The Ontario Broker - June 2018 - 23

LIBA's been actively engaged with local candidates leading up to the provincial election. "As
brokers it's important we stand in front of politicians and let them know what's meaningful
to us and to our clients," says MaryKate. "Not everyone has the vantage point we do - we
need to leverage that in order to truly influence our communities."
I'm told it's Suzanne Pountney, LIBA's Social Chair, who's behind much of the Affiliate's
political strategy, but she puts it back to the group: "It was a few of us brainstorming about
bringing local politicians to our events. We wanted to get our message in front of candidates
on behalf of our members and provide an opportunity to hear first-hand what politicians
have to say. We dedicate one of our quarterly meetings to our political agenda and invite
local MPPs to speak. We've had representatives from all major parties participate over the
years."
What I find most impressive is their perseverance. "At critical times, we visit MPPs to make
sure our message is heard, whether that's Ontario Auto or other bills or issues affecting
small business owners. We're very lucky to have IBAO Chair Traci Boland as a member
- she and the IBAO have been instrumental in keeping us informed of the issues and
providing us the tools to address them."
D'Arcy confirms the group effort: "These people [Board members] slug their guts out. Our
golf tournament - the effort - holy smokes! I mean the leadership our Board possesses is
incredible. Long-term Board members deserve a lot of credit; individuals like Suzanne and
Casandra Haas. They built incredible infrastructure for this Affiliate. Incorporating our
bylaws, developing our sponsorship structure - these things are uncanny. These ladies had
a vision and really went for it. We all continue to work hard to push that vision forward."
"It's our duty to promote what brokers do in the community," says Mary Kate. "Members
can come to us for local representation. It's an evolving industry - people come and people
go. But LIBA's an opportunity to stay in touch, keep the network growing."
"LIBA's about keeping the broker channel vibrant," explains D'Arcy. "As a brand, we
demonstrate insurance brokers' importance and relevance. Consumers can forget brokers
sometimes - it's our job to keep the message at the forefront."
And they do a good job. This is the second time LIBA's won Affiliate of the Year in the past
five years.
"We're just a two-peat," says D'Arcy. "But we strive every year to win Affiliate of the Year. It's
something we talk about, whether we're joking or actually using it as a motivator.
"It was very humbling to be recognized on a provincial scale by our peers. It was an
affirmation that what we're doing is important and appreciated and recognized. The
electricity in the room in Ottawa was something I'll never forget - it still chokes me up."
"Winning was a big achievement," says MaryKate. "At the time I had just stepped in as LIBA
President. You commit your time and your energy and you put a lot of effort into what you
do. Everybody works really hard. Being recognized is the realization that we do these things
for a reason."
I ask what other Affiliates can do to achieve their success. "It's ultimately about being
organized," says MaryKate. "Get to know your bylaws, straighten out your books, get admin
under control. Create a solid core and then focus on engaging new members. If you don't
have the organization, you won't get the membership."
"Something I'm really proud of is the ability for LIBA to let its guard down," says D'Arcy.
"We're not in competition with one another. We're on the same team and we're in it together.
The low hanging fruit - that's it. That's the thing we all have."

WWW.IBAO.ORG

23

EVERY EVENT
NEEDS SOME
ELEMENT OF
INTERACTION
AND
INFLUENCE:
ENGAGE
PEOPLE, THEN
GIVE BACK.

JUNE 2018


http://WWW.IBAO.ORG

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