Property & casualty insurance industry professionals work in a variety of roles: agents, brokers, underwriters, claims examiners, producers and risk consultants, to name a few. And I'm pleased that our readers represent that cross section.

We read every day that traditional insurance distribution channels — including independent agents — are disappearing, only to be replaced by start-ups and online insurance options. Despite all the disruption in the insurance industry, independent agents are still doing business across the country. They're trusted advisers to their clients at the most important times of their clients' lives: buying a car or a house, renting property or starting a business, for example. Agents also are part of the fabric of their communities. They sponsor Little League teams, volunteer at food pantries, and send their children to the same schools that their clients do.