FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2002

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

Brian Konen Named Young Agent of the Year by PIIAI

Springfield, IL, (October 15, 2002)- Brian Konen was named Young Agent of the Year by the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) during the Association's annual convention.

Brian Konen, Co-owner of the Konen Agency in Aurora, was presented with the Young Agent of the Year Award for demonstrating service to the insurance industry, professional trade associations, and community in a manner considered exceptional for a young agent. Konen has had an active role in the leadership of the PIIAI by serving as co-chair to the Young Agents Committee since 2001 and has recently been appointed to the IIABA National Young Agents Committee. He has served on the PIIAI Convention Committee since 1999, and been the IIAJC local golf chair and a state golf volunteer for the past tow years, and has regularly attended the National and State Legislative Conferences and Conventions. He has also demonstrated a commitment to his community by serving on the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Legislative Action Committee, Marmion Military Academy Alumni Board, Copley Healthcare Foundation Annual Fund Cabinet member, Compassion Foundation Board of Directors, and Rotary International. Konen is also an insurance representative to local SCORE meetings for new business owners and has been appointed to the Travelers Personal Lines Agents Advisory Council.

Konen began his insurance career as a producer with the Konen Agency in Aurora in 1993 and became a co-owner of the agency the following year. He attended Marmion Academy in Aurora, and University of Colorado, in Boulder. He holds a B.A. double major in communications and psychology. Konen earned his CIC designation in 1996. Konen currently serves on the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Legislative Action Committee, Marmion Academy Alumni Board, and Copley Healthcare Foundation Annual Fund Cabinet. Konen has served on the PIIAI Convention Committee and as IIAJC local tourney chair. Konen lives in Aurora with his wife, Ann, and son, Nathan.

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.
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