You Get Out More Than You Put In

Earlier this month, the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State held its annual reception in Albany. There, we honored the newly elected officers and directors for 2015-16 and presented awards of distinction. The Advocate no doubt will report on the awards and the new administration, but I want to share a particularly striking speech, from immediate past president Tony Kubera. Tony now has joined an elite club with a surprisingly substantial membership: past presidents of PIANY. When I think about the work and dedication of the impressive presidents the association has had over the years, I realize that the reciprocal contributions PIA and its volunteers exchange is unique. Consider Mark LaLonde: a fellow agent and PIA volunteer, who moved up the PIANY ranks to president in 1998. Now, he is CEO of PIA Management Services, the parent organization that manages four PIA state affiliates from Glenmont. That’s commitment. In preparation for his outgoing remarks, Tony sought counsel from several active past presidents. He asked: “Why do so many past presidents stay so actively involved in PIA?” He joked, “They’ve served their time; they’ve gotten their commemorative plaque and pin … so, why do they do it?” In his speech, he shared some of the responses he received and he graciously has permitted me to include them in this column, though they are abbreviated for space. But, it’s no wonder professional independent agents have a special commitment to their association: Every successful agent shares a desire to build community and help others. That’s what makes us good agents – it drives our volunteerism in our hometowns and in our industry. To a person, I can confidently say that every past president (and even past officer) of PIA would agree that we get more out of our work for PIA than we ever put in. You can see we are a group that appreciates humor as much as loyalty. “Probably because I learn something new every day from people around me, and I hope that means, in turn, I can pass my knowledge to others somehow … I want to be able to bring people into the industry; I want to show them the importance of giving back to an industry that gives so much to so many,” said Donna Chiapperino, president from 2010-2011. “I have always felt I learned more at our meetings than I contributed. My father was active his whole life, so I guess it rubbed off. … Maybe I am also nuts!” said Eric Nicolaysen, president from 1973-1974 and still an active member of PIANY. Short and to the point, Jeff Greenfield responded, “To me, PIA stands for Passion In Action. I still have the passion to fight for causes and PIA is the vehicle. After all, my card says “Have cause? … Will travel!” And of course, Jeff ’s email response also included the caveat: “This message is dictated but not proofread by Jeff.” “PIA has helped me, and most of us, grow and succeed in the industry. I can’t think of a better way to thank an organization than to continue giving back. It is important to help others develop skills as they continue through the process, just as other presidents have helped us—it’s all about the joy of giving to others.” That is from Alan Plafker, PIANY’s 2012-2013 president. From Western New York, Lynne Frank, president from 2001-2002, said, “There are many reasons I stay involved: first, I love the four-and- a-half hour drive to Albany! … Seriously, there are still so many things that PIA does that have value to me. I like staying involved and knowledgeable about industry happenings and legislative issues. I wouldn’t be as ‘in-the-know’ if it weren’t for staying active in PIA.” Rich Savino said: “After being involved for so many years, I don’t want to leave the family. This is a community that helps each other in so many ways. We help each other and we help our customers, and that’s all enhanced by this organization called PIA.” As for myself, I can’t believe it’s been more than 10 years since I was president of PIANY. As I think about Tony’s question, there are many reasons I stay active. But ultimately, for me it’s quite simple: We are one great big family. At PIA, it’s not that once you are a president, you disappear. Rather, you use your experience and share what you’ve learned to help the organization and our industry. The friends we’ve met on the way up continue to be friends. As a past president, I look forward to PIA meetings and visiting my extended family. As Tony’s presidency ends, I have to say he, like so many before him, did a wonderful job. He had his trials and tribulations. But his accomplishments were numerous, including increased communication within and beyond the association, passage of PIA’s Certificates bill into law and reform to New York’s auto inspection requirements. As Gene Sandy takes the helm of PIA, I know that Gene is going to do a fantastic job as well—he has support and respect from his friends in the past presidents’ club. The PIA mission doesn’t end with your presidency. We have so much to do; as those with experience, we are there to groom those climbing the ladder and we need all the manpower (and woman power) possible – we need all hands on deck to accomplish the mission of PIA, which is to build the future for insurance professionals everywhere.

Stephen Ruchman, CPIA, is a retired independent agent and founder of Ruchman Associates, Inc. the agency he started in 1961. A past president of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State, Inc., he is an active supporter of PIANY, and he has sat on or chaired nearly every committee including the Executive Committee and the Long Island Advisory Council and PIANY’s Political Action Committee. He can be reached via email at: nsruchman@gmail.com.