MAIA Staff Retirement Announcement: Sheron Gagnon
Please join us in congratulating Sheron Gagnon on her upcoming retirement from MAIA! Sheron has been a valuable member of our staff for over 36 years. She has helped a countless number of members throughout her tenure with MAIA. She has also managed the trade fair at our annual Big Event Conference and Trade Fair. …
Don’t Lose Your Member Benefits! Renew Your MAIA Membership
MAIA’s 2020 membership period ended on December 31st. If you have yet renewed, you will be receiving a final invoice in the coming days. Please be sure to renew no later than January 31st to avoid losing your membership benefits! – including your subscription to The Mass. Agent newsletter; education discounts; access to MAIA’s technical…
2021 InsurPac Campaign – Your Support is Essential
The 2021 fundraising campaign for InsurPac is underway, and we ask you to please watch this video from IIABA (Big “I”) President and CEO Bob Rusbuldt. Bob’s words demonstrate the critical importance of your continued support for our powerful federal political action committee. WATCH VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjsNvfNjDEc&feature=youtu.be
Please Share This Article About Independent Agency Careers!
MAIA’s multi-pronged effort to help members address the talent gap includes the distribution of op-ed articles that promote independent agencies as a desirable career choice. Our most recent article, “Looking for a Stable Career in Uncertain Times? Try a Local Independent Insurance Agency,” was released to media outlets across MA, with the hope that it will…
Announcing MAIA’s 2020 Award Winners
We are very pleased to announce the following deserving recipients of MAIA awards for 2020. The awards were presented on Friday, November 6th during MAIA’s Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with the virtual Big Event. Distinguished Service Award: Raymond D. Gallant, John F. Koegel, and Michael PangioneThe awards were presented to these outgoing Members of…
Notice to the Members of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents of the 2020 Annual Meeting
In accordance with Article XI, Section 1 of the bylaws, notice is hereby given to the members of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents, Inc., that the Annual Meeting of the Association will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11:45 AM, during MAIA’s Big Event Virtual Conference and Trade Fair.
MAIA ‘Train the Trainer’ Session Happening 10/27 – Still Accepting Applications
MAIA’s Education team is known for providing high quality programs, thanks to our amazing instructors – and we are always looking for more. If you are not just knowledgeable about insurance, but also have great people skills and a knack for teaching, consider applying! We already have some great instructor candidates in the pipeline, and…
Live Classes Return to Milford – Starting Next Week!
Strict safety protocols are in place, our building is sanitized and rearranged for plenty of personal space, and our instructors are ready to inform and enlighten you… in person! MAIA’s gone above and beyond to keep us all as safe as possible as we ease back into live learning. If you’ve been missing the classroom…
A Little Something to Think About
After last year’s record-breaking InsurPac campaign, the Big “I” gave Massachusetts a huge shout-out for our impressive contributions to the non-partisan PAC. We were one of two states vying for the National Championship Award for raising the most money. The competition went down to the wire and when the dust settled… South Carolina stood victorious…
COVID-19 HR Resources & Weekly Facebook Live Q&A Sessions
Need help tailoring your agency to the new realities brought about by the pandemic? Every Thursday at 1:00 p.m., you can bring your HR questions to a Facebook Live Q&A session hosted by Big “I” Hires with specialists from Affinity HR Group! The Big “I” has also compiled videos on current HR issues, best practices…
Get Reimbursed for Up to Half the Cost of These MAIA Training Courses
The MA Workforce Training Fund is a state program that provides financial resources to businesses for training current and newly hired employees. A number of MAIA’s courses have been approved for the Workforce Training Fund Express Program — AAI, CIC, CISR, CRIS, and CPIA designation programs, as well as Design-Build Risk and the Personal Lines…
ADA & Website Accessibility: What Agencies Need to Know
Our national association, the IIABA (Big “I”), has alerted MAIA and other state associations that independent agencies in Florida have been receiving legal demand notices alleging that their websites are not accessible for visually impaired customers. [UPDATE July 14, 2020: Massachusetts agencies have also reported receiving similar emails.] Being able to demonstrate your website’s ADA…
IntellAgents Salary Survey – Bridging the Agency Data Gap
“Data” is becoming the key difference between agencies that thrive and those that get left behind. MAIA’s investment in IntellAgents is helping our members bridge the data gap by revealing how you compare with other Massachusetts agencies … starting with the new and improved Salary Survey that answers the age-old question: What are the average…
New Consumer Ad Campaign Coming Soon – Make Sure You Can Get Leads!
Thanks to the generosity of our company sponsors, MAIA will soon release our new 2020 ad campaign on a variety of digital channels, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more. The ads will target “adult mindset millennials” in Massachusetts, whose age, education, income, and life stage make them likely to need insurance, and unlikely to have…
Member Survey Indicates Massachusetts Agents Expecting Declines in Commission Revenue
MAIA recently conducted a member survey to learn how agencies are operating during COVID-19, whether they had received stimulus money, if they were anticipating layoffs or drops in commission revenue, and so on. We wanted to know more about how independent agents have been faring, and how MAIA’s assistance can be most effective. We’re grateful…
“New” Salary & Benefits Survey – It’s Shorter & Easier!
As MAIA and IntellAgents continue to compile comprehensive benchmark data and actionable insights for Massachusetts agencies, we’re thrilled to (re-)launch the Salary & Benefits Survey. Shorter and more-user friendly than the original version, this survey asks for only enough information to answer our members’ favorite question: What is the average compensation for producers, CSRs, IT,…
What Is the AILP and Why Should I Get One? An Interview with Irene Morrill
Earlier this year, MAIA launched a new designation program, AILP, which stands for Accredited Insurance Lines Professional. Recently, we asked MAIA’s VP of Technical Affairs, Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, CRM, ARM, LIA, MLIS, CRIS, a few questions to help members understand the who, what, and why of pursuing an AILP designation. Irene is a key…
MAIA Advocacy Fund 2020: THANK YOU Supporters!
06/30/2020 Update…A huge THANK YOU to all the agencies that contributed to the 2020 MAIA Advocacy Fund (listed below)! With so much at stake today, your support is essential to MAIA’s advocacy team as they bring your concerns to the table with Massachusetts legislators and regulators.
Keep Your Contact Info at Your Customer’s Fingertips
Order customized vinyl registration holders from MAIA, and your customers will have your number where and when they need it. Imprinted with your agency’s branding, these vinyl holders are designed to fit the 8.5” x 11” (folded) MA registration form and an accident card to record the needed information. With a pocket for your business…
MAIA Board of Directors Seeks Nominees
Be part of the solution! MAIA’s nominating committee is seeking collaborative problem solvers to serve on our Board of Directors. Bring your experience, energy, and perspective to the table as we develop practical solutions to help our members address challenges such as talent recruitment, technology, and business optimization.
AILP: The New High-Caliber Insurance Designation
AILP: The New High-Caliber Insurance Designation Launched in January 2020, MAIA’s exciting new Accredited Insurance Lines Professional (AILP) designation program gives serious insurance professionals a new standard of excellence. Designed for the intermediate to advanced-level agency producer who wants an in-depth understanding of personal lines (PL) and/or commercial lines (CL) issues, AILP courses will strengthen…
Insurance Career Article by MAIA CEO Nick Fyntrilakis Published on MassLive
Insurance Career Article by MAIA CEO Nick Fyntrilakis Published on MassLive News website MassLive has published an excellent article by MAIA President & CEO Nick Fyntrilakis, titled “Independent insurance agents expanding WMass workforce.” Citing facts and statistics, Nick explains why the insurance field is positioned for growth in western MA and across the state. At…
MAIA is Looking for New Instructors… Could You Be One of Them?
MAIA is Looking for New Instructors… Could You Be One of Them? MAIA’s Education team is known for providing high quality programs. The key to this success is our amazing instructors… and we need more of them! There are lots of great insurance people out there. There are lots of stellar teachers out there. Do…
New MAIA Course Locations, Venues & Times for 2020!
New MAIA Course Locations, Venues & Times for 2020! Greetings from MAIA’s Education Team! Based on member requests, we made some improvements this year! We’ve brought back some popular locations; changed hotels or added new ones to our venue list; and added afternoon timeslots for some classes that used to be mornings-only! So PLEASE, when…
MAIA’s Inclement Weather Policy for Education Programs – Updated
MAIA’s Inclement Weather Policy for Education Programs – Updated
Meet Lynne McLain, MAIA’s Education Manager
Meet Lynne McLain, MAIA’s Education Manager We are excited to announce that Lynne McLain has joined MAIA as our new Education Manager. Formerly an Education Manager at Roger Williams Park Zoo, Lynne comes to us with great experience in educational programming, project management, and staff development, which made her a perfect candidate for this position.…
MAIA’s Fyntrilakis Testifies on Beacon Hill for Fair & Accurate Quote Bill
MAIA’s Fyntrilakis Testifies on Beacon Hill for Fair & Accurate Quote Bill Advocacy is a tenet of MAIA’s mission statement, as we saw last week when MAIA President and CEO Nick Fyntrilakis testified before the Joint Committee on Financial Services at the State House regarding the latest revisions to Bill S.641 / H.973: An Act…
MAIA Announces 2019 Annual Meeting
MAIA Announces 2019 Annual Meeting NOTICE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE AGENTS OF THE 2019 ANNUAL MEETING In accordance with Article XI, Section 1, of the bylaws, notice is hereby given to the members of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents, Inc., that the Annual Meeting of the association will be…
New Designation Program Coming in January: AILP!
New Designation Program Coming in January: AILP! The insurance world is always changing, and professional development is changing, too! MAIA has developed a new educational curriculum leading to the professional designation of Accredited Insurance Lines Professional (AILP).
Cassandra Koegel Joins MAIA as Membership Engagement Director
Cassandra Koegel Joins MAIA as Membership Engagement Director We are proud to introduce MAIA’s new Membership Engagement Director, Cassandra Koegel, CISR, AINS. Cassandra spent the last five years at Arbella and is licensed in P&C. She has been active in MAIA’s Young Agents Committee for the past two years and has established a solid knowledge…
Staffing News at MAIA & Number One Agency
Staffing News at MAIA & Number One Agency When MAIA’s Education Program Coordinator Emily Oliver announced that she’d be retiring from MAIA after 31 years, we were happy for her, sad to be losing a beloved colleague, and worried about replacing such an experienced and knowledgeable team member! As it turned out, the solution was…
Shout Out to MAIA Advocacy Fund Donors
Shout Out to MAIA Advocacy Fund Donors We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following donors for supporting the 2019 MAIA Advocacy Fund! In Massachusetts politics, you never know when the next legislative, regulatory, or judicial battle will arise. But when it does, you know that MAIA will keep independent agents’ voices loud and clear…
Employment Opportunities at MAIA & Number One
Employment Opportunities at MAIA & Number One The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) and its affiliate, The Number One Insurance Agency, are hiring! MAIA is seeking a Membership Engagement Director and an Education Manager, and Number One is looking for a Customer Service Representative. Our offices are conveniently located off Rte. 495 in Milford,…
Patrick Dempsey Named InsurPac Young Agent of the Year
Patrick Dempsey Named InsurPac Young Agent of the Year In a ceremony at the Big “I” Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, last week, MAIA Board Member Patrick Dempsey was named the InsurPac Young Agent of the Year. The award recognizes one young agent in the country who has exemplified leadership and commitment to InsurPac, the…
MAIA Announces Classes in New Boston Location!
MAIA Announces Classes in New Boston Location! MAIA’ Education Team is delighted to announce that we’ve added a new classroom location in the heart of Boston’s Seaport District to better serve our members! Starting in June 2019, MAIA will offer classes at the beautiful new WPI Seaport, a state-of-the-art learning space at 303 Congress Street,…
MAIA & Big “I” Tools Will Help You Find Top Talent
MAIA & Big “I” Tools Will Help You Find Top Talent “Finding and keeping qualified staff is the top challenge for many independent agencies, and we’ve pulled together a powerful arsenal of tools and technology to help our members fight this battle on all fronts,” says Nick Fyntrilakis, MAIA’s President and CEO. Big “I” Hires…