NU Online News Service, June 18, 1:51 p.m. EDT
Insurance agents and brokers seeking to break into the Hispanic marketplace in the Northeast can find some help with the launch of a new association aimed at helping producers grow their business.
The Latin Agents and Brokers Association is seeking to grow from its core founding membership of 14 into a major association aimed at helping producers interested in doing business in the Hispanic market.
"There are many wonderful insurance associations out there," said Elmer Rivera, chairman and president of LABA in a statement. "What differentiates LABA from them is our concern for the Hispanic insurance consumer and our vision to support agents and brokers producing Hispanic business by making a positive difference in their insurance business and careers."
In an interview with NU Online News Service, Mr. Rivera explained that the association is now looking to grow beyond its core, inviting each current member to bring in 10 new members. These new members will be part of an introductory dinner the association is planning to hold some time in September that will also feature company sponsors.
While it is based in Plainview, N.Y., Mr. Rivera, who is branch manager with Jimcor Agency, is also looking to grow beyond New York and into New Jersey and Connecticut for starters.
He said membership will be reasonably priced, beginning at $100 for five or less staff members at an agency.
The new association is not affiliated with any other Latin agent association or independent agent group, something the core group of members considered before deciding to strike out on their own, Mr. Rivera said.
He said the association's aim is to help new producers start-up and grow. Education will be an important component of the association with lesson from how to start a business to software, ethics and getting a company appointment.
"We want to provide them with what they need to be successful," explained Mr. Rivera.
It is also the association's aim to help individuals market to the Hispanic population, which he said is a very diverse cultural group.
Being Hispanic is not required to belong to LABA, Mr. Rivera pointed out. Individuals only need to be interested in targeting that marketplace. And it is not limited to property and casualty agents, but is open to life and health and benefits agents.
Anyone interested in additional information or joining the group can go to the site that is still under construction–so all features may not work–or call Mr. Rivera at 631-531-9595 ext. 3301.
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