Mar 14, 2014

PIACT honors Berliner as Professional Agent of the Year

HARTFORD, Conn.-James R. Berliner, CPCU, of Newtown, Conn., received the Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut Inc.s Professional Agent of the Year award today during the associations Annual Convention at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Conn.

The Professional Agent of the Year award is given to an agent who has demonstrated excellence and achievement in insurance marketing and service; has shown a personal commitment to professionalism; and has contributed to PIA and the community.

"Throughout his career, Jim has demonstrated a deep level of dedication to our industry and his community. He has earned the respect and trust of his colleagues, customers and neighbors," said Augusto Russell, CIC, immediate past president of PIACT. "PIACT is honored to give Jim this award."

Berliner is president of Berliner-Gelfand & Co. Inc. in Monroe, Conn.

An active member of PIACT, Berliner served as president for 2011-12; president-elect in 2010-11; vice president in 2008-10; treasurer in 2007-08 and secretary in 2006-07. He also is a member of the Administrative/Nominations and the Legislative/Business Issues Committees.

Active in his community, Berliner has served as a member of the House Committee for the United Jewish Center; is a member of the Newtown Lions Club and has coached Little League Baseball. Berliner also worked with Healing Sandy Hook through the Arts helping to raise funds after the Sandy Hook tragedy. He also has guest lectured at Masuk High School and provided help to more than 450 people with insurance questions on allexperts.com.

PIACT is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies and their employees throughout the state.

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