Page 7 - June2017

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Rick Sutton - IIA of Illinois President - (309) 692-8544 - ricks@was-irp.com

A special thanks to the approximately 35 Illinois agents that
took time out of the office to attend the IIABA Legislative Watch for coming events in your Region. Insight,
Conference May 3-4, 2017. Also thanks to Jennifer Jacobs e-Weekly and Education Monthly are a great sources to
for coordinating the meetings with the Legislators from keep you up-to-date on happenings within your Region.
the different districts in Illinois and for the meal and hotel Regional Directors are sending quarterly newsletters with
arrangements. It was a historic day in DC with the vote information and events in the Region. Each Regional
on the American Health Care Act passing the House of Director is charged with hosting one event during the fiscal
Representatives and moving to the Senate. For me, it was year. This year Lisa Lukens, Region 1 Director, started the
fun to watch the process in action. Major topics this year off the season with the Annual Wine Tour. This is always
were Flood Insurance, Health Care, Tax Reform, Insurance fun event with great comradery. There are several other
Regulatory Reform and Crop Insurance. As you can see we events already planned for Regions throughout the state.
had a broad range of issues to discuss. Most all Legislators If you have not seen details of an event in your Region,
appreciate our visiting and are anxious to hear our views. reach out to either your Regional Director or myself and
We do make a difference! Mark your calendars now and we will provide you with the information. Whether it is an
plan to attend the IIABA National Legislative Conference educational event or a social event, please take advantage
April 18 – 19, 2018. I promise you will have a very good and participate.
experience and be glad you attended.
I also want to mention the Big “I” Fall Leadership
The quarterly board meeting of the IIA of Illinois will Conference, Big “I” Education Convocation and Young
be held June 13 at the Association office in Springfield. Agents Leadership Institute are coming back to Chicago
Any member is welcome to attend. I have asked each where it all began. (Those of you that have read March of
Regional Director to reach out to at least five members for the Acronyms by Jack Payan, know the IIABA, as we know
their thoughts on “What can IIA of IL do to provide more it today, was founded in Chicago in 1896.) Watch for more
value to your membership?” Whether it be education, details on this five-day event, September 6-10, to come
advocacy or E&O, we are constantly looking for ways to soon.
provide more value to your membership. If you have any
suggestions please call or send an email to either your IIA of Illinois is your Association. Take advantage of the
Regional Director or myself. We would love to hear from many benefits that are offered.
you.
Stay safe and have fun.
“Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘til your good is better
and your better is best.” St. Jerome.

june 2017 insight 7