Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Insurance Advocates in Wisconsin
Founded in 1949, the Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (PIAW) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the interests of independent insurance agents across Wisconsin. Our mission centers on three pillars: education, advocacy, and collaboration. For over 75 years, we have provided comprehensive educational programs, including professional designations like CIC, CPIA, CISR, and CRM, while offering critical continuing education credits to meet state requirements. Our advocacy efforts are led by a team of lobbyists in Madison and Washington D.C., ensuring regulatory environments support agency growth and protect the independent insurance channel.Through annual events like our ENGAGE convention, Winter Get-Away, and scholarship golf outing, we foster collaboration among members, enabling knowledge-sharing and professional networking. Under Executive Director Pete Hanson's leadership since 2019, we've modernized operations through cloud-based systems and enhanced digital communication tools. Today, PIAW continues to uphold its founding principles while adapting to evolving industry needs, maintaining recognition as a leader in insurance education, advocacy, and member resources.
Services
Insurance Education
Advocacy
Collaboration
Member Benefits
CE Credits
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- We offer over 75 years of experience in supporting Wisconsin's independent insurance agents
- Our advocacy team protects your interests at state and federal government levels
- Premier insurance education programs with recognized professional designations
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals through annual events
- Exclusive member benefits including E&O insurance and continuing education resources
Services
Insurance Education
We provide comprehensive insurance education programs including professional designations like CIC, CPIA, CISR and CRM. Our offerings meet Wisconsin CE requirements while developing industry expertise. These programs help insurance professionals enhance their knowledge, improve client service, and advance their careers through structured learning opportunities.
Legislative Advocacy
Our dedicated advocacy team represents members' interests at state and federal levels. With lobbyists in Madison and Washington D.C., we work to create favorable regulatory environments for independent agencies. This includes monitoring insurance-related legislation, influencing policy decisions, and protecting the independent agency distribution model through strategic advocacy efforts.
Professional Collaboration
We facilitate collaboration among Wisconsin insurance professionals through networking events and knowledge-sharing platforms. Members connect at annual conferences, regional meetings, and specialized seminars to exchange best practices and industry insights. This collaborative environment helps agencies overcome common challenges and discover innovative approaches to improve their businesses.
Member Benefits
We offer exclusive member benefits including access to E&O insurance programs, job board listings, and marketing tools. Members receive discounted educational programs, industry publications, and business resources designed to improve agency operations. These comprehensive benefits help independent insurance agencies grow their businesses and enhance client services.
Continuing Education
Our continuing education programs help Wisconsin insurance agents meet state licensing requirements while expanding their professional knowledge. We offer approved courses covering property/casualty insurance, risk management, and industry-specific topics. These programs use both in-person and virtual formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.
People
Pete Hanson
Executive Director
Certified Association Executive with 20 years of Wisconsin government experience and 14 years in trade association management. Former CEO of Anchorage hospitality association, brings extensive leadership expertise to our organization.
Amy Nitschke
Education & Convention Director
Catering to 15+ years of association experience, orchestrates our education programs and major events including the ENGAGE convention and Winter Get-Away. She ensures high-quality educational content and member engagement opportunities.
Becca Bredeson
Administrative Assistant
Handles all member registrations, CE credit processing, and membership administration. With extensive experience in association management, she ensures smooth operations for our educational programs and events.
Heidi Hodel-Faris
Insurance and Member Services Director
CPIA and CIC certified insurance expert serving as primary member contact for E&O insurance and member benefits. She provides specialized insurance solutions and support for independent insurance agencies across Wisconsin.
Shirley Faherty
Executive Assistant/Bookkeeper
Manages day-to-day office operations, financial accounting, and event logistics. She plays a key role in organizing our annual scholarship golf outing and ensuring efficient association operations.
Questions
What does PIAW stand for?
PIAW stands for Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin, a not-for-profit trade association representing independent insurance agencies across the state since 1949.
What services does PIAW provide?
We offer insurance education programs, legislative advocacy, member benefits including E&O insurance, networking opportunities, and continuing education credits for Wisconsin insurance professionals.
How much are PIAW membership dues?
Membership dues vary based on agency size and type. Contact our office directly to discuss specific membership options and associated costs for independent insurance agencies.
Where is PIAW located?
Our headquarters are at 725 Heartland Trail Ste. 108, Madison, WI 53717. We're conveniently located just off the Beltline Highway in Madison, Wisconsin.
What professional designations are offered through PIAW?
We offer CIC, CPIA, CISR, and CRM designations to help Wisconsin insurance professionals develop specialized expertise and advance their careers in the insurance industry.
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