TFW News // October 22, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Colin Evans // Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio // 614.464.3100
INSURANCE AGENTS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES UPPER ARLINGTON AGENT
COLUMBUS (October 22, 2009) – The Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio (Ohio Big ‘I’) honored several key individuals and one company for their contributions to the independent insurance agency system at its 112th Annual Meeting last week. Award recipients included Ohio Big ‘I’ members David T. Fenner, of Upper Arlington and F. Lee Patrick, of Dublin; The Motorists Insurance Group and Paul Loveman of Cleveland.
Dave Fenner was presented the Paul Revere Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to the Association. As a past president of the Ohio Big ‘I’, Fenner presided over the 16-member board of trustees that guides the organization’s business affairs and advocacy activities on behalf of its member agencies. Fenner, president of the Thomas-Fenner-Woods Agency in Columbus, has also served on the Association’s executive committee, board of trustees and currently serves as treasurer of the Ohio Agents Political Action Committee.
The Independence Bell award was awarded to Ohio Big ‘I’ past president F. Lee Patrick for his respect and dedication to the principles of the independent insurance agent and the value they bring to Ohio’s insurance consumers.
“Lee is a tremendous ambassador for our association and for independent agents. He was a skilled leader during his time on our Board of Trustees and he continues to communicate the value of the independent agent,” said Scott Nein, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio.
The Eagle Award which recognizes the outstanding insurance company of the year was presented to John Bishop, CEO, The Motorists Insurance Group for their ongoing commitment to the independent agency system and their tireless advocacy on behalf of independent agents with legislators, regulators, the public and the entire insurance industry.
“I take great pleasure in accepting this award on behalf of our organization. There is no one award that we could receive that is more impressive than this one and it’s very humbling to be recognized as company of the year by an organization that’s so important to us,” said Mr. Bishop.
Founded in 1928, the company has become one of the country’s leading regional insurers. Their focus on serving their customers, advancing their technologies and continually working towards improving their independent agency workforce has built them into the company they are today. Motorists firmly believes in the independent agency system as being the best choice for consumers’ insurance needs because independent agents are trusted advisors who go beyond the services other types of agents provide.
Other awards included the Herzog Scholarship, which was awarded to Paul Loveman, an actuarial sciences graduate of The Ohio State University. The Herzog Scholarship is awarded to a student who is enrolled in an insurance related degree program or related field at an accredited college or university. The scholarship was established in 1982 to recognize the late Francis Herzog, a past president of the Ohio Big ‘I’.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio covered several important topics during the two-day annual meeting, including updates on state and federal regulation, legislation and reforms to the insurance industry, seminars on agency management and a trade show. Guest speakers included Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson; Charles Symington, Jr., senior vice president for Government Affairs, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America; Chris Burand, Burand & Associates and Rob Lieblein, Hales & Company.
Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio
Founded in 1897, the Ohio Big ‘I’ is a trade association representing independent insurance agents throughout Ohio and is affiliated with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA). The Big ‘I’ has long been regarded as one of the top lobbying associations in Ohio and Washington D.C. Independent agents represent more than one company in serving the insurance needs of their clients. Web address: www.ohiobigi.com.
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