Agents To Get Anti-Discrimination Training
Looking to take advantage of potential business opportunities in urban areas, a Hartford-based insurer and an independent agent association announced the national release of an educational program aimed at helping agents understand the underpinnings of discrimination and improving marketing in inner cities.
The Independent Insurance Agents of America in Alexandria, Va., and Travelers Insurance Company announced the new "Best Practices" educational program.
The course, entitled, "The Insurance Marketplace and Workplace: Fair Access and Equal Treatment For All," is designed to help agents understand the issues surrounding allegations of discrimination in the insurance industry, including practices that could lead to charges of a lack of fair access to insurance products and services. Those taking advantage of the program will receive information about emerging business opportunities in under-served markets and how to become a player in those areas.
"It is critical that agents understand the issues of fair access and take steps within their agencies to ensure their customers are treated fairly and equally," said Bob Rusbuldt, IIAAs chief executive officer.
The course is also intended to help agents ensure that their workplace is free of discrimination. In addition, it provides a forum for discussion on how to reach under-served markets, noted Loren Shoemaker, vice president of agency marketing for Travelers.
The program was developed several years ago by Travelers to train its own employees, said Ed Charlebois, vice president of personal lines for the company. Two years ago, the company decided the program would benefit agents universally and soonafter began discussions with IIAA to take advantage of its education network.
The course was first presented last year during the IIAAs conference in Orlando, noted Mr. Charlebois. It has now been approved for continuing education credit in more than 10 states and more approvals are expected, he said.
Courses have been held in California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Washington State and Wyoming, said Mr. Charlebois.
The program has been well received by the ethnically mixed audience of agents who have taken the courses, according to Mr. Charlebois.
Course instructors are Cheryl Koch and Chris Amrhein.
Ms. Koch is the owner of Agency Management Resource Group, a training, education and consulting firm in Lincoln, Calif. She is conducting classes on the West coast.
Mr. Amrhein has a long career as a producer and independent agency manager. A consultant based out of Lorton, Va., he most recently served as vice president for education for the IIAA. He will conduct courses on the East coast.
Reproduced from National Underwriter Property & Casualty/Risk & Benefits Management Edition, September 10, 2001. Copyright 2001 by The National Underwriter Company in the serial publication. All rights reserved.Copyright in this article as an independent work may be held by the author.
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