October 23, 2002

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

Phillip James, LUTCF, Elected Regional Director of the PIIAI

Phillip James, LUTCF, Director of Resource Insurance Agency in DeKalb, Ill., has been elected to the board of directors of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) as Region 13 Director, effective October 1, 2002- September 30, 2003.

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

James has 27 years of experience in the agency business, and holds a bachelor's degree in education from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. He is past president of the DeKalb-Ogel Association. He is also chairman of the Local Boards Task Force and is a past member of the Small Agents Sub-Committee. He is active in his community, having served as president of the Genoa/Kingston United Fund and Genoa Chamber of Commerce. James also served five years on the Local Board of Improvement for the city of Genoa. He is a 25-year member of the Genoa Lions Club. James resides in Sycamore with his wife, Clydella. He has two children, Scott and Eric.

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.