Political 'Boot Camp' Offered for Insurance Pros
The Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA) and Future One will hold the 2nd Insurance Campaign Institute in January for agents and other insurance professionals interested in running for elected office.
The Insurance Campaign Institute will provide insurance professionals with the tools, knowledge and expertise required to run a successful campaign, ultimately extending the industry's representation in Congress, state capitals and at the local level. The second biannual campaign institute will be held Jan. 12-14 at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C.
"The long-term benefits of Insurance Campaign Institute are immense," said IIAA Executive Vice President Bob Rusbuldt. "County councils, state legislatures and Congress need men and women to educate them on the intricacies and complexities of the insurance business. How better to educate them, than from the position of an elected colleague?"
Essentially a political "boot camp" conducted by IIAA and Future One, the comprehensive training program covers all facets of the campaign trail, from organization to grassroots strategies, fundraising, direct mail, advertising, media relations, public speaking and debate preparation, campaign research, and utilization of insurance community strength.
Individual training sessions are conducted by the nation's most prominent campaign experts from the private sector and both major parties.
The first Insurance Campaign Institute, held in February 1998, featured a "who's who" of such experts, including then-Rep. Bill Paxon (R-NY), Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA), former RNC chairman Rich Bond, and a number of consultants serving presidential candidates and other national figures.
"The insight and expertise that I gained at your campaign school were critical to my electoral success," said Florida state representative Leslie Waters, who attended the 1998 Institute in preparation for her successful first-time run for the state legislature. After winning her election, Waters was appointed vice chair of Florida's Insurance Committee. "Through your program, I was able to learn the nuts-and-bolts of running a successful campaign from the nation's premier political consultants…and the knowledge and confidence required to win my election."
The Institute is non-partisan and open to all insurance professionals who have a strong business orientation and a reasonable likelihood of success, and are pursuing an open seat that does not conflict with industry interests. The Institute is free to all candidates who are accepted, subject to applicable federal or state campaign finance laws. Lodging, meals, and incidentals will be provided free of charge. However, in most instances candidates will be required to pay for their airfare and travel expenses.
For more information about the Insurance Campaign Institute, contact Wesley Bissett at (703) 706-5415 or via e-mail at wbissett@iiaa.org. For nomination forms, dial (800) 282-9183 and select Fax-on-Demand option 091, or visit the "Insurance Industry Partners: Legislative Affairs" area of IIAA's Website, www.independentagent.com.