PIA of Florida Named Association of the Year
The Tallahassee Society of Association Executives (TSAE) honored the Professional Insurance Agents of Florida (PIA of Florida) with the 2002 Association of the Year Award, which recognizes PIA of Florida’s outstanding efforts, excellence and innovation on behalf of its members.
“PIA of Florida stands out as a role model for any association that, when facing adversity, meets the challenge and perseveres,” said the TSAE in announcing the award. “Through the unwavering commitment of its Board of Directors, its staff and its volunteer members, PIA has re-established itself as a major force within the state as an advocate for independent insurance agents. It has become the association of choice for education and training for a growing number of agents and continues to enhance its reputation as a primary source for insurance news and information.”
PIA of Florida has shown how demonstrating value can be a key to growing an association, according to TSAE, which cited the fact that this year, PIA of Florida has grown by over 20 percent and has a membership retention rate of better than 97 percent.
“Achievements such as winning this prestigious award are never the result of one person’s efforts,” said PIA of Florida President Dave Cobb. “They are the result of the hard work and commitment of many people,” noting the award belongs to all those who have been involved in the effort to strengthen the Sunshine State affiliate. “Our volunteer members, our Boards of Directors past and present, our paid staff and our strategic partners all share in this honor,” Cobb said.
Mark O’Connell, the executive vice president of PIA of Florida, credited years of concerted effort beginning in 1996 to build value for members. He said as members discussed and rejected abandoning the association or merger with another group, a commitment to rebuilding PIA took hold.
PIA of Florida is an affiliate of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents.