MYERS NAMED TRUSTED CHOICE® EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Seasoned Insurance Communicator to Head Agent & Broker Branding Program
ALEXANDRIA, VA, Sept. 16—Jeffrey A. Myers, a 15-year industry communications veteran with extensive experience at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) and in the industry, is the new executive director of Trusted Choice®, announces Big “I” CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt today.
Trusted Choice® is the consumer marketing brand created by the Big “I” and leading independent agency companies to convey to consumers that Trusted Choice® agencies offer the qualities consumers value most from an insurance counselor—choice of companies, customization of coverages and advocacy support. Thousands have joined Trusted Choice®.
“Jeff brings a veritable array of assets to the Trusted Choice® position,” says Trusted Choice® Board Chairman Ronald A. Smith, CPCU, and president of Smith, Sawyer & Smith, Inc., a Rochester, Indiana-based independent insurance agency. “His communications expertise, combined with his understanding of the needs of independent agents, positions him well to take advantage of the opportunities for continued growth of the brand.”
“Jeff brings a wealth of experience to his new role with Trusted Choice®. He is an expert in the field of communications,” says Rusbuldt. “In addition to his communications responsibility at the Big “I”, Jeff has been involved with Trusted Choice® since its inception, from working with our branding firm, Addison, to managing the Trusted Choice® advertising programs.”
“Jeff knows and understands independent agencies, the Trusted Choice® brand and the industry. He has worked with Trusted Choice® agencies and brokerage firms on ways to maximize their use of the brand, with company executives on creative development, and is uniquely qualified to continue to add great value,” added Debra L. Perkins, Big “I” executive vice president.
Myers will manage the day-to-day operations of Trusted Choice®, including strategic planning and implementation; agent and consumer marketing; agent and broker as well as carrier recruitment; advertising programs; Trusted Choice® Web site resources; and public relations.
At the Big “I”, Myers most recently was vice president of communications with management responsibility for the Association’s member, consumer and media communications programs. Prior to that, he managed its public affairs communications, helping to establish the Big “I” as a key source for business and insurance media on legislative and regulatory issues.
Myers graduated from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pa., with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Prior to joining the Big “I” in 1989, Myers was a public relations specialist with the United States Army stationed in Washington, D.C.
Complementing the involvement of Trusted Choice® agents and brokers in this brand initiative are 27 company and strategic partners. Ten national insurers are Trusted Choice® company partners: Encompass Insurance, Markel Insurance Company, MetLife Auto & Home, Ohio Casualty Insurance, Progressive, Rain and Hail Insurance Service, Safeco Insurance and three Unitrin divisions: Kemper Auto and Home, Unitrin Multi Lines Insurance and Unitrin Specialty Lines Insurance.
A total of 16 regional companies are Trusted Choice® company partners: America First Insurance, Capital Insurance Group, Central Insurance Companies, Colorado Casualty, Consumers Insurance, GoAmerica Auto Insurance, Golden Eagle Insurance, Hawkeye-Security Insurance, Indiana Insurance, Main Street America Group, Maine Mutual Group, Montgomery Insurance, National Security Fire & Casualty, Peerless Insurance, Selective Insurance Group and Summit Insurance (R.I.). InsurBanc, a federal thrift bank created by the Big “I”, is a Trusted Choice® strategic partner.
Trusted Choice® is the consumer marketing identity for thousands of participating independent insurance agencies and brokerages firms and their branch locations. These businesses offer consumers a choice of insurance companies and policies, customization of policy coverage, and advocacy support. Web site: www.TrustedChoice.com
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