October 23, 2002

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

Charles B. Farner, CIC, Elected Regional Director of the PIIAI

Charles B. Farner, CIC, Agency Manager of Snyder & Snyder Insurance in Bloomington, Ill., has been elected to the board of directors of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) as Region 9 Director, effective October 1, 2002- September 30, 2003.

As Regional Director, Farner is the principal link between the membership in his region and the PIIAI. As a member of the PIIAI board of directors, Farner 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.

Charlie Farner began his career with Snyder Insurance in Bloomington more than 15 years ago. In 1995, he was appointed Agency Manager. A 1986 graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, Farner received his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation in 1995. Charlie served on the PIIAI Communications Committee from 1998-2001, including as chairman of the committee. He is currently on the Young Agents Committee. Farner is involved in a number of local volunteer activities including Special Olympics, the MARC Foundation Board, Children's Foundation and American Legion Baseball. He is a member of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and St. John's Lutheran Church. Originally from Toluca, Farner and his wife, Collette, now reside in Bloomington. They have three children: Alex, 8; Zachary, 4, and Jacob, 1 ½.

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.