SOUTH BEND -- Gibson Insurance Group has retained its "Best Practices" status in 2008 from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

To be named a "Best Practices" firm, agencies must submit detailed financial and operational information which is then analyzed, scored and ranked on the basis of operational excellence that includes growth, profitability, productivity and financial stability. More than 800 independent agencies throughout the United States were nominated and only 195 qualified for the honor.

Gibson Insurance first received the recognition in 1994 and has retained the "Best Practices" status every year since. Only four agencies in Indiana received this honor in 2008.