The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State is seeking for nominees for its 2009 Distinction of Professionalism awards, which this year includes a new award, the Community Service award.

The deadline for submission is May 1.

Each year, the PIANY honors three insurance professionals who it says exemplify “the qualities and actions that serve as an example of industry excellence.”
The Community Service award, new this year, will be presented to an individual who has had a leadership role in a significant activity for the better of the community and/or its individuals.

The Professional Agent of the Year award is presented to an agent who demonstrates excellence and achievement in insurance marketing and service; personal commitment to professionalism; and contributions to PIA and the community.

The Distinguished Insurance Service award is given to someone in the industry who has an established history of service to the American agency system and/or the PIANY.

The awards will be presented to the recipients during the joint annual conference of New York and New Jersey chapters of the PIA. The event is scheduled for June 7-9 at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J.

Names of people who should be considered for each award can be given to the PIANY at 800-424-4244 or through an online form.

The PIANY is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout the state.