Category Archives: Business: Insurance

Press Releases from the Insurance world, What’s new, Popular, Trending and News Worthy. In the ever changing industry of Insurance.

NFP Acquires Koty-Leavitt Insurance Agency, Inc., Expanding its Specialty P&C Offerings


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“This step expands our presence in a key region and our portfolio of specialty capabilities, specifically in the medical device distribution space,” said Ed Kurowski, NFP West region managing director.

NFP, a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides property and casualty (P&C), corporate benefits, retirement, and individual solutions, today announced the acquisition of Koty-Leavitt Insurance Agency, Inc. (Koty-Leavitt). The transaction closed effective November 1, 2019.

Koty-Leavitt, a Tucson-based P&C broker with roots dating back to 1940, brings resources and experience that will further scale NFP’s presence in the West region. In addition to providing a variety of P&C solutions to commercial clients across southeastern Arizona, Koty-Leavitt specializes in offering tailored insurance solutions to medical device distributors. Lloyd Koty, a former co-owner of the firm, will join NFP as senior vice president, reporting to Ed Kurowski, NFP West region managing director.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Koty-Leavitt team to NFP. This step expands our presence in a key region and our portfolio of specialty capabilities, specifically in the medical device distribution space,” said Kurowski. “As an accomplished insurance professional with over three decades of experience, unique expertise, and unmistakable enthusiasm for his field, Lloyd will be a terrific addition to the team.”

“NFP was an attractive option for us because their outstanding client service and ‘PeopleFirst’ culture align perfectly with our objectives,” said Koty. “In addition, joining NFP gives us the opportunity to expand the reach of our distinct services.”

About NFP

NFP is a leading insurance broker and consultant providing specialized property and casualty, corporate benefits, retirement and individual solutions through its licensed subsidiaries and affiliates. NFP enables client success through the expertise of over 5,600 global employees, investments in innovative technologies, and enduring relationships with highly rated insurers, vendors, and financial institutions. NFP is the 5th largest benefits broker by global revenue, 6th largest US-based privately owned broker, and 8th best place to work in insurance (Business Insurance); 10th largest property and casualty agency (Insurance Journal); and 13th largest global insurance broker (Best’s Review).

Visit NFP.com to discover how NFP empowers clients to meet their goals.

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Kin Insurance Brings New Flood Coverage to Florida Homeowners


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Flood coverage provides critical protection, and every Florida homeowner should consider purchasing it, especially since the majority of Florida’s homeowners do not currently have flood coverage.

Today, Kin Insurance, the insurance technology company reinventing home insurance for catastrophe-prone areas, announced it now offers flood coverage for Florida homeowners. The flood coverage is an insurance endorsement and can be tailored to Florida homeowners in areas deemed low-risk, moderate-risk, or high-risk for floods. The product is available now through Kin’s Florida home insurance carrier, the Kin Interinsurance Network, which launched last August.

“Flood coverage provides critical protection, and every Florida homeowner should consider purchasing it, especially since the majority of Florida’s homeowners do not currently have flood coverage,” said Angel Conlin, Kin’s St. Petersburg-based chief legal officer. “In general, many U.S. homeowners mistakenly assume that flood coverage is provided in standard homeowners policies when it is not.”

Most standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage from storm surges. While damage from a burst water pipe may be covered, the damage from floods that accompany hurricanes isn’t. That’s why flood insurance is typically sold as a separate policy if it’s offered by private insurers at all.

“Because Kin’s flood coverage can be added to the homeowners insurance policy, Kin’s Florida customers only need to pay one premium for both home and flood coverage. This eliminates the extra time and cost of having separate policies and working with separate insurance companies,” said Sean Harper, Kin’s CEO and co-founder. “We understand these challenges and want to make getting flood coverage as easy as possible for homeowners.”

Although Florida’s coastal counties are prone to flooding, less than half (42 percent) of coastal county homeowners have flood insurance. The Insurance Information Institute notes approximately “98 percent of the total population of Florida lives in one of the coastal counties,” which indicates a significant portion of Florida homeowners do not have flood coverage.

However, flooding isn’t limited to coastal counties. In fact, FEMA reports that as of 2018, 98 percent of U.S. counties have flooded. The Insurance Information Institute also reports that 90 percent of U.S. natural disasters involve flooding.

“Kin remains committed to building better home insurance that fits Florida homeowners’ budgets. Coastal homeowners, including those living in flood zones, deserve affordable and reliable coverage that doesn’t compromise protection,” concluded Harper.

About Kin

Kin Insurance is an insurtech startup and licensed Florida insurance carrier that is fixing home insurance through intuitive tech, affordable pricing, and world-class customer service. By leveraging thousands of publicly available data points, Kin can recommend the appropriate coverage at affordable prices for homeowners. Launched by seasoned financial tech entrepreneurs Sean Harper, Lucas Ward, and Stephen Wooten in 2016, Kin is the first insurtech company to serve catastrophe-prone regions and is committed to helping coastal homeowners most impacted by climate change. The company is headquartered in Chicago with an office in Tampa Bay, and is currently hiring in both offices. For more information, visit http://www.kin.com or https://www.kin.com/home-insurance/flood-insurance.

Media Contact:

Ashley Hawn

kin@mightypr.com

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Distinguished Programs Adds Insurance Expert Emily Zaino


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Distinguished Programs, a national insurance program manager, today officially announces the hiring of longtime insurance executive Emily Zaino as its new Florida Regional Sales Executive. Zaino brings more than 27 years of insurance industry experience and extensive knowledge to this new role.

“Emily has dedicated her entire career to supporting the insurance industry, making her the perfect candidate to lead our sales efforts in Florida,” stated Kurt Meister, senior vice president of business development at Distinguished Programs. “She brings a rare combination of skills and experience that will be valuable assets to add to our sales team. Emily’s central understanding of insurance solutions and outstanding track record will provide clients with high level knowledge and support.”

In this new role, Zaino will utilize her marketing insights and risk mitigation background to represent the complete range of Distinguished Programs insurance products across all industry service sectors.

Prior to joining Distinguished Programs, Zaino worked at Travelers Insurance for more than 25 years. While there, she served as sales and business development executive for Travelers Insurance, specializing in small commercial sales, business development, marketing and underwriting, and as sales manager.

Zaino graduated from Long Island University, C.W. Post Center with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Economics – Cum Laude. She received her CPCU designation in 1990. She is based out of Central Florida.

About Distinguished Programs

Distinguished Programs is a leading national insurance Program Manager providing specialized insurance programs to brokers and agents with specific expertise in Real Estate, Community Associations, Cultural & Historic Properties and Hospitality & Restaurants. Property and liability products are distributed through a national network of agents and brokers. Serving the same core markets and partnering with the most stable and reputable carriers, Distinguished Programs’ high limit umbrella programs remain the clear choice in its areas of specialty for superior coverage, competitive pricing, and attentive service. Through thoughtful innovation, stemming back to 1987, Distinguished Programs fosters growth and opportunities for its brokers, carriers, and employees. http://www.distinguished.com.

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Barry L. Dayley, MRFC® – 2020 Loren Dunton Memorial Award Recipient


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Loren Dunton Memorial Award

“Barry Dayley, MRFC® has worked tirelessly to uphold those values espoused by Dunton not only in his professional interaction with clients, but in empowering others to seek and succeed in a financial services vocation. IARFC Trustee Chair H. Stephen Bailey, MRFC ®.

Generally regarded as the “Father of Financial Planning”, Loren Dunton organized financial professionals in the late sixties and with their help created the financial planning movement. Dunton developed associations, magazines, colleges, university programs and foundations. He used his experiences to frankly explain what all financial advisors now recognize – that the ethical sales of financial products and the delivery of competent advice is a noble calling. Loren Dunton was a man of vision who cared deeply about both financial consultants and consumers. The Loren Dunton Memorial Award was first conferred in 2000 at the IARFC Financial Advisors Forum. The selection committee has strived to honor consultants who have demonstrated effectiveness in carrying the message of responsible financial stewardship to the public, and have high ethical and professional standards.

This year’s recipient, Barry L. Dayley, has worked in the financial planning and wealth management business since 1981 when he started his own Money Concepts Financial Planning Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1985 he received a request from Jack Walsh, the founder of Money Concepts, to serve as a consultant for Money Concepts and CUNA Mutual to develop a financial planning program for credit unions nationwide. In this role, Barry helped lead the establishment of over 600 financial planning programs in credit unions across the United States. Later, Barry accepted a position as the Division Manager of Member Services, where he led the operations of CUNA Mutual Group in the Northwest Marketing Division. In 1998, he returned to Money Concepts as a Senior Vice President with emphasis on financial institution development. Currently Barry is the Executive Vice President of Money Concepts with national and international responsibilities.

“I met Loren Dunton in the mid 1980’s at the annual meeting of the International Association of Financial Planning (now the FPA) in San Francisco. I was honored to talk to him and was impressed with the impact he had on the financial planning profession. He even gave me a copy of his latest book, About Your Future. Mr. Dunton was a true pioneer and selfless leader. It is a great honor to receive an award that bears his name. I will try to live up to the pattern he set for us.”

Barry’s educational background includes; a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University with a degree in Financial and Estate Planning (1980), the achievement of the Certified Financial Planner™ designation (1989), and the Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC®) credential (2017). He is a student of the business and is a frequent speaker at functions of the American Bankers Association, the National Federal Credit Union Association, and other industry conferences. In addition, Barry conducts an ongoing series of training and continuing education programs nationally with the over 700 Representatives of Money Concepts Capital Corp. In spite of Barry’s demanding corporate responsibilities, he still maintains a very small financial planning client base to keep his skills sharp, and maintain involvement in a profession he loves

The Loren Dunton Memorial Award celebrates an IARFC member who has dedicated their career to Dunton’s vision of the financial planning profession and the ethical treatment of clients,” declared IARFC Trustee Chair and CEO, H. Stephen Bailey, MRFC®. “Barry Dayley, MRFC® has worked tirelessly to uphold those values espoused by Dunton not only in his professional interaction with clients, but in empowering others to seek and succeed in a financial services vocation. I salute him for his commitment and his professional life’s work.”

For additional information on the IARFC and the Loren Dunton Memorial Award visit the IARFC website.

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AssuredPartners Announces Acquisition of Corkill Insurance Agency, Inc.


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“We are pleased to have the talented team of Corkill Insurance join AssuredPartners,” said AssuredPartners President and COO Tom Riley. “Our corporate cultures align with a client-centered focus and dedication to delivering innovative insurance solutions.”

AssuredPartners, Inc. is proud to announce Corkill Insurance Agency, Inc. of Elk Grove Village, IL has joined AssuredPartners as the first acquisition of 2020. The staff of 104 will remain under the operational leadership of Luke Praxmarer and Paul Praxmarer. The agency currently reports $23 million in annualized revenues.

“Corkill Insurance Agency has been a trusted adviser and expert council for clients since the 1950s,” stated Luke Praxmarer. “Our dedication to our clients and employees led us to join one of the largest insurance brokerage agencies in the country and we are truly excited to partner with AssuredPartners.”

“With over 50 years of experience, we lead with a value-added service approach focused on serving our client’s unique needs,” said Paul Praxmarer. “The decision to join AssuredPartners meant that truly we found a team to partner with that will enable us to grow and continue fulfilling our passion for client service.”

“Corkill Insurance is a trusted agency that has established solid foundations within its communities,” stated AssuredPartners Regional President Todd Stocksdale. “This partnership will strengthen our operations as we continue to expand our services and grow throughout the Chicago area.”

“We are pleased to have the talented team of Corkill Insurance join AssuredPartners,” said AssuredPartners President and COO Tom Riley. “Our corporate cultures align with a client-centered focus and dedication to delivering innovative insurance solutions. We welcome the clientele and team to AssuredPartners.”

For more information on Corkill Insurance Agency, Inc., please visit: corkillinsurance.com.

ABOUT ASSUREDPARTNERS, INC

Headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida and led by Jim Henderson and Tom Riley, AssuredPartners, Inc. acquires and invests in insurance brokerage businesses (property and casualty, employee benefits, surety and MGU’s) across the United States and in London. From its founding in March of 2011, AssuredPartners has grown to over $1.4 billion in annualized revenue and continues to be one of the fastest growing insurance brokerage firms in the United States with over 170 offices in 30 states and London. For more information, please contact Dean Curtis, CFO, at 407.708.0031 or dean.curtis@assuredpartners.com, or visit http://www.assuredpartners.com.

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Car Insurance Guide 2020 – How To Find Non-standard Carriers For High-Risk Drivers


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“To find the right non-standard insurance provider, high-risk drivers should analyze several aspects like the number of complaints and the financial strength of the insurer”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that explains how high-risk drivers can find their best non-standard car insurance company.

For more info and free car insurance quotes online, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/how-to-find-the-best-non-standard-car-insurance-company-for-high-risk-drivers/

Finding a car insurance company that accepts high-risk drivers can be a challenge. Most large insurance providers do not offer coverage for high-risk drivers, so most of them are forced to search for insurance at smaller specialized carriers. Not all persons that are labeled as high-risk are bad drivers. Drivers with traffic tickets, at-fault accidents or DUI convictions, new drivers, seniors, drivers with poor credit scores, or drivers with long coverage lapses are considered to be high-risk by the insurers.

Drivers that are looking for an insurer that accepts high-risk drivers should analyze these factors:


  • Complaints ratio. An important factor that every high-risk driver should consider before purchasing car insurance from an insurer is the number of complaints that the insurer has. Drivers can check how many complaints a non-standard carrier has by going to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) site. There they can find the NAIC complaint ratio that is based on the number of complaints filed against an insurance company with state regulators, adjusted for market share. Insurance companies that have a high number of complaints are likely to be providers that have had many unsatisfied customers relative to the value of premiums they had written during the year. Usually, policyholders complained about the low value of the settlements, claim denials, or delays in the claims processing.
  • Financial strength. High-risk drivers should carefully analyze multiple non-standard carriers and pick one that is reliable and financially strong. These types of non-standard insurers have no problems when it comes to paying the claims made by their customers. Drivers can visit A.M. Best site to see which insurer is financially strong. An insurer that is rated A or better by A.M. Best is a safe bet. Independent agencies like Moody’s, Fitch, or Standard & Poor’s can also help high-risk drivers to see which insurer is financially strong.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

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Cheap Car Insurance 2020 Tips


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“Senior drivers can easily obtain affordable car insurance if they apply several ingenious money-saving methods ”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that presents several methods that can help senior drivers obtain ttps://compare-autoinsurance.org/top-tips-for-the-elderly-to-get-better-car-insurance/ [affordable car insurance __title__ ].

For more info and free car insurance quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/top-tips-for-the-elderly-to-get-better-car-insurance/

Insurance companies place senior drivers in the high-risk category. Statistics show that senior drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents. The decline of hearing, eyesight, and reflexes combined with age-related diseases and medication are the main reasons why senior drivers are more likely to be involved in car crashes.

Senior drivers can obtain better insurance deals if they follow the next tips:


  • Check if you are eligible for a low-mileage discount. Senior drivers can easily obtain this discount. Usually, senior drivers are retired and don’t have to commute to the workplace. Insurance companies offer low-mileage discounts to those persons that are driving fewer miles than a certain limit. Senior drivers should contact their insurers and check if they are eligible.
  • Attend and graduate defensive or refresher driving courses. These courses will teach senior drivers how to better identify road obstacles and how to avoid them. Also, they will learn how aging and medication can affect driving skills. Seniors that manage to graduate a defensive driving course will be rewarded with a substantial discount by their insurance companies.
  • Purchase a car that is cheap to insure. Seniors should avoid insuring expensive sports cars, limousines or muscle cars. These types of vehicles are expensive to insure. Senior drivers that want affordable car insurance should try to insure minivans, sedans or SUV’s that are slightly used, but have high safety ratings and are equipped with several safety features
  • Pay-in-full at the start of the coverage period. Senior drivers can save 5-10 percent of insurance costs if they choose to pay a single lump of money to the insures. By doing so, they will save money by eliminating monthly interest charges and administration fees,
  • Compare prices using online quotes. Seniors are recommended to use the services provided by brokerage websites. These sites will allow senior drivers to obtain multiple car insurance quotes from different insurers. After comparing enough quotes, seniors can decide if they will stay with their current insurers or it’s better to go to another provider that has better car insurance deals.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

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Distinguished Programs Hires Susan Merisko for Senior Role


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Distinguished Programs, a national insurance program manager, today officially announces the hiring of Susan Merisko as their new regional sales executive for Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. In this senior role, Merisko brings with her more than 25 years of insurance experience across a variety of roles.

“Susan brings a strong history of results and success to her new position with Distinguished,” said Kurt Meister, senior vice president of business development at Distinguished Programs. “Her prior operational, sales and other hands-on roles inform her understanding of the clients she’ll be working with and add to the skill and insight that make her an ideal leader for our sales efforts in her region.”

In her new role, Merisko will represent and offer the complete range of Distinguished Programs insurance products across all industry service sectors.

Before joining Distinguished Programs, Merisko spent more than five years at USLI, serving as both business development regional territory manager in the mountain/mountain NW region and assistant vice president, business development regional team leader for the west region. Prior to that, she was manager of operations at New England Financial, operations manager at Equisure and worked in business development at Navigators Group. Merisko also served as a regional leader with an agency affinity group and twelve years at Safeco Insurance in a number of roles of increasing responsibility including Regional Business Manager and Regional Sales Manager.

Merisko received her bachelor’s degree at Illinois State University. She is based out of Denver, Colorado.

About Distinguished Programs

Distinguished Programs is a leading national insurance Program Manager providing specialized insurance programs to brokers and agents with specific expertise in Real Estate, Community Associations, Cultural & Historic Properties and Hospitality & Restaurants. Property and liability products are distributed through a national network of agents and brokers. Serving the same core markets and partnering with the most stable and reputable carriers, Distinguished Programs’ high limit umbrella programs remain the clear choice in its areas of specialty for superior coverage, competitive pricing, and attentive service. Through thoughtful innovation, stemming back to 1987, Distinguished Programs fosters growth and opportunities for its brokers, carriers, and employees. http://www.distinguished.com.

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Updated 2019 ez1095 ACA Software Offers Additional Customer Support For Upcoming Filing Deadline


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ez1095 Is Preparing for The Upcoming Filing Deadline With Additional Customer Support

The latest 2019 ez1095 ACA software has implemented new form level help links and as always, no cost customer support for upcoming filing deadlines.

Novice ez1095 2019 customers get greater peace of mind with no cost customer support for the upcoming ACA form filing deadlines approaching. Halfpricesoft.com developer’s have also added form level help links to process forms more quickly.

“The latest 2019 ez1095 ACA software has implemented new form level help links and as always, no cost customer support for upcoming filing deadlines.” said Dr. Ge, the Founder of Halfpricesoft.com.

How to know if your company needs to file 1095 forms:

  • if an employer has 50 or more full-time employees
  • If a customer has fewer than 50 employees, but are a member of an ownership group with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees, you are subject to the rules for large employers.
  • if customer is a self-insured employer

Priced from just $195 per installation, ($295 for efile version) ez1095 supports unlimited company accounts on the same computer at no additional cost.

Customers that need to file form 1095 and 1094 can download and try out this ACA software from Halfpricsoft.com before purchasing with no obligation by visiting https://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/aca-1095-software.asp

The main features include but are not limited to :

  • Peace of mind offered with new test scenario for efiling 1094 and 1095 ACA forms
  • Correction and replacement form filing available
  • Print ACA Form 1095-C, 1094-C, 1095-B and 1094-B on white paper for recipients and IRS with inkjet or laser printer.
  • PDF print 1095-C and 1095-B recipient copies
  • Efile version available at additional cost.
  • Support unlimited companies.
  • Support unlimited number of recipients.
  • Print unlimited number of 1095 and 1094 forms.
  • Fast data import feature
  • Print Form 1095 C: Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Insurance
  • Print Form 1094 C: Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Returns
  • Print Form 1095-B: Health Coverage
  • Print Form 1094-B: Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Return

ez1095 software is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and other Windows systems. Designed with simplicity in mind, ez1095 software is easy to use and flexible. ez1095 software’s graphical interface leads customers step-by-step through setting up company, adding employees, adding forms and print forms. Customers can also click form level help links to get more details regarding the software.

To test drive the latest ez1095 ACA software, customers are invited to download and test by visiting https://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/aca-1095-software.asp.

About halfpricesoft.com

Halfpricesoft.com is a leading provider of small business software,

including online and desktop payroll software, online employee attendance tracking software, accounting software, in-house business and personal check printing software, W2, software, 1099 software, Accounting software, 1095 form software and ezACH direct deposit software. Software from halfpricesoft.com is trusted by thousands of customers and will help small business owners simplify payroll processing and streamline business management.

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Financial Consulting Association Recognizes Committed Ambassadors


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Nicholas Royer, Craig Lemoine, Fred Ostermeyer

Our 2020 Ambassador Award Recipients give their own special talents and skills to propagate our important message of ethical practice and continuing education. I acknowledge and appreciate their efforts…IARFC Trustee Chair, H. Stephen Bailey, MRFC®

This mission fosters and enhances the growth of the Association for the benefit of the members and the clients they serve by providing a continuing source of information, education and networking. The Association strengthens the financial services profession through adherence to and promotion of ethical behavior by their members and a focus on continuing professional education.

The criteria for the Ambassador Award are:

  • IARFC member for more than 1 year
  • Current “Ethics Approved” status or in good standing
  • Successfully supported the goals of the Association and has served with extraordinary efforts of time, service and dedication

The recipients so designated for 2020 are:

All three represent a leadership presence in the Association as together they chart the course of the IARFC for the upcoming decade – both in the US and Internationally. Serving on the Board of Trustees as Vice Chair is Nick Royer. Assuming the Vice President position on the US Board Chapter is Fred Ostermeyer. Presiding as Vice Chair on the MRFC Certification Board is Dr. Craig Lemoine. These three individuals give their expertise, attention, and imagination to promote the IARFC goals.

“Carrying out the vision of the Association by extraordinary efforts of time, service and dedication is critical to spreading the mission of the IARFC,” stated IARFC Trustee Chair and CEO, H. Stephen Bailey, MRFC®. “Our 2020 Ambassador Award Recipients give their own special talents and skills to propagate our important message of ethical practice and continuing education. I acknowledge and appreciate their efforts.”

For more information on the Ambassador Awards and our 2020 recipients, visit the IARFC website. “Our Association is much enhanced by their contributions,” continues Bailey. “We gratefully appreciate their commitment to the IARFC and to our industry.”

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