The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big I) recently recognized 18 independent insurance agent associations with Excellence in Insurance Education Awards at its education convocation in Minneapolis, Minn.

IWIF Workers’ Compensation Insurance earned a 2011 Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for superior performance in the design and execution of an individual public relations tactic within a broader public relations campaign.

John Darlington Jr., who provided more than 35 years of service to the Independent Insurance Agents of Maryland, was recognized by the group at its 74th annual installation dinner, held Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Md.

Long-term care insurance agencies in Columbia, Md., and Rockaway, N.J., were among five recently recognized for showing the greatest growth in sales last year.

Kevin Larkin joined the Insurance Exchange as assistant vice president of the property-casualty department with responsibility for Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

IWIF Workers’ Compensation Insurance was awarded the 2010 Baltimore Mayor’s Business Recognition Award for outstanding community service.

The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) New York division awarded grants to eight not-for-profit organizations at its year 2010 benefit dinner.

Keystone Insurers Group (KIG) recognized five of its independent agency partners with its annual Exemplary Award.

The Round Table of New York, an organization of insurance field leaders, plans to award Larry Barton, president and CEO of The American College, with its Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual black tie dinner in December.

Donegal Insurance Group recently received the 2010 Interface Partner Award from insurance technology company Applied Systems, recognizing Donegal’s commitment to real-time communication with agencies. Marietta, Pa.-based Donegal was specifically commended for interface advancements in download and real-time rating.