6750 Westown Parkway #200-322
West Des Moines, IA 50266
P: (515) 537-2080
F: (866) 373-2236
Welcome to the Mutual Insurance Association of Iowa
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Larry Abbe |
PREPARE - CHANGE - SURVIVE
It is an honor to serve as president of the Mutual Insurance Association of Iowa. The MIAI would not exist without the members willingness to serve when called upon.
PREPARE
Can you prepare for the possibility of an F-5 tornado attacking this state? A number of mutual companies had that possibility become a reality in 2008. Were they prepared and what can we learn from them? Preparation is an ongoing process. If we have done our due diligence which includes staff training (including cross training), education, networking, having the proper reinsurance, access to extra funds, have an alternate location in mind, and do the things we can control then we will be prepared. Other than storms, we have outside sources which can affect our business. We must encourage our association and member mutuals to keep taking a pro active approach when called upon by our state and national leaders.
CHANGE
What will change in our mutuals this year? Change is a constant in our industry. Some examples may include new coverage's, new items to insure, new ways of doing business, a web site, going, paperless, a new investment strategy, new employees, and always the possibility of government intervention. A year ago we were challenged to make our mutuals special and unforgettable. Have you met that challenge? Did you create a new logo, change your brand, or maybe do something special for your town?
SURVIVE
During the years 2001-2004 a lot of our discussions centered around our survival as a mutual industry. I am pleased to say we continued doing what we do best by making the necessary changes and promoting the farm mutual insurance philosophy. We did survive and our mutual industry is much stronger than a few years ago.
I believe if we continue doing the best we can and continue to serve our policyholders, prepare our mutuals for the things we can control and keep up with the necessary changes our mutual industry will survive. Thank you for being a part of the Mutual Insurance Association of Iowa. Together we do make a difference.