Branson, MO – Akers & Arney insurance agent Pam Keyes, CISR, has been named the Outstanding Customer Service Representative of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) and the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. Keyes was honored at an awards ceremony on March 25, 2010 at the MAIA’s 20th Annual Small Agency Conference in Columbia, Missouri.

David Arney, president and CEO of Akers & Arney, said Keyes was chosen for the award because of her commitment to providing outstanding solutions and sound advice to clients in the Branson area. “Pam exemplifies the best in the industry. We couldn’t be more proud of her,” Arney said.

A 20-year employee of Akers & Arney, Keyes supervises the personal lines department and is a personal lines account manager. She received her CISR designation from the Society of Certified Insurance Service Representatives in 1995. Pam was honored as the Missouri CISR of the Year by State Auto Insurance in 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and sociology from William Jewell College. Pam is originally from Maryville, Missouri.

Missouri Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA)

Founded in 1899, the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents is the oldest and largest association of independent agents in Missouri, representing some 4,000 independent agents, brokers and their employees. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent insurance agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products. For more information, please visit www.missouriagent.org. Phone: (800) 617-3658 or in Missouri call (573) 893-4301.

Akers & Arney

Akers & Arney has been providing insurance solutions to businesses and families in the Branson/Tri-Lakes area since 1952. Akers & Arney is a member of Sitkins International™, an elite membership organization comprised of the top insurance agencies in the country. In 2009, Akers & Arney received the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s “Best Practices” Award for the 10th year.

A few of the many services Akers & Arney offers are property and liability protection, employee health and life benefits, bonds, and workers’ compensation insurance. They also offer a full range of risk reducing services and solutions, as well as benefits cost reduction strategies to help lower operating costs and increase profitability.

Akers & Arney offers a full line of auto, home, boat, RV, and individual health and life plans. Their agents, who have over 250 years of combined experience, live in the Tri-Lakes area and are available to assist clients with claims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Akers & Arney is located at 201 Buccaneer Blvd. next to the Branson Junior High School in the Corporate Summit. Visit www.akersandarney.com or call (417) 334-5115. To reach Pam Keyes, CISR, call extension 104 or via email at pkeyes@akersandarney.com.

Pam Keyes, CISR, was named the Outstanding Customer Service Representative of the Year by the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) and the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research at the MAIA’s 20th Annual Small Agency Conference in Columbia, Missouri on March 25, 2010. Pictured (l-r): Patrick Deem of the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research and Pam Keyes of Akers & Arney in Branson.

Contact: Jennifer McCullough, publicist
Phone: 417-294-7333
Email: jennifermccullough@centurytel.net

A Big “I” affiliated state association or an insurance company must first nominate the agency which then must qualify based on outstanding customer services, growth, stability and financial management. To be chosen as a “Best Practices Agency,” Akers & Arney was deemed to be among the top 25-35 performing agencies in one of six revenue categories.

Each year the Big “I” and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories.  The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation.  The selected “Best Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year.

The Best Practices Study was initiated by Big “I” in 1993 as the foundation for efforts to improve agency performance.  The annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.

The 2009 Best Practices Study sponsors include Applied Systems, Central Insurance Companies, Chubb, EMC Insurance Companies, ENCOMPASS Insurance, Great American, Harleysville, Imperial AI Credit Companies, InsurBanc, The Hanover Insurance Group, Liberty Mutual, and Zurich.

Akers & Arney
Akers & Arney has been providing insurance solutions to businesses and families in the Tri-Lakes area since 1952. Big “I” named Akers & Arney the number one agency in its size category in the country in 2005. Akers & Arney is a member of Sitkins International™, an elite membership organization comprised of the top insurance agencies in the country.

A few of the many services Akers & Arney offers businesses are property and liability protection, employee health and life benefits, bonds, and workers’ compensation insurance. They also offer a full range of risk reducing services and solutions, as well as benefits cost reduction strategies to help lower operating costs and increase profitability.

Akers & Arney also offers a full line of auto, home, boat, RV, and individual health and life plans. Their agents, who have over 250 years of combined experience, live in the Tri-Lakes area and are available to assist clients with claims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Akers & Arney is located at 201 Buccaneer Blvd. next to the Branson Junior High School in the Corporate Summit. Call (417) 334-5115 or visit www.akersandarney.com.

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”)
Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Big “I’s” members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies.  Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance – property, casualty, life and health – as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products.  Visit Big “I” online at www.independentagent.com.

Contact:  Jennifer McCullough, publicist
Phone:  417-294-7333
Email: jennifermccullough@centurytel.net

However, Arney cautions against bargain shopping for the lowest priced home, auto, health, life or business insurance without looking at the bigger picture. “Saving 15 percent today could cost you everything tomorrow,” Arney said.

“If a fire, car accident, major health issue or lawsuit arises when money is tight, the last thing anyone needs is to discover that they are improperly insured or underinsured,” Arney said. “Buying a policy simply because of its price may put your strained financial situation in greater peril.”

Instead, Arney says everyone should have a unique risk solution plan that includes the correct insurance coverage, the proper limits on coverage, and a plan for reducing your risk of claims.

Coming up with such a plan can seem overwhelming and while many in the insurance business are happy to offer up a free online quote or sell a budget policy over the phone, they may be missing critical information that could spell financial disaster when a claim arises. This is where a reputable insurance agent who is foremost a risk advisor comes in, according to Arney. “Everyone’s financial picture is different. Everyone’s tolerance for risk is different. A risk advisor’s role is to thoroughly assess each client’s unique situation before ever quoting a particular policy,” he said.

In response to recent losses in the insurance industry, many carriers are now scrutinizing claims they wouldn’t have questioned in the past. Risk advisors help clients avoid costly claims issues by making sure they have the correct policies and coverages in place and then advocating for their clients if claims arise. Clients working with risk advisors to reduce their risks can prevent claims issues from ever cropping up by lowering their incidence of claims. Plus, many clients who’ve reduced their risks are able to save money in the short term by attracting lower rate offers from carriers.

Risk advisors like the ones at Akers & Arney have built long-term relationships with dozens of leading insurance carriers to help give their clients multiple coverage and rate options. “We take the leg work out of this time consuming process,” Arney said.

Arney recommends the following 10 practical tips for consumers working with risk advisors to reduce their insurance expenses immediately and head-off potentially devastating financial
losses.

1. Call your insurance agent to schedule a policy review. Reputable risk advisors often offer this service annually at no charge. If your financial situation has changed since your last policy review, your insurance coverage may need to reflect these changes.
2. Consider consolidating your policies with the same insurance agent and carrier. Giving your agent a clearer picture of your total risk can help him or her advise you accordingly. Plus, your carrier will likely offer a multiple-policy discount.
3. Ask your insurance agent if you’re getting all the discounts you’re entitled to receive. Carriers offer discounts for things like security features, improved fire protection, improved credit score, and a clear driving record.
4. If you’ve recently moved or changed jobs, and are driving fewer miles each day, tell your agent. Your auto insurance premium may go down.
5. Tell your agent if your occupation has changed. You may qualify for a reduced auto, health or life insurance premium.
6. Ask your insurance agent if raising your deductibles to lower premium costs is right for you.
7. Tell your insurance agent if you’ve recently bought or sold any big-ticket items or made property improvements. Your coverage limits may need to adjust.
8. Tell your insurance agent about any recent changes in your personal situation. Divorced? Married? Widowed? Children left home? Added a new member to your household? Your homeowner’s contents limits and auto insurance may need updating.
9. Document the contents of your home or business with a written inventory, photos or video. Free inventory tracking software can be found at www.KnowYourStuff.org. Don’t forget storage units, property inside RVs, boats, and with children away at college. Keep receipts for large items in a safe place away from your home or business.
10. Notify your agent immediately if you think you may have a claim. Carriers will often scrutinize claims more carefully if not reported right away. David Arney is the President and CEO of Akers & Arney, one of only three Best Practices Award-Winning agencies in Missouri in 2008. info@akersandarney.com.

Contact:  Jennifer McCullough, publicist
Phone:  417-294-7333
Email: jennifermccullough@centurytel.net

An IIABA affiliated state association or an insurance company must first nominate the agency which then must qualify based on outstanding customer services, growth, stability and financial management. To be chosen as a “Best Practices Agency,” Akers & Arney was deemed to be among the top 25-35 performing agencies in one of six revenue categories.

Each year the IIABA and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories.  The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation.  The selected “Best Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year.

The Best Practices Study was initiated by IIABA in 1993 as the foundation for efforts to improve agency performance.  The annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.

The 2008 Best Practices Study sponsors include  Applied Systems, Central Insurance Companies, Chubb, EMC Insurance Companies, ENCOMPASS Insurance, Harleysville, Imperial AI Credit Companies, InsurBanc, The Hanover Insurance Group, The Main Street America Group, MetLife Auto & Home, Ohio Casualty, Safeco, and Zurich.

Akers & Arney
Akers & Arney has been providing insurance solutions to businesses and families in the Tri-Lakes area since 1952. IIABA named Akers & Arney the number one agency in its size category in the country in 2005. Akers & Arney is a member of Sitkins International™, an elite membership organization comprised of the top insurance agencies in the country.

A few of the many services Akers & Arney offers businesses are property and liability protection, employee health and life benefits, bonds, and workers’ compensation insurance. They also offer a full range of risk reducing services and solutions, as well as benefits cost reduction strategies to help lower operating costs and increase profitability.

Akers & Arney also offers a full line of auto, home, boat, RV, and individual health and life plans. Their agents, who have over 250 years of combined experience, live in the Tri-Lakes area and are available to assist clients with claims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Akers & Arney is located at 201 Buccaneer Blvd. next to the Branson Junior High School in the Corporate Summit. Call (417) 334-5115 or visit www.akersandarney.com.

IIABA
Founded in 1896, IIABA is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. IIABA’s members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies.  Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance – property, casualty, life and health – as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products.  Visit IIABA online at www.independentagent.com.

Contact:  Jennifer McCullough, publicist
Phone:  417-294-7333
Email: jennifermccullough@centurytel.net

Branson, Mo. – Government sponsored healthcare coverage for seniors is a confusing subject and never more so than during the Annual Election Period for Medicare, which runs from Nov. 15- Dec. 31 in 2007.

In the Branson area, seniors can find help at Akers & Arney, one of three independent insurance agencies in Missouri to receive the coveted Best Practices Agency award in 2007.

Agent Linda Baxter recently joined the staff of Akers & Arney where she specializes in providing individuals and seniors with affordable health and life insurance solutions.

“Linda is a very knowledgeable and compassionate person and we’re delighted that she’s now serving the needs of seniors in the Tri-Lakes Area,” said President and CEO David Arney. Baxter has 14 years of experience in the corporate benefits and individual health and life insurance industry. She takes pride in helping seniors find the best coverage at prices they can afford.

“As we grow older and our health concerns change, it’s important for us review the policies we have in place,” Baxter said.  “Taking advantage of Medicare’s annual election period is one opportunity for seniors to make sure they have the right supplemental coverage for their particular health needs. Often, we can even recommend plans that help seniors save money,” she said.

Among the Medicare plans Baxter counsels seniors on are the Missouri Senior Rx Program (now the Missouri Rx Plan), Medicare’s Extra Help Plan, the Missouri AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), and the Medicare Savings Programs. Baxter also provides private individual and small group health and life insurance solutions. To schedule an appointment with Linda Baxter at Akers & Arney, call (417) 334-5115.

Akers & Arney offers a full line of auto, home, boat, RV, and individual health and life plans along with corporate and small business protection including employee health and life benefits, bonds, and workers’ compensation insurance. They also offer a full range of risk reducing services and solutions, as well as benefits cost reduction strategies to help lower operating costs and increase profitability. Their agents, who have over 250 years of combined experience, live in the Tri-Lakes area and are available to assist clients with claims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Visit Akers & Arney in their new location at 201 Buccaneer Blvd. next to the Branson Junior High School in the Corporate Summit, or call (417) 334-5115.

Contact:  Jennifer McCullough, publicist
Phone:  417-294-7333
Email: jennifermccullough@centurytel.net

An IIABA affiliated state association or an insurance company must first nominate the agency which then must qualify based on outstanding customer services, growth, stability and financial management. To be chosen as a “Best Practices Agency,” Akers & Arney was deemed to be among the top 25-35 performing agencies in one of six revenue categories.

Each year the IIABA and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories.  The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation.  The selected “Best Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year.

The Best Practices Study was initiated by IIABA in 1993 as the foundation for efforts to improve agency performance.  The annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices. For more information on the Best Practices Study, contact Jennifer Becker at IIABA, (800) 221-7917.

The 2007 Best Practices Study sponsors include Applied Systems, Central Insurance Companies, Chubb, EMC Insurance Companies, ENCOMPASS Insurance, Harleysville, Imperial AI Credit Companies, InsurBanc, The Hanover Insurance Group, The Main Street America Group, MetLife Auto & Home, Ohio Casualty, Safeco, and Zurich.

Akers & Arney
Akers & Arney has been providing insurance solutions to businesses and families in the Tri-Lakes area since 1952. IIABA named Akers & Arney the number one agency in its size category in the country in 2005. Akers & Arney is a member of The Sitkins 100™, an elite membership organization comprised of the top insurance agencies in the country.

A few of the many services Akers & Arney offers businesses are property and liability protection, employee health and life benefits, bonds, and workers’ compensation insurance. They also offer a full range of risk reducing services and solutions, as well as benefits cost reduction strategies to help lower operating costs and increase profitability.

Akers & Arney also offers a full line of auto, home, boat, RV, and individual health and life plans. Their agents, who have over 250 years of combined experience, live in the Tri-Lakes area and are available to assist clients with claims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Visit Akers & Arney in their new location at 201 Buccaneer Blvd. next to the Branson Junior High School in the Corporate Summit, or call (417) 334-5115.

IIABA
Founded in 1896, IIABA is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally.  Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies.  Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance – property, casualty, life and health – as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products.  Web address: www.independentagents.com.

Contact:  Jennifer McCullough, publicist
Phone:  417-294-7333
Email: jennifermccullough@centurytel.net

“Jonas brings a lifetime of business experience to our company and our clients,” according to Arney. “His hands-on experience in operations and management along with his understanding of the Branson area business community make him a wonderful asset. We’re delighted to have him on board.”

In 1974, Arjes emigrated from Sweden to Branson, where he graduated from Branson High School in 1987. He attended Missouri State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Administrative Management in 1991.

“Growing up, I helped in the family restaurant business in Branson and later went on to own my own franchise restaurant on Hwy. 76,” Arjes said. “I’ve pretty much done it all when it comes to managing a business. My goal at Akers & Arney is to help other business owners ultimately become more profitable and stable,” he said.

To arrange an appointment with Arjes, call Akers & Arney at (417) 334-5115 or email Arjes at jarjes@akersandarney.com.

Akers & Arney has been providing insurance solutions to businesses and families in the Tri-Lakes area since 1952. They have been recognized for their outstanding client services by Best Practices, a national organization that identifies 180 of the leading insurance agencies in the United States in six size categories. Akers & Arney was the recipient of the Best Practices Award seven years in a row, and named the number one agency in its size category in the country in 2005. Akers & Arney is a member of The Sitkins 100™, an elite membership organization comprised of the top insurance agencies in the country.

A few of the many services Akers & Arney offers businesses are property and liability protection, employee health and life benefits, bonds, and workers’ compensation insurance. They also offer a full range of risk reducing services and solutions, as well as benefits cost reduction strategies to help lower operating costs and increase profitability.

Akers & Arney also offers a full line of auto, home, boat, RV, and individual health and life plans. Their agents, who have over 250 years of combined experience, live in the Tri-Lakes area and are available to assist clients with claims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Visit Akers & Arney in their new location at 201 Buccaneer Blvd. next to the Branson Junior High School in the Corporate Summit, or call (417) 334-5115.

Contact:  Jennifer McCullough, publicist
Phone:  417-294-7333
Email: jennifermccullough@centurytel.net

Akers & Arney president and CEO David Arney said the new 15,000-square foot office complex, which is expected to be completed in late fall of 2006, was designed to provide clients with easy access and ample parking.

The company is currently located at 201 E. Main St. adjacent to the new $420 million Branson Landing development.

“This company has been a part of the historic downtown Branson business community for 54 years,” Arney said. “We think this new location next to the Branson Jr. High School will be much more convenient for both our clients and our staff,” Arney said.

The new office complex will also become the home of Tom Boyce Excavating, Elite Landscaping and Employer Advantage, a human resources company based in Joplin. Tom Boyce Excavating and Akers & Arney have formed A & B Property L.L.C. to construct the building. The general contractor is Joe Williams Construction Company; the designer is Butler Architects − both of Branson. A Grand Opening date will be announced later this year, Arney said.

Akers & Arney Insurance Associates is a full service independent insurance agency offering insurance and risk solutions for businesses and families including health insurance, home, auto and commercial products.

Agency partners are Edd Akers, David Arney, and John Akers. All three partners are natives of the Branson area and graduates of Branson High School.

Contact: Jennifer McCullough, publicist
Phone: 417-294-7333
Email: jennifermccullough@centurytel.net