Recognizing that the impact of recent events still remained fresh in the minds of many in attendance, Mr. Hofmann praised those who had made the trip to the convention despite the grief, anger and anxiety many still hold.

“The determination speaks to a quality that is uniquely American: a confidence and stubbornness that defies hardship. It speaks to a rebirth of spirit and a genuine sense of purpose. It speaks to a courage that only free people can ever truly know,” he said.

The aftermath of “this furious attack” shows the need for a strong insurance market, he added.

“The role we all play in supporting our nations economy and it citizens has been revealed,” he said. “Now the world knows what we already know–that our industry is strong, that it is compassionate, and that it is prepared,” he added.

Agents will be challenged to secure the tools that will ensure security for companies and agencies alike, Mr. Hofmann said.

Touching on the success of past initiatives, Mr. Hofmann said he took some personal pleasure in the ribbon cutting ceremonies for InsurBanc, the Associations bank that will help agents compete with other financial services.

“As an agent who spent many years fighting to keep banks out of our business,” it was a real thrill to step into their business,” he said.

Discussing the Associations new branding initiative, “Trusted Choice,” which was officially unveiled during the session, Mr. Hofmann said the initiative is only part of the campaign for agents to build better relationships with customers.

The initiative, he said, is needed to show both the value and distinction of an independent agent compared to a captive agent.

William F. Hofmann III

Reproduced from National Underwriter Property & Casualty/Risk & Benefits Management Edition, November 12, 2001. Copyright 2001 by The National Underwriter Company in the serial publication. All rights reserved.Copyright in this article as an independent work may be held by the author.

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