Oct 6, 2014
PIANH honors Companies of Excellence, examines industry trends at Symposium14
Portsmouth, N.H.–The Professional Insurance Agents of New Hampshire State Inc. held its anticipated Symposium14 on Oct. 2-3, at the 100 Club and Hilton Garden Inn, Portsmouth. The unique, two-day networking event brought together professional, independent insurance agents from around the state for continuing education, worldly fare, company awards and more.
During the Oct. 2 dinner, PIANH Vice President Jeffrey Foy, AAI, announced the winners of the associations 2014 PIA Awards of Excellence, which recognized carriers that consistently demonstrate outstanding performance for their agents and insureds, supporting PIA and its members. The awards come on the heels of the 2014 Company Performance Survey, the results of which were revealed in the October issue of PIA magazine.
"The awards the companies received reflect their commitment to the independent agency system and to the customers whom we all strive to serve," Foy said. "On behalf of PIA, we appreciate your commitment to the industry and your business, demonstrated by your participation in this event. And, we want you to know that PIA is committed to helping our members improve as your business partner."
Company Excellence awards went to the following companies:
- Main Street America, which ranked first among the super-regional carriers in the Company Performance Survey, with the highest score for underwriting knowledge and experience;
- Acadia Insurance, which ranked sixth overall in the Company Performance Survey overall, but placed in the top-three for the following categories: message supports agents, pays claims promptly and superior coverage;
- Mt. Washington, which consistently ranks in the top three of the Company Performance Survey, coming in second this year; and
- Vermont Mutual, which rated third in overall average score in this years Company Performance Survey.
The Award for Overall Excellence went to MMG Insurance, which ranked first in the Company Performance Survey, appearing in the top five in nearly every category, while dominating 11 categories. The company also was noted as receiving high marks and comments regarding customer service and responsiveness to agents.
Bernd G. Heinze, Esq., CLU, addressed those who gathered at breakfast Friday, Oct. 3. Heinze examined emerging risks for the insurance agency in a time of mergers, consolidations and acquisitions; increasing regulations; the globalization of risk; the demand for data and new talent; and the impact of online applications. He also discussed how retail agents can take advantage of the challenges and opportunities in the insurance marketplace.
Participants were able to partake in PIANHs quality continuing-education program, with E&O Risk: Issues Every Producer and CSR Needs to Know, led by Curt Pearsall, CPCU, CPIA, AU, ARM, AAIF. The loss-control seminar examined more than 25 different potential exposure areas and the best practices that can make a difference.
Attendees relaxed into the event with networking during Thursdays international food, wine and beer tasting. Acadia Insurance; AmTrust North America; Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance; MMG Insurance; Mt. Washington Assurance; Safety Insurance; the Main Street America Group; and Vermont Mutual Insurance Co. sponsored tastings of Italian, New Zealand, German, Spanish, Australian, South African, Argentine and French wines, respectively.
PIANH is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout the state.
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