Happy Wednesday! We hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend and enjoyed some much-deserved time off. In this week's email, we are outlining a member benefit that you should take advantage of today and the global variations in navigating the post-pandemic workplace.

Activate Your CareerPlug Account

Finding and hiring the right staff is crucial to your success, which is why the IIAW has partnered with CareerPlug to support your hiring operations. CareerPlug designed their hiring software for non-HR people so every owner, operator and hiring manager can make the right hires for their team. 

Every IIAW member receives a free CareerPlug account that comes with a branded careers page to showcase your jobs, pre-built job templates, a configured hiring process to help evaluate your applicants and access to a team of Hiring Experts. 

You also have the option to upgrade your free account to a paid Pro subscription at an exclusive partnership rate.  A Pro subscription includes unlimited job postings to top job boards (Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Google for Jobs, LinkedIn, etc.), 2-way applicant text messaging and the use of evaluation tools like personality assessments. You'll also have access to free one-on-one coaching within the first 30 days of upgrading. 

Click here to learn more and get started.

Return-to-Office is $1.3 Trillion Problem Few Have Figured Out

In the post-pandemic world, the landscape of work remains uncertain and diverse across continents and cultures. While Asian and European workers have largely returned to offices more quickly due to better pandemic control and flexible work laws, the situation in the Americas is more varied, with some companies pushing for three days in the office and others aiming for five. This ongoing debate on the role of offices, work-life balance, productivity, and pay carries significant economic consequences, including the potential erasure of up to $1.3 trillion in real estate value by 2030. Legislative efforts in Europe and elsewhere are promoting more flexible work arrangements, but the workplace is fundamentally different now, with the notion of work no longer tied to a specific location. As we move forward, the future of work remains uncertain, shaped by culture, legislation, and industry practices. Read the full article here. 

Don't forget if you haven't already updated your information to head back to this week's Big I Buzz email so you can receive our monthly email curated for you and your role. For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.

Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz, we are sharing details about an upcoming IIAW Emerging Leaders event that you should register for now, how to make sure you're the first to receive InsurCon updates and the test facing private flood insurance. 

TAPCO Risk Management Tour (2 WI CE Credits)

Join the IIAW and Emerging Leaders Group on September 14th, 2023, for the TAPCO Risk Management Tour, an educational event approved for 2 WI CE Credits. Explore one of the nation's premier traffic safety and highway system solution providers, TAPCO, at their Brown Deer, WI corporate office. From 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, embark on a guided tour of TAPCO's facility, delving into various stations that illustrate their hands-on safety and compliance approach. Stops include an examination of unique 24/7 work cell solutions, digital control of SDS and secondary labeling in the Sign Shop, the Metal Fabrication area's VLOC painting process, and warehouse techniques to prevent injuries. From 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, engage in a Risk Management Discussion led by a panel of TAPCO's Legal and Compliance leaders. The event concludes with a Happy Hour and Networking session. TAPCO, dedicated to enhancing roadway safety through innovative solutions, invites you to this enriching event, and limited space is available. For inquiries, contact Evan@iiaw.com. Register today here. 

Get InsurCon2024 Updates

This year's annual convention is a special celebration as we're celebrating the IIAW's 125th anniversary at Lambeau Field!This is a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lambeau Field. As Lambeau Field opens its doors exclusiely for our anniversary celebration, you'll experience its legendary aura like never before. With cheers of the past, the energy of the present and the promise of the future - all converge in this unforgettable celebration. Want to be the first to receive all exciting InsurCon updates? Click here and add your email to our email list! You'll receive real-time updates as we release more information like our in-depth schedule, as registration opens and as we announce our special guests joining us for the event! Click here to add your email to our email ist. 

2023 to Test Recent Growth in Private Flood Insurance Market

The growth of the private flood insurance market faces a crucial test in 2023, triggered by events like Tropical Storm Hilary in California and potential upcoming storms in the Atlantic hurricane season. The adoption of new data and technology in the federal National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Risk Rating 2.0 methodology has led to higher premiums reflecting true flood risk, propelling private insurers to greater competitiveness. The private flood insurance sector expanded from 47 to 198 providers between 2016 and 2022, with direct premiums written up 24% to approximately $1.2 billion in 2022. NFIP's financial troubles persist, while California's recent floods and the formation of Hurricane Idalia in the Gulf of Mexico pose significant challenges. The impact on the private flood insurance market remains uncertain, underlining the ongoing issue of low flood insurance uptake, even in disaster-prone regions like Vermont. The nascent nature of this sector is evident in AM Best's top 10 private flood insurers list, highlighting the ongoing evolution of this line of business.

Don't forget if you haven't already updated your information to head back to this week's Big I Buzz email so you can receive our monthly email curated for you and your role. For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.

Happy Wednesday! We're talking about the newest travel that you may want to start packing for trips and insurance concerns that come along with the summer's most popular activities. 

Travel Essentials: Passport, Money, Bluetooth Luggage Trackers? 

In the aftermath of last year's travel chaos and luggage pileups, airlines are still struggling to keep up with the demands of air travel. A recent incident involving Harley Hendrix, a traveler returning to New York from Oslo in late May, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by airlines in handling baggage. Hendrix discovered her suitcase, containing a cherished Alexander McQueen dress and packs of cheese, had been diverted to Copenhagen. Despite using an AirTag to track her bag, it took a week for Delta and KLM to locate and forward her suitcase, by which time the cheese had spoiled and the McQueen dress had to be discarded. The incident reflects the broader issues within the industry, including outdated baggage systems and the lack of interoperability between airlines and device manufacturers. While airlines are working on incorporating trackers into their existing systems, the pressure is on to improve the bag-handling system to meet customers' expectations. In the meantime, it may be wise to pick up a few AirTags before you travel. 

Summer Fun: Make Sure These Insurance Policies Are Up-to-Date

According to a recent study from the Outdoor Industry Association, roughly 55% of people in the U.S., ages 6 and up enjoy alfresco recreations. As temperatures continue to soar and vacation calendars are swelling with planned summer activities, it's a great time to follow-up with your clients. Here are some of the most popular summer activities along with the insurance concerns that come along with them, according to the consumer education and comparison-shopping website VIU by Hub.

• Boating - "If you own a boat, you may want to consider purchasing boater's insurance. Perhaps surprisingly, most states do not require this coverage. Check your state regulations to find out if you need it, but consider purchasing it even if they don't. It typically covers damage to your boat, liability for injuries or damages caused by your boat. It may also include coverage for personal property on board the boat. "
• Swimming pools - "If you have a backyard pool, your insurance company will need to know. You may want to consider adding liability coverage to your home insurance policy, or an umbrella policy, in case someone is injured in or around your pool."
• Cycling - "Your bicycle is likely covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy in case of theft or damage, as well as liability coverage if you cause an accident while riding your bike."
• Backyard parties - "Grills, fireworks and swing sets are common sources of injuries in the backyard. You may want to check your liability coverage to be sure that you have enough sufficient financial protection if someone is hurt."
• Vacations - "Keeping your vacated home safe while you are away is important for any homeowner. If you're going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, have someone check in on the property and let you know if there are any possible claims that need to be made. For example, if a window is broken in a storm or by a baseball from the neighbors playing."
• Road trips - "Auto insurance is a must to cover any damage or injuries that occur while you're driving. If you're planning to cross borders during your road trip, check to make sure that you'll be covered in those countries as well. It's also a good idea to consider travel insurance to cover any unexpected expenses or emergencies that arise during your trip."
• ATVs - "Unlike a boat, an ATV does need insurance. ATV insurance typically covers damage to your ATV and liability for injuries or damages caused by it. Your homeowners or umbrella policies may offer some additional protection."
  

Read more here. 

Don't forget if you haven't already updated your information to head back to this week's Big I Buzz email so you can receive our monthly email curated for you and your role. For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.

Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz, we are discussing the newest social platform and how you can earn two free WI CE credits next week. 

The New Social Platform in Town

With over 100 million people already signed up, the new social media platform, Threads, is becoming quite the rival for Twitter. In July of 2022 Twitter disclosed they had 237.8 million daily users before Elon Musk took over the company. So, what is Threads? Threads is a Twitter-like service released by Meta, that uses credentials from your Instagram account, if you have one. After only a week, Threads holds the record for the fastest platform to reach 100 million users, which surpasses ChatGPT! Catalyit, your go-to tech resource, says, "Your success relies on your ability to adapt and embrace new technologies. As early adopters of platforms like Threads, you demonstrate your willingness to evolve and connect with clients through various channels. You know as well as I do that the insurance industry is built on trust and relationships, and exploring new avenues for communication can only strengthen those bonds." Read more about the new social platform and how to leverage it for your agency here. 

We encourage you all to explore the new platform and embrace the new communication platform for connecting with your clients. You can find the IIAW on Threads under the username: iiaofwi. We shared our very first Thread this morning!

State of the Insurance Industry in Wisconsin Webinar

The "State of the Insurance Industry in Wisconsin" is happening at 9 a.m. on July 18th and will be an interactive seminar that will analyze and discuss the insurance market data, economic data, the InsurTech landscape and state & federal insurance legislative and regulatory proposals.

The course is approved for 2 Wi Property & Casualty CE credits! This course is free for IIAW members and the topics that will be discussed are: 

1. 2022 Wisconsin P&C Insurance Annual Marketshare Data Report

2. The latest P&C quarterly marketshare data report

3. Wisconsin economic data as provided by the Department of Revenue, Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and the University of Wisconsin

4. CB Insights InsurTech report and data

5. Legislative and regulatory information from NAIC, IIABA, APCI and more. 

Register for the webinar here. 

Don't forget if you haven't already updated your information to head back to this week's Big I Buzz email so you can receive our monthly email curated for you and your role. For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.

Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz, we are talking about how pickleball is affecting health insurers and the likelihood of experiencing a severe flood in the US. 

Pickleball Injuries Cost Americans Nearly $400 Million This Year - And Seniors Are Hit the Hardest

Pickleball, the mischievous sport beloved by seniors, is causing quite the pickle in the healthcare world. According to UBS analysts, it's not all fun and games on the pickleball court - this seemingly harmless pastime is responsible for a jaw-dropping $250 million to $500 million in medical costs this year. Who would have though that a sport involving paddles and balls could lead to such financial chaos? But UBS has the stats to back it up, revealing that seniors make up a significant portion of pickleball players, and their zest for the game combined with their high incomes has resulted in a surge of orthopedic procedures. The impact of pickleball on healthcare costs is no laughing matter, but perhaps we can chuckle at the unexpected havoc caused by this "pickleball pandemic." Stay safe out there and remember to watch your step on the court. 

Around 21% of the U.S. Can Expect '100-Year Flood' Events Every 25 Years

In a new study by the First Street Foundation, it has been revealed that the United States is facing a soggy future as severe 1-in-100-year flood events are becoming more frequent, occurring every 25 years for about 21% of the country. This unfortunate forecast is based on an updated precipitation model that considers climate-driven changes in heavy rainfall events. Dr. Jeremy Porter, head of climate implications research at the First Street Foundation, humorously stated that heavy rainfall flooding is becoming the "new normal" for most of the U.S. population. To make matters worse, the study shows that 51% o Americans now live in areas that are twice as likely to experience severe floods compared to previous projections. It seems like our odds of staying dry are rapidly diminishing, and even regions with historically solid flood protections are at risk of being drenched due to outdated standards. It's time to grab an umbrella and rethink our flood prevention strategies. Read more from propertycasualty360.com here. 

Don't forget if you haven't already updated your information to head back to this week's Big I Buzz email so you can receive our monthly email curated for you and your role. For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.