FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2002

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jennifer May, PIIAI Industry Affairs Coordinator
(217) 793-6660 or jmay@piiai.org

Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois Presents Awards at Annual Convention

Springfield, IL, (October 15, 2002)-The following awards were presented during the PIIAI 2002 Annual Convention in Springfield.

PIIAI presented the inaugural Agency of the Year Award to Williams-Manny, in Rockford, for going above and beyond to assist their clients. Williams-Manny was recognized for demonstrating outstanding customer service, introducing new risk financing solutions, responding creatively to risk management and coverage challenges, and using markets in an innovative way. Steve Johnson, President of Williams-Manny, was recognized for his role in leading the company to become PIIAI's Agency of the Year.

PIIAI and Arlington/Roe Company, Inc. presented the 2nd Annual Community Service Award to Kevin Breheny of J.L. Hubbard Insurance & Bonds in Decatur. Breheny's involvement in his community is extensive. He and his wife, Sue, were recognized last year with the Seal of Excellence Tribute sponsored by the Easter Seals of Central Illinois. The prior year, Breheny was honored with the prestigious City of Decatur Mayor's Recognition for Community Service Award, and has received numerous other honors and accolades throughout the years. Breheny has served in leadership, volunteer, fund-raising, and advisory capacities for an extensive list of groups in the Decatur area. Breheny was presented with a $1,000 donation to his charity of choice, the Oasis Day Center for the Homeless.

Brian Konen was presented with the Young Agent of the Year Award. He was awarded the title for demonstrating service to the insurance industry, professional trade associations, and community in a manner considered exceptional for a young agent. Konen has had an active role in the leadership of the PIIAI by serving as co-chair to the Young Agents Committee since 2001 and has recently been appointed to the IIABA National Young Agents Committee. He has served on the PIIAI Convention Committee since 1999, has been the IIAJC local golf chair and a state golf volunteer for the past two years, and has regularly attended the National and State Legislative Conferences and Conventions. He has also demonstrated a commitment to his community by serving on the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Legislative Action Committee, Marmion Military Academy Alumni Board, Copley Healthcare Foundation Annual Fund Cabinet member, Compassion Foundation Board of Directors, and Rotary International. Konen is also an insurance representative to local SCORE meetings for new business owners and has been appointed to the Travelers Personal Lines Agents Advisory Council.

Chip Frank, of Capen, Frank, Proctor & Bowles, in Bloomington, was selected as Chairman of the Year for 2002. As chairman of the Planning and Coordination Committee, Frank served the association in the restructuring of the Long-Range Plan, and oversaw the in-depth review of the organization.

Bob Lagestee, owner of Lagestee Insurance Agency, Ltd., in South Holland, was presented with the Regional Director of the Year Award. Lagestee, director of region 17, was recognized for his efforts in South Holland to increase member participation in educational classes and other association functions.

The 1752 Club named Paul Verisario, CPIA, president of All-Security Insurance Agency, Inc. in Des Plaines, Agent of the Year. The award was presented to Verisario in recognition of his successful leadership of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois. Verisario served as President of the association this past year and is now serving as Chairman of the Board for the PIIAI. The award recognizes Verisario for representing the Independent Agency System with the highest standards.

Verisario was also honored with the PIIAI President's Award for his excellence in meeting the demands of his term as leader of the association. Verisario is credited with establishing an award to recognize independent agents who go "above and beyond" in the area of community service. He also fought along side independent agents in their battle against the selling of expiration dates.

Theresa Stoffa, President of the 1752 Club, was presented with the Company Representative of the Year Award. The award is presented each year as an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication the association receives from company counterparts who are active in the 1752 Club. As the award recipient, Stoffa was honored for her efforts to further the American Agency System through her volunteer involvement in the 1752 Club.

PIIAI also awarded three scholarships, the G.A. Mavon Memorial Scholarship, the Keith Payne Memorial Scholarship, and the Roy and Harriet Robinson Scholarship, to students studying business with an interest in the field of insurance.

As the recipient of the G.A. Mavon Memorial Scholarship Joy Litwiller, of Danvers, will receive a $1,000 payment to her college, Eastern Illinois University, for two semesters. Denis Miller, of Heartland Insurance Services recommended Litwiller.

Diane Skupien was presented with the Keith Payne Memorial Scholarship. Joan Buschbach, of Buschbach insurance agency recommended Skupien, a resident of Oak Lawn. As the recipient of the Keith Payne Memorial Scholarship, Skupien will receive a $500 payment for two semesters to her school of choice, Saint Xavier University.

The Roy & Harriet Robinson Scholarship went to Kelsey Lading, of Polo. The scholarship will provide Lading with a $500 payment to Eastern Illinois University for two semesters. Molly Vasquez, of Gardner Whitworth Insurance agency recommended Lading.

The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois is an association representing independent insurance agents throughout the state. PIIAI membership is comprised of 1,500 insurance agencies representing 12,000 licensed independent agents engaged in all facets of the insurance industry, including property, casualty, life and health. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. In addition to serving the professional needs of members, PIIAI works for the betterment of the insurance industry through legislative and consumer awareness programs. The PIIAI is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. Visit PIIAI's consumer website at www.ChooseIndependent.com or agent website at www.piiai.org.

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