Seattle Agency Awarded Trusted Choice Agency of the Month

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 30 -- Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America issued the following news release:

The nrg::seattle (nrg) Agency, headquartered in Seattle, Wash., has been named the Trusted Choice Agency of the Month by Trusted Choice, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers.

"We are proud to name the nrg::seattle agency as the Trusted Choice Agency of the Month," says Dave Evans, Trusted Choice executive director. "The nrg team, with Michelle Rupp at the helm, exemplifies the Trusted Choice Pledge of Performance. nrg's social responsibility policies and commitment to their mantra of 'People/Planet/Profit' sets an extraordinary example of 'Living the Brand'." The nrg independent insurance agency provides personal and business insurance needs and other financial services. The agency's numerous awards and recognitions include: 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility (best score nationally 2007); City of Seattle Mayor's Small Business Award; EPA Waste Wise Award; 2008 AWB's Better Workplace Award and the University Chamber of Commerce Don Rupp Memorial Small Business Award.

"The Trusted Choice brand epitomizes all that we stand for as an agency and as a member of this industry," say Michelle Rupp, AAI, nrg::seattle president. "We offer our customers so much more than they can imagine: an agency that views their organization holistically to customize coverage and risk management techniques, choice in the offering of insurance companies and products, and advocacy with those companies throughout the entire insurance cycle from purchase to renewal to changes to claims. We are proud to be a member of this industry and this brand."

The Trusted Choice Agency of the Month program recognizes those Trusted Choice agencies that are going above and beyond in living the tenets of the Trusted Choice Pledge of Performance and in communicating the benefits of their services to consumers. Trusted Choice agencies agree to adhere to a written pledge that states they will work with their customers to identify the insurance and financial services that are right for them, their families and/or their businesses. Trusted Choice agencies use their access to multiple companies to deliver the best value products. It also states they will help guide consumers through the claims process and help them solve problems related to their coverage or accounts, among other things.

In addition to nrg's numerous philanthropic efforts, each year the Greater University Chamber of Commerce awards the Don Rupp Memorial Small Business award in honor of Michelle's father, who with his wife, Joan Rupp, purchased the agency in 1973 from Ed Nowogroski. Nowogroski founded the agency in 1942.

Trusted Choice educates consumers about the benefits of using independent agents and brokers for their insurance needs: choice of companies, customized policies and advocacy support. Trusted Choice is the consumer marketing identity for more than 11,000 independent insurance agencies and brokerage firms and 56 leading insurance companies. For more information, go to www.TrustedChoice.com.

TNS hc11-JF78101001-3032873 StaffFurigay