FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2002

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

Michael McHugh Honored for Outstanding Community Service

(Springfield, IL) The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois honored Michael McHugh, of McHugh Insurance Agency in Manhattan, for outstanding community service during the association's annual convention in Springfield.

McHugh is being honored for his contributions to community of Manhattan. McHugh has worked with organizations such as: the Manhattan Park Board, the Citizen's Advisory Committee, the Irish American Society of County Will, and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. He also donates time to St. Joseph's Parish by sitting on the Administration Commission.

While McHugh was on the Citizens Advisory Committee, the group oversaw the completion of two bike trails, the formation of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and the evaluation of over 1,000 pieces of property the district considered purchasing. Since the beginning of the Irish American Society of County Will, McHugh has served as the society's member chairperson. The Irish American Society's program, The Irish Way, sends teenagers to study for six weeks in Ireland in order to promote the culture.

McHugh helped to revive the dormant Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and organize the annual Irish Fest, which helps bring revenue into the community. As a result, he was instrumental in helping Manhattan win the Governor's Home Town Award. McHugh, in conjunction with the Chamber, also planned and put up a website that provides information about Manhattan for both residents and non-residents.

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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