Featured News & Blogs

Honoring Members Who've Made a Difference

By Melissa Bond posted 6 days ago
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NetVU is the resource it is today because of the volunteers who help drive the organization, taking leadership roles, using their experience to lead committees, and leveraging Vertafore technology to build their businesses. It was evident at the 2024 Accelerate conference in New Orleans May 1-3, as board chair Kate O’Toole presented annual awards to honor those for their hard work and dedication to the industry. There were many peer-nominated individuals, three people were honored for their impact. The Leadership Award in Memory of Louie E. Woodbury, Jr. was awarded to Shyla Lankford of the Lipscomb Insurance Group, LLC . Honors long-time leadership, ...
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Empowering Through Education and Advocacy

By Jon Gorman posted 9 days ago
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NetVU’s Annual Meeting of Members held on May 10, 2024, reinforced the commitment of NetVU when it comes to education, advocacy and community. We also recognized the work by members during the previous year, the educational and community building activities and recognizing volunteers and board members who are the driving force of the organization. Board Chair, Kate O’Toole welcomed members and reflected on the year: the successful Accelerate conferences in Austin and New Orleans garnering some of the best data and feedback to date. Additional programming, developed based on feedback from members, launched this year including Learning to Lead, a new ...
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Training Basics For Your Team

By Debbie Ivie posted 9 days ago
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We know that the first month really sets the tone for a new employee. Learning the ins and outs of a new team, especially for a new customer service representative (CSR) who may also be new to the industry, can be a difficult process. In today’s marketplace, competing for and hiring talent is almost as challenging as retaining that talent. Our members are looking to mitigate the high costs of high turnover, and training is an effective way to invest in your team. Insurance business leaders can gain a competitive edge when new CSRs can quickly get up to speed on performing basic tasks and navigating different components of Vertafore software. NetVU training can ...
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Inside Accelerate 2024: A Journey from an Event Producer

By Ellen Mitchell posted 10 days ago
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As a seasoned events professional, I've had the privilege of orchestrating a variety of experiences, from immersive virtual reality gatherings to glamorous galas for esteemed institutions like the San Francisco Ballet and Opera, and even fashion shows for iconic brands such as Oscar de la Renta. However, nothing quite prepared me for the exhilarating whirlwind that is Accelerate, powered by NetVU. Accelerate isn't just another event in the crowded landscape of industry conferences. It's an electrifying convergence of Vertafore users and independent agent channel professionals, boasting the distinction of being the longest-running and premier insurtech event ...
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NetVU Member Steck-Cooper & Company Experience Using WAHVE

By Sharon Emek posted 11 days ago
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Filling a Key Staff Position in a Tight Labor Market With business growing, independent agency Steck-Cooper needed a new personal lines account manager. The company is directly across the border from St. Louis, and competition for talent was fierce. They tried several online job boards and received hundreds of resumes, but many of the candidates had no insurance experience, and none came close to meeting their needs. When staffing on your own doesn’t work Steck-Cooper knew WAHVE’s reputation as the insurance industry’s talent expert. They liked how WAHVE qualifies applicants and presents only the top few who fit the company’s requirements. “And ...
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Accelerate 2024 Recap

By Cal Durland posted 12 days ago
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Written by: Roger Banks , Senior Strategic Account Director | Ivans | NetVU Silver Partner New Orleans, Louisiana, hosted the 2024 Accelerate, powered by NetVU. Accelerate is the largest gathering of Vertafore users and industry professionals across the independent agent channel. In the ever-evolving insurtech landscape, Accelerate 2024 is a pivotal event for many industry professionals, and Ivans®, a leading partner for Vertafore users, was thrilled to contribute to Accelerate's excitement and offer valuable resources to attendees. Here are some of the key highlights that made Accelerate 2024 memorable: More Carrier Focused Sessions ...
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Tailoring Training for Each Generation

By Justin Goodman posted 16 days ago
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Successfully addressing the learning styles of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z is crucial for building an effective onboarding and training program. Each of these generations brings unique perspectives and learning preferences to the table. 𝗚𝗲𝗻 𝗫 ( 𝟭𝟵𝟲𝟱 - 𝟭𝟵𝟴𝟬 ) is known for its independence and skepticism towards authority. It values efficiency and practical applications and is comfortable with both traditional and digital learning formats. 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 ( 𝟭𝟵𝟴𝟭 - 𝟭𝟵𝟵𝟲 ): This generation is collaborative, tech-savvy, and values feedback. They prefer engaging, interactive learning experiences and are drawn to social learning ...
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APIs and InsurTech: Simplifying complex connections

By Hillarie Holcomb posted 17 days ago
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APIs and InsurTech: Simplifying complex connections APIs are at the heart of our industry’s technology evolution—and at the heart of Vertafore’s overall solutions strategy. For years, many insurance technologies operated as closed systems—like containment bubbles where nothing could (easily) get in or out. Adding or extracting information usually required manual data entry or clunky, labor-intensive downloads and uploads. In the early days of InsurTech, closed systems made sense. For starters, there just weren’t that many technology options available in the industry, so moving data between systems within an organization was a rare ...
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How insurance agents can use Generative AI

By Hillarie Holcomb posted 23 days ago
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How insurance agents can use Generative AI Independent insurance agencies are using Gen AI tools for content creation, marketing strategies, and to streamline workflows. Generative Al: What is it and why should I care In this blog we will answer the question of how independent insurance agencies are using generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) to improve their workflows and marketing efforts and cover steps to get you started or improve your experience with the software. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around for decades and can be found in many technologies we interact with every day—think voice assistants like Siri, customer ...
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Day of Caring New Orleans

By Melissa Bond posted 04-18-2024
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Giving Back with Purpose The power of unity of the NetVU Community is making a difference. Thanks to the overwhelming sense of community and drive from everyone involved, we achieved a milestone that speaks volumes of the caring spirit that was in the air — we successfully assembled and donated over 2,000 hygiene kits to support New Orleans. Each kit, packed with essentials, stands as a beacon of hope and care for someone facing challenging times. The collective act of kindness not only touches lives but also transcends the boundaries of a simple gathering. The first day of Accelerate it was a testament to the impact a community like NetVU can ...
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Scholarship Recipients Shine at Accelerate

By Reagan Zarras posted 04-17-2024
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In a tribute to commitment and dedication, NetVU proudly announced the recipients of its esteemed scholarships at Accelerate. These scholarships, an annual tradition, honor individuals attending Accelerate for the first time, offering them opportunities for growth and development within the industry. The first scholarship, the Past Chair Scholarship , held profound significance. Established in memory of Brent Rineck, who served as chair in 2018-2019, it paid tribute to his legacy while acknowledging the unwavering dedication of those who've held this position. William Boyce Cheek Jr., President of WBC Risk Partners LLC, was rightfully honored as this year's ...
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The Power of Accelerate

By Jon Gorman posted 04-15-2024
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Building a Community in a Business Dominated by Technology NetVU is way more than Accelerate, but coming home from New Orleans I was reminded that there’s no denying that there’s a completely different vibe when you are together with people versus sitting on Zoom or Teams calls. In a time dominated by advancement in technology, people and relationships still matter. Between the Lines NetVU is a user group designed exclusively to serve Vertafore customers. But our community is more than that … We are a group of independent agents driven by the pursuit of better; Vertafore leaders and staff focused on your business and the role ...
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Golf carts are gaining traction in the insurance marketplace

By Hillarie Holcomb posted 04-11-2024
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Golf carts are gaining traction in the insurance marketplace Rising insurance premium and policy numbers reflect their growing popularity They’re slow. They’re clunky. Some would say they’re not cool. But golf carts are becoming the darlings of the transportation world. And they are a growing cross-sell opportunity for some independent insurance agencies. The increasing popularity of golf carts accompanies a surge in insurance policy sales and renewals. The latest golf cart premium and policy data Based on aggregated, anonymized data from independent agencies using Vertafore’s agency management and rating solutions, the ...
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Can I move policies from one account to another

By Thomas Polzin posted 04-02-2024
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Hi, my name is Tom Polzin and I’ve got a couple of questions for you. Is there anything in writing that I could download or have sent to me that tells me how to move a policy from one AMS account to another. I’ve got two situations where I need to do that. First, a husband and wife (parents) have sold a house the owned to their daughter. The parents and the daughter have their own separate AMS accounts. I need to move the policy information from the parent’s AMS account over to the daughter’s AMS account. Second, a customer, female, has a renters policy. She recently married and her and her new husband have an AMS account under the married name. The ...
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Annual Meeting of Members RSVP Now

By David Waite posted 03-16-2024
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Register now for the NetVU Annual Meeting of Members , happening online Friday, May 10 at 12:00 p.m. CST. There is no cost for NetVU members to attend the virtual meeting, which should last about an hour. This is your chance to help affirm nominees and elect executive board members, including four officers and two new at-large members of the NetVU executive board. Speakers include NetVU Executive Director Jon Gorman, AVP of Agency Automation at The Hartford, Jim Rogers, and current Board Chair and Agency Management Systems Project Manager at Starkweather & Shepley Kate O’Toole. When you attend our annual meeting, you can take an active role in shaping ...
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New Orleans: Augmenting Your Accelerate Experience with the Local Arts

By Jon Gorman posted 02-23-2024
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The Southern-most city on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse communities, and vibrant art scene. The birthplace of jazz, the grandeur of its historic architecture, and the pulsating energy of its street art scene, New Orleans offers a feast for the senses that captivates visitors and locals alike. Why Art Matters to Me One of my favorite things to do when visiting a city is to take in the local art scene and visit the galleries and see the pieces I have always loved – The Art Institute of Chicago (“ The Old Guitarist ” by Picasso), MoMA in New York City (“ The Starry Night ” by Vincent ...
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Creating Operational Efficiency with Insurance Virtual Assistants and AMS360

By Santosh Kumaar posted 02-21-2024
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Building relationships is at the insurance industry's core – relationships with clients, the community, carriers, and affiliate businesses. Focusing on relationship building helps retain existing clients, bring in new business, and sustain essential business partnerships. But as every insurance agent knows, operational tasks can absorb a significant amount of your time and that of your employees – time that could be better spent interfacing with clients, making new connections, and soliciting new business. Utilizing an Agency Management System (AMS) like AMS360 streamlines many agencies' operational processes, but to take it one step further, partnering with ...
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Shining a Spotlight on Member Achievements

By Mackenzie Winn posted 02-16-2024
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Shining a Spotlight on Member Achievements Celebrating Leadership, Community Service, and Tech Innovation At NetVU, we believe in celebrating our members and your triumphs. That’s why we are proud to give special recognition to our members for exceptional service and dedication to our mission. We know you accomplish extraordinary things all year. Now is your chance to tell us all about it and share your stories about industry leadership, volunteering to serve your communities and using technology in advocacy. Nominate yourself or your favorite NetVU member and insurance industry professional for a NetVU award. 2024 nominations are open now in three ...
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Conference Preview

By Ellen Mitchell posted 02-16-2024
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Accelerate your learning and unmask your potential with proven strategies, tools and expertise to grow your business. Accelerate, powered by NetVU is the ultimate problem-solving event for insurance industry pros. Secure your ticket to the largest in-person meeting exclusive to Vertafore customers like you. Here’s why you’ll want to register to join us in New Orleans April 1-4. · Network and connect: Nowhere else will you find a more dedicated, dynamic setting to engage with your professional peers. · Access and share knowledge and expertise: Accelerate is where you’ll find the latest insights about market conditions, ...
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Unlocking Success in the Insurance Industry

By Jon Gorman posted 02-15-2024
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Unlocking Success in the Insurance Industry How NetVU Strengthens Members Through Education and Community At the core of NetVU is delivering ongoing continuing education that is driven by the needs of our community. NetVU connects you to professionals who are shaping the future of the insurance industry through education, community discussions, and events like Accelerate and Spark. NetVU truly believes there is Strength in Members. We believe every member becomes stronger when they have access to the expertise and insights of their peers. NetVU focuses on providing educational opportunities for all ...
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