WASHINGTON–The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers ofAmerica awarded Texas-based agent Matt Berry the Woodworth MemorialAward today recognizing his service to independent agents locallyand nationally.

In presenting the award here during the IIABA's annualLegislative Conference and Convention, Alex Soto, president of theAlexandria, Va.-based association, called Mr. Berry a leader alwaysable to put people at ease and build consensus.

“He might have a gentle manner, but he exudes leadership,” saidMr. Soto. “He brings people together.”

A member of the William Gammon Insurance Agency, in Austin,Texas, Mr. Berry became involved in the Independent InsuranceAgents of Texas in 1985, serving as president in 1991. He spent atotal of 13 years as a board member of the association. He servedas Texas national director to the IIABA from 1993 to 1998.

In 2003 he served as chairman of the Professional Liability Taskforce engaging in crucial negotiations for agent's coverage, saidMr. Soto.

Also today, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers ofLouisiana received the Maurice Herndon Award for its legislativeaccomplishments.

IIABA Chief Executive Officer Robert Rusbuldt said the Louisianagroup received the award for its membership reaching its InsurPacgoal (the association's political action committee) despite thedevastation many agents suffered from Hurricane Katrina.

Yesterday, the IIABA honored Sharon Emek with the Sidney O.Smith Award for promoting the IIABA's legislative goals andInsurPac. Ms. Emek is a member agent of CBS Coverage Group in NewYork City.

Also honored was Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-N.Y., a former independentagent, who received the Gerald Solomon Legislator of the Yearaward.