NU Online News Service, Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. EST

Patricia Ann Daniel of Extraco Insurance in Waco, Texas, has been named the Accredited Customer Service Representative of the year by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.

In naming Ms. Daniel ACSR of the Year, Madelyn Flannagan, IIABA vice president of agent development, education and research, said in a statement, "Her professionalism and commitment to continuing education and customer service make her a true role model in the industry."

Ms. Daniel joined the Extraco Insurance team in 2004 and has more than 16 years of experience in the insurance industry. She earned her ACSR life/health designation in 2001.

IIABA said she stood out among the pool of candidates for the award because "she consistently goes beyond the call of duty."

"We encourage agencies to celebrate and recognize their outstanding ACSR employees like Patricia Ann Daniel," said Robert Rusbuldt, IIABA president and chief executive officer.

"The personalized service of a CSR can be the differentiating factor for consumers who have many insurance buying options. CSRs demonstrate their commitment to the agency and its clients by earning the ACSR designation," Mr. Rusbuldt noted.

The ACSR program is a nationally recognized designation that provides participants with a strong insurance foundation, customer service skills and the technical knowledge necessary to succeed in today's agency environment.

Nearly 15,000 agents and brokers have achieved the ACSR designation, which is available in personal lines, commercial lines or life/health. The ACSR program is a joint effort of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, the American Institutes for CPCU and the Insurance Institute of America.