FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2002

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Laura Richter,VP of Communications
(217) 793-6660 or lrichter@piiai.org

PIIAI Accepting Applications for 2002 College Scholarship Program

The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for its College Scholarship Program. Three scholarships will be awarded for the 2002-2003 school year:

G. A. Mavon Memorial Scholarship ($1,000 per semester)
Roy & Harriet Robinson Scholarship ($500 per semester)
Keith Payne Memorial Scholarship ($500 per semester)

To be eligible for the PIIAI scholarship program, a student must meet the following criteria:

· have junior or senior status in college;
· be in a business degree program with an interest in insurance;
· be a full-time student;
· have a letter of recommendation from a PIIAI sponsor (current association member in good standing or a retired member).**

All applications must be postmarked by July 1, 2002. For a copy of the scholarship application, visit www.chooseindependent.com/documents/ScholarshipApplication.doc or contact Jennifer May at (800) 628-6436 ext. 3020 or email jmay@piiai.org.

**The PIIAI can assist students in finding an independent insurance agent they can talk to for a recommendation. Contact Laura Richter at the PIIAI office, (800) 628-6436 or by email at lrichter@piiai.org.

For an electronic copy of this release in text or Word format, e-mail jmay@piiai.org or visit our newsroom at www.ChooseIndependent.com.

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.
###