Progressive, with a sales force of over 30,000 independentagents, has formed a technology advisory board. Ten independentagents have joined Progressive business leaders in Web, mobile,social media, and information technology to guide Progressive'sdevelopment of current and new technologies for its agencybusiness.

At its first meeting in January, the board discussed itscharter, the growing importance of mobile platforms, and the futureof agency management systems.

“We're committed to helping independent agents thrive in thedigital age, and technology plays a vital role,” says Karen Barone,Progressive's agency distribution leader. “We've developedeasy-to-use tools to help agents build their Internet presence,more efficiently manage their businesses, and better servecustomers online and off. With the establishment of the technologyadvisory board, we're investing today in the technologies agentswill need to build even stronger businesses tomorrow.”

The board's 10 member agents are forerunners in adopting andusing technology. Agents will serve a two-year term, and to ensureboth stability and fresh perspectives, half of the members willroll off every year. Progressive will share the board's insightswith its business leaders and Progressive independent agents acrossthe country through the company's agency blog and agente-newsletter.

“Progressive has more than 30,000 independent agents with a widerange of technology needs,” said Jim DeVito, Progressive's agentexperience manager. “Through the technology advisory board, agentsnow have a seat at the table with Progressive leadership to helpshape current technology, identify emerging trends andopportunities, and influence the direction of Progressive's futuretechnology investments.”