LEXINGTON, N.C. -- July 17, 1998 -- Mark Breeden of Breeden Insurance Services, Inc. in Lexington, N.C. received the Carolina Agent of the Year Award at the Annual Convention of the Carolina Association of Professional Insurance Agents. Breeden is a representative of the Erie Insurance Group.

CAPIA is the state association of the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) whose mission is to serve as a business resource for insurance agents. Breeden was selected for the award by CAPIA member agents. He also received the Young Agent of the Year Award from CAPIA in 1995.

"It's really an award for our agency, because our employees make it what it is," Breeden said. "I feel humbled. There are a number of good agencies in North Carolina, and this award is given by my peers -- that's what makes it special."

Breeden believes it is important for insurance agencies to give back to the community and to other insurance agents. He often shares his experience and insight at CAPIA workshops and meetings.

Breeden Insurance Services, Inc, located at 312 West Center Street, Lexington, N.C., offers a full line of property/casualty insurance products, including auto and homeowners, as well as commercial and life insurance products and services from Erie Insurance Group.

All of The ERIE's property/casualty companies earn the A++ "Superior" rating from A. M. Best, the leading authority on insurance companies. The Erie Family Life Insurance Company earns Best's A+ "Superior" rating. Ward Financial Group includes Erie Insurance Group in its list of Top 50 insurers for overall industry performance and safety.

In addition, Financial World magazine ranks the Exchange second in its financial strength analysis of the 50 largest property/casualty insurers in the United States. Erie Insurance also has been rated a top insurer by a leading consumer magazine.

Erie Insurance Exchange, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 12th largest insurer of private passenger automobiles and the 24th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States. Erie Insurance Exchange is part of Erie Insurance Group, which includes seven companies operating in nine states and the District of Columbia.