“Passport To Excellence” was this year’s theme
Nearly 500 insurance industry professionals from eight states descended on the DCU Center in Worcester this past May 9th for the annual business meeting of the Satellite Agency Network Group, Inc. (“SAN”). The one-day event brought together SAN members agencies along with partner companies, vendors, and SAN/SIAA staff for a day full of workshops, awards for excellence, anniversary recognition, networking reception, check distribution along with a keynote address and trade show.
In commenting on this year’s event, SAN President and CEO, was happy to be able to offer another successful event to member agencies:
“We are so pleased to be able to offer to our members and partners one of the largest insurance industry events of its kind in New England. Members can interact with strategic partner companies and vendors, SIAA/SAN staff, as well as each other, and spend the day working on their agency. Our goal is to provide a valuable blend of workshops, networking and inspiration for our members, so they leave with actionable ideas and strategies that they can implement and benefit from immediately.”
Highlights and awards from the meeting
This year attendees were treated to a keynote address by Jamie Clarke, the renowned Canadian Everest adventurer, successful entrepreneur and bestselling author of “The Adventure of Business.”
The high-energy speaker gave a keynote address entitled, “The Adventure of Business,” which successfully drew parallels between the dynamic environments found in the office and in nature to provide business leaders with the framework to achieve success in any competitive setting. In addition, he touched on important topics such as adapting to forces outside of one’s control and uphold one’s mission, despite distractions and dangers, all while encouraging a healthy dose of risk.
In addition to Mr. Clarke’s address, attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy other activities throughout the day including a luncheon, awards and recognition ceremony, a networking and cocktail reception later in the day along with check distribution.
The educational opportunities available this year included workshops and panel discussions led by various partner company reps, industry professionals, and SAN/SIAA personnel. In addition, there also were four specific workshops:
- The Evolving Insurance Marketplace: A look at the Expectations and Behaviors of Millennials and Generation Z,
- Mining for Gold in your Agency Book,
- Managing Agency Staff to Top Performance with Effective Feedback, and
- Managing Rate Increases in Private Passenger Auto
As in past years, the SAN Business Meeting also featured a trade show. Over 50 vendors participated and featured insurers, vendors and sponsors including The Hartford, Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Safeco Insurance, Nationwide, Metlife, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD, Arbella, Quincy Mutual Group, Concord Group Insurance, CRC Wholesale Group, and EZLynx.
And the award goes to…
The following is this year’s list of agents and vendors who were recognized during this year’s award ceremony. This year the Massachusetts agency, Soderberg Insurance Services were recognized for their community service. The rest of this year’s winners are included below.
Outstanding Community Service
Soderberg Insurance Services, Inc. in Lynnfield, MA
Company Professional of the Year
Christopher French of Liberty Mutual
Rookie Agency of the Year
Topaz Insurance LLC in Exeter, NH
Business Insurance Advantage Agent of the Year
Matt Dennett of Lotfey Dennett & Co. in Portland, ME
AccessPlus Agent of the Year
Joseph Antesberger of Antesberger Asset Protection LLC in Beaver Falls, PA
SAN President’s Club
Swanson Insurance LLC in Waterford, CT
Insurance Solutions Corporation of Plaistow, NH was recognized for its 30 years of membership and success with the SAN Group.
Best of Show
The SAN Business Meeting also selects a “Best of Show” booth contest for all of our trade show exhibitors. The winner this year was Concord Group Insurance.
