It's time once again for independent agencies that do anoutstanding job selling insurance and providing risk managementservices for their clients to prepare their entries for theNational Underwriter “Commercial Insurance Agency Of TheYear” award program for 2009.

For the eighth-straight year,agencies that are role models for their peers–running successfulsales organizations while serving as risk managementconsultants–will be given national exposure via NU'sprestigious award program.

Agency principals are welcome to enter their own firms forconsideration, but nominations are accepted from insurancecompanies and wholesalers as well to call NU's attentionto worthy candidates.

“The principals representing the winning agencies are alwaysgenerous in sharing the secrets of their success and grateful forthe opportunity to talk about what makes them unique in a verycompetitive market,” said NU Editor In Chief SamFriedman.

Each year, NU names three winners–with one cited as2009's “Champion,” and the other two receiving HonorableMention.

“However, the actual awards are just the icing on the cake, asall three winners receive priceless publicity by having theiragencies individually profiled in NU's Oct. 5 coverstory,” noted Mr. Friedman.

As a bonus, the winners will also participate in an “NURoundtable” discussion, moderated by Mr. Friedman, on “The State ofthe Independent Agent,” with highlights published in the Nov. 2edition.

Gary Ivey, president and chief operating officer of last year'schampion–J. Smith Lanier & Company in West Point, Ga.–said thatafter winning the award, “the feedback from across the country wastremendous. We believe the NU award elevates theorganization to a different level.”

He added that “the recognition has reinforced in our sales andsupport group that the client is looking for value, and that theproper evaluation and management of risk is a multipart processthat–done correctly–will be recognized by the buyer and others in avery competitive industry.”

David Becker, president of 2007's champion–Cottingham &Butler of Dubuque, Iowa–said winning the NU award“validated our approach to going beyond selling just policies todelivering a broad array of risk management services that can helpour clients succeed.”

He added that “as we continue to grow our business across thecountry, the NU award provides the stamp of credibilitywith prospects, opening up new opportunities that might otherwisehave been unavailable. The award has served to reinforce ourcommitment and dedication to building a truly distinctiveagency.”

Scott Addis, president of The Addis Group in King of Prussia,Pa., said winning NU's award in 2003 made his agency feellike the “Miss America of the independent agency system.” HaakeCompanies of Overland Park, Kan., said being honored by NUin 2005 was like “winning the Heisman Trophy for insuranceagencies.”

The 2006 champion–San Diego-based Barney & Barney–said“NU's award confirms for our current clients that they'rewith a great agency, and it also gives us credibility withprospective clients who may not be familiar with our firm. It'slike a hand reaching out and opening doors for us.”

Is your agency destined to be one of NU's 2009 trio ofwinners? Contact Mr. Friedman at [email protected] for more detailsand an entry form.

Fill out the application, put together the supporting material(all of which is kept strictly confidential) and include an essayof 3,000 words or less on “What Makes My Agency An OutstandingSales and Service Organization?” Submit the complete package nolater than June 15.

Nominations are welcome from insurers, wholesalers or otherinterested parties (although a nomination is not necessary for anagency to enter).

To nominate a candidate, e-mail [email protected] (subject line:Agency Award Nomination) and describe in 500 words or less why theagency is worthy of consideration. Include details as to who tocontact at the agency. NU will contact the agencyprincipal, inform them as to who nominated them and why, and ask ifthey are interested and willing to fill out an award programapplication. Nominations must be received by May 15.

“I guarantee that just by going through the entry process,agency leaders will learn a lot about what makes their agency tickand how to better position themselves against the competition,”said Mr. Friedman.