SANTA MONICA, CA (Feb. 1, 2017) -- Rick Dinger, President of Crescenta Valley Insurance Agency, La Crescenta, CA received the Ramsden/Sullivan Memorial Award during the IIABCal Annual Meeting this week.
The Ramsden/Sullivan Memorial Award is the most prestigious that IIABCal bestows on an individual. It is presented only when a person merits such a high honor, but it is never awarded to more than one person at any one time nor more often than annually.
The Award recipient exemplifies the highest caliber of service to the Independent Agency System, the insurance industry and the community.
“Rick Dinger is uniquely qualified for the Ramsden/Sullivan Memorial Award,” IIABCal Past President Craig Williams said. “He has enjoyed a distinguished insurance career and a long history of volunteer service and support of the Independent Agency System, the insurance industry and the community.”
“Rick has worked in the insurance industry association, locally, statewide, and nationally. In each role he served, Rick brought passion, dedication and the hands-on experience of working with the government,” he said.
Rick's service to the Insurance Industry has included a variety of important roles:
• State National Director for California for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (two, 3-year terms: 2010 - 2016)
• President, President-Elect, and Secretary/Treasurer of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of CA, (2007-2009)
• National Young Agents Committee Member (2002- 2006)
• Chairman, Young Brokers and Agents of the West (2001)
• Two-term President of the Insurance Brokers and Agents of Burbank, Glendale & Pasadena Insurance Association
• Two-term Chairman for California InsurPac, the political action committee for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA)
One of Rick's proudest moments came in 1999, when he was asked to testify before the House Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C. in support of The Small Business Liability Reform Act at the invitation of Congressman James Rogan (R-Glendale).
Community Service
Rick began his long involvement in community service by coaching high school football at St. Francis High School in La Canada, CA. Over a six-year period, he was their Head Freshman Football Coach (four years), Assistant Coach on the Varsity, and Head Golf Coach (two years). In 1999, he served as president of the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce, widening his role in the community.
Over the years, Rick and Crescenta Valley Insurance have volunteered and sponsored many charity events including founding the Glendale City Golf Championship in 2012.
The Presenting Sponsor for the tournament is the local Trusted Choice Insurance Agents; this event raises funds for the Glendale Parks and Open Space Foundation.
Also, Rick currently serves as the chairman of the "Hoop Heroes" Basketball Game, where the police play the fire department and the Rotary Club plays the Kiwanis in competitive basketball games. Each year, over 800 people attend this event which raises money for the Glendale Salvation Army after school program.
Rick currently serves on the following boards in his community:
• Glendale Salvation Army
• Glendale College Foundation
• Glendale Sunrise Rotary
• Glendale Open Space and Parks Foundation
• Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Support Group
Awards
Rick has received a number of awards for excellence and service in his industry, including the following:
• 2000 "Harlan Miller Award," presented by the Insurance Brokers and Agents of CA, Political Action Program for outstanding service by a young insurance agent.
• 2001 "Member of the Year" from the Insurance Brokers and Agents of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena.
• 2001 "Business Owner of the Year" from the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce.
• 2003 Inaugural "Anthony J. DiBuduo Award," presented to the most outstanding insurance professional under the age of 40 in California.
• 2003 "InsurPac Special Recognition Award," presented by IIABA in Washington D.C.
• 2003-2004 "Honorary Mayor" of La Crescenta.
• 2007 "Glendale Man of the Year" from the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.
• 2008 "Volunteer of the Year," awarded by the County of Los Angeles, 5th District.
• "Glendale's Best Insurance Agent of the Year," awarded by the Glendale News Press on several occasions.
Rick is on the Alumni Council for Saint Francis High School where he announces every home Varsity football game. In his free time, he enjoys coaching or watching his three sons compete in various sports, golfing at Oakmont Country Club and visiting the Santa Anita Race Track. Rick and his wife, Heather, are the proud parents of three sons Carl, Hayden, and Gavin.