FAIR’s 4th annual awards dinner recognized contributions that positively impact policyholders
Fort Lauderdale, FL. October 3, 2016: Thomas J. Jerger, a pioneer in the Florida insurance industry, was recognized with the Founder’s Award by FAIR, the Florida Association for Insurance Reform, for his role in helping stabilize the Florida insurance market. Also honored as Consumer Champion at the organization’s fourth annual awards dinner and gala was Florida Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Atwater. Other awards at the September 29 event in N. Miami went to Outstanding Legislators, State Senator Maria Lorts Sachs, State Senator Anitere Flores and State Representative Holly Raschein.
The Jerger family, based in Pinellas Park in the Tampa Bay area, has been involved in the Florida insurance business for 70 years. FAIR Founder’s Award recipient, Thomas Jerger, who is Chairman of the Board and CEO of American Traditions and Modern USA insurance companies, was credited with taking steps to maintain a stable home-owners’ marketplace in Florida, after Hurricane Andrew devastated the state in 1992. He was instrumental in starting five new domestic insurance companies, bringing more than 25 new insurance companies into Florida, and helping re-draft the law that established the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. His businesses are family-focused and his motto is, “We want to make sure we are here after the storm.” Mr. Jerger is active on many different boards and is Chair of the Florida-based Property Insurers CEO Group.
FAIR’s Consumer Champion Award was presented to Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, who began his commitment to public service in 1993, as Vice Mayor for his home town, N. Palm Beach. Mr. Atwater served in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, and was unanimously elected Senate President in 2008. He was first elected Florida’s Chief Financial Officer in 2010, and re-elected in 2014. Since assuming office, CFO Atwater has made it his priority to aggressively eliminate the fraud that increases the cost of living for Floridians. He is also committed to reducing regulations that inhibit job growth and economic expansion, and protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens from financial harm and abuse.
The 2016 FAIR Outstanding Legislator Award recipients, State Senator Maria Lorts Sachs, State Senator Anitere Flores and State Representative Holly Raschein, were recognized for their work with their constituents on affordable insurance and environmental stewardship.
The well attended event held at Florida International University’s Kovens Center, brought together more than 120 leaders representing the Florida insurance industry, local government, the Florida legislature and other key stakeholders
About FAIR Florida Association for Insurance Reform (FAIR)
FAIR is a non-partisan, non-profit educational organization that advocates for fair, stable and affordable insurance markets for Florida consumers, through leadership, education and robust competition. Unlike other organizations that represent specific constituencies, FAIR works with all constituencies to facilitate ongoing dialogue and transparent communications.