The Independent Insurance Agents of West Virginia (Big I WV) announced that Morgantown businessman Bruce Martin with WesBanco and career insurance professional, was presented with the Shannon Award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization, at the group’s annual convention held at The Greenbrier.
“The Shannon Award is considered the highest award given by the Big I WV and this is only the sixth time the award has been presented in our history,” said Traci Nelson, chief executive officer of the Big I WV. “Bruce’s career covers all segments of the insurance industry, and he is one of the most experienced insurance professionals in the country. This award is in grateful recognition for your years of service to the Independent Insurance Agents of West Virginia and for your leadership during our important transition to become the strong, thriving association we are today.”
Martin’s contributions to Big I WV include his leadership in passing legislation vital to the industry and customers. Martin has held many leadership positions in the Big I WV, including young agents chairman, president and state national director.
Martin was a key industry figure when West Virginia Mutual Insurance Co. was organized. He had previously served as vice chairman of the West Virginia Board of Risk & Insurance Management. He was key in turning BRIM from a $65 million un-funded liability to a $223 million surplus. Martin was the 1991 IIAWV Young Agent of the Year, 1997 PIIAWV Agent of the Year and the Southern Agents Technical Conference chairman in 2002. He was certified in 1995 as an insurance counselor through the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors.
