Project CAP launched Agency 2020, a program to provide independent agencies with insights and resources to help them create and implement a broad vision for building an agency.
Each month during 2013, the Agency 2020 program will spotlight a key element of a successful independent agency while also providing resources free of charge to selected agencies from renowned industry service providers. One grand-prize winner will get multiple complimentary services, and additional agencies will be selected to receive single services. All independent agencies will benefit by following the progress of the spotlight agencies over the course of 2013, learning how optimizing that featured key strategic element can benefit their own businesses.
All member agencies of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) are eligible to participate in the services. Agencies can enter by completing a brief application form at ProjectCAPMarketing.com/agency2020. The winning agencies will be selected during March by a panel of industry experts from the industry service providers.
The Agency 2020 program and service delivery starts in April with a complimentary agency valuation and appraisal provided by Reagan Consulting, co-author of the IIABA Best Practices Study.
Each month, Agency 2020 will update all independent agencies about that month's insights and service via Independent Agent magazine and ProjectCAPMarketing.com.
Service areas and providers include:
- InVEST: Guidance on establishing school programs, and teaching materials and tools;
- Caliper: Testing and skill evaluation for employees and prospective employees, including agents and sales consultants;
- Big 'I' Young Agents Committee: Complimentary registration for Leadership Institute;
- TrustedChoice: Co-branding review and update;
- Oak & Associates: Business planning including producer compensation model and sales and marketing plan;
- Project CAP: Marketing program;
- WAHVE: Consulting on optimal staffing for the future and waiver of set-up fee for employee hire process;
- MarshBerry: Perpetuation planning strategy session and comprehensive plan;
- InsurBanc: Financing consultation;
- Aartrijk: Brand image assessment.
Each service delivery will feature an informed, authoritative narrative on why and how that component can be integrated to create a more successful agency.
In other industry news:
AssuredPartners Inc. promoted Paul Vredenburg to the new role of executive vice president and chief acquisition officer. In his new position, Vredenburg will work to expand the AssuredPartners national footprint through strategic acquisitions of insurance agencies.
As executive vice president and chief acquisition officer, Vredenburg will work with organization leadership, insurance carriers, investment bankers and industry sources to identify potential agencies to become part of the AssuredPartners portfolio of insurance companies. He will develop specific transaction structures for each potential agency and see the acquisition process through to closing.
Previously, Vredenburg was the senior vice president – corporate development at AssuredPartners, and was responsible for the valuation of firms, developing transaction structures and overseeing the acquisition process. Vredenburg has more than 13 years of experience in the insurance industry. He attended the University of Notre Dame where he majored in Accountancy. He is a CPA and is an Accredited Advisor of Insurance. Vredenburg specializes in the valuation of insurance agencies and brokerages.
Ron Joelson and David P. Marks, CFA, joined Conning Holdings Corp.'s board of directors as independent directors. Both are respected industry veterans with careers that span more than 30 years.
Joelson, currently executive vice president and chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual, brings to the Conning board of directors deep investment portfolio and risk management experience gained with international companies in the investment and insurance industries.
As CIO of Northwestern Mutual, Joelson manages the strategic direction for the firm's $174 billion portfolio and its three main investment subsidiaries. His prior experience includes a similar role at life insurer Genworth Financial, where his major accomplishments included de-risking and strengthening the firm's $75 billion portfolio. During his 23-year career at Prudential, he held a variety of roles culminating as senior vice president and chief investment officer managing a $230 billion general account, with oversight for international portfolio management and risk management. Joelson graduated in 1980 from Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., with a bachelor's degree in economics and government. He received his MBA from Columbia University's Graduate School of Business in 1983.
