New Jersey Agent Jim Klagholz Receives National Government Affairs Honor

On Wednesday, James R. Klagholz, former Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA) Government Affairs Committee chairman, was honored with the Association's highest individual government affairs award-the Sidney O. Smith Award.

Klagholz, who served as IIAA Government Affairs Committee chairman from 1994 to 1997, received the honor during the Association's 22nd annual National Legislative Conference in Washington.

The Sidney O. Smith Award is bestowed annually by the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia on an individual for his or her outstanding service to IIAA in the field of government relations.

During the presentation, IIAA Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Paul A. Equale lauded Klagholz for outstanding work as Government Affairs Committee chairman for three years. While chairman, Klagholz oversaw several of the most significant and historic legislative developments in recent IIAA history.

In the three-year period of Klagholz' chairmanship, IIAA became a major force in driving the compromise Kassabaum/Kennedy health care bill to enactment. And, last year IIAA adopted a new policy statement endorsing the concept of financial services affiliations as long as the legislation addresses functional state insurance regulation and consumer protection measures.

"Jim possesses a keen understanding of the long-term impact that emerging trends in the legislative arena hold for independent agents," says Equale. "As Government Affairs Committee chairman, he deftly used his unique insight to steer the Association toward legislative goals that would further enhance the standing of all independent insurance agents in the marketplace.

"Jim also led by example. He is extremely close to his members of Congress, particularly Congressman Jim Saxton," continues Equale. "These relationships increased his effectiveness both as an individual agent, but, more importantly, as the head of IIAA's Government Affairs Committee. His example should be emulated by agents everywhere."

In addition, Klagholz was praised for being a tireless advocate for agents before Congress. "Jim testified numerous times before the House Banking and Commerce Committees on financial services modernization and natural disaster reform, so many that he became synonymous with IIAA on Capitol Hill.

"When testifying before a congressional panel, his message always resonated because he spoke with the voice of experience, thereby making a connection with the lawmakers," says Equale.