(Toronto, ON) Last week, the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) recognized the top performing brokers and brokerages throughout the province at their annual Awards of Excellence Gala. The gala was the final event of the association’s 95^th annual Convention held in Toronto. Every year, the Awards of Excellence highlight the achievements and initiatives of the IBAO’s most outstanding members.

“Our Awards of Excellence Gala is one of our most treasured moments at Convention,” said IBAO CEO, Jim Murphy. “It’s a time where Ontario brokers come together to honour those who have given back to their communities and to the industry.”

Congratulations to the 2015 IBAO Awards of Excellence winners:

Young Broker of the Year – Crystal Underhill, Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services Ltd.
Crystal is committed to innovation and technology within her brokerage. She is incredibly committed to her clients as well as her community where she serves as Chair of the St. Thomas-Elgin Relay for Life.

Brokerage of the Year – Morison Insurance Brokers Inc. & R.A Bennett Insurance
Founded over 50 years ago, Morison Insurance Brokers Inc. provides insurance services to clients through their offices in Hamilton, Oakville, St. Catharines and Hagersville. The brokerage is committed to innovation and is a huge contributor to a number of charitable organizations in the communities they serve.

Affiliate of the Year – Insurance Brokers Association of Durham Region
The Insurance Brokers Association of Durham Region hosts monthly professional development luncheons for its members featuring experts within the industry. They are incredibly active in the community and participate in local fundraisers throughout the year.

Innovator of the Year – Dario Battista, iSure
This award is sponsored by Aviva Canada. With over 23,000 likes on Facebook, iSure prides itself on being the most social broker in Canada. Taking a truly customer-centric approach, iSure has developed over 20 customer profiles to market through targeted digital campaigns. “Aviva is proud to support innovative brokers like iSure as we adapt to customer needs of the future,” said Jason Storah, Aviva’s SVP Broker Distribution for Ontario.

Danny Craig Spirit Award – Chris Floyd
The inaugural winner of the Danny Craig Spirit Award was IBAO’s outgoing Chairman, Chris Floyd. The award, named after past IBAO President, Danny Craig who passed away last year is given to a broker who has displayed commitment to the betterment of the broker channel and their community, and has built and strengthened the broker brand by representing the profession with integrity.

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