by Lisa R Hardin, CPCU, CPIW, AIC, AIS, ACS, AINS, SCLA, DAE, CLP
As IAIP President-Elect, I have the honor of hosting the Awards and Recognition Luncheon at the IAIP International Convention in Oklahoma City in June. But to have an awards luncheon, one needs award nominees, or in this case, award applicants. Imagine an awards luncheon with no awards to hand out, no clapping, loud cheering, photo opportunities. But you are not going to let that happen, because you have already started your “Of the Year” application.
Wait a minute, you haven’t started it yet? No need to worry, you still have time. The submission deadline isn’t until November 15, 12:00 AM your time zone. But don’t wait until the last minute. Go download the application now before you forget.
It’s been said that IAIP members are a competitive bunch, but somehow this doesn’t seem to apply to award applications. More than once I’ve heard someone say, “Oh I’ll never win, or someone else will win, so why bother?”. Well, I always say if you don’t ask the question, the answer is always ‘no’. And if you don’t fill out the award application you have no chance of winning the award.
This is the time to take stock of your own accomplishments. Once you start listing them, I am certain you’ll be surprised at what you’ve achieved. Take the leap, fill out the application and give yourself a fighting chance to win that award.
Another thing IAIP members like is a challenge. So, my challenge to the membership is to have at least two applicants for every “Of the Year” Award offered at the International level. Because only when there’s more than one competing is it a competition. (See what I did there?)
If you’re unable to apply for an award because of your position or because you’ve won recently, I bet you know a few people who should apply. Reach out to them and give them some encouragement. Offer to help walk them through the application. Proofread their essay. Check in with them weekly on their progress. Invite them to join the October Town Hall featuring IAIP’s 2024 Insurance Professional of the Year winner Gayla Martin.
I want to see your name on the screen in June in Oklahoma City. Who’s with me?
Ready, Set, Apply!
Lisa R Hardin, CPCU, CPIW, AIC, AIS, ACS, AINS, SCLA, DAE, CLP
IAIP International President-Elect
Lisa has beenemployed by Sentry Insurance since 1990 and is currently a Commercial Lines Claims Specialist. She’s been a member of IAIP since 1994 and is a Member-at-Large from Wisconsin. Lisa is currently serving as IAIP International President-Elect and is the Board Liaison for the Education and the Sponsorship & Partnership Task Forces. She will be installed as the IAIP International President in Oklahoma City in June 2025.