Newsmakers

Insurance

Roger Hoenes earned the Chartered Life Underwriter designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pa. He is a financial associate for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Branson.

Meghan Connell of Connell Insurors Inc. in Branson was named a PaceSetter agent for State Auto Insurance Companies. The year-long PaceSetter program forms a sales/marketing partnership with agents to improve service to customers.

Billie Frahm received her producer license in commercial lines. She has been with Connell Insurors Inc. for more than a year in Hollister. She works in commercial insurance, primarily servicing restaurants, commercial building projects and bonds.

The Insurance Association of the Ozarks, local chapter of the National Association of Insurance Women and Men, presented awards at its annual banquet. David Fenton, battalion chief for the Springfield Fire Department, received the 2003 Fire Officer of the Year award. Josette Tilley, president of the Insurance Association of the Ozarks, was named Insurance Professional of the Year, and Nantha Gilmore was named Claims Professional of the Year. The IAO presented a donation to the Ozarks Regional Burn Foundation to sponsor two child burn victims to attend a special burn camp.