Calling all brokers and brokerages in Canada – it’s that time of the year where top performers can get recognition for their hard work.
Nominations are currently open for the 2019 Insurance Business Canada Awards, and among the many award categories are several aimed specifically at brokers and brokerages. These include the Burns & Wilcox Canada Award for Big Brokerage of the Year, Brokerage of the Year (Fewer than 10 Staff), the DSB Claims Award for Brokerage of the Year (10 Staff or More), and the Cansure Award for Insurance Broker of the Year.
The 2018 Cansure Insurance Broker of the Year was Tammy McCarthy, director of transportation at Bryson & Associates Insurance Brokers, and she told Insurance Business that receiving the recognition gave her a broader sense of personal contribution, and solidified both her passion and commitment to the industry.
“It has given me the reassurance that I am not only living my values, but working among like-minded people,” she added.
Some of McCarthy’s key accomplishments as a broker that helped her claim the title included the support she maintained for her team.
“I supported their career paths and, ultimately, elevated them toward leadership roles. I celebrated successes and was emotionally invested in the betterment and promotion of those around me,” she explained, adding that her strong work ethic, flexibility, and creative approach to challenges, as well as sticking with a niche class of business didn’t hurt either. “This included my involvement with reputable markets, associations, and persistently enhancing my expertise.”
After taking part in the 2018 awards show, McCarthy sees the importance of recognizing brokers’ achievements.
“It gives context to what we do, encourages personal growth, and helps define a high-performing culture. So many of us fail to reflect on past accomplishments, the setbacks we overcame, and how we made a difference,” she said. “It also highlights the behaviours the brokerage community appreciates and wishes to support.”
Nominations for the Insurance Business Canada Awards are open until August 12, 2019, before finalists are selected and announced, and winners are revealed and celebrated at the awards gala on November 28 at the Liberty Grand Toronto. A full explanation of the methodology is available on the Insurance Business Canada Awards site.
