Two Big Penn. Agent Groups Merge
By Mark E. Ruquet
NU Online News Service, Dec. 11, 4:14 p.m. EST? After years of discussions, two Pennsylvania independent agent associations have agreed to merge- a move that will better address the needs of all members, the president-to-be of the combined operation said.
The Harrisburg, Pa.-based Independent Insurance Agents of Pennsylvania and the Mechanicsburg, Pa.-based Professional Insurance Agents Association of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware agreed to merge as the Insurance Agents & Brokers of Pennsylvania Inc. effective Jan. 1, 2003.
The association members voted to go ahead with the action on Dec. 4 putting 1,418 Pennsylvania property-casualty agencies together under the same membership umbrella.
"Our members know this consolidation not only helps them but also their clients," said John K. Shipman Jr., current chairman of PIA, who will be chairman of IA&B.
"We have united two organizations that share the same vision for the future – advancing the value of the independent insurance agent in the marketplace for consumers. Members will have greater strength as advocates, more professional development and training opportunities and greater access to programs and services. And all that means better service to consumers."
Rick Russell, president and chief executive officer of the tri-state PIA, who will assume the same duties under the new organization, said in an interview with National Underwriter that the merger would not only allow the new association to better serve its members but also expand those services.
"The merger will make us a more nimble association to better address our members needs," said Mr. Russell.
The IA&B of Pennsylvania members will be affiliated with the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, both headquartered in Alexandria, Va.
The PIA of Delaware and Maryland chapters will be renamed the IA&B of Delaware and the IA&B of Maryland. Each will have access to the same services they enjoyed while with PIA, but will not be affiliated with the IIABA, said Mr. Russell.
The Delaware and Maryland groups will not be associated because both states have active independent insurance agent chapters already affiliated with IIABA, Mr. Russell explained.
The IIAP offices will move to the PIA headquarters in Mechanicsburg, merging operations, Mr. Russell said.
William D. Schneider, who is currently the president of IIAP, will become vice-chairman and assume Mr. Shipman's position as chairman when the remaining eight months of his term expires, Mr. Russell said.
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