October 23, 2002

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

Richard Calfa Elected Regional Director of the PIIAI

Richard Calfa, owner of Calfa for Insurance in Algonquin, Ill., has been elected to the board of directors of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) as Region 15 Director, effective October 1, 2002- September 30, 2003.

As Regional Director, Calfa is the principal link between the membership in his region and the PIIAI. As a member of the PIIAI board of directors, Calfa works with other board members to approve all policy positions regarding insurance legislation and, through the board, assists with management decisions impacting the association's long-term financial viability.

As a past president of the McHenry County PIIA and former regional director, Calfa has a long history with the association. He serves as a member of the Advisory Board for both McHenry County and the North Suburban associations. Calfa has served on the Government Relations, Communications, Small Agents and CIC Committees for the PIIAI. He has also been a guest speaker at numerous life insurance conventions throughout the state.

On a community level, Calfa has been active with the Boy Scouts, achieving the Eagle Order of the Arrow-Gold and Silver. He has holds a Second Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Calfa and his wife, Marilyn, reside in Barrington Hills.

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.