WASHINGTON, March 1, 2008 — Barb Markwell, ACSR, CPIA, was named the 2008 PIA National Customer Service Representative of the Year on March 1, 2008 during a ceremony in Arlington, Virginia. The award was presented by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) and was sponsored by The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

Markwell was honored for her outstanding professionalism as a customer service representative. She works for a PIA member agency, Templeton Insurance of Spring, Texas.

“This year’s recipient of the PIA National CSR of the Year award is a consummate professional who epitomizes the attributes of an outstanding customer service representative,” said PIA National President-elect Kenneth R. Auerbach, Esq., who presented the award. “She exhibits the highest degree of professionalism and involvement both with her clients and her community, and is committed to achieving excellence.”

2008 PIA National Customer Service Representative of the Year Barbara Markwell, ACSR, CPIA, of the Templeton Insurance Agency in Spring, Texas, with PIA National President Robert P. Page, left, and David Moore, Assistant Vice President, Marketing for The Hartford, sponsor of the award.

The PIA National Customer Service Representative (CSR) of the Year Award is given annually to an outstanding agency customer service representative who works for a PIA member insurance agency. Nominations for this award are made by PIA members.

The award recognizes a CSR who has improved operations of the agency, served clients in a unique or extraordinary way and engaged in community involvement and activities to advance the betterment of the insurance industry. The CSR award is sponsored by The Hartford, a member carrier of The Partnership (formerly the PIA-CCEO) and a charter carrier sponsor of the PIA Branding Program, Local Agents Serving Main Street AmericaSM

“We congratulate Barb Markwell for being named the 2008 PIA National Customer Service Representative of the Year,” said Dan Brown, executive vice president for sales and distribution for The Hartford. “At The Hartford, we have long recognized and appreciated the many hats CSRs wear in their agencies.  As the 2008 National CSR of the Year award winner, Barb represents the talent and dedication consistently shown by CSRs and the essential role they play in providing exceptional service for their customers.”

“The Hartford’s commitment to the ongoing partnership with professional insurance agents is exemplary and its dedication to recognizing the key role customer service representatives play in our agencies strengthens that partnership,” said Auerbach. “PIA is pleased to welcome The Hartford’s sponsorship of the PIA National Customer Service Representative of the Year Award.”

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.

The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services companies, with 2007 revenues of $25.9 billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property and casualty insurance. International operations are located in Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com.