It's time once again for independent agencies that do an outstanding job selling insurance and providing risk management services to prepare their entries for the National Underwriter “Commercial Insurance Agency Of The Year” award program.

For the seventh-straight year, agencies that are role models for their peers–running successful sales organizations while serving as risk management consultants–will be given national exposure via NU's prestigious award program.

Agency principals are urged to enter their own firms, and nominations are accepted from insurance companies and wholesalers as well.

“The principals representing the winners and those receiving honorable mentions are always class individuals, generous in sharing the secrets of their success, and grateful for the opportunity to talk about what makes them unique in a very competitive market,” said NU Editor In Chief Sam Friedman.

Once again this fall, NU will fly principals from three agency finalists for a weekend in New York City, where on Sept. 26 the winner will be announced and given a trophy, with the remaining two contenders awarded plaques for an Honorable Mention.

“However, the actual awards are just the icing on the cake, as all three finalists receive priceless publicity by being profiled in NU's Sept. 29 cover story,” noted Mr. Friedman.

As a bonus, the finalists will also participate in an “NU Roundtable” following the award presentation, moderated by Mr. Friedman, to discuss “The State of the Independent Agent,” with highlights published in the Nov. 3 edition.

David Becker, president of last year's champion–Cottingham & Butler of Dubuque, Iowa–said winning the NU award “validated our approach to going beyond selling just policies to delivering a broad array of risk management services that can help our clients succeed. “

He added that “as we continue to grow our business across the country, the NU award provides the stamp of credibility with prospects, opening up new opportunities that might otherwise have been unavailable. The award has served to reinforce our commitment and dedication to building a truly distinctive agency.”

Scott Addis, president of The Addis Group in King of Prussia, Pa., said winning NU's award in 2003 made his agency feel like the “Miss America of the independent agency system.” Haake Companies of Overland Park, Kan., said being honored by NU in 2005 was like “winning the Heisman Trophy for insurance agencies.”

Paul Hering, managing principal and CEO of the 2006 champion, San Diego-based Barney & Barney, said “NU's award confirms for our current clients that they're with a great agency, and it also gives us credibility with prospective clients who may not be familiar with our firm. It's like a hand reaching out and opening doors for us.”

“Receiving this kind of national recognition and exposure improves an agency's standing with carriers, wholesalers, clients and prospects,” said Mr. Friedman. “People like to be associated with winners, and NU spotlights the very best the agency system has to offer.”

Are you NU's 2008 champion? Give it your best shot! Click on the “Agency of the Year” logo at the bottom of NU's home page at www.propertyandcasualtyinsurancenews.com for more details and an entry form.

Fill out the application, put together the supporting material (all of which is kept strictly confidential) and include an essay of 3,000 words or less on “What Makes My Agency An Outstanding Sales and Service Organization?” Submit the complete package no later than June 6.

Nominations are welcome from insurers, wholesalers or other interested parties. To nominate a candidate, e-mail [email protected] (subject line: Agency Award Nomination), and describe in 1,000 words or less why the agency is worthy of consideration. Include details as to who to contact at the nominated agency.

NU will contact the agency principal, inform them as to who nominated them and why, and ask if they are interested and willing to fill out an award program application. Nominations must be received by May 1. Nominations are also accepted

“Even if agencies don't take home the grand prize, I guarantee that just by going through the entry process, they'll learn a lot about what makes their agency tick and how to better position themselves against the competition,” said Mr. Friedman.