Whenever I talk about my job in social settings, there are two phrases I often invoke: "It's far more interesting than it sounds," and "Nothing happens without insurance."
While the former statement is more subjective, the latter is indisputably true — and it is America's independent agents whom we largely have to thank for facilitating millions of transactions per year, helping citizens and businesspeople alike secure the proper insurance protections. These agencies of hardworking men and women throughout the U.S. — from the smallest shops to the largest multi-line businesses — will always have my deepest respect.
Which begs the question, why doesn't NU P&C have an awards program honoring the top independent agencies? It's a question I asked myself out loud last year right around the time I started preparing this year's editorial calendar. We give awards to workers' comp programs (our Excellence in Workers' Compensation Risk Management Awards, featured in this issue); top minds in cyber security (our Excellence in Cyber Security Risk Management Award, coming up in our November issue); and even carriers (our Risk Manager Choice Awards, in April), but where's the love for our core audience?
Well, I'm happy to report that's about to change. It's high time we start giving credit where it's due.
I'm proud to announce that in our October issue, we will debut National Underwriter's Agency of the Year Awards, in which we will honor agencies representing four revenue categories (four winners in all), allowing for a representative cross-section of agencies across the U.S.
These will include "small" agencies ($4–$5 million in premium); mid-size agencies ($5–$15 million in premium); "large" agencies ($15–$20 million); and "extra large" agencies ($20 million or more).
The criteria on which entrants will be judged are simple: We're looking for success stories showing how an agency best serves its clients, illustrating its strength and variety of business; carrier relationships; claims processing; client satisfaction; social responsibility; adoption of new technology to accelerate processes; and customer service, among other things.
Has your agency implemented new tech processes that had direct impact on business? Can you offer several examples of exceptional client service and/or relationships? What's your long-term growth strategy? What marketing efforts have proven especially beneficial for you? Can you provide examples of community outreach and philanthropic work?
The judges will include our editorial staff; members of NU's Editorial Advisory Board; and representatives from industry-professional organizations such as the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA), among others.
If your agency has a great story to tell, I encourage you to enter our competition. Fill out the official entry form, and tell your story in 2,000 words or fewer. The deadline is Aug. 28, and I have to stress that deadline will not be extended. There is no fee for entering, and the entry form asks only for you to tell us exactly why your agency is exceptional.
I look forward to seeing your entries. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your summer, and if you see me at the Workers' Compensation Institute's Annual Conference in Orlando on Aug. 6–9, please come up and say hello. I value your feedback, and, being Irish, I love a good conversation.
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