We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 PIIAC Community Impact Awards, which were revealed at this year’s Annual Dinner on October 15, 2026. These awards honor individuals, agencies, and insurance companies that have made outstanding contributions to their local communities and beyond. Let’s take a closer look at our remarkable winners:
Individual Winners:
- Charlie Cockriel – Cockriel Insurance Inc.
- Charlie Cockriel dedicates his time to the Englewood Lions Club, contributing to global service projects, including distributing used eyeglasses to those in need. His efforts earned him the Englewood Lion of the Year award during the club’s centennial celebration.
- Karl Merida – AmTrust
- As President of the LAAIA Colorado Chapter, Karl fosters collaboration and mentorship, enhancing community bonds and supporting professional growth among agents.
- Leandra Heil – Pacheco Insurance Group
- Leandra prioritizes client education and advocacy, actively engaging with her community through volunteer work and supporting charities such as Alternatives to Violence and United Way Women Give.
- Stuart and Jane Siekmeier – Stuart Insurance Services
- Stuart serves as a volunteer HOA board member, while Jane volunteers as a church Deacon and on the church funeral committee, both contributing to their Centennial community.
Small Agency Winners:
- All Colorado Insurance Services Inc.
- Led by Mark Sodden, this family-run agency exemplifies integrity and service, supporting independent agents and advocating for clients.
- Austin Insurance Agency, Inc.
- Shelby Austin chairs Addict 2 Athlete, using fitness and community service to aid recovery from substance use disorders.
- Avalue Insurance
- Avalue donated $10,000 to CrossPurpose, contributing to community development and poverty alleviation. President Sarah Lampard is a dedicated volunteer.
- GIA Risk Management, LLC
- GIA actively supports local events and causes, such as the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival, with team members volunteering for Food For Thought Denver.
- COPIC Financial
- Copic’s Community Action Team collaborates with Doctors Care Colorado for their annual spring landscaping event, enhancing the grounds with new plantings and garden clean-up.
- Griego Insurance Agency Inc.
- Griego Insurance Agency, run by Ed, Karen, and Kathleen Griego, has greatly supported the Trinidad community through both involvement and donations. Ed and Karen have been on the City Council, with Karen serving as mayor in 2024. Kathleen is active on local boards. Over fifty years, they’ve supported many causes, including funding the Ed & Karen Griego Family Infusion Suite at Mt. San Rafael Hospital and sponsoring the Circulation Desk at the Samuel Freudenthal Memorial Library, demonstrating their dedication to community improvement.
- Heffernan Insurance Brokers
- Heffernan Insurance, through the Heffernan Foundation, focuses on education, homelessness, and food deficiency by collaborating with nonprofits. They promote community and employee involvement and volunteer with the Crayon Initiative to support children’s creativity and care in hospitals.
- Red Rocks Insurance, LLC
- Red Rocks Insurance actively supports numerous organizations in the Grand Valley by volunteering, providing financial sponsorships, and participating in events. Their contributions include supporting the Food Bank of the Rockies, Elevate Kids Fun Run, Mesa County Fair 4-H, HopeWest, Monument Little League, Grand Junction Bandits, and various schools. Giving back to the community is a core part of their culture, and they value the chance to aid impactful local initiatives.
- Safe Passage International, LLC
- Safe Passage International focuses on insuring people who are on a mission assist in economic development, food and water security, inclusion, and empowerment of their clients. They advocate for refugees, immigrants, children in detention centers, and more.
- Benefits Broker Inc.
Large Agency Winners:
- Arrow Insurance Management Inc.
- Arrow supports mountain communities through philanthropic efforts and encourages employee volunteerism, fostering a culture of giving.
- Buckner Company
- Buckner invests in future professionals through a summer internship program, nurturing the next generation of leaders.
- CRS Insurance Brokerage
- CRS Gives Back empowers underserved populations, raising over $90,000 for local nonprofits to transform lives.
- FUSA
- FUSA manages the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Foundation, which supports educational and charitable initiatives to benefit agriculture and rural communities in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. The foundation offers leadership development, agricultural education, cooperative initiatives, scholarships, and programs to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers, and rural residents.
- Home Loan & Investment Co.
- Western Group Inc.
Company Winners:
- Foremost
- Through the Spring Into Service Program, Foremost volunteers packed meals for Food Bank of the Rockies, and their Volunteer Incentive Program converts volunteer hours into donations.
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- The Liberty Mutual Foundation collaborates with nonprofits to build secure, resilient communities, focusing on housing, education, and environmental resilience.
- Pinnacol Assurance
- The Pinnacol Foundation awards scholarships to children of workers affected by serious workplace injuries, supporting their educational aspirations.
We celebrate these winners for their exceptional dedication and impact, and we are proud to honor their contributions to creating stronger, more vibrant communities.
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