The Klinger Insurance Group of Germantown, Maryland has received the 2017 Excellence in Social Media Award from the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA). The award was presented September 15, 2017, at a gala ceremony held in conjunction with PIA's Board of Directors meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

"One of the first groups to recognize the importance of social media in insurance agency marketing was PIA," said PIA National Vice President/Treasurer Keith Savino, in presenting the award. "In fact, PIA National was one of the first groups anywhere to bestow an award for excellence in social media, beginning in 2010."

"This year, we recognize the Klinger Insurance Group for its mastery of social media marketing and brand-building," Savino said. Their social media strategy allows the firm to connect with individuals whose interests and hobbies can be insured through their agency. It demonstrates community involvement, support of small businesses, their diversity and their commitment to amazing customer service."

That strategy connects the agency with individuals whose interests and hobbies can be insured through their agency. The technique produces results. Within the past year, $740,000 in premium has been generated as a result of social media engagement.

"Social media is all about building a community and fostering relationships" states Robert Klinger, LUTCF, CPIA, President and CEO of Klinger Insurance Group. "Today, it is easier than ever for independent insurance agents to market to their communities informally, and on a daily basis. A modern marketing plan is not complete unless it places a high importance on social media outreach and advertising."

"Our Social Media presence allows us to build our brand on a daily basis by showing our community who we are, what we do, and what they can expect from working with our agency." Robert states. "We share our community involvement, our support of small businesses, our diversity, and our commitment to provide amazing service to our customers. The organizations that we follow, engage with, and share content from on social media are just as important as the content that we create and share. When our followers see who we interact with on a regular basis, they get a better idea of who we are and what organizations are important to us."

The 2017 PIA National Excellence in Social Media Award was sponsored by the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR).

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street AmericaSM. PIA's web address is www.pianet.com.