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Dec. 9th, 2022 - A publication of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California
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Bob Teshima
President
IIABCal
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President's Message
The Word Is Out!
For the past six months, IIABCal has loudly broadcast to member agents and brokers, insurance companies, regulators, lawmakers, and the public about the need to take action to stop the continual decay of California’s property and auto markets that makes insurance both unaffordable and unavailable.
In more than two dozen communications stories, speeches, op-ed pieces in major California newspapers, and television and media interviews, IIABCal has helped spread the message of needed changes to California laws to provide relief to the state’s insurance consumers. At the heart of the issue is Prop 103’s restrictive rate-approval process.
Commissioner Lara Takes Notice
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has taken notice. IIABCal shortly will be meeting with Commissioner Lara to discuss what can be done to provide relief to the dying admitted property and auto markets and make it easier and quicker for insurance companies operating in California to get needed rate relief.
We are encouraged by the commissioner’s willingness to meet with us and to listen to our proposal to help solve the crisis. In the meantime, IIABCal will continue to engage outside legal counsel to assist us in developing a comprehensive legal strategy, with regulatory, legislative, and potentially even judicial components, in the fight on behalf of independent insurance agents and brokers and their clients, California insurance consumers.
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CEO Corner
Closing Out 2022 With A Bang!
IIABCal is closing out 2022 with a bang! We installed a fabulous Board for 2023, we are wrapping up loose ends in our Pleasanton office and starting a new chapter with a San Diego address, and we are collecting names of the carrier relations person at every member agency so we can be sure the right person is aware of all our market access programs.
A huge thank you to our outgoing President, Bob Teshima, for shepherding IIABCal through a year of change. And thank you to the outgoing Board members, Jeff Downey and Joe Hamilton for their contributions over the past three years of Board service.
I wish you a happy and joyous holiday season! Here’s to 2023!
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Jill Epstein
Chief Executive Officer
IIABCal
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Happy Holidays From The IIABCal Staff
Wishing you the best this Holiday Season are, from left, Anita Tuteja, Pauline Nakadachi, Mike Orrick, Carol Scaparro, David Benesh, Jenn Pouey, Jill Epstein and Steve Young.
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As IIABCal Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Steve Young provides counsel on all corporate legal matters, represents the interests of member independent insurance agents and brokers at regulatory hearings conducted by the California Department of Insurance and other state agencies, coordinates IIABCal's involvement in litigation affecting insurance producers, and provides legal research and support to the Association’s legislative advocates.
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IIABCal Advocacy
IIABCal Urges Changes to CDI Notice on Broker-Agent Emails
IIABCal and three other producer organizations have jointly urged the California Department of Insurance (CDI) to clarify misleading statements contained in a CDI Notice describing a new law that will require brokers and agents to include their license numbers in all emails that concern insurance transactions.
Effective Jan. 1, 2023, SB 1242 amends California Insurance Code Section 1725.5 to require producer license numbers to be included in all emails “… that involve an activity for which a license is required.”  The insurance industry supported the new requirement, in part because it constituted a minor expansion of pre-existing requirements for license numbers to be posted on websites, business cards, written price quotations and print advertising distributed within California.
However, in a Nov. 17 Notice announcing the new requirement that was sent to all resident and non-resident-licensed agents and brokers, the Department created significant confusion and alarm when it offered examples of emails that it said would require producer license numbers.  The examples included by CDI included communications that producer groups believe fall within the definition of “clerical activities” that may be performed without a license.
“Unfortunately, the Bulletin has unintentionally created a firestorm of questions from all over the country about the scope of the new requirements,” IIABCal General Counsel Steve Young wrote to Commissioner Lara. Click here to read the complete story.
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California Regulatory System Hurting Independent Agents & Their Clients
In a recent Op-Ed article, IIABCal Lobbyist John Norwood said millions of California insurance consumers are being adversely affected and incurring higher costs of insurance due to the malfunctioning insurance regulatory system in California.
Moreover, he said, the broken regulatory environment is undermining, and in some cases, threatening to destroy, independent insurance agencies and brokerages that have been the backbone of communities throughout the state.
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John Norwood
Legislative Advocate
IIABCal
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Past President Don Way Passes Away
IIABCal lost one of its prominent leaders and a true industry legend with the passing of Past President Donald Way Nov. 12th. He was 77.
Way’s commitment to the Independent Agency System spanned his professional insurance career and his leadership forged important changes to the association while serving as IIABCal President in 2001, as well as Vice President, Secretar-Treasurer, Board Director, and as chair of the organization’s Investment and Blue Ribbon Conference committees. In 2003, Way received the Ramsden-Sullivan Memorial Award, the most prestigious honor IIABCal bestows on an individual who exemplifies the highest caliber of service to the Independent Agency System, the insurance industry, and the community.
A Life Well Lived
“There is no doubt that Don Way enjoyed a life well lived, and everyone who knew Don is the better for it,” said Jerry O’Kane, former IIABCal Chief Executive Officer. “At his memorial service, speakers representing each of the important segments of his life commemorated his successes, his values, and his important contributions. I am one of the many who benefited greatly from Don’s knowledge, generous nurturing, leadership abilities and his abiding friendship, and I am profoundly sad to see him go.”
Former California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner eulogized about his long relationship with Don and their work together — which included opening the Palo Alto Chapter of the Junior Chamber (Jaycees) to female members. Poizner said Way’s action led to a lawsuit by the U.S. Junior Chamber in a case that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and produced a landmark decision prohibiting gender discrimination.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts to Serviss and Ginny, Don graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover in 1963. Shortly after starting his degree at Stanford University, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in combat in Vietnam. Upon returning, Don re-registered at Stanford and graduated cum laude in 1970.
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Don Way
IIABCal Past President
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Don then began his career and became CEO and Chairman of Thoits Insurance Service. He grew the firm from eight to ninety-eight people and transitioned the company into an employee-owned enterprise. After Don retired, he founded Don Way Litigation to serve as an expert witness.
Outside of his career achievements, Don was an active community member. He served as an elected official on the Palo Alto School Board for nine years, three of which he served as president. He also served as a dedicated member of the Palo Alto Jaycees, where he met his wife-to-be. Don was never happier than when he was surrounded by family in Hawaii.
Military Honors
A memorial service held last week included a U.S. Marine Corp. Honor Guard, in full dress uniform, who played Taps, and solemnly presented a folded American Flag to his family.
Don is survived by Sylvie, his beloved wife of more than 40 years, his children and their families: Nate and Toni, their child Alexander; Nick and his wife Brittany; and Ted and Tate, their children, Parker and Teddy Jr.; and an adoring extended family of siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces.
Late in life, Don converted to Judaism and found comfort, support, and friendship in the Beth Am congregation in Los Altos Hills, where the service was held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Andover and the Military or the Marder Endowment At Congregation Beth Am.
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Membership
Thank You For Your Continued Support
As we prepare for the Holiday Season, IIABCal would like to thank you for your continued support.
Your support, and the support of other independent insurance agents and brokers in California, allow IIABCal to grow its membership in 2022 which provided additional resources to not only meet our members' needs, but to implement key policy initiatives that benefit policyholders and other insurance consumers.
As we get ready for the Holidays, we'd like to let our members know that the staff office will be closed starting at 1 p.m., Dec. 22nd through Dec. 26th, and again starting at 1 p.m., Dec. 29th through Jan. 2nd.
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Have a membership question about your member benefits? Contact Operations & Member Services Vice President Jenn Pouey at 925-426-3304 or jpouey@iiabcal.org.
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IIABCal says goodbye to its Pleasanton Office
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IIABCal Goes Remote
Pleasanton Office To Close Dec. 31st
IIABCal is going remote on Dec. 31st as it closes its long-time Pleasanton office. IIABCal CEO Jill Epstein said the decision is strategic and economical.
"IIABCal has a history of remote working long before it was fashionable to give employees workplace options, and the COVID shutdown reinforced that association employees can work just as efficiently from home as from an office," Epstein said. "We have spent the last six months implementing shared folders and staff work platforms that integrate our member calls and emails within our database. These tools allow us to efficiently and seamlessly serve our members In addition, the significant savings from eliminating unnecessary commercial rent allows us to spend more resources on member needs."
IIABCal's new mailing address is 9528 Miramar Rd., #1142, San Diego, CA 92126. IIABCal continues to have a Sacramento presence through our Lobbyist John Norwood of Norwood Associates, LLC.
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IIABCal's Historical Insurance Books Need New Home
IIABCal is in the process of closing its Pleasanton office (see story above) and is looking for a home for historical industry books that date back to 1911. IIABCal has accumulated more than 230 historical volumes, including the only bound copies of Underwriters Report, California Insurance Agent, The Broker, and the American Agency Bulletin. Click here to see a listing of the historical volumes.
"Within these volumes is the more than 100-year history of California's independent agency system," IIABCal Marketing & Communications Vice President David Benesh said. "We want to find a good home so we can preserve the history and provide the necessary historical sources for future research of our industry."
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If you know of a private, public, or school library that could accommodate our books, please contact Carol Scaparro at 925-426-3308 or cscaparro@iiabcal.org by Dec. 20th.
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Member Question of the Month
What Activities Can Be Performed Without An Insurance License?
Q. One of our best employees, who we wanted to get licensed to work as a producer, informed us that she can’t get a license, because she was convicted a few years ago of a felony (completely unrelated to insurance). We would like to continue employing her, but what can she do on an unlicensed basis?
A. Both state and federal law prohibit persons convicted of felonies, or certain misdemeanors involving breach of trust, from keeping or obtaining a license to transact insurance. Under California law, an employee may engage in mere “clerical activities” without a license. Click here for the complete answer.
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IIABCal’s “Member Question of the Month” features questions from agents & brokers.
IIABCal General Counsel Steve Young provides answers to your legal questions as part of your membership benefits.
Have a question? Email Steve Young at syoung@iiabcal.org.
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Brent Walla
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IIABCal Introduces New Podcast Format
IIABCal has introduced a new podcast, called Independent Voices, that will expand the association's audience outreach to the public by focusing on the uniqueness of independent agents and brokers and the value-added services they provide.
In this month’s introductory podcast, Host James Lott, Jr., sat down with IIABCal member Brent Walla of Snapp Entertainment in San Diego.
As a former professional in the live entertainment space, Walla understands his clients’ operations and their risks, translating insurance policy language into an operational language that clients understand.
Watch the podcast.
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Looking To Expand Business Relationships?
Registration Open For 2023 Blue Ribbon Conference
Registration for the Blue Ribbon Conference, April 30 - May 4, 2023, on the Big Island of Hawaii is now open!
Join more than 400 industry leaders for an exclusive opportunity to network with decision-makers at premier carriers, in addition to attending unique education sessions and lavish receptions while enjoying the beauty of the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, the host hotel, stretching along its namesake white-sand beach on the Big Island.
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Only 15 Early Bird Registration Discounts Available
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There are only 15 early bird spots left for the 2023 IRMI Emmett J. Vaughan Agribusiness Conference (AgriCon), Feb. 5-7, 2023 in Sacramento.
The first 100 attendees who register will save $100 off the standard registration fee. These discounted seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Register today for the premier event focused on agribusiness and farm insurance and risk management. The agribusiness risk and insurance topics you don't want to miss include:
- Vertical Farming
- Parametric Insurance in Agriculture
- Natural Disaster Recovery
- Environmental Risks
- Supply Chain Management
- and More....
To view the full AgriCon agenda and to register, click here.
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Don't Overlook Perpetuation
In a recent Rough Notes article, InsurBanc’s Agency Banking Director Matt Sprang compares the difference between selling to a large acquirer or perpetuating internally, as well as the importance of researching and seeking professional advice when considering selling your independent insurance agency. In addition, Sprang talks about the needed steps for the continued health and growth of your agency.
Click here to read the article.
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Matt Sprang
Agency Banking Director
InsurBanc
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Member Spotlight
Office Beacon Joins IIABCal
One of the largest remote staffing firms to thousands of businesses throughout the world has joined forces with IIABCal as an associate member.
For more than 20 years, Office Beacon has outsourced full-time employees so companies can focus on developing their businesses. With offices in the United States, Canada, India, the Philippines, Uruguay, and Australia, Office Beacon offers dedicated remote staffing expertise to a plethora of industries.
In welcoming Office Beacon to IIABCal, President Bob Teshima said "OB" has joined a growing list of associate members that can help member agents and brokers enhance their competitve edge and client resources through state-of-the-art products and services.
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IIABCal is excited to announce its newest associate member, Office Beacon.
To read the complete story, click here.
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Big "I" Leaders Among Top D.C. Lobbyist
IIABA President & CEO Bob Rusbuldt and Charles Symington, Big “I" Executive Vice President, were named among the top trade association lobbyists in Washington, D.C. this year by The Hill newspaper. Read More.
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IIAB Sacramento Says Goodbye To Long-Time Executive Director
With 35 years of dedicated service to the IIAB Sacramento as its Executive Director, Rose Kaerth has announced her retirement effective January 1, 2023.
Many agents and brokers know Rose through her involvement with the local and state Big "I" associations.
"Rose was emblematic of the IIAB Sacramento," said Rob Oates, past president of both IIAB Sacramento and IIABCal. "For more than three decades she forged the identity of independent insurance agents and brokers in the Sacramento area. Rose will be sorely missed. We all wish her the best in her retirement. "
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Rose Kaerth
Executive Director
IIAB Sacramento
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IIABA-LA Raises Funds To Fill Family Holiday Baskets
Over the last four years, IIABA-LA has partnered with The Water Buffalo Club to help raise funds to purchase fresh food to fill Thanksgiving baskets for families at various title 1 LAUSD Elementary Schools.
In the past. our members have filled baskets with fresh holiday meals and personally delivered each basket to families at 118th Street Elementary School. Due to the COVID-I9 Pandemic in 2020 and 2021, we now provide grocery store gift cards in lieu of baskets to families in need.
Last year, IIABA-LA decided to do more and sponsored a second giving event during December in which we provided grocery store gift cards and toys to the children of 118th St. Elementary School. On Saturday, November 19th, our board members joined the amazing faculty
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members of 118th Street Elementary School and handed out $100 gift cards to 100 familes for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see photo above).
We encourage all of our members to help make a difference this holiday season by donating towards our next giving event in December 2022, where we will be handing out an additional 100 grocery store gift cards and toys to the families at 118th Street Elementary School.
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Big Crowd For IBA-SFV Company Appreciation Night
With more than 150 in attendance at the Woodland Hills Country Club, IBA San Fernando Valley held its grand finale event of the year, Company Appreciation Night 2022.
The energy was off the charts, and everyone had a fantastic time. The evening was capped off with Bryan Clark of Gorst & Compass being awarded IBA-SFV company person of the year, as well as XPT Partners, LLC being awarded IBA-SFV Company of the year.
Other awards given were Beverly Jordan Award to Ivan Rubalcava of Gaspar Insurance; Bernie Lewis Award to Natalie Kojababian of AmWINS Insurance; and
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the William Van Duzen Award to Diane Yamashita of Momentous Insurance.
IBA-SFV collected a ton of gifts to help support the Ronald McDonald House L.A., as well as donating $1,000 to the West Hills Food Pantry (see photo above).
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