The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America saidthe association's disaster relief fund is ready to help industrymembers suffering the effects of Hurricane Gustav in the South andother catastrophe events.

The assistance will come from the IIABA's Trusted ChoiceDisaster Relief Fund. It was established by the association'sEducational Foundation to help those who have suffered losses dueto natural or man-made disasters.

"An established permanent relief fund allows us to financiallyassist victims when and where a disaster strikes, rather thanraising the funds after the fact as we did for 9-11 and HurricaneKatrina," said Bob Rusbuldt, president and chief executive officerof the IIABA.

Mr. Rusbuldt said IIAB encourages not only those affected by therecent storms in the Gulf, but also by the flooding in the Midwest,to apply for a grant.

The fund makes cash grants to those in the insurance industry,including IIABA members and their agency staffs, and others, to payfor immediate or ongoing financial needs when other funding sources(such as insurance and other grants) are not available.

The association said although better planning and disasterpreparedness helped to lessen the damage from Hurricane Gustav,there are still more than two months left in the 2008 hurricaneseason, and those in the Midwest are still recovering from floodingearlier this summer.

"This fund is a great way to show our ongoing support as anindustry for victims of disasters and to assist independent agents,industry colleagues and others during their greatest time of need,"said Dave Evans, executive director of Trusted Choice.

Contributions to the fund, or grant applications, can be made atwww.independentagent.com.