Agents Pick DeRobertis As '07 Customer Service Rep

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America said Dyane L. DeRobertis, of the Essex Agency Inc. in Essex Junction, Vt., has been named Accredited Customer Service Representative of the Year.

The announcement was made today in conjunction with ceremonies by the IIABA, the American Institutes for CPCU and the Insurance Institute of America honoring graduates of the ACSR program with ACSR Tribute Day.

Ms. DeRobertis has worked for the Essex Agency for seven years and earned her commercial lines ACSR designation in 2006.

In selecting her for the award, the group said she had stood out among the candidates for honor because of her consistent desire to go beyond the call of duty and review client coverages to ensure they have the proper policies at the best possible pricing.

Ms. DeRobertis was nominated by the Vermont Insurance Agents Association, which cited her for exemplary contributions to her agency and the clientele she serves, along with the knowledge and confidence that earns the trust of her clients.

The ACSR program is described by its sponsors as a nationally recognized designation that provides participants with an insurance foundation, customer service skills and the technical knowledge necessary to succeed in an agency environment.

Nearly 13,000 agents and brokers have achieved the ACSR designation that is available in personal or commercial lines or life/health. ACSR classes have been approved in many states for continuing education credit for agents' license renewal.

"We encourage agencies to celebrate and recognize their outstanding ACSR employees like Dyane L. DeRobertis," said Madelyn Flannagan, vice president of education and research for the Alexandria, Va.-based IIABA.

"The personalized service of a CSR can be the differentiating factor for a consumer with a lot of insurance buying options. By earning the ACSR designation, these CSRs are showing their commitment to the agency and its clients," said Ms. Flannagan.