As I write this column, the nation is preparing to celebrate Independence Day. Independence is a derivative of the word independent, which is the primary qualification of the agents and brokers that associations like IIABNY represents. Being independent is one of our greatest assets. However, the freedom to operate independently can hurt, too. Sometimes, association members, as independent business people, find it difficult to work as a group on issues of mutual interest.

When we became an independent nation, our Founding Fathers realized that the freedoms we had just secured carried some responsibilities. They realized that a set of principals, or rights, was required by which we would govern our freedom. They also realized that the responsibility for implementing and protecting our independence, and those rights, would fall to each and every one of us as Americans.

Our status as independent agents and brokers brings with it a similar responsibility of protecting our independence, and pursuing the principals and rights by which we govern ourselves. Most, if not all, are not in a position on an individual basis to effectively negotiate issues with carriers, legislators, regulators, and consumer organizations that affect our business. We need the involvement of as many independent agents and brokers as possible.

Unfortunately, we increasingly find that agents and brokers are not actively participating in efforts to protect independence, and in issues necessary to effectively manage their businesses.

Technology has increased the speed in which business is transacted, and consumers are demanding 24/7 service at the push of a button. Carriers are requiring we do more and more of the actual processing work, which is putting a major strain on our support staff and our budget. Many times, legislators and regulators seek to implement consumer protections without taking into consideration the increased workload and cost associated with complying with their demands. Our business is evolving at an unbelievable pace, and it is difficult to just keep up with all of the demands. Time has become an invaluable commodity, and many agents and brokers are unwilling to give up their time to work on the important issues affecting all of us.

Lack of participation is having a negative impact on the local and state level as we struggle to identify members willing to serve as officers and on boards. Indifference has also affected attendance and participation at various local and state meetings. Some indicate the problem is we are not identifying and concentrating on the right issues, or that the subjects being discussed at meetings are not relevant. I challenge those agents and brokers to get involved and focus our attention on the right issues.

Many strongly endorse the idea of merging the two major producer trade associations and speaking with one voice that represents independent agents and brokers in New York. The reason it doesnt happen is because not enough agents and brokers are willing to take the bull by the horns and make it happen. You are the members the two associations serve. Doesnt it make sense that you should be in a position to make it happen?

I would just close by saying that apathy and lack of participation will have a devastating effect on our business. In the days of our Founding Fathers, the slogan was no taxation without representation. Maybe our slogan should be without participation, you can expect more work, less revenue, and more onerous regulation and legislation.

As IIABNY member advocate and assistant vice president of member programs, Jamie Deapo acts as communicator between agent, company, and trade association. His 15 years of experience as an independent agent coupled with a background in underwriting and marketing for insurance companies has given him a well-rounded perspective. A daily dose of conversation with independent agents from every corner of New York helps him understand the issues and concerns of the day. Deapo is also the outspoken voice on IIABNYs Word on the Street Podcast. Listen to these candid conversations at www.iiabny.org, by clicking on the News link on the left-hand side of the homepage, then Newsletters and Publications and Word on the Street Podcast.