Who's Who: Laurel Adkisson

Insurance agent with Adkisson Insurance Agency, American Family Insurance

WHERE SHE'S BEEN: Adkisson, 49, is originally from East Prairie, Mo., and now lives in Cape Girardeau with husband Chris. She has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University. Working in the insurance profession, Adkisson says, "Every day is different, just as every customer who comes through our door is different. I might write the first auto policy for a young person, the first homeowner's policy for newlyweds, or a commercial policy for a new or expanding business. I enjoy the challenge of tailoring a policy that's exactly right for each client at different stages of life. It's so rewarding when they come back year after year. That's what I think defines personal service, and I've made many good friends along the way." She's worked as a marketing coordinator, a banking center manager and has been with American Family Insurance for 10 years.

WHERE SHE'S GOING: In five years, Adkisson says she "would like to win the lottery and Chris and I would travel from (Nascar) race to race, attend a few Niner football games, and visit friends that have moved away. Since I don't buy lottery tickets, I hope to be enjoying life in Cape with Chris, still working together in our agency, volunteering in the community and enjoying SEMO games and golf outings with our friends!" On the future of her field, she says, "More and more options are becoming available to our clients through the Internet; you can take care of your insurance business 24/7. However, in many situations, clients still want an agent they can talk too and work with to develop the best policy and coverage for their individual needs or just to be there when the unexpected happens. This is where we are now and expect to be in the future - handling our clients business, one policy at a time offering personal service." On volunteering in the community: " I believe it is important to give back to the community that keeps me in business. I shop locally and support local businesses. I enjoy volunteering and have been a volunteer with almost every organization in Cape at some time or another. I try to select a few events a year that I can give 100 percent to, rather than being on many committees and not being productive."

WHY SHE WAS CHOSEN: Adkisson is a March of Dimes board member and Women on Par to Save Babies Golf Tournament chairwoman. She also is involved with Special Olympics Polar Plunge, Walk for Women team captain; Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce; Cape Girardeau Country Club WGA. A March of Dimes community grant was given to Bollinger County in her name. She was a Missouri Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Missourian and a Boss of the Year; a five-year J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Insurance Agency; seven-year All-American Club with American Family Insurance; and has received recognition for planning a fundraising event for Redhawks football.