An independent agents group said that when it arrives in New Orleans for an upcoming conference, 300 of its members will take up tools and spend a day helping to rebuild the hurricane-damaged city.
The Alexandria, Va.-based Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America said it arranged to do the work with the New Orleans chapter of Habitat during the association's Sept. 5-11 fall leadership conference and board meeting.
Emily Crane, an IABA spokesperson, said there had been no difficulty in getting people for a day of building work. “We are allowed to have 300 volunteers, and we will have 300 volunteers,” she said, adding that the IABA had so many members offering to participate that the group had to turn people away.
“When I asked our membership if they'd like to volunteer their time in New Orleans to participate in this community rebuilding project, the response was unanimously positive,” said William G. Stiglitz III, president of the IIABA and an executive with the Louisville, Ky.-based Hyland, Block & Hyland agency.
“I am proud of the IIABA members for understanding that there is so much more to be done in New Orleans and all the regions devastated by last years' storms and that anything we can do to help will make a difference,” added Mr. Stiglitz.
Ms. Crane said the association will consider doing more community service during future conferences “depending on interest…and what the needs of the community are.”
Robert A. Rusbuldt, IIABA's chief executive officer, said, “IIABA recognizes that while much progress has been made one year after Katrina, there is still so much to be done,” he said.
IIABA, Mr. Rusbuldt said, feels “that it is important to give back in every way we can. While we are in New Orleans with such a large group, we want to do what we can to help ease the suffering of at least some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina.”
The Katrina Relief Fund, created by a nonprofit foundation run by the IIABA, has raised nearly $500,000 from more than 530 contributors and awarded grants to help individuals and businesses devastated by Hurricane Katrina. IIABA donated $100,000 to the fund and received contributions from several insurance carriers as well as staff and state associations.
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