According to Campaign co-chair Cyndy Smith, vice president, technology, at Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Syracuse, N.Y., the blog supports the Campaign's goal of boosting availability and adoption of Real Time and Download functionality within the Independent Agency System. "Eddie will keep industry professionals up-to-date on new developments, education opportunities, successes and other Real Time news and information," Smith says.
"Eddie already has a presence on Facebook, which allows for interaction with a number of friends," adds fellow co-chair Karen Youngman, CPCU, personal lines manager at Don Allen Agency, Rochester, N.Y. "By blogging, Eddie will be able to generate increased awareness of important industry workflow enhancements and drive greater two-way communication on Real Time and
Download issues."
The new blog lets visitors read posts online and receive updates via email or RSS reader. Also, it provides opportunity for conversations about Real Time and Download issues via its "Comments" functionality.
To see actual demos of agents using real time and to learn about available tools to assist with implementation, Eddie encourages insurance friends to attend the Campaign's free webinar, "Save Time & Increase Profits with Real Time," on September 8, 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT, by registering at
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/122606232.
About the Real Time/Download Campaign: Launched in 2007, the Real Time/Download Campaign (www.getrealtime.org) is dedicated to improving the competitiveness of the independent agency distribution channel. The campaign-supported by independent agents, trade associations, carriers and technology providers-isn't advocating a specific technology, but a workflow approach that frees up more time for agencies to sell, process and service business. Visit Eddie's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RealTimeEddie.
Campaign sponsors include: ACORD-User Groups Information Exchange (AUGIE)/ACORD; Agents Council for Technology (ACT)/Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America; Allied Property & Casualty Insurance/Nationwide; Applied Systems; Applied Systems Client Network (ASCnet); Artizan Internet Services; EMC Insurance Companies; Grange Insurance; Harleysville; The Hartford; IVANS; Liberty Mutual Agency Markets; MetLife Auto & Home; Network of Vertafore Users (NetVU), formerly AMS Users Group; PIA of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut & New Hampshire; Progressive Insurance; Strategic Insurance Software (SIS); Travelers; Vertafore; and Westfield Insurance.