SIAA, The Agent Alliance, created quite a buzz at its semi-annual Business Meeting last week, starting with its annual Pink Evening in Boston with SIAA. The reception/event serves to raise awareness in the fight to defy cancer and as a fundraiser for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event raised $67,699 for the Institute, bringing the total to $388,000 through six events.
SIAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Matt Masiello, commented, “It continues to humble and amaze me when I see my business colleagues and team members step-up for this great cause year after year.”
The Business Meeting ran from October 22nd through the 24th at Boston’s Marriott Copley Place, with 350 insurance professionals from across the country in attendance. On the morning of October 23rd, Julie Braley, SIAA’s Chief People Officer, moderated a panel discussion on “Women in Insurance”. The panelists were:
- Casey Kempton, President, Personal Lines – Nationwide
- Lauren Dunnigan, Senior Vice President, National Distribution – AmTrust
- Laura Henderson, Vice President, Portfolio Management – SIAA
- Alex Huffman, Regional Vice President, Operations – SIAA
- Joe Walker, Asst. Vice President, Region Director – Liberty Mutual
Several audience members stated that the discussion was “impactful”, “engaging”, and “important”. The panelists’ comments centered on the current state of positions and roles for women professionals in the insurance industry and how all insurance professionals can aid in the future success of women as leaders and in the industry as a whole.
An additional highlight of the business meeting was the presentation of the first ever SIAA Distinguished Partner Award to Joel Cavaness, Chairman of Risk Placement Services (RPS). Among other criteria, the award is presented to “an individual, group, or organization that has contributed to the evolution of SIAA with an unwavering commitment to the independent agency distribution channel.” Mr. Cavaness appeared in person to accept the award and offer his thoughts and gratitude for the recognition.
About SIAA
SIAA is The Agent Alliance – the nation’s leading network of starting, growing, and evolving independent insurance agencies. Leveraging a platform of strategic partners, $14.2 billion in premiums, and 49 Master Agencies, we support and inspire member agents so they can continuously adapt to an ever-evolving industry and achieve long-term success. SIAA members benefit from both the resources of scale and the freedom of independence.