National Association of Professional Insurance Agents Recognizes GMAC Insurance's Rick Pierce

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Sept. 10 -- Rick Pierce, Vice President and Senior Marketing Manager at GMAC Insurance, was recently honored as the recipient of the national Professional Insurance Agent Company Representative of the Year Award for 2003 by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA). Pierce received this award at PIA's national conference in Milwaukee, WI.

In presenting this year's award to Pierce, national vice president, and agent representative on the PIA Company Council of Executive Officers, Ray Peretti said: "He (Rick) has worked hard to understand how independent agencies operate. He appreciates the exceptional value that independent insurance agencies provide to their customers and to the carriers they represent."

Peretti continued, saying that Pierce "is an enthusiastic supporter of all PIA state organizations within his territory (North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia). He attends our conferences and conventions. And he has said on many occasions that the PIA members with whom he deals are more than business associates; instead, they are like family."

Pierce qualified for this year's national award by first being honored as the 2003 Company Rep of the Year in Virginia by the VA. PIA earlier this year and was one among many considered for this honor.

The criteria used to select a winner include professional experience, assistance given to agents, technical knowledge and demonstrated awareness of industry problems and market conditions. Also considered are their contributions to the industry through participation in PIA, other insurance organizations, serving the public and their community.

The national organization recognized Pierce for his 20 plus-years of service to the American Agency System, his work in Community Affairs, his own Professional Development in earning multiple designations and his performance as an industry spokesman.

"This designation is not only a huge career accomplishment for Rick, it is absolutely fabulous for GMAC Insurance and truly recognizes the caliber of people we have representing our company," said Beth Spilman, GMAC Insurance's Chief Agency Marketing Officer. "We are fortunate to have the benefit of his experience, his expertise and his thorough understanding of our independent agency partners."

Pierce began his career with the company in 1982 as an operations analyst. Today, he is VP/ Senior Marketing Manager. Rick graduated from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, in 1981.

The GMAC Insurance companies are part of GMAC Insurance Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of GMAC. With more than $1.3 billion in annual written premiums, the GMAC companies together represent the 15th largest underwriter of personal lines insurance in the United States. A.M. Best, an independent insurance rating agency, rates GMAC Insurance companies "Excellent" for financial strength and claims paying ability.