Monthly newsletter for area insurance professionals To inform members and associates of industry news, educational opportunities And

association activities of the

THE PINECONE

RALEIGH ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS

Officers
President Katy Willett, CIC, CISR kwillett@bagwellandbagwellins.com President Elect & Membership Janet Davis, CISR, CPIW, AAI jdavis@triangleinsurancegroup.com Vice-President & Programs Jeanne Hess, CISR, CPIW, DAE, AAI, AIS jhess@iianc.com Secretary Shirley Hudson, ARM, AAI, CISR, CPIW, DAE shudson@iianc.com Treasurer Barb Hutchinson bhutchinson@bmico.com Parliamentarian Wanda Manning, CPCU, CPIW, CIC, DAE w.manning@sau-inc.com Committee Chairmen: Bylaws & Immediate Past President Beth Blackwell, AAI, CPIW bethbwell@nc.rr.com Employment Jeanne Hess, CISR, CPIW, DAE, AAI, AIS jhess@iianc.com Public Relations Co-Chairs Jeanne Hess, CISR, CPIW, DAE, AAI, AIS jhess@iianc.com Pat Norton, API, CPSR, CPIW pat.norton@us.qbe.com Education Pam Grimes, CPIW, CIC, CISR, DAE Pagdreamer18@aol.com Safety Debbie Pass-Soles, CPIW, CISR, CIC Debbie.Soles@mmicnc.com Legislative Shirley Hudson, ARM, AAI, CISR, CPIW, DAE shudson@iianc.com

Inside this Newsletter

1. February Meeting2/7/12 Combined meeting with DAIW and NCAIP President

February 2012
The February Meeting of the Raleigh Association of Insurance Professionals will meet on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at IIANC office in Cary, NC at 6:00 pm. Guest speaker will be Anita Williams, NCAIP President/Director and NCAIP Secretary Alice Keeton. This is a catered meal for $15. Please RSVP to Jeanne. Bring a guest!

2. March Meeting 313/12

Program on Social Networking 3. Fundraising Basket! Tickets on sale until February meeting! Date-night theme!! 4. REGION II also has a Fundraising Basket! NASCAR Theme with drawing at Region II Conference in Dover See Jeanne for Tickets.

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FUNRAISER Basket
Our Date-Night Basket to be raffled at our February meeting. Contents include restaurant gift cards, wine and wine glasses movie passes, popcorn & candy. Tickets are 1/$3 or 2/$5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WELCOME NEW MEMBER!!

February 2012
Heart Health Month!
Thanks for making IAIP YOUR Association of Choice
Represented by Diversified Professionals

NEW WEBSITE: www.raip.org

NCAIP LINK: www.ncaiw.org NEW IAIP link: http://www.internationalinsuranceprofessio nals.org/ SCHOLARSHIPS: www.inssfa.org

Please welcome Teresa Fannin, CIC, AAI, CPIW from Wilson, NC and working in Rocky Mount at Standard Insurance. Teresa has recently moved here from Ohio and is taking our CWC class.

Pinecone Editor
Jeanne Hess, CISR, CPIW, DAE, AAI, AIS

Welcome Teresa!!

863-6524 - jhess@iianc.com

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE: I am looking forward to our raffle everyone has done an outstanding job on gathering items to include in our date night basket. I am hoping to see everyone February 7th for our dinner with the Durham Association. Please let us know if you need registration information for the region II conference or check online at http://raip.org/?q=node/146 . Happy Valentines Day!

Katy Willett, CIC, AAI, CISR, CPIW RAIP President, 2011-2012

Upcoming Events!
IAIP Region II Conference Dover Downs, Dover, Delaware, March 8-10, 2012 IAIP National Conference Dallas, TX June 6-9, 2012 NCAIP State Conference High Point, NC, October 25 27, 2012 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: 1 Insurance Professional looking. Experienced in customer service, marketing and inside sales, management and training. Experienced with all sizes of commercial accounts, however special in small business. Experienced in most in house rating systems. Have worked on Applied, AMS Afw, 360 and Sagitta. Can wear many hats at the same time. (added Sept. 2010)
2 Capstone Search Group Commercial Lines Account Manager Raleigh This is a terrific opportunity for a client of mine that is looking to hire a new commercial lines account manager. This client offers a terrific work life balance and a wonderful benefits package. They are seeking a strong commercial lines account manager that can handle working with large accounts with duties including working with experience mods, marketing and heavy client interaction Employee Benefits Account Manager Raleigh I'm working on a great opportunity for a employee benefits account manager. My client is a well respected consulting firm that focused on 10 - 500 life groups and larger. They are looking for someone with a strong self funded background that can be the quarterback for a good book of business. Client facing skills are very important and exposure to wellness, marketing and daily administration are a plus. . Commercial Lines Account Manager and Employee Benefits Account Manager - Greensboro (Updated January 2012)

3- System Search out of Charlotte is looking for an account manager in the Raleigh area. Account
manager should have experience handling very large commercial accounts. (This is not with Scott Insurance.) Should be used to handling only 5 to 10 accounts (risk management type accounts). If interested, please contact Bertha at System Search at 866-831-4473. Also looking for a group benefits person. Person should be used to handling 200+ lives. Contact Bertha at System Search if interested Please contact Jeanne Hess jhess@iianc.com or 863-6524, if you would like more information.

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Good luck to Kelly Bryant who recently moved to Charlotte! She has transferred her membership to the Charlotte Association, our loss- their gain! She has a new position as a Middle Market Underwriter, Commercial Lines with Westfield Insurance. Best wishes to you Kelly in your move!

MINUTES RALEIGH ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS January 12, 2011

The meeting was called to order by President Katy Willett at 6:00 PM. Members present: President Katy Willett, Beth Blackwell, Shirley McLamb-Hudson, Jeanne Hess, Janet Davis, Barbara Hutchinson, Debbie Pass-Soles, Wanda Manning, and Tammy Ramsdell, with one guest in attendance. Shirley McLamb-Hudson introduced the speaker, Stuart Powell, Vice President of Insurance Operations for Independent Insurance Agents of NC. Stuart spoke on Legislative issues pertaining to our state for this year (an election year) and next year, 2013. Issues were as follows: 1) Auto Rate Modernization; 2) Residential Property (coastal and inland); 3) Beach Plan (Study Commission appointed to research). Stuart advised that David Marlette with Appalachian State University is putting together an Auto Rate Symposium, in March, at the request of the insurance companies. It will be held in Charlotte, NC, with the help of David Wood with ASU. President Willett advised the minutes for the last meeting were printed in the Pine Cone and asked for any corrections. There being none, a motion was made by Wanda Manning, seconded by Janet Davis and the minutes were approved. President Willett asked for the Treasurers report from Barbara Hutchinson. Treasurer Hutchinson reported there is a balance of $1,511.86 in the treasury. Barbara reported that we are no longer being charge bank fees because we are considered non-profit. The treasurers report will be filed for audit. Committee Reports: th Programs - Jeanne Hess reported that the February meeting will be on the 7 and it will be a joint meeting with the Durham Association of Insurance Women. Our speaker for this meeting will be State President, Anita Williams. She will be accompanied by State Secretary, Alice Keeton. Raleigh will host the meeting this year at the Independent Insurance Agents building. The meal will be catered by Wanda Manning for $15.00 per person and will consist of spinach/chicken, pasta, salad and beverage. Jeanne advised that the March program is not in place yet. Public Relations Jeanne Hess reported that RAIP is sponsoring a CWC class and it will start, Monday, January 30, 2012 for 10 weeks. Cathy Bowling with the Durham Association will teach the class and it will be open to all members with RAIP, DAIW and anyone else that would like to attend. The classes will be held at IIANC. Employment Jeanne Hess reported that Rob Crosswhite is looking for a job. His division at Universal was bought out by Siebels Bruce.
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Legislative Shirley Hudson no report Safety Debbie Pass-Soles discussed the New Year and the number of folks that will be dieting or eating healthier. She talked about the WebMD news and website. She advised that the Susan B. Koman Walk/Run will be June 9, 2012. Bylaws- Beth Blackwell - no report

Membership - Janet Davis reported that she ordered membership pins on December 6, 2011, but has not received them yet. Education no report New Business Jeanne Hess reported on the upcoming NAIW Region II Conference, March 8 -11, 2012 at Dover Downs Hotel in Dover, Delaware. She encouraged everyone to attend. President Willett announced that the National convention will be in Dallas, Texas, June 6-9, 2012. President Willett appointed the 2012 RAIP Nominating Committee. The committee consists of Beth Blackwell, Chairperson, Barbara Hutchinson and Debbie Pass Soles. Old Business - None There being no further business, President Willett adjourned the meeting at 7:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Shirley W. McLamb-Hudson, ARM, AAI, CPIW, CISR, DAE RAIP Secretary ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UPCOMING SHRED EVENTS
Local sponsors are donating their time and resources to sponsor free shred-a-thons in your area. Shred-a-thons are a perfect way to destroy old tax records, checks, employment records or credit applications. You do NOT need to remove staples and paper clips from the documents. Please pass along this information to co-workers, neighbors and friends. This service is provided for individuals to dispose of personal documents to help prevent identity theft. Thank you. GARNER SHRED-A-THON (Wake County) Monday, March 5th 10am 2pm Walmart Supercenter 4500 Fayetteville Rd., Garner Sponsors: US Postal Inspector, Proshred RALEIGH SECURE YOUR ID Day (Wake County) Saturday, April 21 8am 12:30pm Coastal Federal Credit Union 1000 St. Albans Drive (off Wake Forest Road) Sponsors: BBB, Coastal Federal Credit Union (3 box limit) 4

Contact the Better Business Bureau for more information

This information brought to you on behalf of North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper. All shredding notices are about free events but donations may be accepted at some. Always check with the local sponsors for event changes or additional details. The NC Department of Justice does not endorse any business or charity.

Engaging Customers with Social Media

Free Webinar for IIANC Members ~ Feb. 7 ~ 10am-11am
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogs...

----------------------------------------

You hear about social media in its many forms all the time, but are you using them to their full advantage in your agency's marketing efforts - if you're using them at all? Whether you think social media is a fad or is here to stay, there is little question that it's having a large impact on our world today...and the buying habits of consumers. To help you gain a better understanding of this interesting, but sometimes overwhelming topic, IIANC is hosting a free one hour webinar entitled "Engaging Customers with Social Media". Led by George Robertson (IIANC Technology Consultant), this interactive webinar will feature a panel of agents and professional social media consultants sharing how they are successfully using social media to engage their customers. You'll learn how agents are using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs in creative ways to communicate, educate and gain brand awareness with their customers and prospects. Webinar participants include:
Kelly Barefoot - Barefoot & Powell, Reidsville, NC Adriane Little - The Willey Agency, Nags Head, NC Bryan Miranda - Darden & Miranda Insur., Fayetteville, NC Karl Sherrill - Senn Dunn Insurance, Greensboro, NC Cindy Donaldson - Founders Insurance Group, Inc., CT Justin Litaker - Student, Appalachian State University George Robertson - Technology & Automation Consultant

Space is limited in the webinar, so don't wait...register today.

Questions? Contact George Robertson at 336-253-3618 or grobertson@iianc.com.

Note: George is our speaker in March and will speak on this subject! Bring your questions that you would like to know more about!
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Congratulations! Kudos to Katy Willett who just completed and has received her CIBA Designation!! This is Certified Builders Insurance Agent. Way to go Katy!!!

If anyone else has completed coursework and received a new designation this year, since July 1, please remember let Pam Grimes know (Education Chairman) and Jeanne Hess for Kudos in the Pinecone!

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES PAM GRIMES, CPIW, CIC, CISR, DAE, Education Chair

Register Now!
6 hrs - Free Continuing Education

Jackson Sumner & Associates is pleased to announce that we will be offering 6 hours of FREE CE taught by Chris McLeod at 8 different locations in NC this Spring: April 16 - Wilmington April 17 - Kinston April 18 - Raleigh April 19 - Greensboro April 20 - Greensboro Courses: Claims, Claims & More Claims (3 hrs)
- # C09658

April 24 - Concord April 25 - Hickory April 26 - Asheville April 27 - Boone

Umbrella vs. Excess - Are they the Same? (3 hrs)

- # C96260

Click here to Register now!

Class Schedule and Location Details are also available online: https://www.jsausa.com/education/

*Questions? Contact Mimi Dobbins: mimi@jsausa.com or 800-342-5572!

Drawing to be held in Dover, Delaware at the 2012 Regional Conference, March 8-11, 2012 .

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Is It a Cold or Flu? How to Tell, What to Do

Symptoms may seem similar, but the flu can have serious complications and early treatment is best. How to tell the difference. Also See: Vaccines Adults Need Ways to Create a Greener Home How to Build a Safer Fire

Health News Headlines

Does 'The Biggest Loser' Hurt or Help Obese People? Genes Affect How Sharp You'll Be as You Age Bone Density at Age 67 May Predict Later Bone Health Does Junk Food in Schools Matter?

In the Spotlight
Debate: 'Modern Family' Flap -- a Teachable Moment? On CBSNews.com: 7 Heart-Healthy Foods Itchy Rash: Could It Be Psoriasis? 11 Reasons You Sweat Too Much Tips for Living Better With Arthritis

From The WebMD Network

Scleritis Symptoms and Signs How Are Adhesions Diagnosed?

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

How to Fight Colds and Flu Naturally

Colds and flu have plagued us forever, yet we still have no real cure. These tried-and-true remedies help relieve symptoms of each. Also See: FAQs About the Common Cold Eating to Kick Colds Give Citrus a Chance

Health News Headlines

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 Drinking Black Tea May Lower Blood Pressure Stem Cells: New Hope for Macular Degeneration Drug for Enlarged Prostate May Slow Cancer Growth Study Finds Women May Feel More Pain Than Men Do Why Some Children May 'Grow Out' of Autism

In the Spotlight
On CBSNews.com: Will 'Smart Bomb' Mouthwash End Tooth Decay? What to Ask Your Doctor About Dupuytren's Contracture 'Need an Alternative to Salty Potato Chips' Pet Health: Clipping, Dipping, and More Puppy-Care Tips Health Tool: How to Have the Sex Talk With Your Daughter

From The WebMD Network

What Are Nondrug Treatments for Insomnia? What Is the Recovery Time for a Dislocated Knee?

The WebMD Daily Bite

Deviled Eggs

Forward to a Friend

Try our easy and surprising trick to save on calories without losing a bit of flavor
Total Servings: 4 Nutrional Information Per Serving: Calories: 378 Carbohydrates: 48g Cholesterol: 19 mg Fat: 15 g Saturated Fat: 5 g Fiber: 5 g Sodium: 5 mg Protein: 12 g Recipe from Eating Well

More Recipes
Sweet 'N' Sour Turkey Meatballs Grilled Shrimp With Dipping Sauces Oven-Fried Blue Cheese Olives Easy Microwave Nachos

Also From WebMD

Fast and Easy Appetizer Recipes

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 Easy Slow-Cooker Recipes for Entertaining Hangover Myths

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The WebMD Daily Bite

Forward to a Friend

Roasted Vegetable Salsa

Why serve boring jarred salsa when making your own is healthier and so easy?
Total Servings: 6 Nutrional Information Per Serving: Calories: 39 Carbohydrates: 7.7 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Fat: 0.2 g Saturated Fat: 0 g Fiber: 2.0 g Sodium: 198 mg Protein: 1.7 g By The Gluten Free Goddess Recipe From Foodily.com

More Recipes
Easy Spinach Dip Homemade French Onion Dip Creamy Artichoke Dip Mango Papaya Salsa

The WebMD Daily Bite

Forward to a Friend

Swirled Cheesecake Brownies

Indulge! Cutting these brownies into bite-size pieces helps keep down the calories.
Total Servings: 24 Nutrional Information Per Serving: Calories: 100 Carbohydrates: 16 g Cholesterol: 4 mg Fat: 4 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Fiber: 1 g Sodium: 50 mg Protein: 2 g Recipe from Eating Well

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More Recipes
One-Bowl Brownies Peanut Butter Cookies With Milk Chocolate Chunks Lemon Bars Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies

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