October 23, 2002

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

Brian Konen, CIC, and Ken Samson Named Co-Chairs
of the Young Agents Committee of the PIIAI

Brian Konen, CIC, co-owner of the Konen Agency in Aurora, Ill., and Ken Samson, Vice President of the Dasco Insurance Agency, Inc., in Northbrook, Ill., have been named Co-Chairs of the Young Agents Committee of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI), effective October 1, 2002- September 30, 2003.

As Chairmen of the Young Agents Committee, Konen and Samson will lead the committee in developing a program to nurture the careers of independent insurance agents under the age of 40 by promoting and representing their common business interests, affording opportunities for fellowship and networking, and demonstrating the value of association involvement. As members of the board of directors, Konen and Samson will work with other board members to approve all policy positions regarding insurance legislation and, through the board, assist with management decisions impacting the association's long-term financial viability.

Brian Konen began his insurance career as a producer with the Konen Agency in Aurora in 1993. He attended Marmion Academy in Aurora, and University of Colorado, in Boulder. He 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.

Ken Samson, a graduate of Kansas University, has been with Dasco Insurance Agency for 8 years. Samson is a member of the PIIAI Convention Committee and PIIAI Young Agents Committee (prior to co-chairing). Samson resides in Northbrook, with his wife, Jeannette, and children, Emma and Stephen.

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.