Newsmakers

Benefits Unlimited Inc. was endorsed and appointed as the plan administrator for the Missouri Association of Realtors' health and life benefits program, the first program of its kind for Missouri Realtors. As plan administrator, Benefits Unlimited will market, distribute and handle the daily operations of the plan. Benefits Unlimited negotiated discounts with American Community Mutual Insurance Company on behalf of the Missouri Association of Realtors and has exclusive rights to market the association's benefits program.

Rebsamen Insurance was accepted for membership by RiskProNet International Inc., a network of 29 insurance brokers throughout the United States and Canada. Members are selected after passing a rigorous criteria designed to create a consortium of the most progressive and viable firms in the industry. RiskProNet International represents combined annual revenue of $497 million and more than $4.8 billion of annual written premium, making it the fourth largest broker/producer organization in the United States.

Thomas J. Short, a representative with the Greater Missouri Agency of the Prudential Insurance Company of America, qualified for membership in the Million Dollar Round Table. Membership is based on excellence in customer sales and service.

Wes Summers, vice president and commercial account executive with Great Southern Insurance, completed the requirements for the chartered property and casualty underwriter designation.

Leslie G. Thomas, sales manager for New York Life Insurance Company's southern Missouri general office in Springfield, was granted the LUTC fellow designation. The designation is conferred on individuals who meet or exceed exacting qualification standards determined by LUTC Inc. and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Those standards include a long-term commitment to professionalism on behalf of clients.

Christine Townsend, an agent with Insurors of the Ozarks, has earned the designation of certified insurance counselor following her successful completion of a rigorous insurance education program sponsored by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors.