October 23, 2002

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

Tom J. Walsh Re-Elected Regional Director of the PIIAI

Tom J. Walsh, CPCU, AAII, CPIA, CIC, president of TW Group inc., d/b/a Tom "Insurance" Walsh & Associates in Westmont, Ill., has been re-elected to the board of directors of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) as Region 14 Director, effective October 1, 2002- September 30, 2003.

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

Walsh, who has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, has been an active member of the local PIIA of DuPage since 1986, having served the organization as President. He has been honored by the PIIAI as the Young Agent of the Year and has served as the chairperson of the Agency/Company Relations Committee. Tom is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce for both Hinsdale and Westmont. He and his wife, Mary, reside in Downers Grove.

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.