Edward H. Downs Memorial Awards

Who was Edward H Downs?

Ed Downs, as he was known, started a career in life insurance in 1943, writing 369 life policies in his first year in the business. A top-notch personal producer, Ed was a sales leader in his company, Midland National Life Insurance Company, five different times. Ed served 18 years in agency management and was a Life & Qualifying Member of the Million Dollar Round Table.

Ed was a member of his local association throughout his 20-year career. In addition to serving as a SDALU President in 1947 and 1948, Ed was a NALU Trustee for two terms (1951 & 1963). In 1957 he was named South Dakota Life Underwriter of the Year. Ed was a member of the General Agents and Mangers Conference. He served as President of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce for two years and was fund drive Chairman for many organizations, including the Community Chest, Red Cross and Cancer Society.

Ed served four terms in the South Dakota Senate. A Democrat in a Republican State, he was State Legislative Chairman for Life Underwriters for 10 years and was thought to be a possible gubernatorial candidate for 1966.

Ed Downs died on October 31, 1964 at the age of 57 and was survived by his wife Bessie.

2024 Edward H Downs Recipient

Congratulations to the 2024 Edward H. Downs Recipient, Joseph A. Sztapka, FIFC, LUTCF, CLU.

Joe has been a member of NAIFA since 1985 and has held various leadership positions at the local and state levels. He is always willing to help, whether recruiting new members, moderating LILI classes, mentoring new agents and advisors, or doing anything else he sees necessary. Joe is a true servant leader who can always be counted on.