If ever there were a gentleman in the legal community it’s Allen Roberts, whose feature article written together with his partner Stuart Gerson appears on our pages. Allen is well known in the legal community and in the community of those who support humane treatment of animals. He is well known, too, in the New York social world, where parties at his Park Avenue address are highly prized among New York’s silk stocking district’s residents. This article should prove sharp and incisive reading…Speaking of reading, Don DeCarlotogether with Roger Thompson, has published the latest book in the field of Workers’ Compensation, called “Workers’ Compensation – The First 100 Years.” The book, which is supported by AMCOMP, an institution Don founded some years ago for the betterment of workers compensation practice, is a 12 chapter tome that is designed for use by those who will be certified by the Association. We are pleased to have been present at the founding ofAMCOMPand to witness Don DeCarlo’s dedication to this field. The twelve chapters of the book include these subheadings: History of Workers Compensation and Coverage under Compensation Laws; Arising Out Of and In The Course Of Employment; Accidental Injury and Occupational Disease; Mandated Benefits; Security Arrangements and Workplace Safety; The Standard Workers Compensation Policy, Policy Endorsements and Federal Coverages; Premium Determination; Claim Administration and Dispute Resolution; Medical Benefits and Cost Containment; Exclusive Remedy; Coordination with State and Federal Economic Security Programs; Current and Developing Workers Compensation Issues.. It is comprehensive, for sure. As for the certification process, it appears that those who do take the trouble to learn more about the field will likely better it; fulfilling the mission of AMCOMP. The preface of the book notes that Workers’ Compensation is enjoying its 100th year this year and has become a substantial part of the insuring business. Mr. DeCarlo and Mr. Thompson’s book do it justice on its anniversary. Written in a crisp and clear instructional style (the book is not exactly bedside reading); it certainly is authoritative in tone. We thoroughly commend it to your attention. Visit www.amcomppro.com. Don advises that the book will be used at his course at St. John’s University on Workers’ Compensation. While some might immediately rear back and look upon this as a dry subject, actually it has a great deal to do with the fabric of social conscience and the growth of respect for workers in our society. There is no such preaching in the book, but a careful reading of it will underline just how much societal responsibility goes into workers’ care. One chapter in particular, Chapter 6, covers the standard policy and endorsements and demonstrates the complexity of the subject. There are many developments these days in claims administration and in medical benefits and cost containment techniques for insurers; all of these are outlined in the book… On a personal note, I am pleased that a fellow alumnus of Mt. St. Michael Academy has authored this book and is spearheading the betterment of the WC field. At Mt. St. Michael during the 60’s the value system that made this country great was clear and that comes through in some of the people who were graduated from that institution during that period. Compliments to the strict Marist Brothers and to men like Don who walk the walk…Our Momma Garcia this issue is Bob Shapiro. Most recently Bob told us the following “The hard market is yet to arrive. We are waiting. Perhaps the January reinsurance treaties will respond to the worldwide CAT losses. Insurance companies are still fearful of the water exposure on the East Coast, especially on Long Island. The actuaries have been predicting the big one is coming, inundating all of Long Island and parts of Manhattan. Remember, insurance is a reflection of the economy.” Bob Shapiro, President Global Facilities, celebrates 54 years in the insurance business this coming month…In our September issue we will be featuring the Insurance Advocate’s 2011 Agency of the Year. This in-depth story about a most successful agency that has moved from simple retail to the top corporate level should prove exemplary for our readers. Up ahead, as well, we will be highlighting a revolution in claims payments and fraud control. Look for the Insurance Advocate. Enjoy Labor Day!

Alvin Moss, R.I.P.

We learn with great sadness of the passing of Al Moss, 73, suddenly, on August 14th. According to his widow, Karen, the family had had a great party and Al retired after the festivities, sat on the couch and closed his eyes for the final time. The Insurance Advocateand many of its readers will be moved by this sad news but cheered by the fact that Al did not have to suffer long illness or grave pain. This writer has known Al Moss for better than twenty-five years, from the days he was back on John Street with his numerous enterprises, to his days as President of First Capital, his affiliations with other general agencies and, finally, his last gig at Genatt. We know him as an individual who loved life with a passion, whose family was a constant source of joy for its accomplishments, its beauty and its widespread fame and good fortune, all, in great measure, owing to his great entrepreneurial drive and success. We recall so many good times together at social gatherings and business gatherings that it’s almost hard to believe that this sudden sleep could have come upon him and upon our friendship. The industry will remember Al for his numerous awards, his volunteering over many years, his creativity in the creation of insurance products, formats and, for his undeniable, incredible resilience and comeback ability no matter what the market or what the circumstance. He will be remembered as a great entrepreneur, a great communicator and dedicated professional, and a great friend to all. To Karen and to his family we express our sincere condolences together with that of many of our readers of the Insurance Advocate.