Update #98-47

The United Farmers Agents Association
"Journey to 3000"

December 28, 1998

Update #98-47

Congratulations to the following members, recently elected Chapter Presidents: Bill Eimers (28), Mark Von Kronemann (04), Ed Nordstrom (16), and Dale Moon (37)

THANK YOU. Each of you should have received a letter from your State Executive Director and BSC Manager by now titled "Systems Improvement Strategy." It is a relief to see our computer problems addressed so openly and frankly in this document. Twice, the letter refers to "testing" to insure no new problems are introduced and so they can "catch" errors. To that, the agency force says, "Thank you." "Our goal is to fix the problems once and for all." Some changes by end of the year. Some additional fixes in 60 days. Six months to complete. OK, I can live with that. "We are arranging for you to be kept regularly informed of our progress." To that the agency force said, "Thank you." Progress folks, long overdue but real progress in the relationship between the agency force and the management company.

From the "Insurance Journal" (December 28,1998): Four-hundred east coast independent agents to write Farmers auto policies according to Ed Orodeckis, President of Farmers Insurance Eastern Operations. The 400 agents are spread among 12 states back east and were associated with Zurich Personal Insurance. Mr. Orodeckis is quoted as saying, "The new program will stay on the East Coast in order to avoid a conflict of interests-those are the states in which Farmers is not already established. (Can you imagine going in to try to push independent agents at the same time you're running a direct operation?)" He expects Farmers to be very aggressive in the new states and agents will be supported by "huge national and local advertising campaigns." The key, says Mr. Orodeckis, "you want your agent to grow."

Last week, I mentioned the new Farmers E-Mail program. An agent in Phoenix wrote the BSC and asked about the line, "included in your monthly Network Service expense." The AIMS representative responded with, "Monthly Network Service expense is the communication line cost of $135.00/mo you are already deducted for." So either the E-Mail program doesn't increase the company's costs or there was extra money being charged each month. Maybe that could be addressed by the management company?

As the year draws to a close, it's a time to reflect on 1998. We really do have a lot to be thankful for. Our own business that produces an income to support ourselves and our family. The freedom to control our time and effort working our business. The pride we can take in running our business honestly and ethically. An Association that cares about us and tries to support our endeavors. To each and every one of you, may 1999 be your best year ever. Enjoy it.

Ralph Buchanan
President
United Farmers Agents Association