It’s STORMing in Owensboro!

Jennifer Farmer and Melanie Hardesty with Storm Insurance

Hope Yager and Bobbi Coffman with River City Insurance

Not only did we go visit our NEW member Storm Insurance, Inc. but we drove through an actual storm to get there. Coincidence… I think not! Peggy, Tara and I visited with Melanie Hardesty and Jennifer Farmer to talk about all the benefits that you receive with membership. We went through our Quick Guide to Membership which is always helpful even for “seasoned” members. Storm has been in the business for 7 years and specializes in crop insurance. We talked about how attending events is a great way to meet other agents and really understand what this organization is about. We are a community of agents all after the same goal.

We trotted over to the Owensboro Board of Independent Insurance Agents (OBIIA)monthly meeting. We ate at the BriarPatch in the middle of town before the meeting began. Hope Yager, President of the board spoke to the group about the state of the organization. The board was able to give $500 to all the area schools and volunteer at the Pitino Shelter 1-1.5 hours a month. Each agency has been taking turns to volunteer their time. GO OBIIA!

Robert Palmer (KEMI), Michelle Love (Chair-Elect of IIAK). 

Will Higdon and Keith Hopgood with Van Meter Insurance

Robert Palmer with KEMI talked about their updated A- rating with AM Best. He also stated the market in Kentucky continues to be stable and they had a rate reduction in January. The company is doing well and was able to pay out dividends to their agents.

 Next out of the gate was Peggy, who spoke about the 2014 legislative session.
Here are some of the things she touched on:

• Electronic Proof of Insurance – HB218
• Limited lines licenses for self-storage space insurance – HB 357
• Financial solvency requirements for domestic insurers – DOI priority bill – HB 126
• Anticancer medications deductible no higher for patient administered treatment – HB 126
• Ease filing requirements for partnerships and LLCs claiming exemption from WC – no more annual filing required – HB 349
• Qualifying for Medicaid when entering nursing home; enter into life settlement agreement to get below threshold – HB 414
• Data Breach for all businesses in KY – HB 232

Peggy also mentioned that they were able to avert the Sinkhole mandate that kept rearing its head during the session. She reminded everyone of the Big “I” Sales & LeadershipConference – June 11 & 12 at Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington, KY and the 118^th Annual Convention & Trade Show – Nov. 12-14 at The Brown Hotel in Louisville, Ky.

These beautiful people are from Neace Lukens

Larry Hayden and Neel Ford with E.M. Ford

Down the final stretch, Tara talked about the new Cyber Liability Program that began in December 2013. We already have 8 agents signed up. The program is great and the premiums are cheaper than you can find anywhere else. Also, you don’t have to be an expert or even be compliant. Arlington Roe will work with you to get you there. She also talked about the new Squirrel membership recruitment campaign! If you see someone that you think needs to be a member… simply give them a card and send their info to us! We will take it from there. Tara gave the board the lowdown on the newest IIAK endorsement, Telecom Services. You can save 28-40% on your phone, mobile and internet bills. Let Schooley Mitchell do the work. Also, don’t forget to contribute to KAPAC and InsurPac. You can now contribute to both at the same time!
The Owensboro board decided to have their annual golf outing on September 24^th. Mark your calendars. 

Jennifer and Melanie from Storm Insurance.

Steve Ford (E.M.Ford) and Doc Harris (Storm Ins.)

2803 Veach Road, Owensboro, Ky 42303

Peggy, Tara and I took to the streets of Owensboro before heading home. We galloped over to Baize Insurance where we talked to Ellis Belamy. He was super nice and said he would pass along the information to Bobbi Kenady.

2212 Frederica Street, Owensboro, Ky 42302

Then we sauntered over to Horn and France Insurance where we met with Karen Frasier. We gave her a packet of information and some fun goodies. Maybe next time we will chat with Tim France. 

2120 Frederica Street, Owensboro, Ky 42301

We were trying to beat the last string of storms and raced into Neely Insurance Agency, LLC. We spoke with the ladies and left some great information. Next time we will try to spend some quality time with John Neely. 




Straight from the horse's mouth,