IIABA Offers Young Agent Scholarships

NU Online News Service, Feb. 25, 3:44 p.m.EST?The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers ofAmerica is offering young independent agents a few financialincentives to get their political feet wet and attend the group'slegislative conference in Washington, D.C.

The Alexandria, Va., agent association's National LegislativeConference is scheduled for April 2-4 at The Capital Hilton.

IIABA said it is offering scholarships to young agents to helpthem attend the annual event. The conference gives agents anopportunity to hear congressional leaders talk about pressinglegislative and political matters in the capital. Later, youngagents can join IIABA members to visit their congressionalrepresentatives, the group said.

The organization said the definition of a "young" agent variesby IIABA chapter, but generally means someone under age 40 withonly a few years in the business.

To help defray a young agent's cost of attending the conferencefor the first time, IIABA said it has established a new annualscholarship fund. The scholarship is in honor of Maurice Herndon,who died in January.

Mr. Herndon directed IIABA's Washington, D.C. office from 1949to 1976. He was highly regarded for his efforts by independentagents across America, the association said.

In memory of his work to establish the government affairs andgrassroots operations at IIABA, the Herndon scholarship fund wouldenable young agents to join the group's Capitol Hill lobbyingeffort.

The National Young Agents Committee offers a $300 scholarship toeach state association for a first-time young agent attendee fromits respective state.

First-time young agent attendees have until Feb. 28 to apply forscholarships that will help defray the costs of attending theconference.

Applications are available at www.independentagent.com.IIABA also offers all young agents a special registration rate of$100.

The upcoming conference will feature the opening day of theEighth Annual Young Agent's Luncheon presentation and tour. Theluncheon will include a panel of political insiders discussing thenational political climate, lobbying and political actioncommittees. The discussion will also provide insight into gettinginvolved at the local and national levels.

State chairpersons of InsurPAC, the political action committeeof IIABA, will join young agents for the luncheon.

Young agents with any questions about the Young Agents' luncheonand tour can contact Leslie Mularski. Tabitha Gass can be contactedfor general conference questions. Both are reachable at800-221-7917.