Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois
To Hold Annual Convention October 2-4

SPRINGFIELD, IL (September 19, 2002)- The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) will host its Annual Convention on October 2-4 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, Ill. The 2½-day "October Showcase" features continuing education classes and one of the industry's largest trade shows.

The event officially kicks off on Wednesday morning, October 2, with the association's annual meeting breakfast and education sessions. The opening luncheon will be held that afternoon, with "The Year in Review" video and several award presentations.

Many education sessions will be held during the convention, including "The 21st Century Sales Operation" by Tom Tropp, Jr., Senior Underwriting Analyst for Tropp & Company, Inc. in Lake Forest and Mendota, Ill.; "E&O" by Bryant Jeffers, owner of the Charles L. Miller Insurance Agency, in Mt. Carmel, Ill.; "Homeowners 2000" and Pitfalls, Problems, and Solutions" by Nancy Solomon, owner/partner of the Martini, Miller & Schloss, Inc. Insurance Agency in Northbrook, Ill.; "Commercial Insurance Toolbox" and "Certificates of Insurance" by Chuck Shramm, an agent with Lamb and Little Co., in Rolling Meadows, Ill.; and "Making A home on the Internet" and "Making Yourself AT Home on the Internet" by Bill Wilson, director of the Virtual University project of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA).

One of the most popular components of the convention is Thursday's trade show. More than 120 booths will be featured with vendors representing all aspects of the insurance industry. The exhibit will showcase cutting-edge products and services available to insurance professionals.

Other highlights of the convention include the installation of PIIAI's board of directors and officers, Certified Insurance Counselors conferment ceremony, and spouse programs.

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.

Note to writers and reporters:

October is Insurance Awareness Month in Illinois. The PIIAI Convention provides an excellent opportunity to review our trade show and interview agents regarding topics of interest to consumers. For more information or to make arrangements to attend portions of the event, please contact Jennifer May, PIIAI Industry Affairs Coordinator, at (217) 321-3020, (800) 628-6436, ext. 3020 or e-mail jmay@piiai.org.

For an electronic copy of this release in text or Word format, e-mail jmay@piiai.org or visit our newsroom at www.ChooseIndependent.com.

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