ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 2, 2013 — Big “I” independent insurance agent associations in 22 states were recognized recently by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) with Excellence in Insurance Education (EIE) Awards at the association’s Education Convocation in San Antonio, Texas.

 

“The Big ‘I’ Excellence in Insurance Education awards honor and celebrate the tremendous contributions made by Big ‘I’ state associations through extraordinary efforts in education,” says Cindy Hower, chair of the Big “I” Virtual University curriculum and research committee and president of Kellerman Insurance in Holton, Kan. “We are pleased to recognize the hard work our associations have put forth taking on the challenge of providing quality education programs to our member agents.” 

 

The EIE awards celebrate and recognize state associations and staff who have made significant contributions to education for their members and the industry in the key area of class offerings, continuing education (CE), professionalism, designation offerings, industry collaboration, planning goals, marketing, resources and more. Each entrant is scored based on a state’s overall educational offerings in a variety of areas and a short essay detailing its overall education programs. The 2013 EIE awards were presented as follows:

 

Diamond:
• Florida Association of Insurance Agents
• Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia
• Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York
• Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina
• Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers  of South Carolina
• Kansas Association of Insurance Agents
• Maine Insurance Agents Association
• Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New Hampshire
• Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New Jersey
• Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia
• Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska
• Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents

 

Gold:
• Michigan Association of Insurance Agents
• Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma
• Insurance Agents & Brokers of Pennsylvania
• Independent Insurance Agents of Texas
• Vermont Insurance Agents Association
• Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Washington

 

Bronze:
• Alabama Independent Agents Association
• Insurance Agents & Brokers of Delaware
• Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana
• Independent Insurance Agents of Maryland

 

“The Big ‘I’ greatly appreciates the hard work all our state associations put forth to develop, promote and implement education programs,” says Madelyn Flanagan, Big “I” vice president of agent development, education and research. “These continuing education programs are critical to our independent agents, brokers and the clients they serve.”

 

 

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