A Guide to the Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana

The Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana (PIA) is a key organization that supports insurance agents across the state. This article provides an overview of PIA, the value they offer to agents, their advocacy work, educational offerings, events, and more.

What is the Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana?

Founded in 1943, the Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana is a non-profit trade association representing independent insurance agents in Louisiana. Some key facts about PIA:

• Represents over 800 agency members across Louisiana
• Promotes and protects the role of the independent insurance agent
• Provides advocacy, education, industry resources, and networking opportunities
• Part of a national federation of state and regional PIA associations

As “The Voice of the Independent Insurance Agent”, PIA works to create a positive business environment and protect consumer access to insurance products and services.

Why Should Agents Join PIA?

There are many benefits for insurance agents that join PIA of Louisiana:

• Advocacy – PIA represents agents in the legal/regulatory arena and lobbies for a favorable business climate.

• Industry updates – Stay current on laws, regulations, and trends impacting the insurance industry.

• Education & training – Access discounted continuing education courses, webinars, seminars and industry designations.

• Networking – Connect with fellow agents at PIA events, meetings, and conventions.

• Resources – Utilize publications, guides, newsletters, and the PIA website content.

• PIA agency – Access exclusive commercial insurance programs.

• Discounts – Get savings on E&O insurance, shipping, office supplies, and more through PIA partners.

PIA membership helps agents boost their knowledge, productivity, connections, and bottom line.

PIA’s Work Supporting Louisiana’s Independent Insurance Agents

PIA provides advocacy, information, and support to create a healthy insurance marketplace benefiting consumers and agents in Louisiana:

• Advocating in Baton Rouge – PIA has a strong lobbying presence and testifies on bills impacting insurance agents.

• Serving on state councils/task forces – PIA ensures the agent perspective is considered on key insurance issues.

• Submitting commentary and analysis – PIA publishes frequent news articles educating on insurance matters.

• Building relationships – PIA meets regularly with legislators, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

• Providing market analysis – PIA produces annual Louisiana insurance market share reports.

• Supplying resources – PIA creates guides and reference documents on state insurance laws and rules.

• Offering consumer tips – PIA promotes insurance education and tips through media outreach.

PIA’s proactive efforts make the Louisiana insurance market stronger.

PIA of Louisiana’s Educational Offerings

PIA provides extensive professional education and training opportunities:

• Industry designation programs – Including the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA), and Trusted Risk Advisor.

• Continuing education – Hundreds of online CE courses plus frequent classroom CE across Louisiana.

• Webinars – Free and affordable live webinars on hot industry topics.

• Workshops & seminars – Specialized workshops providing in-depth training.

• Annual convention – Multi-day conference with CE classes, keynotes, exhibits and networking.

• Leadership Education – Designated programs to build leadership skills.

PIA education helps Louisiana agents gain knowledge, designations, CE credits, and skills to succeed.

PIA of Louisiana Events and Networking

PIA brings members together through networking events across the state:

• Annual Convention – PIA’s flagship event rotates yearly between New Orleans and Shreveport, drawing 400+ insurance professionals.

• Regional chapter events – Educational meetings, social gatherings, and charity events organized by PIA’s regional chapters.

• YIPs events – PIA’s Young Insurance Professionals group hosts mixers and activities for the next generation.

• Watch parties – Members come together for special watch parties, like legislative sessions and Saints games.

• Golf tournaments – Annual golf events that combine networking, competition and raising funds for scholarships.

PIA events allow agents to connect, learn, socialize, and have fun together.

Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana Leadership

PIA has a strong staff and executive committee guiding the organization:

• Jody Boudreaux – Executive Vice President

• Coleen Brooks – Director of Member Services

• Caroline Adams – Director of Marketing

• Executive Committee – Includes Chairman Marty Thibodeaux (Thibodeaux Insurance & Financial) and officers from agencies across Louisiana.

PIA’s dedicated team works tirelessly to serve Louisiana’s insurance agents. Members can get involved with PIA’s leadership through chapter, committee, and board participation.

How Can Agents Get Involved with PIA?

There are many ways for insurance agents to engage with this valuable member-driven organization:

• Join PIA – Become a member to access the full benefits PIA provides.

• Attend events – Participate in PIA conventions, classes, webinars, watch parties and more.

• Join a chapter – Become active in one of PIA’s regional chapters around Louisiana.

• Serve on committees – Lend your expertise by joining a PIA committee.

• Sponsor PIA – Sponsorship supports PIA’s mission and gets exposure for your agency.

• Follow PIA on LinkedIn – Stay updated on news/events by following PIA’s LinkedIn company page.

PIA is committed to delivering value to members – join today to get involved!

Conclusion

For over 75 years, the Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana has worked diligently to promote independent agents, advocate for a healthy insurance climate, provide invaluable education and resources, and bring the industry together. PIA membership offers countless benefits that help agencies grow and succeed. Louisiana agents can count on PIA to have their back as a trusted partner. By getting involved with PIA, insurance professionals can help shape the future of the industry in Louisiana.