October 23, 2002

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

Rick Sutton Elected Secretary/Treasurer and Chairman
of the Budget & Finance Committee of the PIIAI

Rick Sutton, Vice President of Interstate Risk Placement, Inc., Peoria, IL, has been elected to the board of directors of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) as Secretary/Treasurer and as Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, effective October 1, 2002- September 30, 2003.

As Secretary/Treasurer, Sutton will serve as an officer of the six-person Executive Committee of the PIIAI board of directors and will work with other board members to approve all policy positions regarding insurance legislation and assist with management decisions impacting the association's long-term financial viability. As Chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee Sutton will create and oversee an operational fiscal year budget and advise the association on all financial matters.

Sutton previously served the PIIAI as Region #10 Director from 1993-1998. He was active in the former Illinois Association of Professional Insurance Agents (IAPIA), a predecessor to the PIIAI, serving on the Board of Directors, Finance Committee, Convention Committee, and Executive Committee. Sutton also served as secretary/treasurer and vice president for the IAPIA. Sutton has been involved in many civic activities, including serving as past president of the East Peoria Kiwanis Club, East Peoria Chamber of Commerce and Illinois Insurance Exchange Brokers Association. Currently, he is serving on the Heart of Illinois Fair Board of Directors.

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.