The Bermuda Insurance Development Council (IDC) has launched a new award recognising outstanding volunteer service to the Bermuda industry by insurance professionals.The IDC created the award to recognise those in the industry who give their time and energy in support of promoting Bermuda as a domicile of choice.“Often there is no public recognition of the many volunteers in our industry and the IDC wanted to focus on recognising those that have made a special effort, as a way to thank them and to highlight professionals at all levels who are committed to the success of Bermuda,” said IDC Chairman Allison Towlson.Julia Mather, a broker at Miller Insurance Services in Bermuda, has been named the first award winner.According to the IDC, she was presented with the award for her outstanding efforts during the 2011 RIMS Conference in Vancouver last May when she stood out at the Bermuda exhibit booth.“Julia impressed a number of IDC Executive Committee members with her efforts at the Bermuda booth,” said Ms Towlson. “We have exhibited at RIMS all these years for one basic reason to get the message out that Bermuda markets can provide compelling risk financing options.“Julia was such a leading advocate for Bermuda that we asked her to join the IDC RIMS Sub-Committee where we are planning for the 2012 event. And she has been making a great contribution.”Secretary of the Bermuda Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Association (BIRBA), Mrs Mather was also praised at RIMS for her attentive and diligent efforts in getting booth visitors to understand the variety of insurance opportunities that exist within the Bermuda insurance market.Upong receiving the award, Mrs Mather said she was looking forward to further promoting Bermuda at upcoming international meetings.“I was delighted to be honoured with this award and hope that it encourages others to give their time,” she said.“The IDC does a lot of great work on behalf of the insurance market in Bermuda and these things do not happen without commitment and dedication from all involved. I am excited to be a part of the RIMS Committee and look forward to working with them to showcase everything Bermuda has to offer in Philadelphia in April.”Mrs Mather opened the Miller office in Bermuda in 2003 and is the Tour Leader of the Bermuda Under 40s group, having led two tours, one to the US and one to London. She is currently planning the next London trip for October 2012 and also serves on the Committee for Women in Reinsurance.