Making a Difference

Recently it was brought to my attention that the Insurance Information Network of California became the recipient of the prestigious Silver Anvil award for their efforts in dispersing information after the 2003 California wildfires.

Sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America, the Silver Anvil recognizes outstanding achievement in strategic public relations planning and implementation. The IINC was presented with the award during the Silver Anvil Celebration Event held June 9 in New York City.

The IINC was recognized for its outstanding achievement in its yearlong response effort to the California wildfires and its’ aftermath. According to the PRSA, those efforts included an immediate response in fire-stricken areas as well as long-range communications efforts that included wildfire protection and urged homeowners to keep their insurance policies up to date and to safeguard their belongings by creating a home inventory.

The IINC isn’t the only one in the spotlight. State Compensation Insurance Fund supervisor Lealand Stewart was recently honored as “Employer of the Year” by the City of San Francisco. Stewart is a custodial manager for State Fund’s Real Property Department.

Stewart was recognized for his significant contributions in hiring people with disabilities at a June 23 fundraising breakfast of the Mayor’s Committee for Employment of Persons with Disabilities honors San Francisco-based businesses, community organizations or individuals who have made significant contributions in the employment of persons with disabilities. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Supervisor Michaela Alioto-Pier presented the award.

Stewart was nominated by Tina Marzell, a job developer for the employment training organization, ‘Toolworks.’ State Fund is partnered with San Jose-based Project HIRED and San Francisco Vocational Services, which provide work experience programs to the disabled.

My point is that it’s not just “all about the money.” Every day in the insurance industry, insurance professionals are making a difference in the lives of others. As evident here, making a difference doesn’t have to mean charity work or donations–these industry professionals are doing so within their very jobs.

Congratulations to the IINC and State Fund’s Stewart for a job well done. It is great to see what a difference the industry is making in the lives of others.

Topics California Wildfire