The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New Yorkannounced today that it is launching a new module training programfor customer service representatives.

IIABNY said it will roll out the program, IIABNY Essentials forCustomer Service Representatives, to independent agencies andbrokerages across New York State this summer.

Its goal is to help agencies fill positions with well-trainedand qualified candidates at a fraction of standard trainingcosts.

“Survey results from our membership reveal an overwhelming needto train newly hired customer service representatives,” saidRichard A. Poppa, IIABNY chief executive officer and president. “Weare proud to present this high-quality offering for a price thatagencies can afford.”

Designed with local agents and brokers in mind, the program willinclude:

o Insurance technical skills for CSRs new to the insuranceindustry.

o Communications skills for professional handling of verbal andwritten client requests.

o Errors and omissions loss prevention.

o Managing priorities to make handling workloads easier.

o Building business relationships to help CSRs improve resultsthrough daily interactions and negotiations.

IIABNY said it plans to introduce additional topics by the endof 2007.

The not-for-profit trade association will pilot four-hoursessions throughout New York State. It noted that the trainingsessions are local, so distance travel is eliminated.

IIABNY said the program begins with a thorough skill assessmentto identify individuals' strengths and skill gaps. Employees canthen choose to take all or just one of the programs, depending onindividual needs.