September 28,
2009
PIWA Annual Conference gives brokers insight,
education
The Professional Insurance Wholesalers Association of New York State Inc.
held its 2009 Annual Conference, Sept. 23-24, at the Hilton Pearl River, Pearl
River, N.Y.
"PIWA
members depend on their association for the latest in the industry, cutting-edge
education and networking opportunities," said Lucas Snyder,
newly-elected president of PIWA. "Once again, the Annual Conference delivered,
providing members with the information and tools they need to help them
successfully run their businesses."
Snyder was elected and installed into office at the Annual Membership
meeting held during the conference. He succeeds 2007-2009 President Gary
Ricker, president of Pacific Pro Intermediaries.
Lucas
Snyder is vice president of NIF Group in Manhattan and the son of past president
Abe Snyder, making him the first-ever, second-generation president in PIWA
history.
Also
elected as officers:
*Vice
President Jo Ann Peri, Cowles & Connell of New
York;
*Treasurer David Pietrowski, LoVullo Associates
Inc;
*Secretary Barry Walfish, JimCor Agencies Inc.
Conference events
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, attendees had the opportunity to take part in the
annual golf outing at the Blue Hill Golf Club. Once again, the weather
cooperated and participants were able to enjoy the beautiful weather and a great
golf course.
Following the outing, participants enjoyed a networking reception and
opening dinner, where the association's annual Service to the Industry
Award was presented to David A. MacLeod, CPCU, ARM,
AIAF, president of Guilford Specialty Group and Burlington Insurance
Group.
The
dinner also featured the presentation of the Abe Snyder Memorial Scholarship, a
$2,500 award for students studying risk management and insurance, to
Margarita Rudzitskiy, Ridgefield, N.J. The scholarship is given
in memory of past PIWA president Abe Snyder in recognition of his commitment to
the industry and professional advancement.
Thursday's events were kicked off by the annual keynote breakfast,
featuring an address by John F. Wood III, president of the
National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices. Wood provided those
in attendance with a look at the activities and positions of NAPSLO over the
last year and into the future.
Participants also attended two timely, on-target educations programs on
Thursday:
- A legislative/regulatory update, with Robert
Pastel, Esq., PIWA legislative representative, and Daniel
Maher, Esq., executive director of the Excess Lines Association of
New York. As always, the lively back-and-forth discussion enlightened
participants on the key issues being addressed by PIWA and ELANY on their
behalf.
- Due diligence: Charting a prudent path in a shaky
environment, a panel moderated by Michael DeFeo,
vice president, NIF Group, and featured speakers: Steven Weisbart,
Ph.D., CLU, vice president and chief economist, Insurance Information
Institute; David Blades, senior financial analyst, A.M. Best
Co.; Patricia Roberts, president, General Star Insurance Co.;
Matthew B. Scott, president, Penn-America Group; and
Gary Ricker, president, Pacific Pro Intermediaries. The panel
discussion included presentations by Weisbart and Blades, and a spirited
discussion on the impact of the economy and the marketplace on carriers and
wholesalers. An added bonus for all participants: a copy of the two
presentations was emailed to everyone the week after the event, providing them
with data that was helpful to their businesses and their planning.
Thank you, conference
sponsors
Please join the PIWA Board of Directors in thanking the many companies
which sponsored a portion of this year's event. Your support made the event
possible!
All Risk/CESI LLC………………………….....…........1st tee
Atlantic Casualty Ins.
Co…………………....…………Green
sponsorship
Beazley USA/First State Management Group Inc…..Gold
tournament
Burlington Insurance Group…………………....………Gold conference host
Cowles &
Connell of NY…………………….....………Gold
prizes
CRC Services Inc…………………………….....………Keynote Breakfast
Demetriou General
Agency………………....…………Notepads
ELANY………………………………………......……...Education session
GLN Worldwide
Ltd………………………......………..Table
programs
Global Facilities Inc……………………….....………...Tee sponsorship
Guilford Specialty
Group……………….....…………...Gold conference
host
Inter-Reco Inc……………………………......………….Opening Gala
Jimcor
Agencies………………………….....………….Closest to the
Pin
LoVullo Associates Inc……………………....………..Gold conference host
Max
Specialty………………………………....…….….Opening Reception
Pacific Pro
Intermediaries…………………..…….…...Silver conference host
Russell Bond
& Co. Inc…………………...……….…..Tee and green
Tower Group
Cos.…………………………....…….…..Gold conference host
Western World
Insurance Group…………..…….……Gold conference host
