Insurance Insights

June 27 - July 3, 2016

The “BIG I” Annual Convention

By Allen Kerr

I was honored last week to participate in the 115th Annual Convention of the Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas. The “BIG I” Convention welcomed over 300 Arkansas agents to Pensacola, Florida where they had a chance to interact with industry leaders and their fellow producers.

I moderated a panel of Presidents and Executive Officers of some of the nation’s leading insurance companies during our Wednesday morning general business session. These industry leaders shared their insights into the latest trends, innovations, technologies, and best practices of the American Agency System. Members of the audience asked questions of them concerning their thoughts on market trends; their forecast on mergers and acquisitions; and, the outlook regarding competition among direct writers, independents, and on-line sellers of insurance.

We were also fortunate to hear from Blue Angels Foundation President Mike Campbell. The world famous Blue Angels are stationed in Pensacola, and have dazzled millions of people around the world with their aerobatic performances. Mr. Campbell is a retired Navy Commander, distinguished combat pilot, and Naval Academy graduate who ended his   career as a political-military advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. He is currently a wealth management advisor and shared with us all his leadership experiences as a Naval Officer and Blue Angel.

I also wish to congratulate Bill McGhee of the McGhee Insurance Agency in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Hot Springs, Bryant, Benton, and Conway on his election as the new President of BIG I Arkansas. I look forward to working with him and his other elected officers over the next year.

It is my pleasure to continue to serve you as your Insurance Commissioner. For more information on the Arkansas Insurance Department, please visit http://insurance.arkansas.gov, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ARInsuranceDept and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ArkansasInsuranceDepartment.

Allen Kerr was appointed Arkansas Insurance Commissioner on Jan. 13, 2016, by Governor Asa Hutchinson.