FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2002

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

Tim Griffith Honored for Outstanding Community Service

(Springfield IL) - The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) honored Tim Griffith, of the Griffith Insurance Agency in Effingham, for outstanding community service during the association's annual convention in Springfield.

Griffith was recognized for his dedication to the Effingham County Chapter of the American Red Cross. While serving on the board of the Effingham County Chapter, Tim helped to organize and recruit for a Bike-A-Thon, the organization's first major fundraiser. Tim also solicited items for a silent auction to benefit the organization.

Following these successful events, Tim agreed to Chair the fundraising committee and coordinate a second function for the group. In 2001, Tim conceptualized and organized a Golf Scramble for the Chapter. In addition to the fundraising, Tim became involved with the Red Cross Disaster Services program

The Red Cross provides shelter, food, and clothing for the victims of the fire. They also provide food and drink for emergency personnel working at the scene.

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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