Declarations

Name Change

“While this name change reflects our vision for today and the future, it also brings into focus our long and rich history in this state.”

—The Springfield-based Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois announcing that it has changed its name to the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIA of IL). When the IIAI and the Professional Insurance Agents merged associations in 1993, the new group took the name Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois. The state is now affiliated only with the national Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. IIA of IL boasts 1,500 insurance agency members.

Red Light for Texting

“When the stoplight changed to green, they took off, but they kept on texting while they took off.”

—North Dakota Rep. Lawrence Klemin recalling a driver who pulled alongside him at a stoplight recently, frantically working a tiny keyboard that was propped on the steering wheel. The Bismarck Republican now believes texting while driving must be curtailed. His legislation would assess a $100 fine and a driver’s license penalty against any driver caught composing, sending or reading a text message or e-mail on a cell phone, laptop computer or any other wireless device.

Dilweg Honored

“I am honored to have been recognized by those who represent the insurance consumer. The consumer perspective is critical to regulatory decision making.”

—Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Sean Dilweg after the consumer representatives to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners presented him with their Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award recently.

Government Role

“Voters seem to be saying that government is the solution, or at least a big part of it.”

—Mark McKinnon, vice chairman of Public Strategies, commenting on his firm’s poll showing that 67 percent think federal regulation of businesses should be increased.

NAIC Asset

“Terri’s depth and breadth of industry knowledge, experience and expertise will surely be an asset to the NAIC. We worked hard to ensure we selected someone who would be good for state insurance regulation, state insurance regulators and employees of the NAIC.”

—2008 NAIC President and Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger commenting on selection of former Iowa Insurance Commissioner Therese (Terri) Vaughan as the new CEO of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners working out of Washington, D.C. The selection was based on the recommendation of a search committee formed last summer, which Praeger chaired.

Topics Agencies Legislation Illinois