December 2002
COVER STORY
Agency focuses on loss mitigation and prevention
In the past 10 years, Gilbert's Insurance has grown by more than 300%.
FEATURES
AVI combines detailed inventory with valuation and appraisal
Enhance relationships with clients, increase revenues and boost E&O protection.
Miles ahead
A dynamic vision and a bold leap of faith put Milestone Risk Management & Insurance Services out in front.
Putting zip into e-mail marketing
Insurance Profit Systems' ZipDrip venture helps agencies reach out electronically.
Financial advisor's advice: Take control
Leading financial advisor helps successful individuals move away from being just wealth consumers.
Something for nothing
Using non-money endorsements for fun and profit.
Banks acquiring agencies
Three different agencies; three different stories.
Protecting income, building retention
Your clients' employees are much more likely to become disabled than to die--are they covered?
Working smarter
Direct Bill Commission Download is a well-kept secret that can save agents "serious money."
Specialty market review and preview
Other than disappearing markets, rising rates, more extensive underwriting, and mold problems, how are things going?
Perpetuation planning: Straight talk from the experts
Top agency consultants tell it like it is to newcomers and veterans alike.
The Rough Notes Company Community Service Award
Nomination process underway for recognizing agents' outstanding serivce to their communities.
Young agents' achievements recognized
Indiana young agents committee receives highest honor for third consecutive year.
Return to roots revitalizes Amerisure
Michigan-based insurer specializes in manufacturers, contractors; derives 65% of its business from "Partners for Success" agencies.
Zurich Canada alliance with ING brings efficiencies
Zurich unit strengthens its large commercial market presence; ING gets added personal lines, small commercial business.
Agents urged to answer the call
Agents Council for Technology releases its "Call to Action" for interface improvements.
ADVERTISERS INDEX
COLUMNS
Risk Managers' Forum
Due diligence for mergers and acquisitions By Steven B. Steinberg, CPCU
Producer-Related Issues
Agents as mentors By Michael J. Weinberg
Lessons in Leadership
Doing the right thing By Robert L. Bailey
It's All About Money
Retirement plans--the sounds of change By William A. Clemmer & Gary S. Lesser, Esq.
Critical Issue Report
"The Perfect Storm" By Phil Zinkewicz
Agency Marketing Technology
Working with contact information By Steve Anderson
Personal Lines Selling
What does pizza have to do with database management? By Troy Korsgaden
Coverage Concerns
Loss of use coverage is important homeowners policy protection By Roy C. McCormick
Agency Financial Management
What's it worth to you? By Paul J. Di Stefano, CPA, CPCU
Sound Internet Solutions
Maybe not By John Ashenhurst
Risk Problems/Solutions
Loss payables By LeRoy H. Utschig, CPCU, ARM
Benefits Business
Boosting morale with work/life benefits By Len Strazewski
Public Policy Analysis & Opinion
Rewarding bad behavior By Kevin P. Hennosy
Strengthening the Front Line
Why good employees leave By Emily Huling, CIC, CMC
Risk Management
Producers as consultants By Donald S. Malecki, CPCU
DEPARTMENTS
Readers' Feedback
Court Decisions
Insurance Market Update
Rebuilding Cost Chart
Regional News
Region 1 Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
Region 2 Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North & South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Region 3 Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
Region 4 Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Region 5 Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North & South Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Annual Index of Articles 2002
Centuries of Rough Notes
Rough Notes Staff
Reprints