September 25, 2009

North Carolina Chapter of Financial Service Professionals Receives Chapter of the Year Honor

PINEHURST – The Southeastern Chapter of the N.C. Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP) recently received the Chapter of the Year award in the large chapter category from the Society of Financial Service Professionals’ Excellence in Chapter Achievement Program for 2008-2009.

More than 65 chapters participated in this year’s program, setting a record in participation from chapters throughout the country.  These organizations were recognized for providing outstanding financial educational programs and unique networking opportunities for members and other financial service professionals

The Southeastern chapter president and the member teams were commended for their exceptional efforts including reaching out to bring in new members, enriching the knowledge base of the Society, and bringing the FSP mission, vision and core values of education, ethics and relationships to life in their communities.

Erin Heckethorn serves as president of the Southeastern Chapter of the N.C. Society of FSP.  She is lead underwriter for Pinehurst-based FirstCarolinaCare Insurance Company, which provides group health benefit plans to large and small businesses throughout the mid-Carolinas. 

“The Excellence in Chapter Achievement award represents countless hours of work by Southeastern chapter members who are committed to their profession and the Society,” she says.  “It is an honor to be a part of such a dedicated group of volunteers.”

Heckethorn received the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) professional designation in 2006.  Prior to that, she obtained the designation of Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) from The American College in 2004 and the Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC) designation in 2005.

Before Heckethorn assumed the role of Southeastern Chapter president in July 2009, the chapter was served by Terry Owens who served as president for four years.  Owens now serves on the National Board of FSP and as vice chairman of the National Membership Committee.  He is also a member of the National FSP Foundation Board of Trustees. 

About the Society of Financial Service Professionals
For more than 80 years, the Society of Financial Service Professionals has been helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial security. With their strong commitment to delivering only those financial products and planning services that are in their clients’ best interests, the Society's nearly 17,000 members nationwide are uniquely qualified to assist the public in reaching their future financial goals—today, tomorrow and into the next millennium. Society members can provide consumers expert assistance with estate, retirement and financial planning; employee benefits; business and compensation planning; and life, health, disability, and long-term-care insurance.