UNITE
VOICE OF THE SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION
AUGUST 2009 |
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| CONTACT US |
PHONE 888-290-8436
FAX 386-257-6216 |
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| GREETINGS UNITE READERS |
HOPE YOU ENJOY THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE NEW ELECTRONIC EDITION OF THE UNITE. WE WANT IT TO SERVE YOUR NEEDS AND BE THE VOICE OF SIAA. PLEASE DIRECT ANY COMMENTS TO US AT
INFO@SPECIALTYINSURANCEAGENTS.ORG. WE WILL BE ADDING NEW AND EXCITING ARTICLES EACH AND EVERY MONTH. CHECK OUT OUR ADVERTISERS THEY ARE HERE TO SUPPORT THE UNITE MEMBERS AND HELP YOU BECOME MORE SUCCESSFUL |
| 2010 21ST ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADE FAIR |
**FREE TRADE FAIR**
Specialty Agents of Florida has held an annual Trade Fair since 1989 where insurance companies and other vendors have exhibited their products to hundreds of agents in an endeavor to make agents knowledgeable, competitive and more efficient. A great networking environment is created and both seminars and Continuing Education classes are offered keeping agents informed of the latest products and legislation. The Association has developed a strong presence in Tallahassee and has attracted many prominent speakers from legislative leaders to the State CFO.
This year a big change, you asked for it and here it is no charge to enter the Trade Show.
We have also lowered the cost of the package for the convention and we have included the Trade Fair lunch in the SA spouse package.
Hotel cost $99.00 per night. Package
Friday Night Reception, Saturday Trade Fair Lunch, Saturday Night Party and CE's included
$89.00 SA Member
$69.00 SA Spouse
$139.00 NON-Member
Golf Package (including Lunch)
OPEN TO ALL !!!!!!!!! $125.00
Purchase by item
CE Courses per Day
$30.00
Friday Night Reception
$30.00
Saturday Luncheon
$30.00
Saturday Casino Night Party
$40.00
Your registration does not include hotel reservations. You are responsible for making your own hotel accommodations. Your request must be received by April 23, 2010. After that date, the hotel will release all unreserved rooms for the sale to the public. Limited rooms at this price reserve early don't wait. Universal DoubleTree
1-800-327-2110 (Be sure to mention Group Code # SAT to receive the discounted rate). Hotel Rate $99.00per night,
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| PROGRESSIVE ATTRACT - AND RETAIN - MORE CUSTOMERS |
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| SIAA MEMBERS CAN SELL AARP MED SUPP |
CALL TODAY TO START SELLING AND MAKING MONEY TODAY
1-888-290-8436 |
| SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP AND BENEFITS |
Want to become a member of Specialty Insurance Agents Association? Just call to receive the new membership application emailed or faxed to you today, or download form today.
For more information call Susan Graves at 888-290-8436 or CLICK ON DOWN LOAD FORM BELOW
Benefits of being a member of an agent's organization
- Being a member of an Association provides strength to the industry.
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Specialty Insurance Agents Association provided assistance to agents in getting their agencies licensed.
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Specialty Insurance Agents provided the classroom course for agents to meet their Citizens Insurance requirements.
UNITE
Higher commissions through our flood program. We have negotiated a flood program paying the agency 20% on new business and 20% on renewal business plus 1% to your ASSOCIATION. You can sign up to write flood insurance even if you don't have a homeowners market.
LDF Membership
Annual convention and trade fair.
Members can receive FREE CE credits on all classes offered at convention.
Industry Designation (to be presented at the 2009 convention).
Specialty Insurance Agents Association has entered into an agreement with the University of Central Florida to sponsor an Industry Designation for the Agent and CSR. The Designation will be available in 2009.
Board Members available to assist members with questions or problems.
Assistance in obtaining appointments with companies. At the annual convention/trade fair there are several dozen participating companies looking to appoint agents. While appointments cannot be guaranteed, we can initiate an introduction for you to the marketing staff of these companies.
 CLICK HERE TO DOWN LOAD FORM |
| SAM PRITCHARD 1944-2009 |
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Sam Pritchard
1944-2009
a Friend, a Mentor, a Jokester, a Peer
It is with heavy heart that we announce that Sam Pritchard passed away on April 30th. Sam was with his family in Asheville, NC where he succumbed to lymphoma cancer after his courageous fight of six months. All of us will remember Sam for his genuine personality, his robust enthusiasm for his friends, his love of his occupation, and his sense of humor(although it was sometimes simple and paradoxical). We will all miss Sam and what he meant to each one of us. One thing he would want us to know, however, is that he is "All Right" now...
"If you act Enthusiastic, You will be Enthusiastic"
Sam Pritchard
1944-2009
Employee with SIU 25 yrs
Sam will be truley Missed.
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| U.S. SECURTIY INSURANCE MOTORCYCLE PROGRAM |
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Rubio I'm a US Senate Candidate |
RUBIO DENIES TALK OF RACE SWITCH - 'I'M A US SENATE CANDIDATE'
By JOHN KENNEDY
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, July 15, 2009.....Former House Speaker Marco Rubio swept across North Florida on Wednesday, denying blog traffic that cast him as considering making a switch from the contentious and costly U.S. Senate race to an open Republican slot for state attorney general.
"Those things have been going around from the very beginning of this campaign," Rubio said Wednesday night before speaking to the Tallahassee Northeast Conservative Club. "I'm a U.S. Senate candidate, that's what I am."
The National Journal reported earlier that Rubio was calling top Republican fund-raisers and activists, floating the idea that he would abandon his campaign against well-financed Gov. Charlie Crist for Senate and enter the attorney general's race. A Republican contender has yet to emerge to challenge Democratic state Sens. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres and Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, already vying for their party's nomination.
Adding to the tantalizing prospect, Gelber advisor Steve Schale fired off a Twitter feed calling a Rubio versus Gelber race "one for the ages."
"Steve Schale is a nice guy, but he's not one of my political advisors," Rubio said.
When he got before the Tallahassee conservative club, Rubio was more in his element. For 45 minutes, the candidate stuck close to his campaign message that both political parties are to blame for problems in Washington, that the federal government has become bloated, and that the federal stimulus program combined with rising Medicare and Social Security costs is on track to bankrupt the U.S.
"Once you create a program, it takes over the marketplace," Rubio warned, adding that Florida's state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp., has become just such a fiscally unsound behemoth.
The 75 people gathered at a Tallahassee restaurant to hear Rubio ate it up. Among them, Bernice Fowler, a retired hair dresser, who cut a $100 check for the West Miami contender during his speech.
"I was for Charlie Crist when he ran for governor," Fowler said. "But he's not done what I wanted him to do. I especially don't like that he supported the federal stimulus bill. That's a big problem."
Rubio has criticized Crist for supporting the federal stimulus package, and for appointing Supreme Court justices that Rubio says are more liberal than he would have chosen. He's also criticized Crist's environmental policies.
The two candidates both say they'll likely debate the issues eventually. They were both invited to speak on a panel last week in Palm Beach at the Florida Society of News Editors meeting, but only Rubio accepted. The governor was at the conference, but at an earlier luncheon.
But Crist has so far dwarfed Rubio in fundraising, pulling in more than $4 million while Rubio has garnered less than $400,000.
--END--
7/15/2009
Independent and Indispensable
Reprinted with permission of News Service of Florida http://www.newsserviceflorida.com
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| 2009 CONVENTION AND TRADE FAIR ONE OF THE BEST |
The weekend began on Thursday, May 14th with a Wine-Cheese party hosted by QUICK QUOTE. This was the beginning of a very successful Trade Show with our gracious venders meeting and greeting each other, providing a great unsolicited networking opportunity.
The food was in abundance consisting of fruit and cheese; nachos; Beef Wellington; Spring rolls; coconut shrimp and veggie platters on one side of the room to the Turkey and Beef being cut to order on the other side. Bars were set up with wine, beer and soft drinks. As the Board of Specialty Agents walked around greeting the vendors, they were delighted to note the camaraderie as vendors circulated the room greeting each other. The general consensus of opinion ranged from wonderful to fantastic to spectacular. The highlight of the event was a 50/50 drawing when a company Rep of First Commercial beamingly collected $83.00. Mark Malis of Quick Quote stated he was delighted with the turn out and noted that this event is becoming more popular each year.
Friday morning was the golf tournament at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course with Shane of Nations Safe Drivers officiating. There were 50 golfers and the winning team was Bristol West Insurance. A very happy golfer won $105 in the 50/50 drawing.
While the rest of the day was spent checking in, registering at the SA desk and attending CE classes, the highlight of the day was the Friday Night Reception hosted by Seminole Insurance, Nation Safe Drivers and 800-Ask Gary Insurance. The reception was a gala affair with a colossal buffet consisting of a salad bar, hot and cold canapés, and fresh cut roasts. Agents and vendors circulated the room and were delighted at the wide array of food presented. Once again -- there was a winner of a 50/50 drawing who collected $152.
Saturday morning was the annual Agent breakfast meeting sponsored by Occidental who presented all attendees with a gift bag. Pat Lorello officiated the meeting and opened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. with an introduction of the Board. She gave a brief outline of the bills that had been presented to the legislature and regretfully announced the agents bill for relief was not passed. However, some inroads were made and she was optimistic about the chances of it being passed next year.
Pat then introduced Jed Berman, our legal counsel, who explained purpose and benefits of LDF. (Legal Defense Fund). He advised agents of pitfalls which consist of:
Curtis Tyre, President and owner of Tyre Insurance School then presented the mandatory 1 hr. Wind Mitigation class. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m. Doors of the Trade Show were opened and the Trade Show began.
As the agents entered the Trade Show, the vendors were all in booths meeting, greeting and giving away promotional items. They set up baskets wherein agents would drop in their business cards for drawings. A microphone was set up by the SA booth and hourly, vendors announced winners of such items as GPS Systems; Battery charger; gift cards and many others.
Trade Show was closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 for lunch. The luncheon -- sponsored by PROGRESSIVE was a phenomenal success consisting of mile-high sandwiches and phenomenal desserts. Pat opened the meeting with an introduction of the original founders of SPECIALTY AGENTS. This was followed by an introduction of Travis Moore, SA Lobbyist who gave a brief rundown on legislative issues, particularly the agent's relief bill. Travis then introduced guest speaker Rep. Janet Long who serves on the INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. Rep. Long announced she is very sympathetic on the issue of getting a payment fee for agents and pledged her support of a fee bill in the next legislative session.
Next speaker was Sen. Fasano who serves as Pres. Pro Tempe of the Senate. Sen. Fasano emphasized that all agents should approach their area legislators and appeal to them for the need for agent relief and to enlist their aid in getting a fee bill passed.
Following this Pat thanked all sponsors of the Trade Show:
- AGIC, Inc. Saturday Hoe Down and Friday Night Welcome Party
- Bristol West Golf
- Dairyland Tote Bags
- Graves & Co. Golf Hole
- Nations Safe Drivers Friday Night Welcome Party
- Network Insurance CE Classes
- Occidental Saturday Morning Agents Breakfast Meeting
- Progressive Saturday Luncheon
- Quick Quote Thursday Night Exhibitor's Cocktail Party
- Seminole Friday Night Welcome Party
- Standard Prem. Finance Golf Hole
- Tyre School/CE CE Classes
As a finale to the luncheon - Pres. Curtis Tyre introduced the Board for the coming year.
President Shane Griffis
Vice President Marc Pease
Secretary Fran Colucci
Treasurer Pat Lorello
Executive Director Susan Graves
Following the luncheon -- Trade Fair resumed. CE classes were held throughout the weekend and it should be noted that while agents were signing up with new companies, they also took advantage of the free CE classes held thus maintaining their licenses and gaining new knowledge.
The finale of the weekend was the HOEDOWN which boasted great food with a Western theme; a DJ with great music and line-dancing. Attendees all were in agreement that this was the best Trade Show ever.
THANK YOU AGAIN TO ALL OUR EXHIBITORS FOR 2009 TRADE FAIR
ACCESS GENERAL- BOOTH#52
ACCU AUTO- BOOTH#50 AND #51
AMERICAN SOUTHWEST- BOOTH#36
APOLLO CASUALTY- BOOTH# 2
APPALACHIAN UNDERWRITERS- BOOTH#25
ASSURANCEAMERICA-BOOTH#6
ASSURANCE MGA/21ST CENTURY- BOOTH#33
BRISTOL WEST- BOOTH#37
CONNECTED UNITS TECHNOLOGIES- BOOTH #16
DAIRYLAND- BOOTH#26 AND #27
DEL RIO DISCOUNT CORP- BOOTH#35
EBRIDGE SOLUTIONS- BOOTH#5
ETI BOOTH- BOOTH#41
EXPLORER- BOOTH#38
EXPRESS TAX BOOTH #34
FEDUSA FRANCHISING GROUP- BOOTH#24
FIRST COMMERCIAL- BOOTH#56 AND #57
FIRST INSURANCE NETWORK, INC./PEACHTREE CASUALTY- BOOTH#32
GAINSCO- BOOTHS#43 #44 #45
GLASS AMERICA-BOOTH #47
GM UNDERWRITERS-BOOTH#23
I.B. GREEN- BOOTH#30 AND #29
INFINITY- BOOTH#31 AND #46
LINKS INSURANCE SERVICES- BOOTH#15
MODERN INSURANCE- BOOTH#58
NATION SAFE DRIVERS- BOOTH#39
NATIONAL GROUP INS/PHOENIX INS UNDERWRITERS- BOOTH#21
NATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICE PLAN- BOOTH#22
NETWORK INSURANCE- BOOTH#54
NORTHERN CAPITAL INS. GROUP BOOTH # 19
OCCIDENTAL FIRE AND CASUALTY- BOOTH#42
OCEAN HARBOR/PEARL HOLDING GROUP- BOOTH#40
OLYMPUS INSURANCE- BOOTH #18
OMNI INSURANCE GROUP- BOOTH#28
PREMIUM FINANCING SPECIALISTS- BOOTH#55
PRO PREMIUM FINANCE CO, INC.- BOOTH#48
PROGRESSIVE- BOOTH#3 AND #4
QUICKQUOTE- BOOTH#1
REGIONS BANK- BOOTH#17
SEMINOLE CASUALTY- BOOTH#59 AND #60
SPECIALTY AGENTS-BOOTH
SPECIALTY AGENTS FLOOD- BOOTH # 20
STAR CASUALTY- BOOTH#49
US SECURITY INSURANCE CO.- BOOTH#53
A very special thank you to Susan Graves, Executive Director and her staff who have worked diligently for over six months to present a very successful 2009 SA Convention and Trade Fair.
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| NATIONS SAFE DRIVER ROAD TO SUCCESS |
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| ACCU-AUTO FREE 30-DAY DEMO |
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| FYI |
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Deerbrook Florida Business Update
On May 27, Deerbrook* sent notice to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation of its intent to withdraw from the state. Deerbrook's withdrawal plan includes non-renewing current auto policyholders.
Late this summer, subject to regulatory approval, Florida policyholders will be sent pre-notification letters and formal non-renewal letters in adherence to state law. The pre-notification letters of non-renewal to policyholders will be sent at least 90 days prior to the effective date of non-renewal.
Earlier this year, Deerbrook announced similar actions in other states in which it does business. We will continue to serve policyholders for any claims they may experience, subject to policy terms and conditions.
Ongoing profitability pressures contributed to the decision, which was not made lightly.
*Deerbrook currently writes business in Deerbrook Insurance Company and Northbrook Indemnity Company (NIC) in several states. However, these actions have no impact on Allstate customers written in NIC in AL, GA, OH and SC.
Receivership of First Commercial Insurance Company and
First Commercial Transportation and Property Insurance CompanyAgent Information
Company Information
On July 10, 2009, First Commercial Insurance Company ("First Commercial") and its 100% wholly owned subsidiary, First Commercial Transportation and Property Insurance Company ("First Commercial Transportation"), were ordered into receivership for purposes of rehabilitation by the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Leon County, Florida ("Court"). The Florida Department of Financial Services is the court appointed Receiver of both First Commercial and First Commercial Transportation. The companies consented to the receivership.
First Commercial, a Florida corporation licensed in 1995, and its subsidiary, First Commercial Transportation, are headquartered in Miami, Florida. First Commercial writes workers' compensation, commercial auto, general liability and commercial multi-peril insurance policies in Florida and Georgia. First Commercial Transportation writes commercial auto insurance coverage in Florida.
I am an agent or broker who has written one or more policies with First Commercial or First Commercial Transportation. What should I do?
Both First Commercial and First Commercial Transportation have ceased writing new or renewal insurance business. All appointed agents and brokers are urged to contact their First Commercial or First Commercial Transportation policyholders whose policies have expired or will expire soon and work to move the policies to another carrier that will write the business.
Claims Information
How do I report a new claim?
Please report all new claims to First Commercial or First Commercial Transportation in accordance with the companies' normal reporting procedures. If you need to file a new claim, you may call (305) 820-4844, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
What is the status of my pending claim?
If you need to find out the status of a pending claim with a date of loss that was prior to the expiration of your First Commercial or First Commercial Transportation policy, you will need to contact the companies at (305) 820-4844, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If I have already filed a claim with First Commercial or First Commercial Transportation, will the Rehabilitation affect the status of my claim?
No. To the extent possible, claims will be processed in the ordinary course of business.
How much will be paid on my claim?
During rehabilitation, the Receiver will continue to process and pay claims in the ordinary course of business to the extent possible.
There is a lawsuit being brought against me for bills that First Commercial or First Commercial Transportation should have paid. What should I do?
Notify First Commercial or First Commercial Transportation through the companies' regular claims filing procedures.
Contact Information
How do I contact First Commercial to file a new claim or to check on the status of a pending claim?
To file a new claim or to check on the status of a pending claim, please contact First Commercial Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at (305) 820-4844.
How do I contact Customer Service for answers to policy and underwriting related questions?
If you need to reach the customer service department, please contact First Commercial Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at (866) 570-2184.
How do I contact the Florida Department of Financial Services which is the court-appointed Receiver of First Commercial?
You may contact the Receiver by using the "Contact Us" form or by calling 850-413-3081.
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| ETI ACCORD FOR DUMMIES FREE |
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| SPECIALTY AGENTS FLOOD 20% COMMISSION |
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| SIAA FLOOD 20% COMMISION |
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SPECIALTY AGENTS - SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION
FLORIDA FLOOD PROGRAM
Are you currently writing flood insurance? Are you getting 20% new business and 20% renewal commissions? SPECIALTY AGENTS - SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION has entered into an agreement with NATIONAL GROUP INSURANCE COMPANY to appoint all its members to sell flood insurance. The contract we have entered into will pay you 20% new and 20% renewal commission for all flood policies which will not only increase your bottom line but also support your Association.
Even if you do not currently represent a homeowners company you can still sell flood insurance to your clients. Training and marketing material is free and readily available from FEMA.
If you are not currently writing flood insurance, please bear in mind all you need is a 2-20 license and your Association will advise you of the availability of on-line CE classes to enable you to reap these profits. If you are presently writing flood-contact us to discuss the benefits of rolling over your existing flood business. You must be a member of SPECIALTY INUSRANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION to take advantage of this great opportunity. If you sell one $1000 policy - the commission you receive will be enough to pay your membership which will cover your entire office. YES - that is correct. Membership is per office - NOT PER PERSON.
There are many other advantages to selling flood. If you build up a book of business it could help you obtain an appointment with a homeowners company. A $10,000 book of business will pay you $2,000 in commissions. The commission is paid on both new and roll over business. Specialty Insurance Agents Association benefits from this program also.
Please call (888)290-8436 for information on how to join SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION and get appointed to write in the flood program with National Group Insurance Company. This is only one of the benefits of being a member of this great organization whose primary function is to work for you the SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENT
Please reply and we will arrange for you to be appointed and start selling at 20%.
Curtis Tyre
Board member
Specialty Agents - Specialty Insurance Agents Association
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| SIAA LDF PENNIES A DAY |
Legal Defense Fund:
Peace of Mind
for just pennies a Day
call or email today
1-888-290-8436
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| TAX PREP EARN $300.00 PER HOUR |
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| ATTENTION ALL LIFE AGENTS |
ALEX SINK
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
STATE OF FLORIDA
ATTENTION ALL RESIDENT LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS
The Florida Legislature took action during the 2008 legislative session to strengthen regulation of annuity sales to seniors.
SB 2082 created a new continuing education requirement for all resident life insurance agents. Effective January 1, 2009:
Section 626.2815, Florida Statutes -- Continuing education required; application; exceptions; requirements; penalties.-
(3)(k) Any person who holds a license to solicit or sell life insurance in this state must complete a minimum of 3 hours in continuing education, approved by the department, on the subject of suitability in annuity and life insurance transactions. A licensee may use the hours obtained under this paragraph to satisfy the requirement for continuing education in ethics under paragraph (a).
What does this mean to you?
If your continuing education compliance period ends January 31, 2009, or after, you must meet the new requirement by the end of your compliance period. If your compliance period ends in January or February, you must act quickly to take your 3 hours of senior suitability education. If you have already taken hours in ethics, you will not lose credit for these hours; they will be applied to your general continuing education requirement or carried over to your next compliance period.
How do you find a course?
A new course authority, "CE 9911 - Senior Suitability", has been created. Only courses approved with this new course authority number will fulfill the new requirement. To locate a senior suitability course, go to our website at www.myfloridacfo.com/agents and log in to MyProfile. Select "Locate" in the upper left-hand corner, then "Future Course Offerings," and select a course convenient for you with the CE 9911 course authority number. If you would like to take a self-study course, please choose one of the "self-study" options under "Study Method."
What else is happening in the regulation of annuity sales?
CFO Alex Sink recently created the "Safeguard our Seniors" (SOS) Task Force to review and recommend solutions to better protect Florida seniors against financial fraud. The task force's immediate focus is on annuity fraud. See www.flseniors.net. One of the ideas being discussed by the SOS Task Force is more aggressive education of the public, including the agents who sell these products. Keep informed by checking the SOS website.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
Division of Agent and Agency Services � Bureau of Licensing
200 E. Gaines St. � Tallahassee, FL 32399-03 19 � Tel. 850-413-3137
Affirmative Action � Equal Opportunity Employer.
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| QUICKFILE #1 AGENCY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE |
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- WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT.
- ARE THERE SOME OTHER TOPICS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE UNITE?
- REMEMBER WE PUBLISH THIS FOR YOU.
- SO CALL US OR EMAIL TODAY WITH YOUR IDEAS.
- WE ARE A BOARD OF TWELVE , FROM DIVERSE TYPES OF AGENCIES, WITH MORE THAN 150 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
Sincerely,
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SPECIALTY INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION
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