ACQUISITIONS: IS BIGGER REALLY BETTER? by Chris Burand Although, in general, growth is essential for agencies to retain markets and profitability, unrestrained growth via ac...

In recent reports, I have addressed the changing nature of the relationship between the American agency companies and the independent agents that have historically been the backbone of their sales force. A new type of distribution system is evolving out of the need to provide a more rational and cost-effective method of delivering the insurance product to the consumer. No longer are agency-company relationships based upon blind loyalty to a shared history but more upon the concurrence of strategic business and marketing plans.

MANAGING COMPANY RELATIONS by Carol Hammes In recent reports, I have addressed the changing nature of the relationship between the American agency companies and the independent a...

MARKETING CLUSTERS - A MEANS OF GROWTH AND SURVIVAL by Jack Fries The benefits, drawbacks, and formation of a marketing cluster. Clustering has been around for ...