DII

Winter 2015 Official Publication of the Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas

Dallas Insurance InsiderThe All Industry Day IssueHow Independent Insurance Agents Can Prepare for, Plan, and Succeed in 2015

IIAD Members Give Back to the Community

5 Presidential address

7 EXECUTIVE ADDRESS

9 young agents presidential address

11 HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM IIAD

13 ALL INDUSTRY DAY RECAP

15 INSURANCE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

17 YOUNG AGENTS’ OCTOBER SOCIAL

19 ALL INDuSTRY DAY PHOTOS

20-21 IIAD MEMBER BENEFITS AND NEW MEMBERS

22-23 ALL INDUSTRY DAY HIGHLIGHTS

25 HOW IIA CAN PREPARE FOR, PLAN, AND SUCCEED IN 2015

27 IIAD EDUCATION

29 ALL INDUSTRY DAY RECAP

331 THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

32-33 IIAD MEMBERS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

33-35 ALL INDUSTRY DAY TOP SPONSORS

37 STAY CONNECTED / ALLRISKS NEW ADDITION

38 OCTOBER MEMBER LUNCHEON

39 INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

TABLE OFCONTENTS

3

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Tex

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PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

W e have ended another calendar year and now begin a new year. This annual process always gives us a chance to pause and refl ect on last year and then begin anew with new beginnings. As an Association we can appreciate 2014 results of another tremendous turn out and quality Golf Tournament; our Board of Directors remaining vigilant to the needs of our Membership; Young Agent initiatives that inspire us all; an incredible All Industry Day this past fall with quality speakers and huge industry attendance and participation; a fi nancially strong Association; Professional Staff. All this gives us a foundation of experience and strength to hold us in good stead for the year ahead as we embrace our New Beginnings. When I think about the basis of our Association that has allowed for our successes it becomes immediately clear that it is all about People represented in three broad categories that compose our Association: Agent Members, Carrier Members and Vendor Members; all our members make it happen. Our members are a part of an incredible People Force within our Industry. When we narrow it down to the Retail segment of our Industry and refl ect on it I must ask the question what is in the DNA of these people that make for success?

I am humbled by the people of our association through their work ethic, character, goodness, cheerfulness, and sense of integrity,

Brook CRAWFORDYour presdient,

New Beginnings for this New Year: · Self Esteem· Refuge in something greater that ourselves· Noble endeavors that lead to success and happiness· Sense of wisdom in the decisions we make· Understanding of past mistakes and a resolve to eliminate them My sense is that if we continue to aspire to greater Ethics, then our Retail Agency DNA will indeed be a solid and unshakable foundation of everlasting success and good fortune. May our Blessing be plentiful for 2015.

I am humbled by the people of our association through their work ethic, character, goodness...

“”

5

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Proud members of IIA, PIA, AAMGA, NAPSLO, TSLA & IIAD.

For more information, please call your Hull Representative

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DallasToll Free: 800-765-HULL

Phone: 972-789-1962Fax: 972-789-1967

HoustonToll Free: 877-256-HULL

Phone: 281-759-4855Fax: 281-759-7245

We’ve got the markets• In-housefacilities• Admitted• Non-Admitted

We’ve got the coverage• Transportation• Casualty• CommercialProperty• CommercialMarine• InlandMarine

We’ve got more…• Service• Professionals• Experience

CasUaLTyAllied HealthcareArtisan ContractorsCommercial Umbrella & Excess LiabilityContractors – GeneralContractors - ResidentialEarthquakeEntertainment, Sports & LeisureLiquor LiabilityMercantilePremises LiabilityProduct LiabilitySpecial Events/Spectator Liability

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EXECUTIVEADDRESS

Happy New Year! 2014 was an effi cacious year for the association. Many people were involved in making the association successful in the work we do for our members. We are thankful to them all, and ask for continued support in accomplishing our goals.

What can you look forward to in the coming year? Three of our Membership luncheon speakers will focus on “Best Practices”, where you will gain insight into the latest trends. Quarterly AMCL designation classroom sessions will continue, and we are targeting March for the launch the Account Manager Personal Lines designation. The “Big I” tournament at DAC on June 1st continues to be a day we all look forward to, and our cornerstone event, All Industry Day, will be held at the Irving Convention Center on Thursday, November 12th. With the help of your input through surveys, we are working to provide tailor-made events.

The Big I Legislative Day is March 4th at the Texas State Capitol. This program connects members with their legislators. IIAD will be looking for a delegation to represent north Texas.

In April, IIAD will host the second annual WWHS Academy of Finance Expo. Last year, volunteers helped students in a number of areas including appropriate business attire, resume writing skills, and tips on applying for fi nancial aid. IIAD has committed to fi nding internships for students. If you can provide an internship this coming summer, please let us know soon. We see this initiative as a key way to bring new talent to our industry.

The Mission Statement of IIAD is “To serve and promote Independent Insurance Agents through education, legislation and promotion of goodwill throughout our community”. I can boil that down to a few important words: serve, educate, advocate, community. Please contact us to get involved.

May you all enjoy a prosperous 2015, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

TAMMY LANDEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF IIAD,

May you all enjoy a prosperous 2015, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

“” 7

Now that the New Year has begun, I’d like to take a look back at 2014 and thank every one of the Young Agents’ sponsors and members for the good things the Dallas Young Agents were able to do for the community last year. It should be common knowledge that philanthropy is a cornerstone of the Young Agents mission, and I would like to take a moment to recognize some of these accomplishments. The Dallas Young Agents are involved with the InVest program, on both an instructional and charitable level. Several of our local young agents have taught insurance classes at Woodrow Wilson High School, and many others helped facilitate an expo that included mock job interviews, assistance with college and scholarship applications, and a “Dress for Success” workshop. The Dallas Young Agents and our sponsors were able to provide scholarships to deserving young students on the threshold of college. These scholarships included laptop computers and business attire. A group of Young Agents representatives visited the East Dallas Boys & Girls Club one evening, where we played games, assisted children with their homework, learned about the facility, and participated in a fi re drill. This was a rewarding experience, and we look forward to doing it more often. In October, the Dallas YA held a social event at Prime Bar for Halloween, and we were able to raise over 150 pounds of canned food for the North Texas Food Bank. This food was donated prior to Thanksgiving in an attempt to help those less fortunate during the holiday season. At the November Turkey Bowl, we raised over $850 in gift cards for Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which will provide Christmas toys for children in bad situations. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, come be a part of what we are doing. Once again, thank you all for the time and resources you donate, as I am all too aware of how valuable they are.

Gary LINDSEYYoung agents president,

YOUNG AGENTSPRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

9

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11

IIAD Wishes You a Happy New Year 2015!Create a better working environment and culture as you move forward on

fulfilling the common goals and values of your organization. May you garner the support of all in your endeavors to make your dreams and

pursuits come true in 2015.

With more than 30 of the top brokers and underwriters in Texas, providing resources to help you win business

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13

On November 5th, 2014, 1,000 insurance professionals across Texas gathered at the Irving Convention Center for All Industry Day. All Industry Day 2014 proved to be a Game Changer. From Brian Williams morning workshop to Dr. Huff’s moving keynote presentation, the day proved to be fruitful and momentous for the Independent Insurance Industry in Dallas. The trade show was buzzing all day and the exhibitor booths had many exciting variations on the “Game Changer” theme. All Industry Day would not be successful without our sponsors,

exhibitors, attendees, and committee members. Thank you for your participation and support.

Photos from All Industry Day 2014 are featured throughout this issue. For more photos, visit the IIADallas Facebook page. Dr. Huff’s keynote presentation is available on Youtube. For more information on All Industry Day, email

info@iiadallas.org.

All Industry Day 2015 will take place on November 12, 2015, at the Irving Convention Center.

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JAIMEE GOEHRING, CIC, CISR

IIAD STAFFING SERVICES - IES

OFFICE: (214) 360-0794

FAX: (214) 360-9989

JAIMEE@IIADALLAS.ORG

Finding the right person with the right skills and personality for your team is diffi cult. Posting ads, sorting through applications and resumes, conducting interviews, checking references, and testing skills takes time away from your regular duties. IES empowers you to focus on core job functions while we fi nd you qualifi ed workers.

Visit the Staffi ng Services tab at IIADallas.org for more information on job postings, job descriptions, resume and interview tips, and more.

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15

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IIAD Golf TournamentJune 1st, 2015Dallas Athletic Club

Marit Peters Named

President and Executive Director

of Independent Insurance

Agents of Texas The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) is pleased to announce the selection of Marit Peters as its President and Executive Director. Peters has spent the past 20 years working across various industries including insurance, healthcare, information technology, aviation manufacturing and association management. Her most recent role as Chief Strategy Officer for the Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico has afforded her the opportunity to work closely with insurance agencies and companies to understand their current challenges and deliver proven results. She has also consulted with associations across the country sharing her vision of ensuring associations remain relevant and attract the next generation of members, while respecting their history. IIAD Congratulates and welcomes Marit Peters as the new IIAT Executive Director and President.

17

October Social AT PRIME BAR

over FIFTY young agents came to the social and donated 150 pounds of food TO the north texas food banK.

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19

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

We at IIAD are very proud of the services and benefits we bring to our industry. From recruiting and

networking to education and young professional forums, IIAD is here to serve.“

Tammy Land, IIAD Executive

Director

RecruitingSave money by using IIAD’s in-house recruiter, Jaimee Goehring! Not only will your find your future star employee, but you’ll do it for a fraction of a traditional recruiter’s Finders Fee!

NetworkingNo need to search out carriers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, meet them at one of our networking events!

EducationAttend our lectures and seminars held throughout the year and learn more about topics that regularly affect your business.

WELCOME NEW IIAD MEMBERS!

21

All Industry Day CommitteeMark Frederiksen - Frederiksen & Frederiksen (Co-Chaiir)

Beth Fulton - Texas Mutual (Co-Chair)Amy Zimmerman - TexCap Concord

Brehn Luce - MHBTChanda Herter - AmeriCap Christi White - State Auto

Cyndi Boehle - Arthur J GallagherErin VanGieson - State Auto

Evan Ryan - AIGHouston Harris - Swingle Collins

Janet Bernstein - AmeriCapJeff Anthony - EFGI Jeri Payne - ANBTX

John Losurdo - RHSBLance Goff - Philadelphia

Lori Snleson - Blackmon MooringPaul Fredette - Legacy Texas

Rick Pooler - Imperial PFSScott Bonds - Texas MutualToni Campbell - Midlands

All Industry Day Volunteers Alice Macik - Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Caroline Cremer – Philadelphia InsuranceDonna Hauser – The Combined GroupHelen Eaves-Great American (Retired)

Helen Lintner-Patterson & Associates (Retired)Jan Savage – Patriot National

Keri Brookshire – Philadelphia InsuranceLinda Anderson-TX Specialties

Monica Rodriquez – Philadelphia InsuranceShanna Sutton – US RiskTonia Anderson – US Risk

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to IIAD and All Industry Day.

Each year at All Industry Day, IIAD recognizes the Volunteer of the Year as well as the Underwriter of the Year. This year, Erin VanGieson of State Auto (pictured in the top left photo with Tammy Land) was recognized as the volunteer of the year. Erin is active on the All Industry Day Committee, Golf Committee and InVEST program. Erin’s “take no prisoners” attitude on committees and her joyous cackle earned her this accolade. This Year, Ryan Neal of Hanover (pictured in the bottom left photo with Brook Crawford and Tammy Land) was recognized as the Underwriter of the Year. Ryan was nominated because he fully understands and respects the partnership between the agent, client and carrier. Clients have confidence in his integrity, industry knowledge and experience, and commitment to their success.

Texas Mutual introduced a new award in 2014: CSR of the Year. Fran Standridge (pictured in the top right with Bill Jackson and Tammy Land) was awarded this year through her dedication to the following: excellent customer service skills & aptitude to both internal and external customers, high knowledge of coverage, coverage forms, and the ability to apply that knowledge, consistent dedication to continuing education, great leadership demonstrated with her co-workers, and low E&O claim probability/history. The All Industry Day Grand Prize was a $500 Southwest Airlines voucher. This year, Kym Cadman of Hotchkiss (pictured in the bottom right photo to the right of Patty LaCourne) received the prize. Towerstone sponsored the Grand Prize.

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25

How Independent Insurance Agents Can Prepare for, Plan, and Succeed in 2015By Russel Newman, EMPLOYERS

Louis Pasteur famously said, “Fortune favors the prepared mind.” The year ahead presents many new opportunities for independent insurance agents to grow and provide greater value to clients. These early days of the New Year are the opportune time to reflect on your professional goals and commit to the strategies you will use to accomplish

them.

Focus on these five key areas and you can make your business more successful in

the year ahead.

1. Reflect and PlanIt may sound simple, but the first step toward making this year a success is to carve out time to analyze last year’s

performance and reflect on what can be improved.

Evaluate your business performance holistically – and be painfully honest. Identify what helped you accomplish your goals and what set you back. Then, write down a detailed plan that commits you to new professional goals. Replicate the practices that contributed to your success in the past and figure out how to change the ones that

didn’t.

2. Strengthen Your Connections

The New Year is the perfect time to re-establish old business contacts and broaden your professional network. Your local IIA association can be an excellent place to start. Set goals for attending networking and continuing education events each quarter. If you already

participate actively, consider getting even more involved on a committee or as a Board member. In addition to IIA associations, your local chamber of commerce and other business groups are good resources for establishing connections that can help you grow your

business.

This is also a great time to review and update your LinkedIn account. Take a look at your contacts and congratulate those who recently changed jobs or were promoted. Ask for introductions to your contacts’ primary and secondary connections to identify people who may be helpful for you to know. Use LinkedIn as a resource for others by sharing updates about your business or relevant news articles about

the industry.

3. Map Out Your Continuing Education

As part of your annual planning be sure to focus on your professional development and continuing education. Determine the number of CE credits you need for the year and map out a monthly plan to ensure you’re not scrambling to fulfill requirements at the end of

the year.

IIA Dallas and many other local chapters host seminars, presentations, courses and luncheons that can help you stay up to date on the latest trends and developments affecting the industry. Several online resources also offer affordable, state-specific courses for insurance professionals that you can complete at your

convenience.

(continued on next page )

4. Refresh Your MarketingIf you’re selling your services with the same brochures and website you had in 2010, make 2015 the year your marketing gets a

facelift.

Start with your web site. Is it up to date with the latest news and information about your business? Are you adding new content regularly to your website, blog and social media channels to make them great resources for your customers and prospects? Can your business easily be found on the popular search engines? How is your service rated on Yelp, Angie’s List and the Better

Business Bureau?

In addition to your online marketing, check with your carrier partners for specialty marketing resources they may have available. For example, EMPLOYERS provides customizable, co-branded brochures; advertisements; direct mail campaigns; event marketing / trade show materials; and safety materials that can help you explain workers’ compensation coverage options and value-added services to your existing clients and prospects. These materials are provided at no charge to EMPLOYERS’ appointed agents via the online Agent Marketing

Toolbox (AMT).

If you don’t regularly send c u s t o m e r s and prospects an electronic n e w s l e t t e r , there are many c o s t - e f f e c t i v e r e s o u r c e s available to help you get started. Several of them cater to small business owners. They provide easy-to-use mailing list management and mass email distribution services, as well as campaign analytics that enable you to see how resourceful your information is and who is

relying on it.

5. Use New Online Policy Management Tools

While insurance will always be a people-oriented business, carriers are investing heavily in new technologies that make it easier to work with them. This year, make a point to become familiar with the valuable online policy management resources your

carrier partners provide.

A wide range of these types of digital tools are now available. For instance, EMPLOYERS provides policyholders and agents access to Loss Control ConnectionSM, an online risk management portal that has resources and tools to help improve workplace

safety and prevent losses. The company also provides agents with its EACCESS® portal, an automated quoting and underwriting system. These types of tools and services not only make doing business with carriers faster and easier, the enhanced service can also help agents secure new accounts to grow their own

businesses.

In addition to leveraging the online tools available from your carrier partners, load the new smartphone or tablet you may have received during the holidays with productivity-enhancing apps that can help you become more organized and productive.

Get Ready for SuccessThere’s a lot to be excited about heading into the New Year. With a little bit of thoughtful planning and focused execution, you’ll be on your way to growing your business and accomplishing your

goals.

Russel Newman is chief sales officer for EMPLOYERS®, America’s small business insurance specialist®, which offers workers’ compensation insurance and services through Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company and Employers Assurance Company. Insurance is not offered in all jurisdictions. For more information, please visit

www.employers.com.

Copyright 2015. EMPLOYERS. All rights

reserved.

27

Account Manager Certi�cation ProgramExclusive to IIAD and brought to you by IIAD and WebCE

IIAD’s Account Manager Certification Program is a blend of online and classroom training

courses that will set the foundation of knowledge about Commercial or Personal lines

that a new Account Manager needs to be successful in an independent agency. IIAD will

offer two tracks:

AMCL – Account Manager for Commercial Lines AMPL – Account Manager for Personal Lines

Each track will include online training, provided by WebCE, intended to

cover an overview of the lines and two ½ day classroom courses

taught by experienced IIAD members

discussing the lines in more detail; adding

real-world experience and examples to the

concepts.

Online courses will be offered by WebCE. Classroom courses will offered once each quarter by the IIAD. Once a student has completed both the online and the classroom courses within their chosen track, he or she will receive the corresponding

certification.

Information is available at

IIADallas.org under the

“Education” tab.

Insurance Employment ServicesThe Introductory Employment Recruiting & Training Initiative has officially launched. We are off to a great start and anticipate that our 3 graduates will be ready for their new careers in early February. We are also in the process of coordinating a bigger class in the early summer and are actively seeking candidates for consideration. The Program will include:

- Six weeks of online and in-classroom insurance & technical instruction- Obtaining General Agents P&C license- Interview coordination & coaching- Placement at an independent insurance agency.

If you know anyone interested in a career in the Independent Insurance Industry, please refer them to Jaimee Goehring for application and consideration: Jaimee@iiadallas.org – 214-360-0794

29

IIAD decked out the Irving Convention Center with red and black checkers-themed exhibitor booths, a giant Checker board, Rubik’s Cube tables, a massive Connect Four board, and other game changing swagger. Two TapSnap photo booths in the AIG Game Lounge allowed attendees to take silly photos and send it directly to their social medias. IIAD hosted several Family Feud games, which were not short of cringe-worthy and hilarious responses from the participants. Lance Goff hosted the matches and the crowd was roaring with laughter. All Industry Day exhibitors and attendees were also not shy to play with the “Game Changer” theme. From Spin the Wheel to giant Jenga and darts, the All Industry Day exhibitors entertained the attendees with their exciting booth

games and activities.

IIAD graciously donated $7,500 to theMake-a-Wish Foundation of North Texas. Erin Michel who serves as Make-A-Wish Foundation Chief Development Officer accepted the check

during the keynote luncheon.

IIAD Members Give Back to the CommunityOn November 25th, 2014, Patterson & Associates and Philadelphia teamed up to bring Thanksgiving to the Shiloh Place in McKinney. Shiloh Place works to equip single mothers with financial independence and personal wholeness by addressing their educational, emotional and spiritual needs. The companies donated over seventy five food items to the organization.

Top photo from left to right: Rustin Goodgion with Patterson & Associates, Casey Ray with Shiloh Place, Ben Patterson with Patterson & Associates, Lance Goff with Philadelphia, Lucinda Tucker with Shiloh Place, and Jason

Merritt with Patterson & Associates

This past year, IIAD committed to bringing Christmas joy to the children

at Medical City Children’s Hospital. Donations came in the form of cash,

checks, and toys for children of all ages. Thank you to our members who

contributed to this cause. The IIAD office was overflowing with toys. IIAD also

purchased two iPads with the monetary donations for children to entertain themselves during their stay at the hospital. IIAD plans to continue this

tradition and support the Medical City Children’s Hospital for years to come.

In alphabetical order, the companies that contributed to the toy drive:

AmTrustArden Insurance (Ennis,

TX)Bibby, Brilling & Associates

Champion CommercialCRC | CRC CrumpDavis Dyer Max

Great American InsuranceRT Specialty

33

“Spread the Joy, Share a Toy”IIAD Toy Drive

2014 All Industry Day Top Sponsors

35

Tammy Land, Executive Director of IIAD

Jaimee Goehring, Director of Insurance Employment Services

Elizabeth Nelson, Marketing and Communications Director of IIAD

Chisty Pope, Administrative Assistant of IIAD

37

All Risks was thrilled to add Broker, Rhonda Flake, to their stellar South Central Region this October. Rhonda is a seasoned Broker who’s held numerous diverse roles with MacLean Oddy, Colemont & AmWins. She plays a significant part in developing business and lending her expertise to this top broker team.

She is active with the Federation of Insurance Women of TX, as well as numerous other mentoring programs to which she lends her time, ie N. TX Food Bank providing meals for countless hungry people in our own backyard, National Bar Association partnering with schools to provide mentors & counseling for college-bound high schoolers.

A passion that is near and dear to her heart is the Annual Texas Toy Run benefitting MHMR (Mental Health Mental Retardation) program. This highly worthwhile endeavor benefitted thousands of children when over 15,000 bikers came together in N. Tx on December 21st to ride for those less fortunate. To be involved, gives Rhonda great satisfaction & happiness & further magnifies the spirit of the Season! Go to www.thetexastoyrun.com for more information.

 

AllRisks New Addition: Rhonda Flake

Thank you for joining IIAD at the October Member CE and Luncheon.

Ranney Pageler with EMPLOYERS taught a three hour course on workers comp fraud and our guest speaker. Bill Hendricks with the Giftedness Center, spoke about our talents and passions and how to apply them to employment. Brian Williams, the All Industry Day morning presenter, joined us at the luncheon to give us a preview of his All Industry Day presentation. Pictured to the right is Helen Eaves, formerly with Great American. Helen has been involved with IIAD for many years. May all the years ahead bring you great joy and relaxation. Happy retirement!

IIAD Continuing Education courses and luncheons are exclusive to members only. For a list of upcoming continuing education courses and luncheons, please visit the events page or calendar on our website.

2 MYRON STEVES www.myronsteves.com

4 TEXAS MUTUAL www.texasmutual.com

6 HULL & CO www.hullco.com 8 GENESIS RESOURCES www.genesisresources.com

10 BURNS & WILCOX www.burnsandwilcox.com 12 AmWINS BROKERAGE OF TEXAS www.amwins.com

14 BLACKMON MOORING WWW.BLACKMONMOORING.COM

16 western security surplUS www.wssib.com

18 philadelphia www.phly.com 24 CRC | CRC CRUMP www.crcins.com 24 MIDLANDS www.midlandsmgt.com

28 chubb www.chubb.com

36 u.s. risk www.usrisk.com

40 SERVICE LLOYDS INSURANCE COMPANY www.servicelloyds.com

For the DII Media Kit and advertising inquiries,

please email Elizabeth@IIADallas.org.

THE DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER IS CREATED

BY ELIZABETH NELSON. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO

CONTRIBUTE CONTENT, PLEASE EMAIL ELIZABETH@

IIADALLAS.ORG.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

We’re still the same Texas workers compensationcarrier you have counted on for over 30 years.

We’ve just updated our look.

To learn more about our companycall (800) 299-6977 or visit www.servicelloyds.com.