Honors and Awards

As I write this article, we have just completed our 2019 PIA of Tennessee Convention and Trade Show at the incredible Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. The convention was filled with fellowship, education, networking, and that “PIA Family” feel. Included in this issue are just a few of the pictures from the event. To see more, go to www.PIATN.com. We are excited about the event’s success, and already have begun planning for the 2020 convention. A major part of our annual convention is the recognition of leaders from our industry. We were proud to recognize the following individuals: Agent of the Year–Tom Gernt with Gernt Insurance and The Insurance Group in East Tennessee. Tom has been a leader on our board of directors, served as Convention Chairman for several years as well as serves on other committees, and he was recognized as the 2018 Committee Chairman of the Year. Company Representative of the Year–Joe Clayton with Capital Premium Financing, a PIA Platinum Partner Company and Strategic Ally. Joe is an avid supporter of the PIA and the independent agent industry. He works closely with agents helping them finance premium for property/casualty accounts. Joe has been vital to the PIA of Tennessee and the growth of its non-dues revenue programs. Customer Service Representative of the Year–Janet Gibbs with Bush Insurance and Financial Services in Hermitage. Janet was recognized not only for her efforts within her agency, but also due to the behind-the-scenes efforts she has dedicated to PIA.

Young Insurance Professional of the Year–Ryan McKinney with John M. Green Insurance in Franklin. Recently, Ryan has been an incredible help in both planning the PIA convention, but also in the efforts to revive the Middle Tennessee Chapter and the Young Insurance Professionals group. Presidential Spirit Award–Greg Augustine with The Augustine Group in Clarksville. As a past member of our board of directors and former vice president, past chairman of the Legislative Affairs Committee, and PIA Advantages Services Board, Greg has been extensively involved in the PIA for many years. The highlight of the convention was the presentation of the Glen R. Page Distinguished Service Award to George Hilliard from Pete Mitchell and Associates in Memphis. George is probably most recognized for his feature in the PIA National promotion “I Am PIA!” As you are reading this article, the fall season is upon us. I would like to thank the members, partners and leaders of the PIA for all the assistance and contributions that made the convention so successful. We now turn our focus back to our members and helping them finish the year strongly. We are committed to bringing you resources and solutions. Let’s enjoy the cooler weather, admire the beautiful colors and race to the end of the year as many of us have our strongest quarters of the year. We look forward to seeing you in Muscle Shoals for next year’s convention on Aug. 29-30, 2020. More information will be available soon at PIATNconvention.com! If there is anything that we can do to assist you or your organization, contact us at (615) 771-1177. Always at your service,

Kristopher Mark Fisher, CAE, CPIA, LUTCF Executive Vice President & CEO