A member is a member is a member. Everyone is a Member of the International Association of Insurance Professionals first. Some of us are fortunate to be members of a Local Association, but most are not, and this is not going to change in the future.
The old “trickle down” method of communication from International to Local Associations no longer works well. Communication must occur directly from the BOD to all members over multiple platforms, including newsletters, emails, social media posts on Facebook and LinkedIn, and any other way we can think of.
You should be getting information directly from International, but also from your RVP, your Regional Directors, Council Directors, and Local Presidents. If you’re not getting regular updates, let your RVP or a member of the EC know, after you’ve updated your contact information on the website of course, and allowed for notifications from IAIP.
One suggestion is to have a separate email address for all things Insurance Professionals, that way it won’t get blocked by a company’s spam filter or buried amongst the 150 other emails in your in-box.
The Connections Newsletter comes out on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and provides an overview of upcoming deadlines and events. It also includes a Board Bite.
A Board Bite is a blog written by a member of the EC or Board of Directors highlighting a member benefit, an important deadline (awards, grants, scholarships) or something the board is working on. Board Bites are also accessible through the Today’s Insurance Professional Blog link on the website as a stand-alone article.
The Today’s Insurance Professional Blog was developed to present relevant industry and leadership topics in a way that the traditional magazine could not. A new blog is posted every Tuesday. Members and non-members can subscribe to the Today’s Insurance Professional Blog, and the link can be shared. Members and non-members can also submit articles for review and publication.
Have you recently read an interesting article on LinkedIn or an industry website? Reach out to the author and ask if we can publish their article as a Today’s Insurance Professional blog. If you don’t ask the answer is always no.
Remember, communication is a two-way street. Not only do you benefit from staying informed, but your participation helps shape the direction of our association. Take the initiative to share feedback, celebrate achievements, or propose new ideas—whether through digital channels or by reaching out directly to your leadership team. Open communication fuels our growth and ensures that every member, regardless of local affiliation, feels valued and connected.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy for important messages to get lost in the noise. That’s why we encourage you to explore the various platforms IAIP utilizes—follow us on social media, bookmark our website, and share content that resonates with you. By doing so, you help amplify our collective voice and foster a more dynamic, informed, and inclusive professional community.
Lisa R Hardin, CPCU, CPIW, AIC, AIS, ACS, AINS, SCLA, DAE, CLP
2025-2025 IAIP International President
Lisa Hardin has been employed with Sentry Insurance for 35 years. She works as a Claims Specialist for Sentry’s National Accounts division, handling complex auto, general liability and products claims. She is currently serving as the IAIP International President.