What is Shawangunk?

The “pilgrimage” up to New Paltz, New York, to the formidable Mohonk Mountain Hotel and Resort in the Shawangunk mountains, was truly worth the trip, particularly as the NYIA gave its principal award this year to Cecilia Norat, a great favorite to this writer and a well-known person on these pages. I have said enough nice things about Cecilia in this column over the past several years for people to start to wonder, but every nice thing I have said is warranted, as this dynamic woman- a woman among women – has distinguished herself again and again with dedicated, committed, and bright service as a sign of her total devotion to the betterment of the business. Cecilia has joined many people together to achieve goals that are good for the entire insuring business and, as a consequence, its constituents, the policyholders. Congratulations, Cecilia, Ellen Melchionni, NYIA President, Cassandra Anderson, CAE, Director of Communications for NYIA, and the whole team at NYIA. They continue to deserve our applause, as well, for the assembly of speakers and topics they brought to the Shawangunk Mountains (who thought of that name? Sounds like a high powered cleanser). We were delighted to see DFS leaders Benjamin Lawsky on the program as well as Rob Easton, former New York State Department of Insurance Superintendants Howard Mills and Eric Dinallo. The channels of communication seem to be open and functioning. This is a good sign for the industry. It is something that people like Cecilia have encouraged for many years.… In the same breath, Peter Bickford observes in this issue that the weight and scope of recent reporting from the Department deserves a second look. I think Peter expresses even handedly concern over the recent DFS annual report’s relatively proportioned focus on insurance. In any case, recent events demonstrate that the Department is talking to the industry without being either “too cozy on the one hand or aloof on the other.”… Also in this issue, Jamie Deapo asks of agents “How do we avoid offering good advice or addressing necessary coverage, because we feel our action will be misinterpreted?” It’s a good question, one that agents face daily in giving advice. Jamie’s column like Steve Ruchman’s with which it alternates gets regular responses, mostly favorable, and deserves a good reading, as does the article about a third circuit decision for UM as uninsured motorist coverage continues to plague the courts and purveyors of insurance. All in all, our second issue of June 2012 is worth taking to the beach or to the pool or on the airplane for a good read. See you in July… remember we have one issue in July and one issue in August so that our staff here can rest up for the Fall. Our star columnist Michael Loguercio, regional sales manager for Webcetera- EZ Lynx and past President of the New York Young Insurance Professionals, was recognized with the NY-YIP Lifetime Achievement Award at the New York & New Jersey Professional Insurance Agents annual business conference, held at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City. This is only the fourth time in the association’s history that an individual has received this honor. In 2009, Michael was honored with the NY-YIP Insurance Professional of the Year. This award is given to an individual who has furthered the education and career advancement of young people within the insurance industry. CONGRATS, Mike… well deserved! [IA]