Update #98-29

The United Farmers Agents Association
"Journey to 3000"

5 August 98

Chapter President Update #98-29

There are several things starting to heat up and we need input/information from each of you. It's important to all of us, so ask around and let me know (even if nothing is happening in your area).

Agents are leaving the agency force and selling their agencies either to the company for contract value or to another agent, designated Premier, for more than contract value. In the Phoenix area, agents have gotten as high as 1.9 times contract. At the convention, one delegate told about an agent getting three times contract value (To explain, one times contract value would be just contract value and would come from the company. Two times contract value would represent one times from the company and one times from the buying agent.) What is happening in your area? Are there any examples of non-Premier agents buying other agencies?
Can agents hook up their System36 or AS400 to another office and access the Farmers computer system? Do you know of ANY agents doing that in your area? As we head towards an obsolete System36, we need to start building data.
HMA is finally being introduced in many states and is meeting some resistance. In California, they have reintroduced car loans with a new institution but only California agents can participate (?). What is going on in your area and how are sign-ups going?
Is the DARG program active in your area? Please be specific in your reply.

The above questions are truly important so gather as much information as possible and get back to me.

I will be out of town next week so Chuck Simpson will be in charge. Have a great weekend.

Ralph
Agents helping Agents