The IIAW is pleased to announce that Janel Bazan has joined the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin as our new Vice President. Janel has been a dedicated member of the IIAW Board of Directors for several years, providing valuable leadership and insight to our association. Now, she will take on the role of Vice President, bringing her talents, experience, and strategic mindset to help guide the IIAW and our members as we continue to grow and elevate the association.

To help members get to know Janel better, we asked her a few questions about her background, interests, and vision for the future:

Can you share a little about your professional journey and what brought you to this role with the IIAW?

My insurance career began nearly 30 years ago at Mortenson, Matzelle & Meldrum (now M3), where I learned the fundamentals of running an agency from my first mentor, Diane Wilkinson. After a move to Florida and time off to start a family, I returned to Madison and joined Johnson Insurance, eventually working on the management team under Linda Steiner—an incredible mentor who introduced me to the Big “I.”

Through that connection, I served on several committees and later joined the IIAW Board of Directors. During this time, I joined AVID Risk Solutions, and it was there working with Brock Ryan and Ben Shortreed that I realized work is not work when you are having fun every day.

I believe everything happens for a reason, and with a change in staff at the IIAW and the pending second acquisition of the agency I was at, the timing was aligned for me to truly give back to the insurance industry by joining the IIAW as a full-time staff member!

What excites you most about joining the IIAW team?

I’m excited about helping others navigate questions like, “What do you know about…?”, “Have you ever experienced this?”, or “Where can I find…?” especially when it comes to resources available to agents or agencies. Whether it’s outsourcing needs like accounting, audits, marketing, or HR, the IIAW provides these solutions for our members. Additionally, it’s crucial for independent agents to have a strong voice in legislative matters, and the guidance that Misha Lee and the IIAW offer ensures that changes happen with our input. This is where the IIAW can truly represent the independent agent over any other association, hands down.

How do you see the insurance industry evolving in Wisconsin, and how do you hope to contribute?

Like many other industries, the Wisconsin insurance industry will see increased use of AI in the future. I don’t believe the agent will be eliminated. The relationships built with agents are similar to those we value in the financial or healthcare fields—collaborative interaction will always be essential.

Outside of work, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

Outside of work, you’ll find me with friends and family enjoying the lakes or bike trails in the Madison or Minocqua area or sitting by the campfire with a nice glass of wine, taking in the night sky.

Do you have a favorite resource that inspires you professionally or personally?

Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: flood resources for Independent Agents, and a long-term win in the fight against insurance fraud.

Flooding Hits Wisconsin - Resources to Protect Your Clients & Agency

Severe storms swept through the Midwest this weekend, with the Milwaukee area experiencing some of the heaviest rainfall. West of the city saw 8 to 11 inches of rain, leading to significant flash flooding and the cancellation of the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday.

Here are several flood insurance resources to help you protect your clients and your agency:

• Avoiding Agency Errors & Omissions Claims by Offering Flood Insurance and Excess Flood Coverage
  Learn how to reduce your E&O exposure by ensuring clients are informed about both standard and excess flood insurance options.
• The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Selling Flood Insurance
  A practical guide covering the essentials of flood insurance and tips for getting started with sales.
• Big “I” Flood Insurance
  In partnership with Selective, Big “I” Flood offers members an industry-leading flood insurance program with unmatched service and support.

Fighting Insurance Fraud: A Long-Term Win for the Industry

The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud estimates that insurance fraud crimes cost the U.S. around $308.6 billion each year. From staged slips and falls to elaborate schemes involving lawyers, doctors, and claimants, bad actors have exploited the legal system for profit. However, momentum is shifting. Insurance carriers are ramping up efforts to root out fraud, and while the full results aren’t yet clear, the potential long-term impact could reshape the industry. Read more here.

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: Wisconsin dentists raise concerns after an insurance company acquires a major dental practice, and a congressional hearing explores potential reforms to FEMA’s role in disaster response.

Dentists Across Wisconsin Worry After Insurance Company Buys Large Dental Practice

Dentists across Wisconsin are voicing concerns following Delta Dental’s acquisition of Cherry Tree Dental, a Madison-based practice with over 30 locations. The insurance provider maintains that the purchase presents no conflict of interest, but many in the dental community argue that the move blurs the line between insurer and care provider. Read more here.

FEMA Role in Disaster Response Examined in Congressional Hearing

Last week, the House Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing to introduce the bipartisan “FEMA Act of 2025.” The proposed legislation would remove FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security and restore it as a cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the president. The bill aims to streamline disaster aid, speed up assistance to survivors, and incentivize state-level investments in disaster mitigation. Read more here.

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: a guide to understanding commercial insurance costs. Plus, a new book proposes a strategy to negate nuclear verdicts.

Understanding Commercial Insurance Costs

Understanding your commercial insurance costs is just as important as tracking any other operating expense. Most small businesses can expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 annually for basic coverage, but your exact premium will depend on factors like your industry, revenue, location, and claims history. Additional elements—such as coverage limits, deductible amounts, number of employees, and vehicle fleet size—also influence pricing. For a deeper dive into what impacts commercial insurance rates, read the report from ISU Armac Insurance Services. Read more here.

New Book Proposes Four-Prong Legal Strategy to Negate Nuclear Verdicts

Leaders at one of the nation’s largest insurance defense firms believe they’ve uncovered the key drivers behind nuclear verdicts—and created a litigation strategy to counter them. Their approach, called “Apex,” is based on real courtroom experience and data from over 100 nuclear verdict cases. A new book detailing the strategy and research behind it is set to be released later this year. Read more here.

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: the U.S. Senate passes the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." Plus, how auto insurers can safeguard drivers against predatory tows.

Big "I" Secures Important Win as Senate Passes Tax Package

The Big “I” is celebrating a significant legislative victory as the U.S. Senate passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” on Tuesday, July 1. This comprehensive tax package includes critical reforms and would make many provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent.

Most notably, the bill would preserve the 199A deduction for pass-through entities, keeping it at the current 20% rate. According to the 2024 Agency Universe Study, 86% of independent insurance agencies are structured as pass-through entities and file taxes at the individual rate—making this a meaningful win for Big “I” members. Read more here.

How Auto Insurers Can Safeguard Drivers Against Predatory Tows

While most towing professionals operate with integrity, a small number take advantage of drivers in distress. These bad actors use deceptive tactics like impersonating legitimate businesses, quoting low prices only to inflate them later, towing without consent, or charging for unnecessary services.

Insurers can help protect policyholders by connecting them with trusted roadside assistance programs—an effective way to shield drivers from potential fraud. Read more here.

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.