NU Online News Service Oct. 22, 2:49 p.m. EDT
Kelly S. Whitener, commercial account manager for Senn Dunn Insurance in Greensboro, N.C., has been awarded the 2010 National Outstanding CSR of the Year Award, The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research announced.
The Society of Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR) and the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) selected Ms. Whitener as the winner of this award from a field of 42 state winners, the organization said.
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 and the strength of their essays written on the topic.
Essayists were asked to describe how they were first employed in the insurance business and any changes they have observed and anticipate in the future.
In her essay, Ms. Whitener said she became intrigued by the insurance sector while working for the local school system. She said a leap of faith led her to the insurance industry, where a world of opportunity opened up to her.
Most importantly, she said, she learned the value of establishing a bond of trust, regardless of the client type. "A service advocate cultivates the client relationship and understands the goals and objectives of their partner in order to deliver exceptional customer service," she said.
Ms. Whitener receives a cash award of $2,000, a distinctive gold and diamond lapel pin, and her name will be inscribed on a sculpture on permanent display at The National Alliance headquarters in Austin, Texas.
A scholarship will be awarded to her employer, Senn Dunn Insurance, for participation in any National Alliance program, the organization said.
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