PLEASANTON, CA, Nov. 19, 2020 -- In recognition of service to their local association and their desire to further their insurance careers, the Bobby Acquistapace Memorial Award was presented to German Gonzalez of Teague Insurance in La Mesa and Mary Herrera of James P. Bennett & Co. in Santa Monica during the InsurPATH 2020 Virtual Conference earlier this month. The IIABCal Board of Directors established the Bobby Acquistapace Memorial Award Fund, named after Central Coast Past President, Robert “Bobby” Acquistapace, from contributions made by several local associations, including Central Coast and Monterey Bay.  

Gonzalez served on the IIAB of San Diego Board of Directors for six years where he was recognized for his leadership role.  He served on the Golf Committee where as chairman for two years he raised $10,000.00 annually for local charities. During his years on the emerging leaders committee, he ran several networking events to help those new to the industry. In addition, Gonzalez served on the scholarships committee and social media group.  Finally, he was actively involved in the Grossmont College OPT program.

"Since German has left the board, he stays connected and continues to be an advocate for the San Diego association," said Lori Fentress, Executive Director of the IIAB of San Diego.  "His continued support and guidance is always appreciated, and his impact has left a positive mark on our local association's history in San Diego."

Leading by example, Herrera, President of the IIABA of Los Angeles, encourages other independent insurance agents and brokers to get involved in the local association, as well as community and charitible events. 

"Mary has driven us to donate our time and charitable contributions to new causes that allow us to help different groups in our community that we have not been able to help before," said Kelly Hodge, Past President of the IIABA of Los Angeles. "She has also been actively involved with our "I" Day convention and other local association events throughout the last few years."

The Memorial Award is presented annual at the InsurPATH Conference, and each local association associated with IIABCal are eligible to nominate one local association member annually for consideration. The deserving recipient may utilize the $1,000 scholarship to attend IIABCal conferences or education/training sessions. The IIABCal Board of Directors conducts the annual award competition and selects the recipients.