• Individual reference checks on qualified candidates

• Unlimited assistance

DIY WITH HELP:

This option offers free or paid CareerPlug options to choose from. The agency is in control of the process and has additional resources.

• Support from the HR Business Partner

• Customized dashboard set up Job description templates with customization available

• CareerPlug dashboard to manage applicants

DIY:

Utilize the resources available to find your next new hire on your own.

• CareerPlug dashboard to manage applicants

• Job description templates available within Careerplug

• Option to upgrade to CareerPlug Pro for one year

Members in the News

SOCIETY INSURANCE ADDS RYAN HAASE AND CHERYL STARLING TO EXECUTIVE TEAM

and the ability to support the customer experience,” said Heather Boyer, Society Insurance president. “Cheryl and Ryan have been instrumental in establishing our enterprise agility, change management, continuous improvement and customer experience functions. They will add valuable perspectives to our leadership conversations and help deliver on our strategy.”

ABOUT SOCIETY INSURANCE: Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., Society Insurance has been a leading niche insurance carrier since 1915. Society focuses on the small details that make a big difference to its policyholders while offering top-notch insurance coverage, service and competitive pricing to businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, Colorado, Georgia and Texas.

KRITZER INSURANCE AGENCY NAMED ROCKFORD MUTUAL 2022 AGENCY OF THE YEAR

Fond du Lac, WI (5/1/23) - Society Insurance welcomes Ryan Haase, director of change management, and Cheryl Starling, vice president – enterprise agility office, to its executive team.

As director of change management, Haase supports Society’s people-first culture by ensuring proper communication and education during times of change. Additionally, he leads a companywide focus on continuous improvement and an emphasis on ensuring an outstanding customer experience. He joined Society Insurance in 2004.

Haase is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration (human resources). He has earned the Certified Change Practitioner, Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional (SHRMCP) and Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certifications.

In her role as vice president – enterprise agility office, Starling leads interdisciplinary teams to oversee projects that contribute to the company’s strategic initiatives. These projects realize value in Society’s business systems predictably and sustainably, with high quality and a rewarding customer experience. Starling joined Society Insurance in 2015.

Starling holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Cardinal Stritch University and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Concordia University.

“The property and casualty insurance industry is dynamic and ever-evolving, which makes it so important for Society to have strategic agility in the marketplace

Rockford, IL (5/12/23) - Rockford Mutual Insurance Company (RMIC) places very high value in our independent agency force because we believe insurance is more than a policy, it’s a promise. It is with great appreciation that Rockford Mutual announces Kritzer Insurance Agency as Agency of the Year for 2022.

Kritzer Insurance Agency is a family-owned insurance agency located in Bloomington, Indiana. Eric and Dana Kritzer manage and operate the agency with assistance from their son, Alex, who is also a full-time pre-med student at Indiana University. Rockford Mutual appointed Kritzer Insurance Agency in 2016, and since then the agency has fostered the largest book of business in the state of Indiana for RMIC. The agency staff has over 50 years of combined experience in both commercial and personal insurance, and serves customers throughout south-central Indiana.

“While we are happy to accept the award, it would not have been possible without an excellent team at Rockford to help support us” said Dana, “Rockford has some of the best underwriting, accounting, and claims staff in the industry. We truly enjoy working together and appreciate the relationships we have been able to develop with the staff.”

Rockford Mutual’s associates are the face of the organization. The company is proud to have been named a Best Place to Work in Illinois for four consecutive years, along with being named a Best Place to Work in Insurance for 2021 and 2022. Associates play a crucial role in providing quality service to both

representing agencies and their policyholders.

President and CEO, Kent Shantz, adds “Kritzer Insurance Agency has done tremendous work with our organization over the years. They played a significant role in helping RMIC expand business in the state of Indiana. We are very thankful they entrust their valued customers with us, and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with them.”

ABOUT ROCKFORD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY:

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company was founded in 1896. Rockford Mutual Insurance Company primarily writes automobile, homeowners, farmowners, and commercial multi-peril in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Policies are written through independent agents appointed within various areas of operation.

WEST BEND MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY LEADER IN TOP WORKPLACES

President Rob Jacques. "This award is evidence that we are succeeding at creating a positive and motivating environment."

"The recognition we receive as a top workplace is significant," says Kevin Steiner. "It helps us attract and retain talented individuals who want to be part of our company. Congratulations to our more than 1,500 associates who work daily to make West Bend a special place."

ACUITY HEALTH CHALLENGE TO BENEFIT NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE

Sheboygan, WI (5/23/23) - The 2023 Acuity Health Challenge will be held Saturday, July 15, with proceeds supporting the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Family Birth Center of Aurora Medical CenterSheboygan County. The Challenge features a 2-mile or 5K run/walk, with donation and virtual race alternatives.

West Bend, WI (5/19/23) - West Bend Mutual Insurance Company was announced as the first-place winner in the large company category for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Top Workplaces in Southeast Wisconsin. It is the twelfth consecutive year in which West Bend has placed in the top four among a prestigious list of 160 companies named to the 2023 Top Workplaces list.

Rankings are based entirely on employee feedback. Top Workplace companies are measured on company leadership, career opportunities, workplace flexibility, compensation, benefits, and the impact company policies have on innovation and morale. This announcement follows recent recognition as the sixthplace winner for Top Workplace in the USA. Also, West Bend's Madison location received Dane County's Top Workplace award for the third consecutive year.

At the same ceremony, Kevin Steiner, CEO of West Bend, was honored with a special Leadership Award as the result of the top workplace survey. Leadership award recipients were chosen based on scores from employee responses to a survey statement: "I have confidence in the leader of this company." According to one statement, Steiner "leads the organization by example and places high value on relationships, excellence, integrity, and responsibility."

"Our vision remains to be the company of choice for our associates, agency partners, and policyholders," stated

“The Acuity Health Challenge is a fun, family-friendly way that people of all ages can help support NICU services in Sheboygan County,” said Melissa Winter, Acuity President.

The Challenge marks its 11th year in 2023. The course is on Acuity’s campus at 2800 South Taylor Drive in Sheboygan, and parking will be available. The event begins at 8:00 a.m., and age group awards will be presented to winners in each category from 14 and under to 65 and older. The event also features a Vendor Expo, located at the start/finish line, as well as a performance by the Sheboygan South High School Drumline.

The early entry fee for the Acuity Health Challenge is only $20 until June 25, then $30 through July 13. Sameday registration is available for $35. To learn more or register for the Challenge, visit acuity.com/about/ acuity-events/acuity-health-challenge or facebook.com/ AcuityHealthChallenge.

Acuity Insurance, headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, insures over 130,000 businesses, including 300,000 commercial vehicles, and nearly a half million homes and private passenger autos across 31 states. Rated A+ by AM Best and S&P, Acuity employs nearly 1,600 people.

FINANCE COMMITTEE OVERHAULS EVERS' BUDGET WITH OPENING VOTES

State lawmakers on the legislature’s 16-member Joint Finance Committee (JFC) opened voting on the 202325 state budget with the removal of more than 500 provisions that were originally included in Governor Tony Evers' budget plan introduced back in late February. The vote fell along partisan lines with the committee’s 12 Republicans removing hundreds of spending proposals and non-fiscal policy items from the budget, effectively resetting spending levels to the 2021-23 baseline.

The Finance committee took similar steps to remove most of Governor Evers’ proposals from his 2019-21 and 2021-23 budget proposals. Included among the 545 items stripped from the latest budget proposal was a plan to create an expansive paid family and medical leave program that was of significant concern to the small business community. The Governor’s 12-week paid leave proposal included funding of $243 million and the hiring of 198 state employees to launch, administer, enforce, and pay the initial benefits in the program. Democrats on the committee introduced a motion to spend state dollars to study the economic impact of the family leave program, but their motion failed along party lines. Also on the list of items removed from the budget was the Governor’s proposed small business retirement plan, along with his initiative to increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour. Other major proposals that were removed include legalization of recreational marijuana, expansion of Medicaid funding, tax dollars for a public health insurance option, and increased spending on public education and environmental initiatives. See the full list of items removed from the budget at https://bit.ly/3oti1w1

In other committee action, Republicans approved position and funding authority for the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) for three new insurance financial examiner positions in the

Division of Financial Regulation and one insurance examiner advanced position for the Division of Market Regulation. The agency had requested in the Governor’s budget a total of 11 additional positions to address staffing shortages and workload demands, particularly in the area of financial examinations of insurance carriers and enforcement of a new law related to third-party Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The committee also voted along partisan lines to eliminate 29 state positions at the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) that have been vacant for more than 18 months.

The committee continues to meet and will vote over the next several weeks on making more changes to the budget. Once they are done all of the committee’s modifications to the Governor’s original budget bill are incorporated into a substitute amendment, passed and sent to the full Legislature for separate floor votes in the Assembly and Senate. The Legislature generally begins deliberations and takes a final vote on the budget towards the middle of June and sends the enrolled bill to the Governor. The Governor will take up to 30 days to review the bill before issuing his vetoes and ultimately signing the bill. As with any other bill, to become law, the state budget must pass both houses of the Legislature and be signed by the Governor. Wisconsin’s Governor has the power to sign the budget into law while exercising a “partial veto” by removing individual words and reducing numbers to change or eliminate appropriations or statutory language within the budget bill. The Governor may also choose to veto the budget in its entirety and send it back to the Legislature, but doing so is exceedingly rare.

The right fit

for you. The right fit for your clients.

Dedicated injury prevention

Specialized claims management

Exceptional cost containment

Delivering positive, long-term results for employers.

offers a helping hand.

At Western National Insurance, nice is what’s guided us for over 100 years. And we’re just getting started.

Western National Insurance. The power of nice.

www.wnins.com