Encharter Insurance Receives Inaugural PIA National Excellence in Social Media Award

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Encharter Insurance is the recipient of the inaugural Excellence in Social Media Award by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).

The award was presented October 2, 2010 during a ceremony in Traverse City, Michigan, held in conjunction with a national PIA board of directors meeting. The annual PIA National Excellence in Social Media Award is given to honor a PIA member insurance for excellence in the use of social media in a business setting.

"Encharter Insurance is an agency with locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut that is a leader in the business use of social media," said PIA National President-elect Tom Adderhold. "One of the reasons Encharter has been successful in the use of social media is they realize it's not something totally new – it's just a new way for agencies to do what agencies always do."

"Encharter Insurance uses its social media strategy to increase new business sales by increasing brand awareness, and by communicating with prospects and clients," Adderhold said. "It's really that simple."

"We at Encharter are honored to receive the inaugural Excellence in Social Media Award. For Encharter, social media has become a way of life and is transforming our company from a traditional independent insurance agency to a high-growth agency. With new business sales up over 80% from the levels we experienced only a year ago, I can definitely say, 'Internet and Social Media Advertising works.' However, it takes the dedication and commitment of the entire organization and therefore, I say 'Thank You' to all of our employees. It has been an exciting ride and we at Encharter are optimistic about the future and look forward to seeing what the Internet and social media can do for our company," said Kenneth Petersen, CEO of Encharter Insurance.

Encharter Insurance is an independent insurance agency with locations in Amherst, Reading and Lexington, MA and Watertown, CT. The agency specializes in both personal insurance and commercial insurance. Visit them on the web at www.encharter.com or find them on Twitter and Facebook!

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.

This press release is online at: http://www.pianet.com/NewsCenter/PressReleases/10-06-10.htm.

SOURCE National Association of Professional Insurance Agents