Shared Histories

It is so gratifying to share common history and opinion. Art Moll was a friend to so many of us and to the industry itself that, when we ran his column in “Looking Back” several letters and e-mails followed with sentiments we all share. We present one of the most thoughtful here below. As always your thoughts and views are welcomed – especially when they are as articulate as those that follow. SA

Dear Steve,

I know so many PIA members were delighted to see the Looking Back retrospective, featuring an article written 25 years ago by the beloved Arthur I. Moll, CPCU, CLU, CIC, past president of PIA of New York and PIA National in the Aug. 18 Insurance Advocate. As the Looking Back section often reveals, many things haven’t changed in our industry.

Art was a staunch believer in professional education, as demonstrated by the multiple designations he earned and used with his name. In fact, PIANY long has offered a memorial scholarship of tuition to two CISR seminars in Art’s name at its MetroRAP in January. While Art was against mandated continuing education (and many still agree with his position), he knew that quality education, such as that provided by the CIC and CISR programs through PIA are what differentiate professional agents from those who would acquire mandated CE from cheap, fly-by-night shops that exploit regulations for their own profit. Art would cringe at the cottage industry mandated CE has created for unscrupulous providers that dispense CE without substance. PIA offers valuable education; quality instructors; multiple designation programs and methods to learn that fit diverse schedules.

Art’s position is as true today as it was in 1989: “A charlatan will still be a charlatan and a professional will still be a professional.” And, his prediction, “Those who want to learn will and those who don’t won’t,” continues to differentiate professional independent agents.

He would encourage all agents to invest in their careers, their businesses and their employees with quality education and to “never stop learning.” MetroRAP will be here again soon. For their own careers and in memory of Art Moll, I encourage professionals with five or fewer years in the industry to apply for the Art Moll Memorial Scholarship today. Applying is easy—Simply fill out the form found on PIA’s website at: http://www.pia.org/EDU/extras/ NYdownstateScholarship.php. Education makes professionals.

Sincerely, Anthony A. Kubera, CIC President Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc.