In 1979, Voyager 1 passed Jupiter, McDonald’s introduced the Happy Meal, Pope John Paul II visited Des Moines, the Compact Disc was invented, Iranian’s seized the US embassy and took 90 hostages for 444 days, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, and Vicky Barr started working at the Iowa FAIR Plan Association. If you have been an Iowa FAIR Plan Association producer or policyholder you have talked to Vicky or she has helped you behind the scenes.
In a recent interview she answered a few probing questions:
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. “I love talking to my producers and helping them to help others. The Iowa FAIR Plan Association has provided coverage on over 70,000 properties since I started here.”
Q. What one thing would you ask from your producers?
A. “That’s easy! Send us completed applications! We need every question answered, and if it isn’t, we have to follow-up with the producer. It creates a lot of extra work for all of us.”
Q. What has changed at the Iowa FAIR Plan Association since 1979.
A. “That would be automation. The personal computer and World Wide Web were not invented so everything we did was typed and we generated a lot of paper. Now we use a policy administration system called APPS from IMT Computer Services. We have an up-to-date web site and we do a lot of our business using e-mail.”
Q. What changes do you see coming at the Iowa FAIR Plan Association?
A. “Over the next few years we will make greater use of the Internet and provide our producers and policyholders 24/7 access to self-service apps.”
Q. What do you enjoy doing away from your job?
A. “My husband and I own 40 acres near New Virginia, Iowa. We keep three horses and raise Whippets (Italian Greyhounds).”
Congratulations Vicky! We wish you continued success as you celebrate this important milestone!