FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2002

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

Williams-Manny Receives Agency of the Year Award

(Springfield, IL) - The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) presented Williams-Manny, of Rockford, Ill., with the first-ever PIIAI Agency of the Year Award during the association's annual convention, Oct. 2-4, at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. The award was presented during the Opening Luncheon on Oct. 2.

Williams-Manny has exhibited a commitment to providing excellent customer service and to introducing new risk financing solutions, creatively responding to risk management and coverage challenges and using markets in an innovative way. Mike Makris, of Williams-Manny, accepted the award on behalf of the agency's president, Steve Johnson.

Established in 1896, Williams-Manny is located at 555 S. Perryville Road in Rockford. The company provides a full line of personal and commercial insurance, including life, health, homeowners, automobile and business insurance. Williams-Manny also provides employee benefits programs, risk management services, OSHA compliance and fire and safety inspections.

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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