The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - 34

AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT:

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN FOCUSES BE?

CENTRAL ERIE
INSURANCE
BROKERS
ASSOCIATION

HOW WILL YOU ENGAGE CURRENT AND POTENTIAL MEMBERS?

Definitely social media - we have a committee responsible for designing a website
and a Facebook page. Education is another focus - we have a committee looking
after educational opportunities, specifically hosting a number of seminars and
breakfast meetings. Membership is obviously a large focus of ours going forward.
Our membership committee will be looking at all aspects - recruitment, member
fees, sponsorship opportunities; they'll also be looking to redefine our mission
statement and bylaws.

We need Principal Brokers and members to buy in to what we're doing. We'll be
opening communication channels to share our messages, leveraging our new
website and Facebook page and asking members for input and content so everyone
feels part of the larger initiative. As a Board, we need to show we're being proactive
and can bring solutions to our members before issues arise.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
The most exciting thing is being part of this new Board, mostly comprised of
women, who are very keen on re-energizing the Affiliate. We all want to move in
the same direction.

WITH BRENT STEFAN, PRESIDENT

Brent's in his 19th year as a broker.
He's a Commercial Account Executive
and Partner at the best brokerage in
Ontario (smiley face).

HOW WOULD YOU SUMMARIZE WHAT YOU WANT THE
AFFILIATE TO BE?
Vibrant.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES CENTRAL ERIE BROKERS CURRENTLY
FACE?
Some of our challenges are the same as other brokers - technology issues, less
underwriting support from companies, expectations of time management and
product knowledge. A unique challenge is the legalization of cannabis, as we're
seeing more and more production facilities pop up in our area.

CENTRAL ERIE HAS BEEN A RELATIVELY INACTIVE AFFILIATE.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS TO REVIVE?
We've always been fairly inactive - there just hasn't been the involvement needed
to operate an association. Seven years ago I took over as President with the hopes
of turning things around. Our Board's put in great efforts over the years. We
held some fantastic Meet the Underwriter nights and have hosted a number of
educational seminars. But with acquisitions and retirements we lost a number of
key Board members and we've had very little support from our membership. At
one point we were actually looking to fold.

WHAT'S SOMETHING WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
My dream career was to become a police officer. I went to school for policing. But
when I was applying to Police Services I was given an opportunity to become a
broker, which I pursued. I gave up on the application process to become an officer
- I had completely fallen in love with the insurance industry. But about ten years
ago out of the blue I received a call from the OPP's recruitment department
offering me a position as an officer. Thinking this was a buddy playing a joke, I
laughed and hung up, but they immediately called back with personal information
to prove the offer was real. I had two weeks to make the decision to leave a career
I absolutely loved to take a chance on a lifelong dream. But considering what this
industry's done for me, given everything I've learned and everything I've put into
it, the decision was an easy one - here I am today.

Last year I was asked to join IBAO's Membership Working Group where I learned
a lot about the importance of local Affiliates. I approached many of our Principal
Brokers to ask for increased support. Leading up to our AGM I sent personal emails
to every broker within the Affiliate encouraging them to attend. The response was
better than anticipated. We elected a brand new Board who's energetic, focused
and determined. Our new President will be taking over the reins later this month.
We've scheduled meetings and formed subcommittees, and we'll be creating a
strategy to bring our mission statement to life. Things are looking up.

WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF BEING AN INSURANCE BROKER?
WHY NOW?

So many things! I'm a people person, and in my role I get to meet a variety
of business professionals, learn about their businesses and understand their
individual challenges. I enjoy being able to solve people's problems and make
that sale. When someone buys their insurance from me, it's not just the product
they're buying - they're putting their trust in me. The most important service a
broker can provide is within claims. I've had my share of large disaster claims.
Supporting your client through the entire process, and getting that thank you
when it's all been handled... that's why I'm a broker.

We're in a very unique area of the province. Our issues are normally quite different
from other Affiliates, and with so many changes within the industry, the need to
support our local brokers is becoming of greater importance. It's always more
comfortable knowing you're part of a larger group with the same concerns; it helps
raise the issues up the channel. But of equal importance is having the support of
the network behind you.

FEBRUARY 2018

34

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - February 2018

In this issue
The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - Cover1
The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - Cover2
The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - 3
The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - 4
The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - In this issue
The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - 6
The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - 7
The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - 8
The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - 9
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The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - 12
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The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - Cover4
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