Professionals.

Over the past week and a half, I’ve kept quite the calendar! In fact, in just five days, I attended the UJA Long Island event and the PIANJ/PIANY Joint Annual Conference in Atlantic City. As I said in my last column, these are the two not–to–be missed events for any professional in our industry.

These events demonstrate a rare character that distinguishes our industry—fellowship.  I am always amazed that, through our work with groups like UJA and PIA, independent agents—who are competitive by nature and competitors by profession— gather together; celebrate triumphs and tackle challenges and work together to make our entire industry better. We share best practices and honor those who are the cream of the crop, an, by so doing, we ensure the future for those who will inherit our industry after us.

It was this next generation of insurance professional that caught my attention again and again over the past few weeks. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my friend Justin Fries, of Garber Atlas Fries & Associates Inc., first. Justin co-chaired the UJA event with me. But he didn’t slow down after that. Without missing a beat, he was off to Atlantic City, where he participated in a panel discussion during the PIA conference, which featured successful agents and companies that survived Hurricane Sandy. This event, “Super Lessons from a Super Storm” was horrifying, inspiring and enlightening. Other panelists included Moderator Glenn K. Tippy, CPCU, CLU; PIA National Vice President and Treasurer Richie Clements from Katrina-hit New Orleans; Rip Bush of Keer & Heyer Insurance Agency in Pt. Pleasant Beach, N.J; Lisa Tepper, president of the Downstate New York/New Jersey Region for Travelers and Ed Fernandez, CPCU, president of the Independent Agent Division at Plymouth Rock Management Co.

Given what these individuals have been through since last October (and since Katrina, in Richie Clements’ case), the fact that they survived is amazing. The fact that they took time to share with others the les- sons they’ve learned is generous beyond belief. Hats off to them!

Before I continue with the PIA event, though, I want to mention how impressive the UJA event was. We honored Amy Feller, senior vice president of Chubb Group of Insurance Cos., and Benjamin Lawsky, superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services; two industry powerhouses I’ve already gushed about in my last column. UJA also welcomed David Sterling, the chairman and CEO of Sterling Risk as incoming chair of UJA-Federation’s Long Island Executive Committee. I am so proud of this event. The dignitaries who attend it and who we honor are of the highest caliber in ours or any industry. But most importantly, UJA raised significant funds that evening for deserving charities throughout Long Island.

Back to Atlantic City for the PIA conference. Many years ago, when I was convention chair for PIANY, we held separate events, with PIA New York’s convention in Saratoga. Thirteen years ago, the two merged and the rest is history, from two small conferences, this has become the biggest industry event in the Northeast. We had to move a few years ago from another resort, because the show had grown so big we needed a larger arena to fit the trade show. Now, some 200 vendors make sure they are there every year, and the excitement is palpable. I’m amazed at the thousands of professionals, agents, exhibitors, carrier reps and vendors who show up each year.

It’s understandable why they do: The education is great, of course; and it’s two days of CE credits for those of us who needed them. But, I think people return for the networking. I had a nice dinner with old friends and business associates. Sunday night, Morstan hosted an event and—as usual—Jay, Howie and Al were gracious hosts. But the highlight of this year’s PIA conference was when we surprised our own Diane Fowler, who plans to retire at the end of this year with an award for distinguished service. It’s hard to believe she’s been with PIA 35 years and executive director for a decade. One of the most poignant moments of the entire event was when the past presidents of PIA of New York and New Jersey were asked to join Diane in posing for a photo. I’m sure that each of us at that moment recalled memories of Diane training us individually. I heard PIANY past President John Bailey whisper to her that he also stood on behalf of the many others who have passed on or were not able to make it (Of course, that’s the kind-hearted sort of thing John would think to say). As I look at the picture accompanying this article, I realize Diane also advised the presidents of New Hampshire, Connecticut and PIWA – there’s another third of her trainees missing from this picture.

A caption for the photo seems unwieldy, so instead, I’m listing the entire group of past presidents and the years or their administrations in text here: Back row, left to right:  Gary Rygiel, CIC, CPCU, ARM, CRM, AIS, PIANJ 2008-2009; Andy Harris, CIC, CPCU, ARM, CRM, AIS, PIANJ 1998-1999; Steve Reichmann, CIC, PIANJ 2001-2002; D. Scott Liebert, CIC, PIANY 2008-2009; John D’Agostino, CIC, CPIA, CRM, PIANJ 2003-2004: Mike Skeele, CIC, CPIA, PIANY 2012-2013; William R. Vowteras, CPIA, PIANJ 2009- 2010; Erik Nicolayson, III, CPCU, PIANY 1973-1974; Scott Miller, CIC, AAI, PIANJ 1994-1995; Paul Monacelli, CIC, CPIA, PIANJ 1999-2000; John Bailey, CIC, PIANY 2001-2002; Mark LaLonde, CIC, CPIA, AAI, PIANY 1998-1999. Front row, left to right: Steve Tague, CPIA, PIANJ 2013-2014; David Madera, CPCU, AAI, PIANJ   2002-2003, Anthony Bavaro, CIC, CRM, PIANJ 2012-2013; Bruce Dolin, CIC, CPIA, AAI, AIS, CWCA, ARM, CRIS, PWCA, MLIS, PIANJ 1989- 1990; Ken Ronan, CIC, CLU, PIANJ 1983- 1984; Donna Cunningham, CPIA, PIANJ 2010-2011; William G. Vowteras, CPCU, PIANJ 1986-1987; Diane Fowler, Executive Director; Lynne Frank, CPCU, PIANY 2000-2001; Rich Savino, CIC, CPIA, PIANY 2011-2012;     Keith Savino, CIC, PIANJ 2011-2012; N. Stephen Ruchman, CPIA, PIANY 2004-2005; Martin Koles, PIANY 2007-2008; David Isenberg, PIANY 2002-2003.

Looking at Diane, it’s hard to believe that someone so young can be such an institution at PIA. The amount of knowl- edge Diane passed on to us is enormous— and we are all better because our paths have crossed and Diane has been a part of the organization. PIA is as strong as it is because of the relationship she forged with each of one of us. We look forward to a strong future, which I know will be just as exciting because Deputy Director, Kelly Norris, who will take the torch in 2014, is learning from the best. There are exciting times ahead.