Posts by nwhite
Vision Zero: A Promise Worth Keeping
Vision Zero: A Promise Worth Keeping By: Octavio Padilla, PIA Vice-President On July 1, 2025, I had the honor of standing beside Mayor Cavalier Johnson as he officially signed Milwaukee into the Vision Zero program one of the most meaningful, forward-looking efforts our city has embraced in years. As Vice President of Wisconsin PIA, I…
Read MoreBrianna Schwanke Named Wisconsin’s 2025 Outstanding CSR of the Year
Brianna Schwanke Named Wisconsin’s 2025 Outstanding CSR of the Year Please join us in congratulating Brianna Schwanke, CSRM, of M3 Insurance in Wauwatosa, who has been named Wisconsin’s 2025 Outstanding CSR of the Year! Each year, PIA’s Education Committee selects one standout customer service representative who exemplifies leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to clients…
Read MoreThe Joy of Being an Insurance Agent: Finding Fun in a Serious Business (Especially After the Last Two Years)
The Joy of Being an Insurance Agent: Finding Fun in a Serious Business (Especially After the Last Two Years) By: Steve Albinger, PIA Director When most people think of insurance agents, they often picture a mundane office job filled with paperwork and long hours. However, being an insurance agent can be an incredibly rewarding and…
Read MoreEssential Insurance Coverages for Sports and Leisure Organizations
Essential Insurance Coverages for Sports and Leisure Organizations Do your sports and leisure clients have the coverage they truly need? From fitness centers and martial arts studios to youth sports leagues and community rec programs, these organizations face a wide range of risks—many of which are unique to their activities. As their insurance advisor, it’s…
Read MoreGet to Know: PIA Director Alyssa Hobgood
Get to Know: PIA Director Alyssa Hobgood Alyssa Hobgood of BWO Insurance in Oak Creek has been serving on the PIA Board of Directors since the spring of 2023. Her involvement in PIA’s committees stretches far and wide: She is currently serving on the Education Committee, YPI Network Committee, Legislative Committee, Scholarship Golf Committee, Member Value…
Read MoreThe End of an Era: Celebrating Brenda Steinbach
The End of an Era: Celebrating Brenda Steinbach It’s not every day we say goodbye to a colleague whose name is nearly synonymous with our organization—but today is one of those days. It is with deep gratitude and a touch of wistfulness, that PIA of Wisconsin announces that our beloved Education and Convention Director, Brenda…
Read MoreFire Sprinkler Systems: Maintenance Matters
Fire Sprinkler Systems: Maintenance Matters Fire sprinkler systems can be an excellent investment for a business but they do require regular inspections and maintenance. After all, the worst time to discover that your system isn’t working properly is during an actual fire. That’s why we recommend following the National Fire Protection Association’s standard, NFPA 25, which is…
Read MoreLetter to the Editor: A Tribute to an Outstanding Mentor in the Insurance Industry
Letter to the Editor: A Tribute to an Outstanding Mentor in the Insurance Industry I am writing to express my deep admiration for Mike Ansay, an extraordinary mentor and role model in the insurance industry. I feel compelled to write to you due to a recent accident Mike had, and my need to say thanks…
Read MorePIA Announces 2024 Legislative Award Recipients
PIA Announces 2024 Legislative Award Recipients Rep. Dallman receives his award from PIA President Jon Strom, Vice-President Octavio Padilla & Natalie White PIA of Wisconsin is proud to recognize two strong supporters of the independent insurance industry with our 2024 Legislative Excellence Award: Representative Alex Dallman (R–Green Lake) and Senator Rob Stafsholt (R–New Richmond). Each…
Read MoreSupport Reinstatement of the Crop Inflation Adjustment!
Support Reinstatement of the Crop Inflation Adjustment! Crop insurance agents play a critical role in delivering the Federal Crop Insurance Program. However, due to a freeze on inflation adjustments since 2015, agent commissions have been effectively cut – while the demands on agents continue to grow. In 2022, PIA successfully helped pass language affirming that the…
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