The Society of Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR) and the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) selected Mr. Foronda as the winner from a field of 45 state winners.
After five finalists were chosen from this field, a blue-ribbon panel of five judges evaluated the finalists based on their individual contributions to the insurance community, as well as the strength of their essays on the topic: "Many in the insurance world believe that 'the price of insurance becomes more important to the client in the absence of value.' What are five ways a CSR can add value to the insurance-client relationship?"
Mr. Foronda was praised by his associates as "a perfect example of a customer service representative in our industry...always willing to go the extra step to accomplish excellent results for everyone." His associates cited his "aloha spirit" throughout his dealings with clients, co-workers and carriers, recognizing him for his positive attitude when handling stressful situations.
In his essay, Mr. Foronda cited the following five ways a CSR can add value to the insurance-client relationship:
o Building genuine relationships.
o Establishing mutual trust.
o Growing through education.
o Acclimating to changing technologies and consumer behaviors.
o Promoting value-added marketing.
Mr. Foronda receives a cash award of $2,000 and a gold and diamond lapel pin. Additionally, Mr. Foronda's name will be inscribed on a sculpture on permanent display at the Austin, Texas headquarters of the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
Mr. Foronda's nominator receives a $1,000 cash award, and a scholarship will be awarded to his employer, Finance Insurance Ltd., for participation in any National Alliance program.
In addition to the selection of Mr. Foronda as the national award recipient, four national finalists were recognized:
o Mollie C. Anderson, with Weissman & Associates LLC, in Sun City Center, Fla.
o Tammy J. Carlson, with Howalt McDowell Insurance, in Sioux Falls, S.D.
o Stephanie Johns, with Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance LLC, in Memphis, Tenn.
o Cherolyn Krieter, with BW Insurance Agency Inc, in Gillette, WY.
Each finalist receives a gold and garnet lapel pin and a $500 cash award.
For additional information about this award program, contact the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, P.O. Box 27027, Austin, Texas 78755-2027; call them at 800-633-2165; or e-mail alliance@scic.com. You may also go to their Web site at www.TheNationalAlliance.com.
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.