October 23, 2002

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

Kenneth Wagler, LUTCF, Named President of the PIIAI

Kenneth Wagler, LUTCF, owner of Wagler Insurance Agency, Inc., in Peoria, Ill., has been named President of the board of directors of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI), effective October 1, 2002- September 30, 2003.

As President, Wagler will serve as a member of the six-person Executive Committee of the PIIAI board of directors. He is responsible for the general leadership and functions of the PIIAI and act as an official delegate of the association at state and national functions.

Wagler has a long-standing commitment to the insurance industry. He is a past president and board member of the Peoria Area Association of Independent Insurance Agents. Wagler has also been active in the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIAI), a predecessor of the PIIAI, and has served as a member of numerous committees, including the IIAI's Convention Committee and the Small Agents Committee. He has also been chairperson of the Agency Operations/Membership Services Committee. He is a former member and past president of the Northside Optimists Club of Peoria.

Wagler and his wife, Peggy, reside in Washington, IL. They have three daughters: Teresa, Lori, and Lisa, and one son, Brian. They also have four grandchildren.

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.