View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2004/03/19/40268.htm
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York Inc. noted in a recent bulletin that its innovative mix of up-to-date Web site information and personal contacts is working very well.
The Syracuse-based trade group combines personal direct contact and the “always-on” access of its Web site to deliver first-hand information about the organization and the industry.
More than 350 agents, brokers and other insurance professionals were on the receiving end at a series of “road shows” presented by IIABNY and held across New York state over the past 12 months. Attendees were invited to meet the association’s staff and sample its extensive fare of member services and products during a three-hour program that featured a Caribbean cruise theme.
At the core of the shows is a guided tour through IIABNY’s Web site. “Though we are a 122-year-old organization, a significant portion of those employed by our member agencies and brokerages miss receiving all the benefits of membership simply because they are unfamiliar with at least some of our services and products,” indicated Lisa Lounsbury, IIABNY senior VP – marketing and operations. “Many associations, in fact, are in the same boat. So, our staff loaded up the IIABNY boat and took the information directly to our members in the form of these road shows.”
Lounsbury added that IIABNY’s Web site is the key in covering a wide range of association activities in a relatively brief period, leaving time for attendees to interact with staff and ask questions. “We presented our road shows at seven sites around the state and one of the most frequent comments we hear is that “I didn’t know you offered that.’ I feel we’re making great progress in reaching our members with these road shows.”
The most recent round was held in Port Jefferson, Garden City and Briarcliff Manor during the week of March 8. Previously, road show meetings were held in Albany, Rochester and Buffalo in October 2003. IIABNY launched the series in Syracuse last April. Another round of road shows is planned in the fall.