October 23, 2002

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

Keith B. Frederick, CIC, Elected Regional Director of the PIIAI

Keith B. Frederick, CIC, President of Maurits and Jost, Inc., in Morrison, Ill., has been elected to the board of directors of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) as Region 12 Director, effective October 1, 2002- September 30, 2003.

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

Frederick has 26 years experience in the insurance business. He received his degree in business administration from Sauk Valley College in Dixon, Illinois. In addition to his duties as regional director, Frederick is also a volunteer in his community. He is currently Morrison City treasurer and a Whiteside County Board member. He is a past president of the Morrison Rotary Club. Frederick and his wife, Barbara, reside in Morrison. They have seven children and two grandchildren.

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.