Local Farm Bureau agents earn insurance honors
Published 11:46 am Tuesday, April 16, 2013
COURTLAND—Two agents for Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance in Southampton County have earned honors for their work in the past year.
Vice President and General Manager Bill Anderson, left, and Vice President of Field Operations Ray Leonard, right, flank Jim Jervey and Glenda Jervey at the awards ceremony. Jim was named as second runner-up for State Agent of the Year for his region, which is Southampton County. His peers also identified him as the 2012’s Most Valuable Agent of the Year for his district. — SUBMITTED
During the March 13-14 annual sales conference at The Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Va., John Drewry was named the first runner-up of the company’s Ralph Stokes Award. James Jervey was named as second runner-up for State Agent of the Year for his region. His peers also identified him as the 2012’s Most Valuable Agent of the Year for his district.
Both men are Life Underwriter Training Council Fellows and Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialists.
“A complete surprise” is how Drewry described his reaction to getting what he called essentially a once-in-a-lifetime honor.
“I’ve always basically been a team player,” he said, adding that his exceeding sales goals and supporting the company’s direction in the past year are the chief reasons for the honor.
“A consummate professional, John works long hours to understand and meet the needs of his members while supporting his family and community,” said Ray Leonard, vice president of field operations.
Virginia Farm Bureau Vice President and General Manager Bill Anderson, left, and Vice President of Field Operations Ray Leonard, right, flank John Drewry of Courtland. Drewry was recently named first runner-up in the Ralph Stokes Award, which is the highest honor the company can present. — SUBMITTED
He explained that the award is the highest honor a VFB insurance agent can achieve.
“Named after Ralph Stokes, a former agent from Chilhowie, Va., the award recognizes significant contributions to company and community over a long and distinguished career,” Leonard continued. “Ralph balanced excellent sales and member service with family and community service, becoming one of the best agents in the history of our company. John represents and practices these same ideals.”
Drewry has been with Virginia Farm Bureau for 25 years. He and his wife, Kim, have two children, Blake and Haley, and they live in Courtland. He serves as chairman of the Athletic Committee at Southampton Academy and does volunteer work there as well.
“Jim Jervey has been a top performing agent almost 20 years. A true leader at Virginia Farm Bureau, he consistently demonstrates his dedication to understanding and meeting his clients’ insurance needs,” Leonard said.
He added that Virginia Farm Bureau is fortunate to have both John and Jim representing the company in Southampton County.
Jervey has been with Virginia Farm Bureau for 29 years. He and his wife, Glenda, have two children, James and Jennifer, and they live in Franklin, where he grew up. Jervey coaches football and plays a little golf. He is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney, and volunteers with American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
