Top honors in the Independent Insurance Agents of America’s 2000 National Awards Program were presented today to the Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico, the Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma, and the Michigan Association of Independent Agents during the National Board of State Directors meeting held immediately prior to IIAA’s 105th Annual Convention & InfoXchange in Orlando, Fla.
IIAA’s National Awards Program recognizes the outstanding efforts of its state and local associations and member agents in strengthening and enhancing the Independent Agency System. Outstanding State Association Award, is IIAA’s highest honor and recognizes outstanding service in the areas of education; communications; federal and state government affairs; civic contribution; development of comprehensive member products and services; implementation of an effective membership development program; and participation in the Independent Insurance Agent Junior Classic golf tournament .
The honoree in the “Less than 300 Members” category was the Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico. The association was recognized as an expert resource for regulators, legislators and media on insurance issues; and for its comprehensive education program, member services and consumer advocacy programs.
In the “Between 300 and 600 Members” category, the award was presented to the Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma. Oklahoma was honored for its strong public relations efforts to enhance and promote independent agents and the IIAA, considerable legislative leverage, quality education programs and valuable role in civic activities.
The Michigan Association of Independent Agents was chosen as the winner in the “More than 600 Members” category for its well-rounded professional development program, technological enhancements, many civic contributions, impressive communications program and proactive role in state and federal legislative and regulatory issues.
The National Communications Award recognizes outstanding contributions to improving public understanding of the Independent Agency System and the insurance industry.
Chosen in the “Less than 300 Members” category was the Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico for its superior success in teaming up with the New Mexico Insurance Council during the state’s wildfires earlier this year to provide an insurance hotline to answer consumer questions or concerns; and communicating through consumer advocacy and industry awareness programs.
In the “Between 300 and 600 Members” category, the Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma was chosen, most notably for its unparalleled media relations and an aggressive legislative effort that stimulated active grassroots participation by its member agents.
The Michigan Association of Insurance Agents and the Independent Insurance Agents of New Jersey shared the honor in the “More than 600 Members” category. In addition to advocating consumer safety, Michigan is the most comprehensive and leading source of insurance information to the state’s capital press corps.
New Jersey maintains a continuous stream of superior communication to its members, insurance industry, news media and consumers, while also undertaking efforts to enhance the image of the independent agent.
The Walter H. Bennett Outstanding Local Board Award is presented for outstanding service in the areas of education, communications, federal & state government affairs, and civic contribution.
In the “More than 50 Members” category, the honoree was the Independent Insurance Agents of Camden-Gloucester County, N.J., The local board was distinguished for its unique education program, high-profile advocacy, extensive community involvement and considerable government affairs involvement.
The L.P. McCord National Education Award is annually presented to the association that has provided its members with the best opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the insurance profession, judged according to innovation in education, single-best seminar, and non-seminar education services.
In the category of “Less than 250 Members,” the honor was awarded to the Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico for presenting a wide variety of educational program topics and effective promotion of programs. In the “Between 250 and 460 Members” category the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents was honored for its comprehensive curriculum design and presentation format.
In the “More than 1000 Members” category, the award was bestowed on the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents for providing innovative and creative educational services with practical value to agents.
The Steven Dach Award, bestowed upon an individual who has contributed substantially to further the growth and development of the InVEST program within his or her community, was presented to Joyce Vogel, CPIW of Oakland, Calif.
Vogel initially became involved in the InVEST program when she incorporated it in the finance curriculum at Montgomery High School. She lead the expandion of the InVEST program to the community college level when she first designed the pilot curriculum for Grossmont College in San Diego. Vogel is the chairperson of IIAA’s InVEST Committee.
Topics Agencies Michigan Training Development Oklahoma Mexico New Mexico
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
JPMorgan Client Who Lost $50 Million Fortune Faces Court Setback 
North Carolina Adjuster and Son Charged With Embezzlement in Roof Jobs 
4,800 Claims Handled by Unlicensed Adjusters in Florida After Irma, Lawsuit Says 
Chubb Wins Latest Battle With New York Diocese in Bid to Avoid Sex Abuse Claims 
