“Planting season” on point
I continue to look forward to receiving my copy of American Agent& Broker and especially to reading Chris Amrhein's articles.Amrhein's column (“It's not too early for planting season”) on whatwe can and should do as 2009 opens with all of its problems andchallenges was right on the mark. His use of Bette Midler's “TheRose” was something I would never have thought of, but was onpoint.
One of my jobs at my company is to write bulletins for our agents.We e-mail the bulletins these days, but whether the delivery methodis regular mail or electronic mail, it is often questionable ifanyone reads them. A little feedback now and then at leastencourages me that someone has. Let me assure you–although I doubtit is necessary–your articles are always read by at least oneperson.
Jim Lyter
Lebanon Mutual Insurance Co.
Cleona, Pa.

As usual, bravo! And here I had one of my CSRs fretting with anaccount over limit for unscheduled tools and equipment on his IM,when the CSR should be more concerned with staying in businessfollowing a cat loss. After all, isn't that what we're in thisbusiness to provide? Couldn't agree with you more.
Because our industry has been dragged through the mire and muck, weneed to figure out a way to have voices like yours be heard in themainstream. Maybe you could go on after Cramer on CNBC–or face anAIG exec in a UFC showdown on Spike.
Mick Matheson, CIC
Figley, Salz & Co. Inc.
Woodward, Okla.

Young talent has problems, too
I'm an old maid of 33, and have been in the property-casualtybusiness for 10 years. Attracting young people is an issue, butalso embracing those already here is another. At the last CE classI attended, I looked around the room and there were two women olderthan 40 and the rest was a sea of gray-haired men.
I am used to the sexist jokes and an almost overwhelming feeling ofbeing ignored for a double whammy: I'm a woman and I'm young. Menmy age appear to be enveloped into the old boys club while I try toforce my way in. These experiences have taught me to be innovativeand spend my energy wisely, which includes joining variousprofessional women's groups.
To agencies reaching out to young adults, I would offerflexibility, innovation, input and education. Gen Y bringstechnical skills that would be an asset to a company if focused andexploited. I also think that often overlooked are young mothers,who are a source of unique talents. For them, a little flexibilitygoes a long way.
But in the end, even I have a difficult time convincing myout-of-work friends to give insurance a try.
Jennifer Gregorski
Provident Insurance Services
Dresher, Pa.