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Badger Mutual Names Director of Strategic Growth: Shane Paltzer MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Badger Mutual Insurance Company has named Shane Paltzer as Director of Strategic Growth, adding an accomplished insurance executive to its leadership team as the company enters its next phase of growth and advances its long-term strategy for commercial expansion and innovation. Paltzer brings…

Be Prepared For Carrier Cybersecurity Audits By Lamar Garrett, Redbird Security There is a conversation starting to happen between carriers and their appointed agencies that most agencies don’t know is coming. It is not a renewal discussion. It is not a market access negotiation. It is a cybersecurity audit. The agencies that are not prepared…

AI Chatbots in Insurance Agencies: Where Efficiency Ends and Exposure Begins AI chatbots are quickly becoming part of the modern insurance agency. From answering routine customer questions to assisting with internal workflows, these tools offer a practical way to help improve responsiveness and streamline operations. Used thoughtfully, they can enhance the client experience and allow agency…

Get to Know: PIA Director April Tarras April Tarras of Advantage Insurance Agency in Plymouth has been serving as a Director on the PIA Board since 2023. During her career, she has served in many capacities, both as a carrier representative and now as an agency owner. April’s involvement with PIA is deeply-rooted, with her…

The AI Tool That Scared Anthropic & What it Means for Your Agency When the company that built an AI tool won’t release it to the public. What happened, and why insurance agencies need to pay attention… By Lamar Garrett | Redbird Security Last month, Anthropic, one of the most prominent AI companies in the…

Take the PIA National Membership Survey! PIA of Wisconsin members are encouraged to participate in an important membership survey being conducted by PIA National. The survey is designed to gather feedback from insurance professionals across the industry and better understand how the association can continue supporting member success in the evolving independent insurance marketplace. Feedback…

Supporting Clients Beyond the Policy BY: Melissa Brown, CPIA | PIA Director As independent insurance agents, we do far more than match clients with the right coverage. We often become educators, advocates, and steady voices during stressful moments. Sometimes that support looks like guiding someone through a claim. Other times, it’s helping them navigate something…

E&O Tip: Know What Activities an Unlicensed CSR Can Peform In general, unlicensed Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) are not able to sell, solicit, bind, or negotiate insurance, nor should they recommend, interpret, or discuss coverages with clients. They can act as a go-between for the licensed producer and the client for certain activities – however, matters such…

How Agencies Can Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch By: Shannon Wiegman, PIA Director Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of daily operations in Wisconsin insurance agencies. From automated quoting to documentation assistance, AI offers tools that can streamline work and reduce administrative burden. But for many independent agents, one concern rises above all:…

Sen. Quinn Receives 2025 Legislative Excellence Award Sen. Romaine Quinn receives his award at his Capitol office from PIA Executive Director Pete Hanson and Communications Director Natalie White. Madison, WI – The Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (PIA) is pleased to announce that Senator Romaine Quinn (R – Birchwood) has been named the Senate recipient…