Review-Outook 2009

• It's the economy--and more

  By Staff Writer  |  December 29, 2009

  No surprise: Industry consultants who regularly work with independent agents and brokers find their No. 1 concern is the recession and the soft market.

• AAB 2009 Advertisers

  By Staff Writer  |  December 7, 2009

  The following is a list of advertisers appearing in AA&B during 2009.

• AAB Market Locator

  By Staff Writer  |  December 7, 2009

  Welcome to the American Agent & Broker Market Locator, a service to help you find sources for products and services in the year ahead.

• Dealing with the new normal

  By Laura Mazzuca Toops, PropertyCasualty360.com, Broker Editor  |  December 7, 2009

  Whew! We made it to the end of 2009. And although things could be more secure, some basic indicators point to a small-scale stabilization.

• Blurring the lines

  By Staff Writer  |  December 7, 2009

  The influx of admitted insurance players into the wholesale market--driven by an ongoing soft market and a recession--means today's wholesale brokers, MGUs and MGAs must be more focused than ever...

• No more business as usual

  By Staff Writer  |  December 7, 2009

  Between the recession and damage to the industry's reputation, insurance companies can no longer conduct their businesses as they have in the past.

• Specialization rules

  By Staff Writer  |  December 7, 2009

  In the programs field, it's all about knowing your niches and delivering not only the best product at the best price, but fulfilling the customer's expectation of knowledgeable counsel as well.

• Taking the long-term view

  By Staff Writer  |  December 7, 2009

  Although it's important to hold down expenses and "do more with less" to survive the recession, agents and brokers are looking beyond this crisis and preparing their businesses for better times.

• The importance of representing

  By Staff Writer  |  December 7, 2009

  Although insurance societies and associations always have provided the vital service of representation for their members, their presence today is more important than ever.