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Now is the Time to Cultivate a More Inclusive Independent Agency

It's vital for today's businesses to proactively embrace diversity and inclusion across their business operations to cultivate a more competitive advantage in the marketplace. When your agency staff and business practices are intentionally diverse, inclusive, and equitable, your business will thrive with new ideas, opportunities, and clients. But, where you do you start? That's where the Big "I" comes in.

The Big “I” Diversity Council is pleased to release this four-part training series exclusively for YOU – independent agency leaders!

  • Building Awareness of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • The Business Case for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Understanding Blindspots and Microaggressions
  • The Inclusive Agency: Developing an Inclusive Workplace

Find Out More Here

IIA of IL Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resource Guide

The IIA of IL Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Resource Guide is a major step on the Association’s emerging 2021 DEI Initiatives. The Guide includes references to best practices, reports, websites, books, articles, and other media to inform and educate you on the various issues that pertain to DEI. The Guide can be your "go to" DEI resource.

Members Only - You must login to view.

Download the Guide Here

Scholarships Available!

To invest in the future of the insurance industry in Illinois and create long-term opportunities for minorities considering a career in insurance, the IIA of IL now offers Diversity & Inclusion Scholarships.

Scholarships are awarded to IIA of IL member agencies looking to hire minorities into their agency OR individuals considering a career in the insurance industry. Scholarships will be awarded based on availability of funds. Member agencies with 11+ employees qualify for two scholarships per fiscal year. Member agencies with 10 or less employees qualify for one scholarship per fiscal year. Individuals qualify for one scholarship per year, choosing either Property & Casualty or Life & Health.
 
For the purposes of this Scholarship, a minority is defined as a person in a racial or ethnic minority group historically disadvantaged within the context of the United States, which may include:  Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Native American; Pacific Islander; or Asian American.
 
IIA of IL Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship includes:
  1. Free P&C OR L&H Illinois Insurance Pre-Licensing class for the new producer/CSR 
    This course prepares the new producer/CSR to take the Illinois State Exam for a Property & Casualty License or Life & Health License. Workbook, online quizzes and flashcards, and access to instructors post-class is included.
  2. Reimbursement for the state licensing exam
    The fee to take the Property & Casualty OR Life & Health state licensing exam and application fees will be reimbursed upon receipt of proof of passing the exam.
  3. Initial license fee
    The license fee will be reimbursed upon receipt of purchase.
  4. New Hire Training through New Level Partners/ COMBINATION BUNDLE- Commercial Lines and Personal Lines Coverage Basics 
    Includes 17 Personal Lines Coverage Basics courses and 23 Commercial Coverage Basics courses
  5. EDGE Conference registration for two consecutive years
    Conference held in the spring each year.

Apply Here