September 23, 2002

Diane Skupien to be Awarded Keith Payne Memorial Scholarship

Springfield, IL, (September 23, 2002)-The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) will present Diane Skupien with the Keith Payne Memorial Scholarship at the association's annual convention, Oct. 2-4 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield.

Skupien, a resident of Oak Lawn, Illinois, wrote an essay explaining the importance of insurance, with a focus on life insurance. As the recipient of the Keith Payne Memorial Scholarship, Skupien will receive a $500 payment to her college for two semesters.

Skupien is attending St. Xavier University in Chicago, where she is studying finance. Previously, she has been employed by Allstate Insurance in Chicago, Bushbach Insurance Agency in Oak Lawn, Ill., and Olson Insurance Agency, in Evergreen Park, Ill.

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.

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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