PIANJ/PIANY Joint Annual Conference Proves Professional Agents are Stronger than Sandy

The Northeast’s biggest show in the industry returned to the Boardwalk and the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., on June 9-11, 2013. Some 2,000 agents, company representatives, exhibitors and other insurance industry professionals showed up to prove that the PIANJ/PIANY Joint Annual Conference is stronger than ever, even in the face of one of the worst natural catastrophes in our region’s history.

The ever-growing conference is an unrivaled networking event that honors industry stars and features gala banquets, an expansive trade show with the latest insurance products and industry businesses, and cutting-edge educational seminars with a host of topics important to agents, including a panel discussion featuring les- sons learned from Hurricane Sandy.

PIA recognizes thousands of agents for strength and response after Sandy

Thousands of professional independent insurance agents were sent awards after the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey and New York State announced they named Sandy-affected agents its 2013 Professional Agent of the Year on Monday night. PIA has never before bestowed a single award to such a large number of recipients. However, the extraordinary performance of agents on behalf of both their clients and carriers during and after Superstorm Sandy inspired the association to recognize every PIA member agent affected by the storm.

PIANY President Michael J. Skeele, CIC, CPIA, and PIANJ immediate past President Anthony Bavaro, CIC, CRM, announced the unprecedented award, and displayed a permanent plaque commemorating it, which will be displayed at the associations’ headquarters in Glenmont, N.Y. Additionally, “This year is unique,” Bavaro told the audience of some 400 industry pros who attended Monday’s awards dinner. “I don’t have to share with the people in this room the extraordinary circumstances our region and our industry have faced since this past fall, when Superstorm Sandy hit our shores. As someone who was without power and Internet in both my home and agency, and who is still dealing with the claims of my clients, I know firsthand just how much of an effect the storm has had on our industry and the public we serve. The response of our industry—the agency CSRs and principals who worked from their cars when their agencies were without power–our carriers who brought in adjusters from throughout the country to make sure they had as many boots on the ground as possible to expedite claims—our own PIA staff who helped provide us with much needed information through Storm Info Central— the last eight months have been extraordinary times for our industry … times in which we were able to show the public the real value and service independent agencies and the companies we represent pro- vide to our clients.

“Throughout this room, we can all share stories about long hours; forced relocations; creative communications; and extraordinary feats that we and our employees accomplished to make sure the promises our industry made to our insureds were kept, even when we our- selves were affected by the storm. I am proud to have been a part of this amazing effort by our whole industry,” Bavaro said.

“This shouldn’t be a surprise,” Skeele said. “Year after year, we have said on this very stage that professional, independent agents are pillars of their communities– always there to support neighbors, friends and families. We have always been the backbones of our communities, where we’ve chosen to live. Sandy was devastating to entire regions–to thousands of families and the communities where they live. Our members played a critical role in helping those they serve to get back on their feet and be restored to as much normalcy as possible … as quickly as possible. They were among the first responders, often put- ting their clients’ needs ahead of their own families … For this reason, PIA of New York and PIA of New Jersey are proud this year to recognize every PIA member agency in the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy,” Skeele concluded.

PIANJ and NJYIP Change of Administration

Monday’s dinner also featured the inaugural address of newly elected PIANJ President Stephen Tague, CPIA, in which he discussed the important roles of com- munity, engaging diverse groups and ensuring the industry’s legacy, as the association approaches its 75th anniversary next year and beyond. During his speech, Tague started with the importance of coordinating PIANJ’s efforts with other PIA state affiliates to address common needs among insurance professionals–the benefit of which, he said was demonstrated during and after Storm Sandy. “I have asked the leadership of our Government Affairs Committee to engage the leadership of PIANY and PIACT to discuss what issues are important to all of us and to plan where we can act in unison on common issues.”

Regarding the diverse ethnic and women’s groups in the insurance industry, Tague stressed the need to engage the groups because “… the emergent agencies of diverse communities, like all independent agencies, have strong entrepreneurial ambitions and develop their businesses policy by policy, and client by client.”

Tague continued: “Our industry realizes the value and contributions of the diverse/ethnic communities to our economy and to the insurance business … we must welcome these communities into our business at a more rapid pace to keep up with our developing and diversifying population.”

To accomplish this goal, Tague has asked PIANJ past President Donna Cunningham, CPIA, to continue an effort she initiated during her PIANJ presidency: To reach out to agencies emerging in diverse markets. “We encourage participation with our carrier partners … and ask all of our members to engage in this process by reaching out to the diverse ethnic agents.”

Tague also addressed the importance of the insurance industry’s legacy–an idea he said many agents “leave on the proverbial backburner. Legacy is a concept that goes beyond just leaving our agencies at the end of the day. To me, legacy involves all that has been built up during these many years, believing that it had tremendous value and meaning and wanting to leave it in great hands.”

He told the audience that agents need to ask themselves several questions about their own legacies, including: How do we preserve a system that has been around for so many years? How do we attract the next generation? How do we address changes in the industry, including mergers and acquisitions, agency aggregators, and increased bank participation in our business?

“It is my ambition, and hopefully all of yours, to attack these issues this year,” Tague said, reporting his intent to develop a task force comprised of PIANJ and New Jersey Young Insurance Professional members, with the input of company representatives, to consider agency internships and incentives for young people to enter our industry and develop paths toward agency careers and ownership.

Tague encouraged those in attendance to participate in his plans and stay active in PIANJ. “I plan to invest in these goals during my presidency as we proceed toward our Diamond Anniversary over the next year, to ensure a strong foundation for our 100th Jubilee. I know I have the support of those who currently volunteer for PIANJ and NJYIP committees, and I welcome the help of everyone in the room tonight, both company partners and PIA members to get involved if you feel strongly concerning anything I have discussed tonight.”

New leaders recognized

Both PIANJ and New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals installed officers and directors.

2013-14 PIANJ officers:

• President Stephen Tague, CPIA, president and principal of van den Heuvel & Fountain Inc., in Augusta, N.J. • Vice President Glenn Tippy, CPCU, CLU, president of Gerrity, Baker, Williams Inc., in Flanders, N.J.

• Vice President Donald F. LaPenna, Jr., president of Donald F. LaPenna Associates in Clark, N.J. • Treasurer Kacy Campion Renna, CIC, of Wall Township, N.J., president/owner of Connelly-Campion- Wright in Belmar, N.J.

• Secretary Lloyd H. “Rip” Bush Jr., producer for Keer & Heyer in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J.

In addition, the association elected nine professionals to its board of directors. For a three-year term, expiring in 2016:

• Lloyd H. “Rip” Bush Jr. of Fair Haven, N.J. Bush is a producer for Keer & Heyer in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J.

• Charles Caruso CIC, CPIA, of Beachwood, N.J. Caruso is senior vice president of Herbert L. Jamison & Co. LLC/Jamison Insurance Group in West Orange, N.J.

• Donald F. LaPenna, Jr., of Cranford, N.J., president of Donald F. LaPenna Associates in Clark, N.J.

• Kacy Campion Renna, CIC, of Wall Township, N.J., president/owner of Connelly-Campion-Wright in Belmar, N.J.

• Glenn Tippy CPCU, CLU, of Mountain Lakes, N.J. Tippy is president of Gerrity, Baker, Williams Inc., in Flanders, N.J.

• Mario Fernandez, J.D., of Ridgefield N.J. Fernandez is owner of M&F insurance Agency in North Bergen, N.J.

• Thomas P. Wilkens of Belford, N.J.Wilkens is vice president of Professional Risk Placements LLC in Red Bank, N.J.

The following individuals were elected to serve for a two-year term, expiring in 2015:

• Salvatore Abate, CPIA, of Sewell, N.J. executive vice president of Anderson Jackson Metts in Cherry Hill, N.J.

• Kristen M. Scott, CPIA, of Wharton, N.J. Scott is vice president of Chamber Insurance Agency Services in West Orange, N.J.

2013-14 NJYIP officers:

• President Casey Yarger, CIC, of Robert Petri & Daughter Insurance Agency in Milltown, N.J.

• Vice President Natalie Bruno, CPIA, of D’Agostino Agency in Hammonton, N.J.,

• Treasurer and Secretary Daniel Tague of The Travelers Cos. in Morris Plains, N.J.,

• Immediate past President Thomas Wilkens of Professional Risk Placements LLC in Red Bank, N.J.

Young Insurance Pros recognized

During Monday’s YIP Award lunch- eon, the New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals recognized their new officers and honored Thomas P. Wilkens of Belford, N.J. and Dale Martin, co-vice president of Franklin Mutual Insurance Co., in Branchville, N.J., each for distinguished service.

As an active member of NJYIP, Wilkens served as president from 2012-13 and vice president in 2010-11. He also served as NJYIP liaison to PIANJ’s Government and Industry Affairs Committee and as a member of the Special Olympics Golf Committee. In 2010, Wilkens was awarded the NJYIP director of the year.

Martin was recognized in large part because of his extraordinary support of the NJYIP Fun Run to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey. “Dale has shown, athlete experience. We could not imagine a Fun Run without him—or FMI—and we are honored to recognize him.”

The New York Young Insurance Professionals honored Jason Bartow of the Eugene A. Bartow Insurance Agency in Deer Park, N.Y., with the New York Young Insurance Professionals Volunteer of the Year award, bestowed annually to an individual who is committed to improving the quality of events and programs of the organization by giving of their personal time so others will benefit.

“Jason’s tireless commitment to NY- YIP is second to none,” said Gino Orrino, president of NY-YIP. “It is with great appreciation that we recognize him for what he’s done for our organization and industry.”

NY-YIP also named Michael Plafker, CPIA, NY-YIP Insurance Professional of the Year. Plafker is account executive for Member Brokerage Service LLC, in Briarwood, N.Y., and immediate past president of NY-YIP.

“Michael has made significant contributions to ensure the future of our industry by helping to develop the leaders of tomorrow,” said Orrino. “We are pleased to present this award to him recognizing his dedication & active participation in our organization.”

PIANY’s Michael Logurcio presented David Lande, J.D., account executive for Century Coverage Corp. in Valley Stream, N.Y., with an honorary lifetime membership of the New York Young Insurance Professionals. This is only the fifth time in the association’s history that an individual has received this honor, which is given to an individual who has rendered remark- able service to the insurance industry and to the association as a whole.

PIA Icon Lauded

Also during the awards dinner, PIANJ and PIANY jointly presented Executive Director Diane K. Fowler with the Distinguished Insurance Service award for her 35 years of service to the associations and their members. Fowler plans to retire from PIA at the end of the year.

“Diane’s knowledge, professionalism and work ethic have been hallmarks of her distinguished career and she makes our entire organization look good; holding all of us to a high degree of professionalism,” said PIANJ immediate past President Anthony Bavaro, CIC, CRM, who presented her with the award. “We have been truly fortunate to have her on our side for the last three decades, and we wish her many years of happiness after her retirement at the end of this year.”

Fowler joined PIA in 1978, as a new graduate of Tufts University. In 1984, she became head of PIA’s Communication Department, responsible for all aspects of the associations’ public and member information. She earned her Certified Association Executive designation in 1990, and served as president the Empire State Society of Association Executives, which honored her in 1991 with the prestigious Excellence in Communications Award. That same year, she became assistant executive director for PIA of Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York State. And in 2004, she was promoted to executive director of each of the four state PIA affiliates.

“Her expertise is sought after and appreciated by sister associations across the country, through the extensive network she has developed and through her work with PIA National and other industry organizations,” said PIANJ newly elected President Stephen Tague, CPIA, who also presented Fowler with the award.

Fowler has served on multiple committees for PIA National, including: the Collaboration and Membership Task Forces, the Affiliate Relations and Membership Committees and as treasurer of the State Executives Society. She also has served as executive director for the Professional Insurance Wholesalers Association in New York State.

“PIA grew to its present reputation of excellence with the help of Diane’s wisdom and responsibility,” said PIANY President Michael J. Skeele, CIC, CPIA, during the award presentation. “She is a respected leader, who truly puts the ‘Professional’ in PIA.”

Super Lessons Three Days Long

Participants had the opportunity to take up to 12 credits through exciting and courses offered at the conference and earn an additional 12 credits with a self-study course and on-site proctored exam for bridge credits, entitled, Advertising, Rebating and Referrals: Staying Compliant When Designing Your Marketing Plans.

The conference opened Sunday, June 9, with Super Lessons from a super storm, a panel discussion that featured five agents and carriers that survived the storm and helped clients despite their own crises at home and business caused by Sandy.

Throughout the weekend, professionals had opportunities earn valuable education that they can use for their business. Monday morning offered a choice of Current Issues in Construction Defects, with Jerry Hargrove, J.D., CIC, CPIA, FCLA, SCLA, PICS, LICS, CBIA; Super Storm Sandy—Commercial Coverage Issues taught by Cathy Trischan, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AU, AAI, ARM, CRIS, MLIS or Earthquakes, Hurricanes and Floods, Oh My! Featuring Steve Lyon, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AAI, ARM, AIS, CRIS.

That afternoon packed in even more, with CyberTech 2013—Liability Exposures and Coverage taught by Hargrove; Personal and Commercial Lines Q&A with Lyon; and Who’s Covered by the CGL? Insureds and Additional Insureds by Trischan. Education closed the conference as well, with Steve Lyon presenting Errors & Omissions Loss Prevention.

PIA National President

Attendees of the lunch had the opportunity to hear PIA National President Andy Harris, who extoled the unique benefit professional agents offer clients and their carriers.

Reflecting on his presidential term, Harris said, “Need- less to say it’s been a difficult year,” he said, referring to the Sandy-related theme of the conference.

“Here in Atlantic City, we’ve seen this first-hand. Disasters aren’t unique to New Jersey and they vary by region, but the response of PIA agents does not, Harris said. “Be it flood, wild fire, hail or hurricanes, insurance agents are there for their clients when they need them. In our industry, during a crisis, we run toward the danger zone. Once the first responders clear the area, guess who’s next in the area—insurance agents. We’re there to care for clients, neighbors and friends and even those we don’t insure to make sure lending hands and helping them. Our concern is for our clients and our actions on their behalf… there’s nothing positive about a natural disaster, but in times of cri- sis the value we bring to our clients and community shine though.”

Harris commended the audience and reminded them that while competitors are unrelenting in advertising that price is the most important thing when purchasing insurance, professional independent agents know better and take better care of their clients.

Monday evening concluded with one of the conference’s most popular events: the NJYIP/NY-YIP Nitecap reception, which took place at the exciting Casbah nightclub.

NJYIP Fun Run

Hundreds of insurance professionals, family and friends gathered on the Boardwalk early Tuesday morning in anticipation of the NJYIP annual Fun Run to benefit the Special Olympics of New Jersey (see picture below). The event raised more than $143,000, adding to the more than $3 million that NJYIP and PIANJ, through its annual golf classic, have raised for SONJ throughout their partnership of nearly three decades.