PIA Management Services expands to include Vermont association

GLENMONT, NY—PIA Management Services Inc. today announced it has reached an agreement with PIA National to assume management of the PIA state affiliate in Vermont. Formerly, PIA members were part of a merged association, which included PIA and IIAB members to comprise the Vermont Insurance Agents Association.

Professional Insurance Agents of New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut have been business partners in a highly successful joint-management agreement for nearly 50 years. Through this arrangement, and the support of PIA Management Services Inc., which is wholly owned by the three state associations, PIA of New Hampshire members have enjoyed the benefits of the association’s participation in this group since 1999.

“PIA Management Services is pleased to offer the expertise and service of our 80 professionals to independent agents in Vermont,” said PIA Management Services President and CEO Mark LaLonde, CPIA, CIC, AAI. “And, we welcome Vermont to the Glenmont-based coalition of PIA affiliates, an organization that focuses on the business success of member agencies and their employees.”

“This is an exciting time for professional, independent agents in Vermont, who will now have access to all of the benefits and services to which fellow agents in neighboring states have access,” said PIAVT Executive Director Kelly Norris, CAE.

The Glenmont-based PIA partnership evolved over more than 75 years, beginning in the 1940s as the Mutual Agents Association. In 1977, the Professional Insurance Agents identity was established at a national level and adopted by each of the respective state affiliates, in response to the expanding markets accessed by member agencies.

Membership in PIAVT will be available to independent agents and insurance-related businesses affiliated with independent agents starting in November. Initial, but always-expanding, benefits will include: agents E&O and other coverages; education; information; Creative Services; networking opportunities and advocacy. Businesses that want to join the association can do so by logging on to the PIA website at pia.org/VT; by calling (800) 424-4244; or by email at memberservices@pia.org.

PIA Management Services Inc. is the umbrella corporation that manages the Glenmont-based Professional Insurance Agents associations, representing independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont. PIANY, PIANJ, PIACT, PIANH and PIAVT is a partnership of five state trade associations representing independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout their respective states.