October 23, 2002

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

Bill Ryan Elected Regional Director of the PIIAI

Bill Ryan, President of Stautenborough Insurance Agency, in Maroa, Ill., has been elected to the board of directors of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, (PIIAI) as Region 6 Director, effective October 1, 2002- September 30, 2003.

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

Ryan began his insurance career in 1983 with Country Companies, and began working for Stoutenborough 11 years ago. Upon Bill Stoutenborough's retirement in February 1994, Ryan purchased the agency. Ryan has served as a board member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Metro Decatur since 1996, and was president from 1999-2001. He has also been a board member of the Independent Farm Agents of Illinois. On a community level, Ryan has served the Argenta United Methodist Church as chairperson of the Board of Trustees, new building committee (completed 1999), and Finance Committee. He is also past secretary/treasurer of the Argenta Civic Club and past president of the Argenta Youth Baseball/Softball League. He is currently a member of the Maroa Lions Club and of the Argenta-Oreana School's Athletic Boosters. Ryan and Judy, his wife of 22 years, reside in Argenta. Ryan's daughter, Jennifer, is a senior at Millikin University and son, Patrick, is a freshman at SIU-Edwardsville.

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.