"The Big ‘I’ is pleased to announce that, in recognition of their outstanding efforts on behalf of the independent agency system to cultivate and inspire the next generation of industry leaders, the Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia is the 2014 Outstanding Young Agents Committee of the Year,” said Tom Minkler, the 2013-2014 Big “I” chairman and president of the Clark-Mortenson Agency in Keene, New Hampshire. 

The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia has received numerous other awards in previous years.

“The Big ‘I’ Young Agents Committee is proud of young agents all over country who continue to support and promote the independent agency system and young agents chapters in every state,” says Quincy Branch, national Young Agents Committee chairman and president & CEO of Branch Benefits Consultants in Las Vegas. “The Young Agent programs continue to thrive in so many aspects, but particularly in the areas of political involvement, membership development, communications, state committee project, young agent meetings and promoting the InVEST program.”

Seven other national awards of excellence recognizing the leadership of Young Agents committees in state associations were presented: 

Outstanding Membership Development Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Rhode Island, for excellent achievement in recruiting and maintaining young agents participation in association activities.

Outstanding State Committee Project: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, for outstanding achievement in a state committee project that benefits the community, the insurance industry and/or the independent agency system. 

Outstanding Communications Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents, for achievement in establishing and maintaining an excellent communication vehicle for the young agents in their state.

Outstanding Young Agents Meeting Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Maine Insurance Agents Association for excellence in providing and promoting an annual Young Agents meeting.

Outstanding Political Involvement Award: The Young Agents Council of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents for outstanding achievement in promoting young agent participation in the legislative process.

Outstanding Break Through Award: The Young Agents Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Rhode Island for outstanding efforts of a committee that has not submitted for a young agents award in the last three years.

Outstanding InVEST Supporter Award: The Young Agents Council of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents for outstanding achievement in promoting young agent involvement InVEST.

Minkler presented the awards at the 2014 Young Agents Leadership Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Representatives from the award winning states participated in roundtable discussions to share their success stories with other state committee leaders. Attendees were also able to network with peers, Big “I” leaders and company representatives to develop valuable professional and personal contacts. 

“The young agents are our future leaders and the lifeline of the independent agency system,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “We are so proud of our young agent committees all over the country and excited to have them moving up the ranks. Their hard work and creative projects help cultivate future industry and association leaders.”

Photos of the event are available by request.

###