The 2026 W. Harold Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award

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Earlier this month, Don Schamay and the late Ken Bloch, Sr. were both bestowed with the W. Harold Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award by the association board and members of the International DI Society at their annual conference which took place this year in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The prestigious award was created by the IDIS association to honor those who have dedicated their lives and careers to the promotion, growth and stability of the disability insurance industry in the U.S. and abroad through education and awareness. 

Having recently retired, Don Schamay worked as a regional leader for Principal Financial Group and was heavily involved in IDIS and other industry associations providing leadership and service as well as mentoring new agents.

Congratulations to Don.  Petersen International wishes you a wonderful retirement and thanks you for your years of assistance and influence to make the American disability market a stronger force.

Ken Bloch, Sr.’s award was presented posthumously.  Ken, owner of the Bloch Agency and founding member of the Plus Group, passed away last year.  He was a very successful sales and marketing specialist and a true devotee to the disability industry.

Congratulations to the Bloch Family and to the Bloch Agency.  Ken’s accomplishments and selflessness in the DI industry will not be forgotten.