Hello and thank you for visiting our web site today.  On behalf of myself and the board of directors for the Independent Brokers and Agents of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena I want to thank all of our members and member agencies for their support. We are proud to be able to represent all of our members to make our voices heard locally, in Sacramento, and in Washington D. C.

 As in years past, 2008 will prove to be a challenging year in our industry.  There are several Anti-Broker agendas floating around that will arise in 2008 that will  once again test our ability to unite as a consolidated group and prove to our customers and consumers the importance of the role of the independent agency system in our communities and business environments.   Just as we were successful in fighting  off Senate Bill 398 in 2005 which tried to impose unrealistic fiduciary duties upon all independent brokers and agents in California, with the help of IBA-West, your support and our grassroots political efforts, we expect to prevail in 2008 on all levels as well.

In 2008 IBA-BGP will continue its fundraising efforts for various charities in our communities and continue to look for new opportunities to help those in need. We will continue to work closely with our insurance carriers and representatives and support their efforts to grow profitably in our region and all of Southern California. 

IBA-BGP and IBA West will strive to keep our members informed of changes in the  marketplace this coming year such as a universal heath care plan for our state, the expansion of the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA), and other programs that develop throughout the year and how they will affect local business owners and our California economy.

I encourage all of our members to stay abreast of the challenges we will face throughout the coming year and to vigorously participate with our grassroots political efforts when it is important that our collective voices be heard.

I am excited about my fulfilling my duties and responsibilities as President of the IBA-BGP for 2008. I would be happy to hear your comments at any time and discuss ways in which we can make our association better and improve our service to our members.

Sincerely,

Joe Gieson