PIA National Names Edward J. Fernandez 2011 Company Representative of the Year

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has named Edward J. Fernandez as its 2011 Company Representative of the Year. Mr. Fernandez is president of the Palisades Companies, part of the Plymouth Rock Assurance of New Jersey family. The award was presented September 24, 2011, during a ceremony in San Francisco held in conjunction with a national PIA board of directors meeting.

"Throughout his career, Ed has always been an outspoken advocate for professional, independent insurance agents," said Andrew J. Harris, vice president/treasurer of PIA National, who presented the award. "He has implemented programs to assist agents and make sure they are full partners in the decisions he makes. There is no one more committed to achieving a sound working relationship between insurance agents than Ed Fernandez."

Fernandez has 35 years of experience in the property/casualty insurance industry.  Prior to Plymouth Rock he was with Chubb Insurance for almost 20 years, during which time he held management positions in marketing, personal lines, and branch management. His most recent position was managing director and chief field officer for Chubb Personal Insurance. He developed a strong track record for profitable growth and innovation, and a reputation as a strong supporter of the independent agency system.

The criteria used to select the PIA National Company Representative of the Year includes professional experience, assistance given to agents, technical knowledge and demonstrated awareness of industry problems and market conditions. Their contributions to the industry through participation in PIA and other insurance organizations are also considered, as are their contributions to serving the public and their community.

"Since the company's beginnings in 1992, we have remained dedicated to our independent agents," said Fernandez. "Independent agents, like consumers, have many options when it comes to insurance carriers and the relationship we have with them is the foundation of our success. It's my pleasure to accept this recognition on their behalf."

Fernandez has been president since 2006. During his tenure as president, he has led the company to become one of the largest independent agency insurers in New Jersey. Fernandez also has a strong community commitment and contributes his time to support many not-for-profit organizations. In 2011, he was honored for his service to the community by CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

About Plymouth Rock Assurance
Plymouth Rock Management Company of New Jersey (www.PlymouthRockNJ.com) has two main New Jersey offices located in Red Bank and Berkeley Heights and manages one of the largest auto insurance groups exclusively serving New Jersey residents. Plymouth Rock's industry-leading service innovations include Get Home Safe, an exclusive, first-of-its-kind program that provides a free one-way cab service per year for use if customers feel unfit to drive; its Crashbusters® vans, the nation's first complete mobile automobile claim service; its Door to Door Valet Claim Service(SM) that offers vehicle pick-up, delivery and guaranteed auto repairs; and its Pledge of Assurance (SM), an industry-leading written commitment to service excellence. Insurance offered by Plymouth Rock Management Company of New Jersey under the brand name Plymouth Rock Assurance. Policies are underwritten by Palisades Safety and Insurance Association, Palisades Insurance Company and Palisades Property and Casualty Insurance Company.  

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 members are Local Agents Serving Main Street America SM. PIA's web address is www.pianet.com.

SOURCE National Association of Professional Insurance Agents