Upcoming Webinar: Tech Talk

Join Fortified’s New Producer Committee on August 18 at 11:00 AM CST for a webinar with Zach Schneider, “Tech Talk – Don’t Go Broke Before You Buy It!”

Members of Fortified’s Tech Committee will share insights around making smarter technology decisions for your agency without overspending.

Meeting ID: 921 3258 3443 | Passcode: 086910

Fortified Recognized with Main Street Elite Status

We’re excited to share that Fortified has been designated a Main Street Elite agent by Main Street America Insurance, an invitation-only recognition awarded to agencies that distinguish themselves through customer service, agency growth and strong partnership.

Main Street Elite status comes with several valuable benefits designed to support continued growth, including guaranteed profit sharing, concierge claims and underwriting support, personalized marketing and training support, and access to business development funds.

One of the standout benefits is the Business Development Funds program. Main Street Elite agents may qualify for 50% reimbursement on approved business development expenses, up to $2,500 annually. Eligible activities can include community event sponsorships, print and digital advertising, co-branded materials, signage, direct mail campaigns, market research and press release services.

This recognition reflects the strength of the Fortified network and our continued commitment to helping independent agencies grow, serve their clients and take advantage of new opportunities.

We’re proud to celebrate this achievement with all of our members — thank you for being part of Fortified!

Vendor Spotlight

Better Communication. Greater Efficiency. Stronger E&O Protection.

blueC is helping agencies improve both top- and bottom-line performance while strengthening E&O protection through its market-leading Voice Communications Management solution. And now, Fortified Agencies have access to blueC on a price-exclusive basis.

blueC Has Been Leading the Way

blueC pioneered several tools designed specifically to help insurance agencies improve communication, documentation and efficiency, including:

• • VoIP phone integration with Applied EPIC
  • Long-term, secure storage of every agency phone call
  • Audio Signatures that allow agencies to bind business over the phone
  • Real-time scripts and checklists to guide calls, support upselling and cross-selling opportunities, and help reduce E&O exposure
  • Real-time automated Activity Creation
  • A control platform with alert functionality that helps ensure agency calls are captured, tagged and placed in the AMS as required — regardless of the device used

Meet blueButler

blueButler takes that technology even further with automation and AI-powered tools designed to reduce manual work. Current capabilities include:

• • Automated transcription and translation
  • Agency-specific, AI-driven extraction of key insurance data
  • Automated summaries of next steps
  • Automated creation of Activity notes in the AMS using all blueButler-processed data and information
  • AI-driven automatic redaction of credit card information from transcriptions and MP3 call recordings to support PCI compliance

Coming Soon: blueButler Auto-Fill

The next step for blueButler is Auto-Fill, designed to make data entry even easier.

blueButler Auto-Fill will automatically populate fields on carrier and other required forms using information gathered from recorded phone conversations, in-person meetings or dictated notes.

Its guided AI, “human-in-the-loop” process is designed to improve accuracy and efficiency while creating significant time savings. According to blueC, approximately 40% of most agency staff time is spent gathering and transposing information into required carrier forms — making this an area with major potential for increased productivity.

Learn More

Want to see what blueButler could do for your agency or learn more about the exclusive pricing available to Fortified Agencies?

Contact blueC at sales@blueC802.com or 1-877-730-2583.

Fortified Earns Pinnacle Platinum Recognition from Columbia Insurance

We’re proud to share another exciting achievement for the Fortified network: Fortified has earned Pinnacle Platinum status with Columbia Insurance, the highest level of recognition within Columbia’s Pinnacle Program.

Pinnacle Platinum recognizes strong, long-term agency partnerships and performance. To qualify, agencies must have worked with Columbia Insurance for at least three full calendar years, maintain $1.5 million or more in written premium, and meet the program’s profitability requirements.

This recognition also brings valuable benefits to the Fortified partnership, including enhanced commissions for commercial premium growth, up to $3,000 annually in expense reimbursement for qualified purchases, priority status for business workflow, and additional recognition from Columbia Insurance.

Columbia describes its agent recognition program as a way to celebrate the trusted partnerships and shared success created by putting people first and delivering exceptional service.

Congratulations to our entire Fortified network! Achievements like Pinnacle Platinum reflect the strength of our partnerships and the continued growth and success of our members.

Carrier Spotlight

This month, we’re highlighting Foremost®, a Farmers Insurance® company with a broad range of personal lines solutions for independent agencies.

Foremost is a strong player in the auto and home markets, while also offering an extensive selection of specialty insurance products. That wide product lineup gives agencies more opportunities to meet multiple needs within the same household, helping create additional bundling opportunities and supporting stronger customer retention.

Foremost can be a great option when an account extends beyond a standard home or auto policy. From everyday personal insurance needs to recreational and specialty risks, its range of products gives agents more flexibility to keep multiple policies together and provide customers with a more complete insurance solution.

Whether you’re looking for another option for a new customer or opportunities to round out an existing account, Foremost offers a variety of ways to help grow your agency and serve more of your clients’ insurance needs.

Want to learn more about Foremost and the opportunities available to Fortified members?

Scan the QR code to learn more about Foremost and its available products.