State Auto Receives 2021 PIA Company Award of Excellence

Gerald Ladner also named 2021 National Company Representative of the Year

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
State Auto Insurance Companies (State Auto) has received the 2021 Company Award of Excellence from the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).

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State Auto Insurance Companies Vice President of Strategic Agency Partnerships and External Relations Gerald Ladner, named the 2021 PIA National Company Representative of the Year. (Photo: Business Wire)

2021 PIA Company Award of Excellence

The Company Award of Excellence is PIA’s highest annual company honor. State Auto was recognized for its strong partnership and commitment to independent agents and the agency distribution system.

“On the day of State Auto’s founding in 1921, the company’s founder said State Auto would sell its products exclusively through independent agents because they ‘deliver the best and most efficient service to customers,’” said PIA National President Wayne F. White. “That commitment to independent insurance agents has remained firm throughout State Auto’s 100-year history.”

“We’re as committed as ever to the success of independent agents,” said State Auto President & CEO Mike LaRocco. “We couldn't be more proud of how we’ve transformed our company to become an even better partner for our agents and to help secure the future of the independent agency system. We take great pride in this recognition from our partners at PIA.”

2021 PIA National Company Representative of the Year

Additionally, State Auto Vice President of Strategic Agency Partnerships and External Relations, Gerald Ladner, was named the 2021 PIA National Company Representative of the Year. Ladner serves as the current chairman of the PIA Partnership, PIA’s agency-company council, and was recognized for his experience, support of independent insurance agents and the agency system, involvement in the community and more.

“Gerald has brought a rich mixture of experience in the insurance industry to The PIA Partnership,” said PIA National President-elect Gerald Hemphill. “Throughout his 40 years of professional experience, he has demonstrated his dedication to the industry and his community at large by serving on the boards of directors of professional, educational and other nonprofit institutions.”

"My thanks to PIA for this honor, it was a wonderful surprise," said Ladner. "I'm honored to be a part of the PIA Partnership, which brings the best and the brightest company leaders together to collaborate and ensure our agents compete and compete effectively. The work we do today will yield dividends for PIA members in the future," he added.

State Auto and Gerald Ladner were recognized on Sept. 23, 2021, during the annual fall meeting of the PIA National Board of Directors.

About State Auto

State Automobile Mutual Insurance Companies (State Auto), headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a super regional property and casualty insurance holding company. The company is primarily engaged in writing personal and business insurance products exclusively through independent insurance agencies.

State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company is part of the State Auto Group, which is rated A- (Excellent) by the A.M. Best Company and includes State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company, State Auto Property & Casualty Insurance Company, State Auto Insurance Company of Ohio, State Auto Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Milbank Insurance Company, Meridian Security Insurance Company, Patrons Mutual Insurance Company of Connecticut, Rockhill Insurance Company, Plaza Insurance Company, American Compensation Insurance Company and Bloomington Compensation Insurance Company. Additional information can be found online at www.stateauto.com.

About PIA

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’s web address is www.pianational.org.

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Sara Fine, Sara.Fine@StateAuto.com

Source: State Auto Insurance Companies