NU Online News Service, Jan. 28, 11:39 a.m.EST

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America saidU.S. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, D-Conn., willaddress the group's March 5 Large Agent/Broker and CEO dinner,

His talk will take place during IIABA's Legislative Conference& Convention.

"The [IIABA] has a long history of working closely with Sen.Dodd on key issues that impact independent insurance agents andbrokers, small businesses and insurance consumers," said Robert A.Rusbuldt, IIABA president and chief executive officer.

"Sen. Dodd has distinguished himself as a dynamic and effectivelegislative leader for 30 years. He is a resilient and outspokenchampion for independent insurance agents and brokers inConnecticut and throughout our country on a wide range of insuranceand small business issues vital to their livelihoods," Mr. Rusbuldtadded.

Sen. Dodd heads the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing andUrban Affairs. Currently serving his fifth Senate term, he recentlyannounced he will not run for re-election. In 2002, the IIABApresented Sen. Dodd with the association's Gerald SolomonLegislator of the Year Award.

Charles E. Symington, Jr., IIABA senior vice president forgovernment affairs, said the senator, "truly understands theimportant role our members play in communities across thecountry."

The IIABA National Legislative Conference will take place March3-5 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Registration and hotel information is online at www.independentagent.comusing the "Events and Conferences" link.