Hello!

I hope you all have had a wonderful, relaxing summer and this Newsletter finds you all doing well.

I would like to start off telling you all a little about myself.  I started in the insurance industry back in 1994, working for a captive insurance company.  That company was a great training ground but I always felt that there was just something missing in my career path.  In 2001, I took a huge leap of faith and left that company to start my own independent insurance agency from scratch.  As many of you know, this has been no easy task.    It has come with many rewards but sometimes, even more headaches and challenges.  After many years of trying to get the right staff, the right companies, and many, many hours of hard work along with the help of my wife who is the Agency Office manager, the good Lord has guided us and helped us to achieve all of our success.

With this said, I know how hard it is right now for the agents and agency owners out there; we are facing numerous rate increases, underwriting changes, tougher underwriting requirements, staffing issues and rises in business operating costs.  Believe me when I tell you that I know right now it is no picnic in the insurance industry, but I still have a firm belief that it is still one of the most rewarding professions out there.

One of the many tools that has been a true blessing to our agency, is our partnership with PIA.  They offer so many services and benefits that can help you.  Whether it is the education classes, their extremely competitive Errors & Omissions Insurance rates, or one of my favorite benefits-the PIA Convention & Trade Fair.  The trade fair has been vital to our success in obtaining just the right companies to help our agency succeed.  Additionally, the PIA staff, led by Sheryl Chasse, has always been there to offer us assistance when we need it-do not hesitate to utilize them and their knowledge.  They are a great asset to us, the members.

A few goals that I have for the upcoming year as your President are as follows:

1. Increase membership through the value of what your PIA offers you.
2. Engage and interact with all Agency sizes-no one is left out.
3. Work with the Board of Directors and PIA National to bring more tools to help Agencies with the constant reshopping of clients that can find ways to save us all time and money.
4. Work alongside the Convention Committee to increase attendance at next year's convention.
5. Attend  our Advocacy Day in Washington to get some assistance with the challenges our industry is facing.

I know we all will be working hard to have a strong finish to 2024.  If there is anything that myself, the Board of Directors or the PIA staff can do assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Good selling.

Rich Moore