October 23, 2002

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

Charles J. Hruska, III, Re-Elected Chairman of the
Government Affairs Committee of the PIIAI

Charles J. Hruska, III, president of Hruska Insurancenter in Flossmoor, Ill., has been re-elected Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI), effective October 1, 2002- September 30, 2003.

As Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee, Hruska will lead members of the committee in developing and directing a political action program for the association by establishing and coordinating a legislative agenda for the current year and on a long-range basis. As a member of the board of directors, Hruska will work with other board members to approve all policy positions regarding insurance legislation and, through the board, assist with management decisions impacting the association's long-term financial viability.

Hruska is a founder and board member of the Martsci School-Montessori of Arts and Sciences, a member of the Phi of Sigma Pi Alumni Association and Village of Flossmoor Appearance Committee member. His past civic activities include serving as an executive board member for the Prairie State College Foundation, member of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, and president of the Focus Council of the Southern Suburbs. Hruska is a recipient of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Chicago Southland Chamber. In addition to his civic activities, Hruska is a member of the Federal Affairs Committee and is a past chairperson of the Federal Affairs Subcommittee. In addition, he has been a speaker and presenter at several Naugus/Applied conventions, is a speaker for the Chicago Bar Association and many other trade associations, and provides written editorial and articles for many insurance company magazines. Hruska resides in Flossmoor with his wife, Jodi. He has four children: Ashley, Charles, Hope, and Haley.

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.