For immediate release …

Monday, Sept. 28, 2009
Contact: Melissa N. Cibelli
or Mary E. Christiano (800) 424-4244

PIWA Annual Conference gives brokers insight, education

GLENMONT, N.Y.—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 Synder, newly elected president of PIWA, son of past president Abe Synder, who became the first-ever, second-generation president in PIWA history. “Once again, the Annual Conference delivered, providing members with the information and tools they need to help them successfully run their businesses.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, attendees had the opportunity to take part in the annual golf outing at the Blue Hill Golf Club. Following the outing, participants were invited to take part in the opening dinner, where the 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 Abe Snyder, father of president Lucas Snyder.

Thursday's events were highlighted by a 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 retrospective look at the year, as well as a look into the future.

Participants also had the option to attend two education 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.
• 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.

Established in 1978, the Professional Insurance Wholesalers Association of New York State Inc. is a trade association of New York state insurance wholesalers serving retail insurance producers with specialty and excess lines markets.

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