Alex Soto Given Woodworth Award

NU Online News Service, April 30, 4:02 p.m. EDT

WASHINGTON--Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Past-President Alex Soto received the Woodworth Memorial Award today for his contributions to the independent insurance agent system.

The award was presented during the IIABA's Legislative Conference and Convention held here this week.

Mr. Soto was president of the association from 2006 to 2007 and is the president and chief executive officer of InSource, a Miami-based independent insurance agency.

"I'm humbled and grateful to all of you," he said in accepting the award.

During 30-years in the insurance industry, he served as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Dade County in 1980, and as chairman of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents in 1994-1995. He was vice chairman of the Florida Property Casualty Joint Underwriting Association in 1995-1996, as well as serving as a member of the Governor's Commission on the Florida Insurance Crisis in 1993, and on the Insurance Fraud Task Force in 1997.

Mr. Soto has also served as chairman of the IIABA Communications Committee, Trusted Choice Branding Task Force and other committees.

As a past-president he has represented the association and independent agents before Congress discussing issues of concern to them including regulatory reform.

The IIABA also honored Rep. John Tanner, D-Tenn., with its Legislator of the Year Award.

IIABA President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Rusbuldt said that Rep. Tanner, a founding member of the Blue Dog Democrats, noted for their fiscal conservatism, is a former independent agent and is the only congressman to contribute to InsurPac, the IIABA's political action fund.