WASHINGTON, March 1, 2008 — Bart Straka, CIC, has been named the 2008 PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year. The award was presented March 1, 2008 by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) and was sponsored by Rough Notes magazine.

Straka is Vice President/Commercial Sales Manager of TRICOR, Inc., a PIA member agency in Lancaster, Wisconsin.

The PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual under age 40. The award was presented during a luncheon ceremony on March 1 in Arlington, Virginia.

Straka was honored for his many activities in support of professional insurance agents and his efforts to attract more young people into the insurance industry. Straka has worked tirelessly to introduce young people to the insurance industry as a past chair of the PIA of Wisconsin Young Professionals Committee. He has also participated in career and job fairs at universities and technical schools throughout Wisconsin.

2008 PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year Bart A. Straka, CIC, of TRICOR Insurance & Financial Services, right, with (from left to right) PIA National President Robert P. Page, Elaine Tolen, Assistant Editor of Rough Notes magazine, sponsor of the award, and Donna Chiapperino, Chairman of the PIA National Young Insurance Professional Advisory Council.

“Bart is an outstanding example of a young insurance professional who has contributed greatly to his profession, his industry and his community,” said PIA National President Robert Page. “He believes in giving back to our industry by helping to attract the new talent we all need to succeed. Bart Straka exemplifies the high level of commitment and achievement this award is designed to reflect.”

The PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year Award was sponsored by Rough Notes magazine for the third year in a row. Walter J. Gdowski, the President & CEO of the Rough Notes Company noted, “Attracting more young people to join our industry is a critical mission. We are pleased to again join with the PIA to recognize the outstanding young insurance professionals who are making our industry their career choice.”

“Encouraging young people to consider a career as a professional insurance agent must be a top priority for all of us,” Page said. “We are particularly pleased to partner with the Rough Notes Company in this important effort.”

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street America (SM). PIA’s web address is www.pianet.com.