IBAO is pleased to support the Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving (OSAID) new public service announcement and charitable awareness campaign aimed at communicating the dangers of impaired driving.
During the month of May, OSAID will have branded boxes displayed at the cash check out at all LCBO’s in Ontario. OSAID is hoping that all Ontarians to put a ‘buck in the box’ and donate to their campaign focused on educating students on the dangers of impaired driving. May brings us closer to the summer months - a time filled with social activities for students, such as prom, grad nights, May long weekend and end of school parties. These events find many students placed in compromising positions where impaired driving becomes a factor.
With a partnership that’s lasted over 10 years, IBAO brokers believe in not only educating our current drivers, but the drivers of the future. The number one cause of teen death and injury in Ontario is impaired driving. We proudly support OSAID and this initiative to spread awareness to young drivers of all forms of impaired driving including distracted driving.
In addition, Radio Broadcasting students at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario have created and produced a radio public service announcement (PSA) that will encourage people to support OSAID by donating to the campaign this month. IBAO’s public relations team will be reaching out to regional radio stations around the province encouraging the stations to play the PSA in support of this cause.
For over 25 years, OSAID has managed over 5,000 teen volunteers and has volunteer chapters in over 300 secondary schools in Ontario. OSAID hosts an annual, province wide, motivational leadership conference for students and teachers, holds 6 regional workshops, creates program materials for promotions, education and motivation, and helps prevent teen death and injury. OSAID does all of this with the help of thousands of volunteers.
IBAO is excited to launch a new, online tool - MyInsuraceShopper Know Your Stuff®, a Home Inventory tool for Ontario consumers. This easy to use software is available on the web for consumers to take inventory of their possessions and track this inventory easily and efficiently, all within digital space. The inventory is stored online where consumers have free access to view or update their inventory anytime, anywhere they wish.
A home inventory will help you itemize your property if you need to make a claim, and it is a good way to test if your overall policy limits are adequate.
IBAO encourages all home owners to make a thorough inventory update of their belongings, including a list of contents, estimate of replacement value and perhaps a photograph or video of each room. This inventory should then be reviewed with their broker. The MyInsuranceShopper Know Your Stuff® inventory tool makes this process convenient, by allowing consumers to store and update their details and within the digital space.
Many people receive or purchase new expensive items and neglect to inform their broker and update their policies. Items, such as expensive jewelry should to be added to your insurance policy to ensure you are properly covered in case of any future claims. You never know when a disaster may strike, but you can be prepared with an up to date home inventory.
IBAO reminds Ontarians that it is common practice for policies that cover personal property, to have special limits on the amount that will be covered for specific items, or items within specific categories. If you require the full replacement or market value to be insured, you will have to arrange for additional insurance with your broker.
Having a list of contents, photos and/or videos of possessions is invaluable for consumers, as well as insurance brokers should you require assistance for lost or damaged possessions. Knowing the value of the contents of your home is vital to being properly insured. Your broker can help you find the tools and resources you need.
Visit www.myinsuranceshopper.ca/knowyourstuff for more information.
IBAO is thrilled to officially announce its support of Custom Software Solutions Inc.’s (CSSI) recent introduction of a new major time saving technology. This new innovation allows PDF Dec pages to be accepted as part of the Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) download standards.
Insurance companies and brokers will now be able to transmit documents through an “Electronic Document Transfer” (EDocs) process, effortlessly and according to CSIO standards!
Scott Andrew, President and CEO of CSSI wants brokers to know that “the biggest impact with regards to saving time and eliminating paper is the ability to download the Dec page. CSSI is pleased to say that we are capable of handling EDocs and prepared to work with any of our partner insurance companies to provide this service for their brokers."
CSSI is one of the fastest growing automation software suppliers to the Canadian Insurance Industry. The combination of their insurance experience and technological expertise enables their team to develop and market a user-friendly automation system that takes into account all aspects of a working brokerage. CSSI provides end-to-end information technology solutions to over 400 Brokerage offices across Canada.
Insurance Brokers are encouraged to share this information with their insurance companies as this new service gives insurance companies and brokers the ability to send information electronically, saving large amounts of time, which will allow brokers more time to spend with clients.
For more information on this new service, brokers are encouraged to visit: http://www.cssionline.com
IBAO is thrilled to announce a new app available to members titled hereiam™. This mobile business tool will enhance broker productivity and improve client relationships.
The state of the art app makes it easy for brokers to connect with their clients when out of the office and can even be used safely while on the road.
This new app gives brokers the ability to:
• Listen and compose emails while driving. The hereiam™ voice reads email messages back to the subscriber, as well as records voice notes and converts them into composed memos and emails and delivers them to the intended receiver;
• Dials numbers in their contact list hands free;
• Follow me/find me feature allows broker clients to reach them no matter where they are;
• Multi-conferencing;
• Toll free calling. Clients can call them directly through a toll free number and avoid long distance charges;
• Out of town calling. While out of their local calling area, they can call anyone in North America for $.05 a minute;
• Eliminate roaming outside Canada; and
• A mobile app for smartphones is included.
In fact, we're so convinced that hereiam™ provides real value to Brokers that we invite you to try the service for a 30-day free trial!
IBAO wants to encourage all of its members to sign up for hereiam™ by visiting www.hereiammobile.com.
New for 2012 – CAIB Live Web Conferencing Discussion Groups
REGISTRATION DEADLINE – December 1st, 2011
How will you step up your game?
Attracting and retaining customers in today’s marketplace is becoming more challenging. Consumers expect more and are more willing to shop if their needs are not met. Knowing your product and having the confidence to convey that knowledge is critical to your success. Completing CAIB and/or CPIB will provide you with the tools to deliver that essential customer experience.
Benefits in attaining your broker designation:
· Greater Industry Knowledge
· More Confidence with Clients
· Achieve Personal Goals
· Improved Customer Service
· Career Advancement
· Advanced Standing Credits in MBA/H. B Comm Programs
Have you heard of the CAIB designation?
The Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker is a four part designation program that takes an in-depth look at technical coverages and business management strategies in the Canadian insurance marketplace. It deals with three major subject areas: personal lines, commercial lines and brokerage management.
New for 2012 – CAIB Web Conferencing
Group Discussion will now be offered online through live video web conferencing every week for the duration of the semester. This new service will be online for the upcoming winter semester which commences on the third week of January. For more information please contact Jacob Maga at jmaga@ibao.on.ca.
Have you heard of the CPIB designation?
The Canadian Professional Insurance Broker program is a six part designation program that is designed for Brokers who have achieved the CAIB or CIP, are seeking a specialization and who want a program to enhance their knowledge of the insurance industry. Brokers can select one of three streams of specialization depending on their interests: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines or Broker Management. Within each stream, brokers must complete three mandatory insurance courses and three elective business courses offered at a recognized college or university of their choice.
More Information:
Please direct any questions on the CAIB and CPIB programs to Jacob Maga at jmaga@ibao.on.ca
or 416-488-7422 or 1-800-268-8845 ext. 119.
Don’t just take our word for it, watch our video testimonials for CAIB and CPIB
IBAO, in partnership with the Ontario Safety League is pleased to announce its new sponsorship of Ontario’s chapter of Operation Red Nose!
IBAO’s sponsorship guarantees that all ‘Red Nose’ cars are properly insured for the 2011 season.
Since its start in 1984, Operation Red Nose has helped thousands of Ontarians make the responsible choice of not driving while under the influence. This program provides free and confidential chauffeur services to individuals across the province.
This national initiative launched today in Québec, and has undoubtedly been responsible for saving many lives as it serves as a truly effective deterrent against impaired driving.
Small community launch events will be held across Ontario during the month of November with the official Ontario-wide launch being held at Queen’s Park on November 23rd with IBAO’s very own, Bryan Yetman as the host.
IBAO wishes all Ontarians a safe and happy holiday season and encourages you to benefit from the Operation Red Nose program in your community!
For a full list of the Operation Red Nose locations and contact information across province, visit the Ontario Safety League’s website – www.ontariosafetyleague.com
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The results are in for the 2011 Provincial Vote and IBAO extends congratulations to all Ontario election winners after an extremely exciting campaign! IBAO members have worked hard to foster strong relationships with all of Ontario’s political parties and is delighted to welcome all Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) back to Queen’s Park.
IBAO has been in regular discussions with MPPs across the province, representing the interests of Ontario consumers. It’s critical that all parties work together to improve a number of key concerns, including:
• access to insurance products for consumers;
• tackling insurance fraud;
• ending the use of credit scoring as a measure on home insurance premiums.
IBAO looks forward to heading back to Queen’s Park this fall and to continuing to work with all MPPs toward resolutions on our concerns.
It’s important that Ontario consumers have access to fair and reasonable insurance, and IBAO is here to make sure their voices are heard.
Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving (OSAID) and IBAO want each and every student returning home for the holidays to arrive alive and stay safe the entire long weekend.
It is an exciting time of year, as many first year college students head home for their first school break. While celebrating and giving thanks this weekend, it’s important to remember just how imperative it is to not be an impaired or distracted driver.
Here are some tips to follow to prevent a tragic situation:
• Arrange for a designated driver;
• Take public transit;
• Arrange for a car or limo service;
• Call a cab.
Students are encouraged to follow those simple tips which may prevent a serious accident.
Also, remember to use a hands free device, and avoid the temptation to text or make calls while driving. For example, place your cell phone in the backseat or the trunk of the car and ask fellow passengers to quietly take their calls.
Through IBAO’s partnership with OSAID, Ontario brokers have committed themselves to providing students with the necessary knowledge and information required to make wiser decisions when it comes to their transportation options.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend!
IBAO is proud to announce that its 68th President, Mr. Peter Burns, BES has been appointed to the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC)
Peter is a community guy. He is dedicated to countless local causes, various sponsorships and volunteer’s on board committees. IBAO CEO Randy Carroll points out that “his ongoing contributions to the insurance industry in Ontario are incredible to watch and we are all excited to see these contributions extend to the industry as a whole”.
Peter has been a part of our industry since the early 1990’s. He graduated from University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and worked in the community newspaper business. In fact, he was one of the founders of the Tillsonburg Indepenent, a community newspaper now owned by Sun Media.
Peter began his career in insurance when he joined Anderson & Benner, a small, three-person Insurance and Financial Services Brokerage in Tillsonburg. Shortly after, he served on the Board of Directors for the Oxford County Insurance Brokers Association for ten years, five of those being spent as President. In 2005, Peter was elected to the IBAO Board of Directors and in 2010 was elected to the role of President of this same board. He has chaired Education, Membership, Broker Management & Long Range Planning in the past for IBAO and served on the IBAC BIP committee.
Today, Peter is the President of Burns, Demeyere & Associates in Tillsonburg, Ontario.
Mr. Carroll said, “We are pleased to have Peter as our Ontario representative on the IBAC Board for the 2011- 2012 term. It will be exciting to see Peter bring his insight and knowledge to the national level.”
IBAO 91st Annual Convention
Wednesday, October 19 – Friday, October 21, 2011
The Fairmont Royal York
Click here to reserve your room online
IBAO's Annual Convention has set the standard for providing the most powerful networking opportunity available for member insurance brokers, industry leaders and service industry partners! Don't miss this exclusive event hosted in Toronto at the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Click Here to register online NOW!
Click Here to download a full 2011 Convention Program
Please note that IBAO will be using Meeting Management Services Inc. (MMS) again this year to process and manage registrations. Please forward all registration forms and payment to this company. Their contact information is included at the top of the registration form. Should you have any questions regarding registration, please contact colleen@mmsonline.ca.
Exhibitor List
Exhibitor Floor Plan
Don't miss the largest insurance broker event of the year!
The 2011 IBAO Annual Convention is a tweet-friendly event and we are encouraging attendees to tweet-away!! The hashtag for the event is #IBAOConvention11.