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Newly created PIA National/Rough Notes award spotlights outstanding young agent
"We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another."
-Luciano de Crescenzo
Actor, Photographer, Writer, Philosopher
That telling observation reflects a phenomenon that has been taking place in the insurance industry in recent years, particularly with younger independent agents entering the business.
In recent years, agent associations have begun to realize two key facts: (1) if older agents are to perpetuate their businesses, they need to attract younger, talented people; and (2) if younger people in the business are to succeed, they must network with the more seasoned veterans. Most important, senior agents must recognize the talents that young agents already possess.
In that vein, earlier this year the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA National) and The Rough Notes Company (publisher of Rough Notes magazine) jointly created the PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year Award to recognize outstanding achievement by an individual under age 40.
"Encouraging young people to consider a career in the independent insurance agency system must be a top priority for all of us," says PIA National President Ray L. Peretti, himself an agency owner. "We are particularly proud to partner with The Rough Notes Company in this important effort."
Walter J. Gdowski, president and CEO of The Rough Notes Company, concurs: "We are pleased to join the PIA in recognizing the outstanding young insurance professionals who are making our industry their career choice."
The inaugural PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year award was presented last month in conjunction with the 2006 PIA Federal Legislative Summit. The award went to Peter Thornton of the Thornton Agency in Parsippany, New Jersey.
In presenting the award to Thornton, Peretti said: "Encouraging young people to consider a career in the independent agency system must be a top priority for all of us. Perpetuation of our agencies and of our industry depends on attracting talented people and giving them the recognition they deserve."
While this award was a joint effort on the part of PIA leaders, Lewis L. Wilson, former PIA national director, New York, was really the driving force behind its creation. In the September 2005 issue...