The federal government may be struggling with the whole question of health insurance, but here in Western North Carolina a group of health insurance professionals was recognized for outstanding performance at a recent event.

The WNC Association of Health Underwriters held their annual Awards and Officer Installation Picnic to present awards to some of the region’s best health insurance brokers. Among the recipients, Mike Norris of Wayah Insurance in Franklin who was awarded the Matt Bradley Distinguished Service Award and Ken Sherlin of Keystone Financial & Benefit Resources was honored as the association’s Member of the Year. Also recognized was Kim Kendall of United HealthCare, who received the Sparkplug Award for being one of the most active and energetic members (sparkplug… get it?).

Teri Gutierrez, the Association’s state-level Secretary installed the new officers and board members for the Western Region, which included President, Mike Norris; Immediate Past President, Myrna Harris; President Elect, Sharon Robbins; Vice President, Kim Kendall; Secretary, Brenda Grambling; Treasurer, Myrna Harris; Communications, Niki Hoyle; Website, Debbi Callahan; Public Service, Diane Austin; Presidents Council, Rick Scarboro; Education, Sharon Robbins; Programs, Susan Mangrum; Membership and Retention, David Block; Media Relations, Pat Hensley; Awards, Jennifer Moore; Political Action Committee, Kim Kendall and Legislative, Ken Sherlin.

Gutierrez also recognized the Leading Producers Round Table recipients for 2008. They were John Atkins, Pat Ramsey-Atkins, Betty Doll, Mike Norris, Sharon Robbins, Della Rogers, Rick Scarboro.

Western North Carolina Association of Health Underwriters is the local chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters, which represents more than 100,000 health insurance agents and brokers. Local members are involved in health insurance related community services and outreach, as well as legislative activities and support.