1st         Membership Dues are due at National
 
             1st Zoo opened in U.S in 1874 at Philadelphia

4th         Independence Day

             NAIW National Closed

7th         NAIW Now! Mailed to Members
 
13th       Full Moon

15-18th Agents License Review, Flowood, MS
 
16th     “Dues Not Received” Notice Mailed to Local Presidents

17th     Monthly Business Meeting of the IW of SW MS

18th     NAIW Inroads Emailed

21st     National Ice Cream Day

25th     IW of SW MS Monthly Newsletter Emailed

29th     CISR Agency Operations, Hattiesburg, MS

Veterinary Pet Services Inc., the parent company of the nations largest and oldest health insurance plan for pets, posted a 40% increase in net income in the first quarters, citing a continuing jump in pet insurance policies written.

The Louisiana Senate has approved a bill that would merge the two state run homeowners insurance plans, creating a company with the ability to set aside tax-free reserves for catastrophes, similar to what Florida has done.

A. M. Best Company has upgraded the financial strength rating of Sagamore Insurance Company from “A” to “A+.”

Effective July 1, 2003 the Mississippi Rural Risk Underwriting Association became the Mississippi Residential Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MRPIUA).

The change was made to expand the market for Fire and Extended Coverages for dwellings in all protection classes of Mississippi.

With the name change, comes several other changes to the program:

- the MRPIUA can write in all protection classes in MS
- the deductible has been increased to $500 from $250
- changed the word hurricane to the phrase “named storm”

Wind and hail insurance will not be provided for the coastal counties of Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson.  In the new program, agents do not retain the commission from the premium.  They should forward the whole premium, plus the inspection fee, two pictures, and the completed application to the company to submit new business.  MRPIUA will pay commissions on a monthly basis to agents.

The MRPIUA manual, forms, and applications can be found on-line at www.msplans.com.  Also, you can quote policies on-line and find answers to frequently asked questions.  The application can be downloaded in a pdf format or MS Word.  This will allow you to type and print the application directly off your computer, saving time.

Any licensed agent in the state of Mississippi can write policies with the MRPIUA.

Under the MRPIUA, the most a dwelling can be insured for is $150,000 with the maximum on contents at $75,000.

By: Ruth Phillips, CISR

Most people spend more time listening than they spend on any other communication activity, yet a large percentage of people never learn to listen well.  One reason is that they develop poor listening habits that continue with them throughout life.  The following is a list that contains some of the most common poor listening habits.  If you recognize yourself with one of these habits, make an effort to improve.

Not paying attention.  Listeners may allow themselves to be distracted or think of something else.

“Pseudolistening.”  Often people who are thinking about something else try to look like they are listening.

Listening but not hearing.  Sometimes a person listens only to facts or details or to the way they were presented and misses the real meaning.

Rehearsing.  Some people listen until they want to say something; then they quit listening, start rehearsing what they will say, and wait for an opportunity to respond.

Interrupting.  The listener does not wait until the complete meaning can be determined but interrupts so forcefully that the speaker stops in mid sentence.

Hearing what is expected.  People frequently think they heard speakers say what they wanted them to say.

Feeling defensive.  The listener feels like they are being attacked.

Listening for a point of disagreement.  Some listeners wait for the chance to attack someone.

Deb, Virginia, Keri and Ruthie attended the National Convention in Nashville.  While in Nashville everyone ate lunch at the Hard Rock Café.  Deb won a $50 gift certificate to Bath and Body Works.  Keri and Ruthie spent 4 hours at the Opryland Shopping Mall.

A special thanks goes out to Claude and Keri Morrell for the hard work that went into our annual fish fry.  Every one had lots of fun and fellowship.

The results of the fishing rodeo are:

         Tim Stogner – Biggest Fish
         Virginia Zeigler – Smallest Fish
         Bea Jones – Most Fish
 
The award for least fish goes out to everyone else who did not even catch a fish!  Even though the fish weren’t biting, it was an exciting event.

Keri Morrell will be traveling the roads in July.  First she is off the see her grandmother in Missouri who is turning 99.  Then she is off to the PIA convention in Alabama.

Speaking of riding the roads, has Deb moved back to McComb?  We are so happy that we have been seeing so much of her lately!

See how well you do on the following short leadership quiz.

1. Which leadership style is referred to as the “hands off” approach?
a. Autocratic
b. Democratic
c. Laissez-faire
d. Abdacratic

2. The nominal group technique is a good way to allow all group members to have a say in the group’s final decision.
a. true
b. false

3. Which leadership style uses the opinion of the group to make decisions?
a. Autocratic
b. Democratic
c. Laissez-faire
d. Abdacratic

4. Which leadership style uses the opinion of the group’s leader to make decisions?
a. Autocratic
b. Democratic
c. Laissez-faire
d. Abdacratic

Answers
1. c
2. true
3. b
4. a
 

Here is a checklist of things to do to prepare for a tornado:

1. Identify and visit a nearby tornado shelter.
2. Complete a written tornado plan for your family to follow.
3. Prepare and package a storm supply kit that contains: a radio, candles, matches, flashlight, first aid supplies, non-perishable food, water, medicines, clothing, boots, blankets, and cash.
4. Review your insurance coverage and terms.
5. Install sturdy “L” brackets to secure your major appliances to a wall.
6. Install child safety locks on cabinets.
7. Remove heavy objects from upper shelves.
8. Make sure your hot water heater and furnace are securely attached to your home and not just sitting in the utility closet.
9. Learn how to shut off water, gas, and electricity.
10. Remove flammable or hazardous materials.
11. Mount hanging pictures on “V” hooks.
12. If you live in a trailer, inspect your home’s tie down system every 6 months.
13. Make sure roofing, awnings, windows, and siding are secure and problem free.
14. Clean your yard of items that could become dangerous debris during a storm.
15. Make sure perimeter fencing is well installed and isn’t loose.