Orlando – From Capt. Scott O’Grady who survived six days in hostile territory after his F-16 was shot down enforcing the no-fly zone over Bosnia. To Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America’s (IIABA) President Louise “Bebe” Canter and Safeco’s Chairman Mike McGavick talking about the current state of the insurance industry. To former Minnesota Viking and NFL Hall-of-Famer Fran Tarkenton discussing how to be successful in sales. An array of speakers addressed a packed gathering of independent agents last month attending the 100th Anniversary of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) celebration at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
O’Grady noted how his faith in God, family and country got him through his ordeal and the overwhelming joy of coming home. “My family was the sole reason I had the will to survive,” O’Grady commented.
Noting that his rescuers were mostly 19-year-old Marines, O’Grady talked about finally seeing friendly faces and eventually coming back to home soil. “Every single member of the military is vital to the mission,” he noted. “Sixty-one had gone into the mission and 62 (noting himself) came out.” O’Grady in closing noted that the real award in life is knowing you helped someone.
Both Canter and McGavick talked about some of the challenges facing the industry and where things are headed.
Canter noted that federal vs. state regulation is the IIABA’s number one focus, adding that the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) and crop insurance are also high on the radar list.
McGavick remarked that insurance will remain a very complex product and will also remain highly regulated. Noting that independent agents need to promote their way of doing business, McGavick said he was confident that the industry will be here 100 years from now and will remain central to civilization.
Finally, Tarkenton talked about his football playing days and how he has become a successful businessman despite the ups and downs everyone faces in the business world.
Honoring past chairmen
The June 18 festivities began with a talk by FAIA executive vice president Scott Johnson, who has authored a book ,”From Cartels to Competition,” that highlights the role of the independent agent in Florida. Johnson and those in attendance also took time to honor past chairmen of the FAIA.
As Johnson noted, “Your history book ‘From Cartels to Competition’ isn’t only about events. In fact, it’s mostly about the people who changed your association and in doing so, changed this industry, for the better and for the long haul.
“Individually they were mayors of Pensacola, Orlando, St. Augustine, Clearwater and other cities,” Johnson continued. “They served on town councils, school boards or chaired the Turnpike Authority or the Port Authority. They were often senators and representatives. They served as speaker of the Florida House or president of the senate—one even holding such office while president of FAIA, even running for and winning a seat as a U.S. congressman, while so serving.”
Among those in attendance to be honored were Presidents Robert Ross Jr. (1965), Robert Treweek (1966), Phil Gallagher (1969), Frank Furman (1974), J. Howard Hall (1975), Rocci Lombard (1977), Herbert Treweek (1981), Richard Wilcox Jr. (1983, 84), H. Paul Senft, Jr. (1985); and Chairmen Samuel Rogers Sr. (1987), Frances Everett (1988), Gary Gregory (1991), C.W. “Chuck” Bovay (1992), Alex Soto (1994), Daniel Dannenhauer (1995), Richard “Dick” Pace (1996), Harold Humphrey (1997), Barbara Hall (1998), Gregory Baker (1999), Terry Hawkins (2000), Thomas Cotton (2001), Gene Waddell (2002).
In closing, Johnson also remarked about the efforts of Executive Vice President Tom Johnson.
“Finally, he was never president of FAIA, but he often presided. He was never chairman, but he often chaired. And despite numerous offers to head many national organizations including insurance carriers and large brokers, he never had another job except the one he accepted for $250 a month immediately after college. He’s the co-pilot who often landed the plane. He’s the architect of unparalleled performance by your Florida Association of Insurance Agents. Fresh back from France, where last week he was honored for his assault on Normandy Beach during the D-day invasion over 60 years ago, I’d like you to meet the man I most admire in this world, my father and FAIA’s executive vice president for 37 years, Tom C. Johnson.”
Convention attendance a hit
Several members with the FAIA (www.faia.com) expressed to Insurance Journal Southeast their pleasure with how the 100th celebration unfolded.
“Based on the feedback from our membership, this was by far our best convention ever,” FAIA Chairman Dirk De Jong commented. “This could not have been accomplished without the support of our insurance company partners, a great lineup of speakers, educational breakout sessions and a record number of exhibitors (who were also very pleased with the convention).
“I also would like to note that our convention would not of been such a grand success without the hard work of FAIA’s staff. We have the best staff of any state association and they really came through for the membership. I would be remiss if I did not thank our past chairmen who were honored at this convention. Without their volunteer service over the past 100 years we would not be where we are today.”
Jeff Grady, FAIA president, added, “It was the largest convention we have had in our 25 years—by all counts—attendees, exhibits, breakouts, budget, etc.
“We have had a tremendous positive response to the convention—many agents were overwhelmed by the century of FAIA’s rich history. The convention serves as great momentum for agents and their association.”
The conference also featured an exhibit hall for companies to display their products.
Editor’s note: For more information on Scott Johnson’s book, visit https://www.faia.com/pubs/secure/govaffairs/cartel.cfm. The traditional books are $29.95 (plus tax and shipping) for members and $39.95 (plus tax and shipping) for non-members. Deluxe versions are $78 and $100, respectively.
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