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Charles Smith is 2005 Professional Farm Mutual Manager of the Year, as 16 New PFMM Designees are Announced

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Oct. 3, 2005) - Charles Smith, PFMM, secretary/manager of Billings Mutual Insurance Co., Billings, Mo., has been named 2005 Professional Farm Mutual Manager of the Year. The award was presented during the NAMIC Farm Mutual Conference business meeting today, and recognizes the achievements of a farm mutual manager who exemplifies excellence in mutual insurance company management. Recipient selection is based on excellence in marketing, administration and financial ability as well as their involvement in state and national associations, and in their local community.

In presenting the award, 2004 Professional Farm Mutual Manager Duane Smith said, "Charles Smith was chosen for his involvement in the insurance industry, excellence in managing his company, innovation and fiscal responsibility."

Smith has been secretary/manager of his own company since 1998, and also serves as manager of two other mutuals. He received the PFMM designation in 2003, and the NAMIC Merit Award in 2004. He has served his state association as chairman and as a committee member. He is an active participant in the NAMIC Congressional Contact Program and serves on the Farm Mutual Conference editorial advisory committee.

"According to his colleagues, he has been instrumental in protecting the mutual industry in his state," said Duane Smith. "He has stepped in on five different occasions during the past few years to save and reorganize mutual companies in financial difficulty. Through his leadership, his company is recognized for innovative ideas and techniques that have helped keep, not only the company, but also the Missouri mutual insurance industry, strong and competitive."

Sixteen new Professional Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) designees were also announced for 2005:

• Ginger Baker, Trade Lake Mutual Insurance Co., Frederic, Wis.
• Richard Bothe, Heartland Mutual, Fort Dodge, Iowa
• Rusty Dunning, Billings Mutual Insurance Co., Inc., Billings, Mo.
• Douglas Fincannon, Alamance Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Assn., Graham, N.C.
• Richard Hartkemeyer, German Mutual Insurance Assn., West Union, Iowa
• Michael McMahan, Farmers Mutual Protective Association of Texas, Temple, Texas
• Jack Randall, Cameron Country Mutual Insurance Co., Cameron, Mo.
• Richard Schumacher, Farmers Mutual Insurance Association of O'Brien County, Hartley, Iowa
• James Silver, Pike Mutual Insurance Co., Wooster, Ohio
• George Tipler, Homestead Mutual Insurance Co., Oshkosh, Wis.
• Jim Titus, Hardin County Mutual Insurance Assn., Iowa Falls, Iowa
• Connie Costigan, Cameron Central Mutual Insurance, Warrensburg, Mo.
• Denise Murray, Farmers Mutual Protective Association of Texas, Temple, Texas
• Roger Needham, Forreston Mutual Insurance Co., Forreston, Ill.
• Harold Read, Berlin Mutual Insurance Co., Princeton, Ill.
• Jane Sather, Fall Creek Mutual Insurance Co., Augusta, Wis.

The PFMM designation was instituted in 1994, with a program currently known as the NAMIC Management School. A focal point of this school, tailored specifically for farm mutual companies, was the PFMM designation certification program. Its purpose is to formally recognize the educational accomplishments and dedication to professionalism of the progressive farm mutual manager.

Candidates for the designation must:

• Submit a PFMM candidate application;
• Have a minimum of five years insurance experience at the time of completion;
• Be in management within the mutual insurance industry;
• Complete each of the three management school modules: financial management, leadership, and underwriting and claims;
• Complete one of the following: Agricultural Risk Inspection School, Claims Conference or Farm Underwriting Seminar.

For more information on the PFMM designation program, contact the NAMIC Member Services & Communication department at (317) 875-5250, or visit NAMIC Online, www.namic.org.

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For further information, contact
Laura Biddle-Bruckman
(317) 875-5250
lbruckman@namic.org