N.C. Honor Heckle as Agent of Year

North Carolina independent insurance agents received kudos for leadership, service and dedication at this year’s annual convention.

At the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina event held Oct. 8-11 in Asheville, state industry members honored their colleagues while they earned continuing education units and attended presentations by noted industry leaders.

The 2006 Agent of the Year is Richard A. Heckle, vice president of Dean, Heckle & Hill Inc., in Matthews, N.C. Heckle received the award for his outstanding service to his agency, IIANC, the insurance industry, his community and family.

The 2006 Company Professional of the Year award was given to Stanley A. Wilson, national account executive for Travelers Insurance Company in Charlotte, N.C., for his outstanding contributions to IIANC during the past year.

The 2006 Ernest F. Young Education Award was presented to William B. “Chip” Williamson, president of Hutton Vincent Williamson McLean in Asheville, N.C., for his leadership in establishing an InVEST program at Asheville Buncombe Community College to provide education, hands-on training experience and job opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the insurance industry.

The recipient of the 2006 AAMGA Achievement Award, sponsored by the American Association of Managing General Agents, is the IIANC Trusted Choice Big “I” Junior Classic Committee for their hard work and dedication in providing a successful golf tournament for North Carolina’s junior golfers year after year.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to William “Bill” G. Ervin, CEO and president of Commercial Insurance Group Inc., in Charlotte. Ervin was honored for his many contributions and achievements in the insurance industry during his 50-year career.