Berry Given IIABA Woodworth Award

WASHINGTON–The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America awarded Texas-based agent Matt Berry the Woodworth Memorial Award today recognizing his service to independent agents locally and nationally.

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

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

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

In 2003 he served as chairman of the Professional Liability Task force engaging in crucial negotiations for agent's coverage, said Mr. Soto.

Also today, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana received the Maurice Herndon Award for its legislative accomplishments.

IIABA Chief Executive Officer Robert Rusbuldt said the Louisiana group received the award for its membership reaching its InsurPac goal (the association's political action committee) despite the devastation 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 and InsurPac. Ms. Emek is a member agent of CBS Coverage Group in New York City.

Also honored was Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-N.Y., a former independent agent, who received the Gerald Solomon Legislator of the Year award.