OIA Membership Guide 2026

OIA MEMBER GUIDE

OUR MISSION TO YOU

Since 1897, OIA has championed independent agents, serving as their trusted advisor and advocate We are dedicated to promoting, progressing, and protecting the professional expertise that only you the independent agent can provide

With a team boasting over a century of combined licensed insurance experience, we understand your challenges because we’ve been in your shoes Many of our staff have worked in agencies and carriers, bringing firsthand knowledge to help your business thrive

Our team develops resources that are designed with your agency in mind Whether you need guidance on daily operations, professional development, HR support, or market access opportunities, we provide the tools to keep you ahead.

As an OIA member, you also gain access to essential industry updates, best practices, and a powerful support network allowing you to focus on what matters most: serving clients, empowering your team, and strengthening your community

At OIA, our focus is you the independent insurance agent As your advocate, trusted advisor, and strategic partner, we’re dedicated to helping you thrive

MEMBERSHIP IN ACTION

OIA is powered by nearly 1,000 independent agencies across Ohio Year-round, we work to support and strengthen our members by providing exclusive events, volunteer leadership opportunities, and access to industry insights and resources

Volunteer Leadership

As a member-driven organization, OIA’s volunteer leaders shape the direction of our association There are many ways to get involved, from serving on the OIA Board, Service Corporation Board, or Foundation Board to participating in key committees Our volunteer leaders play vital roles across the Finance & Budget Committee, Next Generation Advisory Council, Advocacy & Political Action Committee, Governance Committee, and Innovation Committee, ensuring our association remains strong and forward-focused through strategic goal-setting.

Industry Updates & Resources

Each month, OIA delivers IA Connect, an e-newsletter filled with the latest news, blogs, and industry updates directly from our industry professionals to your inbox To further serve our members, we also created the OIA Resource Center, a comprehensive library of templates, best practices, and valuable tools designed just for our members

Events & Networking Opportunities

OIA hosts a variety of events and networking opportunities throughout the year Our main event, IACON, is Ohio’s largest conference for independent agents, bringing together OIA members and company partners for two days of inspiring keynote speakers, workshops, and education We also offer leadership seminars, young agent networking events, legislative visits to the Ohio Statehouse, regional roadshows, and in-office education opportunities

OIA'S VOLUNTEER LEADERS

The OIA deeply values the outstanding leadership of our Board, a team of experienced insurance professionals who generously contribute their time, expertise, and insights Their guidance is instrumental in shaping the OIA's vision and strategic direction Their innovative ideas serve as the foundation for our annual goals and initiatives, ensuring we effectively meet the evolving needs of our members

OIA COMMITTEES

The Carrier Relations Committee works to strengthen the relationship between independent agents and insurance carriers Its key responsibilities include identifying opportunities to enhance company relationships, monitoring changes that impact agent-carrier dynamics, providing input on industry issues, conducting research on carrier concerns, engaging with high-level carrier representatives, and analyzing survey results to improve partnerships Members include:

Bill Brooker Rob Strachan Scott Krebs John Ferneding Brandon Morgart Jay Wenger Greg Carr Shelley Taylor

The Ohio Insurance Agents Advocacy Committee (OIA PAC) plays a vital role in advocating for independent insurance agents by influencing legislation, regulations, and industry policies The committee strengthens agents' political influence by supporting pro-business candidates and maintaining a competitive insurance marketplace Key responsibilities include shaping OIA’s advocacy agenda, analyzing legislative and regulatory issues, guiding PAC contributions, and increasing fundraising efforts Members include:

Jeff Sargeant

Janie Geis

Diane Keil-Hipp

Eric Harmon

Meghan Griffith Ragozzino

Dale Kaprosy

Michael Keenan

Patrick Bacon

Aaron McElwain

F I N A N C E & B U D G E T C O M M I T T E E

The Finance and Budget Committee ensures the financial health and stability of the organization by overseeing investments, budgets, audits, and financial policies It acts as a steward of financial resources, maintaining adequate funding for member services and long-term sustainability This committee reviews financial statements, investment portfolios, tax returns, and corporate insurance policies, as well as assessing budget alignment with strategic objectives and recommending necessary adjustments to the Board of Directors Members include:

Colleen Heister-Miles

Justin Buren Kelley Culley Meghan Griffith Ragozzino

Eric Stolly

Kimberly Hilvers

Andy Tomlinson

The Next Gen Agents Advisory Council serves as a voice for emerging professionals in the industry, providing insights to enhance OIA’s resources and initiatives It fosters member engagement, networking, and leadership development while advising the Board and staff on the needs of the next generation of insurance professionals Key goals include identifying career development opportunities, expanding member resources, and cultivating future industry leaders Members include:

Amanda Phelan

Cassie Maddux

Adam Augspurger

Brennan Madison

Matt DeVries

Kendra Garrett

Mary Modene-Salahat

MacGregor Howey

Julie Schatz

Rick Jackson

Kristi Sizemore

Logan Kirk

Bethany Thompson

The Governance Committee ensures strong leadership and effective governance by identifying, developing, and supporting future leaders within OIA It maintains a transparent leadership selection process based on competencies and strategic alignment Key responsibilities include recruiting and nominating board candidates, overseeing leadership development, reviewing bylaws and policies, addressing ethical concerns, and selecting award winners The committee also evaluates board positions and governance structures to support OIA’s mission and success. Members include:

Perk Reichley

Tom Sarno

Steve Brown Matt Simon Brent Phelan

I N N O V A T I O N C O M M I T T E E

New in 2025, the OIA Innovation Committee will focus on enhancing industry knowledge and business opportunities for independent agents by identifying and evaluating innovative solutions The committee will gather insights on industry trends, analyze potential solutions, explore investment opportunities to strengthen the independent agency system, and identify diverse business prospects for members and OIA

Adam Anspach

Amy Amstutz

Tyler Copeland

Tiffany Morgan

Brad Kernan

Brandon Rapp Chris Pipes

Michael Sarno

Brian Ogle

AGENT ADVOCACY

REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF INDEPENDENT AGENTS

OIA is dedicated to building strong relationships with legislators and key state agencies to promote, progress and protect a healthy business environment for independent agents across the state

01. Public Policy

Through continuous dialogue with legislators and regulators, we are working to advance the opportunities available to our members by communicating industry priorities and helping to craft public policy Issues include opposing sales and premium tax hikes, extending nonrenewal/cancellation notice periods, and advocating for an online verification system for auto insurance

02. Advocacy Day

During this two-day event every other year, agents have the opportunity to hear from statewide officials and the Ohio Department of Insurance, tour the statehouse, and meet with legislators in their offices to discuss important issues facing the IA community

03. OIA Political Action Committee (OIAPAC)

Our voluntary, non-partisan Political Action Committee invests time and resources that support legislative and judicial candidates Our PAC works to ensure a positive marketplace for independent agents in the state PAC efforts focus on the election of the Supreme Court Justices and the promotion of a philosophical view of judicial restraint.

04. DC Legislative Conference

Get up to speed on the many legislative, regulatory, and legal challenges happening within your profession right now Hear from industry leaders a spend time meeting with your legislators in Washington D C

Contact George Christy at

ERRORS & OMISSIONS INSURANCE

YOU PROTECT YOUR CLIENTS. WE HELP PROTECT YOU.

As an agency leader, you want the most comprehensive and reliable errors and omissions (E&O) coverage to protect your livelihood and your future With the exclusive markets available through OIA, we can help find solutions to address your insurance coverage requirements at a competitive price All carriers offered are highly rated by A M Best Company, Inc

01. Dedicated Team of Agents

The OIA Risk Management team has over 50 years of collective insurance experience Each one of our licensed agents here at OIA will work with you to understand and get the coverage your agency needs

02. Direct Access to Claims Specialists

When you need input regarding an E&O exposure or potential claim situation, you can speak to an underwriter or claims representative They are here to answer your questions and may be able to help address issues before they become problems

03. Solid Coverage

No two errors and omissions policies are alike. We can help you spot subtle differences so you can make the best decision for your agency.

04. Education & Premium Discounts Available

We offer in-house courses through OIA that not only educate your team on ways to prevent E&O exposures but may also qualify you for a discount on your policy

CYBER INSURANCE

YOU PROTECT YOUR CLIENTS. WE HELP PROTECT YOU.

Cybercrime reports have exploded in the past decade. This rising crime cost companies worldwide an estimated US$10.5 trillion annually in 2025, up from nearly US$3 trillion in 2015. Cybercrime represents one of the greatest transfers of economic wealth in history.

Here are the top three reasons independent agencies of any size need cyber insurance:

01. 60% of Businesses Fail to Recover From a Data Breach

Penalties from state attorneys can range from $50 - $750K and penalties under the HITECH Act can reach $1.5M.

02. Average Cost of a Single Data Breach is $9.4 Million

Responding to a breach is both costly and complex Costs include penalties, fees, hiring experts, and time lost on business

03. You’re Obligated to Protect the Data You Collect

State and federal regulations dictate proper handling of private information It’s far more than hackers; breaches can be caused by lost, discarded, or stolen laptops, phones, tablets, and portable memory devices Cyber policies also help protect information related to cloud back ups

OIA’S PROGRAM WITH

OIA and Arlington/Roe & Co., Inc. have partnered to offer our members an exclusive program to help protect their agencies from information security breaches.

Contact our team to access slot rated cyber coverage with this high-esteemed broker!

Contact Stacy Rosenthal at srosenthal@ohioinsuranceagents com

MARKET ACCESS

HELPING YOU HELP YOUR CLIENTS WITH ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL MARKETS

OIA offers exceptional insurance initiatives to independent agents and their clients. Your agency can choose from a variety of options with OIA membership to determine which policies benefit your agency’s clientele Market Access options are always growing and changing at OIA, so reach out if you’re looking for something additional!

01. Independent Market Solutions - IMS

The IMS program is more than just a market access solution Through this exclusive OIA benefit, members have the opportunity to gain more carrier appointments as an IMS sub-producer, plus they can participate in earned contingencies, receive competitive commissions, and own 100% of their expirations There are no fees - the only requirement to participate is being an OIA member! You own your book of business and can qualify to roll that business toward a direct appointment once a pre-determined premium volume is reached

02. Big “I” Alliance

Blue Program: Placement Center, no fees, no minimums Own your expirations Big “I” Alliance offers a suite of top tier products including affluent homeowners, bonds, commercial packages, habitational, auto, home, and much more!

Gold Program: Strategic carrier alignment, direct access to carrier systems and underwriters, profit sharing Own your expirations and carrier codes Contract required

03. RLI

With your OIA membership, you gain access to RLI: an A+ rated carrier that offers stand-alone Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP) and Home-Based Business With no minimum volume requirements and availability with underlying coverage not being through RLI, there is no pressure! Expand your eligibility, get PUP coverage limits up to $5M, business liability coverage up to $1M, and additional optional coverages to meet your clients’ needs

Scan here for additional programs and company partners that provide market access solutions!

Contact Dustin Mahrt at dustin@ohioinsuranceagents com

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

HELPING YOU PROTECT YOUR COMMERCIAL CLIENTS THROUGH GROUP RATING

OIA’s Workers’ Compensation programs include group rating and group retrospective programs Group rating is a program employers can access to reduce workers’ compensation rates Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) permits employers to join together to be “rated” as a group through a sponsoring organization, such as OIA, to save money OIA’s plan is one of the largest in Ohio and is administered by our thirdparty administrator, Sedgwick

01. Your Clients’ Trusted Advisor

Your clients depend on you for their insurance needs - it should only be a natural fit to manage their risks when it comes to workers’ comp insurance, too.

02. Multiple Saving Tiers

Offers levels of savings tiers across each industry group with over 13,000 employers enrolled who will save more than $38 million in workers’ comp premiums

03. Protecting Your Clients’ Workers’ Comp Risks

Diverse products that cover workers’ comp claims management, alternative rating options, and safety services through OIA’s third-party administrator (TPA), Sedgwick

04. Earn Additional Commission

The Group Rating program can provide an additional source of income for your agency while also expanding the levels of service offered to your commercial clients It can also act as an effective “foot in the door” prospecting tool and aide for client retention.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LEARN WHENEVER & WHEREVER YOU WANT

In an industry that changes daily, it is important to stay on top of your education in order to best assist your clients OIA’s robust education programs include Webinar Wednesdays, flexible Pre-Licensing Courses, on-demand CE access, and customization tailored for your agency’s professional development needs!

01. Webinar Wednesdays

Since its inception in 2020, Webinar Wednesdays have become an integral part of OIA’s education offerings Nearly every Wednesday from 12-1pm, we provide a free webinar, with at least 24 sessions approved for CE annually

02. Pre-Licensing Courses

Our Property & Casualty Pre-Licensing Courses were built for today’s learner: interactive, flexible, and designed to fit your schedule We offer three distinct learning formats, including hybrid online, self study, and in-person options!

03. Custom Classes

OIA can bring CE to your office - our team is available to conduct private classes tailored to your specific topics of interest. Let us know what subjects you’re interested in, and let OIA do the rest. Virtual options are also available.

04. On-Demand CE

Access on-demand CE at your convenience through our Learning Portal With OIA, you can earn CE credits anytime Our courses feature quick check-ins after each section rather than lengthy exams New courses are added monthly

05. New Agent Training

OIA has partnered with New Level Partners (NLP) to bring new agents practical training in communication and customer management – built specifically for independent agencies.

Contact Ashley Fitzsimmons at

VALUATION & CONSULTING SERVICES

You’ve worked hard to build and grow your insurance agency and you should know the fair market value of your greatest financial asset. That’s why at IA Valuations, our mission focuses on valuation-based planning and is designed to help independent insurance agency owners realize and maximize their value. The best time to start planning was yesterday; the second best time is today. With a collective 50 years of experience, trust IA Valuations for a professional analysis.

01. Desired Growth

You have growth ideas but no plan Start your planning by understanding where you are Receive an analysis and gain insights to optimize your agency’s value, identify growth opportunities, and assess risk factors.

02. Planning for Your Next Chapter

Understanding what your agency is worth will strengthen your position in your negotiations with prospective partners and buyers Many factors contribute to the value of your agency, do not sell yourself short on your life’s work.

03. Agency Ownership Transition

For agencies that plan to transition ownership, an annual valuation and perpetuation plan will ensure that you are on track to transfer your business for the value and manner in which best suits your clients, legacy, family, and team.

If you see the IA Valuations logo, don't worry - it's still OIA! IA Valuations is a DBA (doing business as) created by OIA in order to serve our members and beyond in valuation, perpetuation, and business consulting services All messaging coming from IA Valuations is approved and aligned with OIA.

Visit us at www.iavaluations.com

Contact Jodie Shaw at jodie@ohioinsuranceagents com

RESOURCE CENTER

WHEN IT COMES TO INSURANCE, OIA HAS SEEN IT ALL

That is why we developed our Resource Center, a centralized location for you to find what you’re looking for We pride ourselves on being the one-stop shop for all OIA members, and we work to solve every problem or situation you may come across. Our Member Resource Portal consists of the following four areas:

01. Resources

Here you can find tools, training, guides, and other materials that will help you grow your business.

02. Operations & Agency Management

Operational tools to help you maximize the value of your agency, enhance compensation potential, and perpetuate success well into the future.

03. Member Benefit Services

Whether you are starting an agency from scratch or looking for materials to excel the success of your long-standing business, OIA is here to help.

04. 30-Minutes of Free Legal Consultation

Get advice from attorneys specializing in insurance issues with OIA's free legal consultation OIA members receive a 30-minute (per topic) consultation with an attorney that provides advice on legal questions relating to the insurance industry

OIA REPORTS & STUDIES

USING DATA TO PROPEL YOUR AGENCY

OIA regularly produces reports monthly, quarterly, and annually to help you succeed. Leveraging collected data, surveys, and thought leadership, we identify challenges and trends and provide actionable solutions

If there’s a report or survey that would benefit you or the broader IA system, let us know We’d love to explore how we can bring it to life!

01. Annual Reports and Surveys

OIA’s goal is to leverage our resources to help members thrive and grow One way we achieve this is through reporting and surveys, which we present in a clear and digestible format Some key reports and surveys OIA produces annually include the Agency Compensation Study, Market Share Study, and Carrier Satisfaction Survey

02. Quarterly Reports

OIA’s IA Valuations team produces quarterly reports analyzing the data we collect to help inform your business decisions. We track EBITDA multiples, profitability margins, contingencies, carrier mix, and so many more.

03. Magazines and Newsletters

OIA keeps Ohio’s independent agents informed and connected all year long through exclusive member publications Our monthly IA Connect newsletter delivers timely industry news, regulatory updates, blogs, and practical resources straight to your inbox Throughout the year, our quarterly magazines provide indepth insights on trends, leadership, and agency best practices

Additionally, each year, we publish a special end-of-year magazine celebrating our members’ achievements, major milestones, and standout moments from across the association Every member agency receives a copy to reflect on the year’s success – and you could be featured! Share your agency’s highlights with us for the opportunity to be included Log into your account and subscribe to make sure you never miss an issue

Contact Jeanie Giesler at jeanie@ohioinsuranceagents

OIA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

$168,200+ AWARDED TO INDEPENDENT AGENTS

OIA is committed to developing the next generation of industry leaders. Established in 2017, the George W Haenszel Scholarship was created in honor of the outgoing CEO This $2,500 scholarship helps future industry leaders achieve long-term success while providing their agencies with the resources they need to compete in the modern marketplace Here are just a few opportunities that qualify for the scholarship:

01. Designations

Insurance designations can broaden an agent's perspective of the industry, strengthen their skills, and elevate their career Learn what designations OIA’s education team has to offer

02. Perpetuation Planning

Our IA Valuations team can provide perpetuation coaching to help agents become future agency owners

03. Agency Valuations

Your agency value is more than just a number Our IA Valuations team will help agents learn about running a successful agency in order to increase its value

OIA Events

Participation at OIA sponsored and affiliated events for networking and professional development This includes IACON, Women’s LeadHERship Collective, and more 04.

Contact Katherine White at katherine@ohioinsuranceagents com

“Being a small agency in rural Ohio, making a decision between purchasing a new work station or continuing my education was a very real possibility Because of the Foundation Scholarship, our agency didn’t have to choose It gave us the opportunity to expand both our business and our knowledge base, making us and our community stronger ”

Allie Schultheis, Schultheis Insurance -

HR SOLUTIONS

RESOURCES FOR HIRING & RETAINING TALENT

It is no secret, one of the biggest challenges affecting the independent agency system today is hiring and retaining talent Employers are struggling to bring in new talent and job positions are open for months on end To support our members, we have compiled a wide variety of HR resources to aid agents in hiring and other HR needs

01. Advisory Services

Do you have questions on building out HR policies? Feeling stuck in your hiring efforts? Need some guidance with employee relations issues? With over 20 years of HR experience, Brian Lawrence, the Director of HR Solutions, is available to assist members with a range of HR-related questions or concerns

02. OIA Job Board with

In partnership with IdealTraits, members can now post jobs to a job board by registering for a free or paid account. IdealTraits is a robust recruiting platform developed to help insurance agencies of all sizes hire top performing sales and service staff Visit our website to get started!

03. Summer Internship Program

Each summer, OIA runs an internship program that connects interns with local member agencies. Our team oversees the program’s organization and direction, providing a comprehensive onboarding guide to support participants. With backing from the OIA Board, we aim to increase awareness of the insurance industry and the independent agency system among college students, inspiring the next generation of industry professionals

04. Annual Compensation Guide

OIA and 37 other Big “I” state associations across the nation are proud to introduce Agency Compensation 360 – the first comprehensive, multi-state survey with user-friendly, interactive dashboards designed to give independent agencies a clear view into compensation, benefits, and outsourcing across th i d t

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Contact Brian Lawrence at brian@ohioinsuranceagents com

GROUP HEALTH, LIFE & DISABILITY INSURANCE

HELPING YOU KEEP YOUR TEAM HEALTHY & WELL

As an OIA member, you can choose from several high-quality, competitively-priced insurance plans to help protect you, your employees and their families

01. Group Health

Partnering with Association Benefit Planners (ABP) allows us to offer a wide range of employee benefits to meet your needs We offer plans from fully insured, to partially self-funded, to Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWA) for small member employers We also offer options for Sole Proprietors and groups with only 1 employee

02. Group Life Insurance

Group Life benefits are available through The Big “I” Group Term Life insurance program. This program offers guaranteed issue (with certain requirements being met), a variety of plan alternatives to fit your agency’s needs, coverage for spouse and children, and optional coverage for employees.

03. Long-Term Disability

Protect your greatest asset – your ability to earn a living The Big “I” LongTerm Disability program offers guaranteed issue (with certain requirements being met), up to $10,000 per month in benefits, a variety of plan alternatives to fit your agency’s needs, special benefits for residual disability, your choice of waiting periods, and waiver of premium.

04. Short-Term Disability

The Big “I” Short-Term Disability program protects you from loss of income during an illness or accident that prevents you from working. The program offers guaranteed issue (with certain requirements being met), up to $650 in weekly benefits and a variety of plan alternatives to fit your agency’s needs.

Contact Stacy Rosenthal at srosenthal@ohioinsuranceagents

BIG “I” NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

TWO MEMBERSHIPS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc., also known as the Big "I" or IIABA, is a national trade association that strives to provide independent insurance agents and brokers with a sustainable competitive advantage in the insurance marketplace IIABA equips members with tools, resources, advocacy, and support to maintain excellence in business and customer service

01. National Advocacy & Representation

The Big “I” serves as the collective voice of independent agents and brokers in Washington, D C , ensuring independent agents have a strong voice on federal legislative and regulatory issues that impact your business and clients Its dedicated government affairs team actively monitors legislation, regulatory agency’s

ce agents resources le tough " member

Membership opens the door to a powerful national network of independent agents and brokers across the country Through national conferences, committee participation, and leadership programs, you can connect with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities in different markets

04. Virtual University

The Big "I" Virtual University is a convenient way to build your knowledge base through online education and research with more than 18,000 pages to help you find your answers to tough insurance questions

Contact Jodie Shaw at

COMPANY PARTNERS

PLATINUMPARTNER

GOLDPARTNERS

WE BELIEVE THAT INSURANCE MATTERS.

That insurance, and the protection and peace of mind it provides, is more important today, than ever before.

That the risks to our personal safety and our livelihoods are just as unpredictable as the rapidly changing world we live in.

We believe the security that insurance provides is the foundation to a prosperous and thriving society

That the ability to defer risk and loss is fundamental to our economy and our infrastructure

And that without insurance, society and the lives of Ohioans everywhere would grind to a halt

And it is our belief in the importance of insurance that drives our belief in the importance of independent agents

We believe that only independent insurance agents can provide the personal attention, professional guidance and flexibility to work with each individual or business to put the right coverage in place.

We believe it is independent insurance agents who are best capable of providing the peace of mind and protection we believe are essential today.

And that’s why we believe in our mission.

And PROMOTE, PROGRESS AND PROTECT independent agents who, in turn, best protect us, and our way of life in Ohio.

Jodie

(614) 552-3036 jodie@ohioinsuranceagentscom

Jeff Smith, JD, CIC, CAE Chief Executive Officer (614) 552-3056 jeff@ohioinsuranceagentscom

552-3052 ashleyr@ohioinsuranceagentscom

Jody Geiger, MBA Chief Operating Officer (614) 552-3066 jody@ohioinsuranceagentscom

Dawn Kuhn Chief Financial Officer (614) 552-3055 dawn@ohioinsuranceagentscom

552-3054

Craig Niess, CVA, MBA Director of Business Planning & Valuation (216) 288-8409 craig@ohioinsuranceagentscom Office Manager (614) 552-3066 buffy@ohioinsuranceagentscom

rachel@ohioinsuranceagentscom Business Pla jarod@o

evelopment 3 gentscom

Stacy Rosenthal CISR CPIA Account Executive (614) 552-3058 srosenthal@ohioinsuranceagentscom

Katie Gratton CIC CISR CPIA Account Executive (614) 552-3042 katie@ohioinsuranceagentscom Teresa Hinkle Account Manager (614) 552-3063 teresa@ohioinsuranceagentscom

Katherine White Governance Manager (614) 552-3051 katherine@ohioinsuranceagentscom

552-3049 valeria@ohioinsuranceagentscom

Navpreet Kaur Staff Accountant 614-552-3045 navpreet@ohioinsuranceagentscom