Thousands of agents and insurance industry professionals turned out to see the new and exciting developments to the PIANJ/PIANY Joint Annual Conference at Bally’s Park Place in Atlantic City, N.J. June 7-9. The event included a sold-out trade show; jam-packed education from which agents and their staff could obtain valuable information; sensational networking opportunities, and of course, the always-inspiring NJ-YIP Fun Run to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey.

Perhaps the most evident update was a move away from long formal speeches and a new emphasis on entertainment, including the YIP Nitecap at Bally’s upscale and glamorous Diamond Club on Sunday Night and the Poolside Reception with Jimmy and the Parrots on Monday. Hundreds turned out for events, featuring music, dancing, drinks and delicious food.

Honoring industry leaders

Early at the conference, PIANJ and PIANY recognized retiring ACORD President and CEO Gregory Maciag, who has led the insurance standards and forms organization for several decades, after beginning his career at ACORD in the 1970s. “Greg’s vision and dedication over 40 years has helped insurance agents and carriers with business solutions and the exchange of information that have pushed our industry forward,” said PIANJ past- President and National Director, Keith A. Savino, CPIA, who also serves on the ACORD board of directors. “He would have been remarkable in any vocation, and we are fortunate that he chose this path.”

PIANJ past-President and PIA Management Services Director W. Scott Miller, CIC, AAI, also was recognized with a presidential citation for his ongoing guidance of the associations and unwavering support of professional agents.

“Scott has been a respected and effective leader in the insurance industry for decades, and a PIA member for some 40 years”, PIANJ immediate-past-President Glenn Tippy, CPCU, CPIA, said as he introduced Miller. “It is abundantly apparent that he has a legacy of leadership in our organization.”

Tippy presented a third award before handing the reins over to newly inducted PIANJ President Charles Caruso, CIC CPIA, to longtime PIANJ member andleader, Steven C. Radespiel, as Director of the Year. Tippy cited Radespiel’s service to PIA on the Membership Services/Programs Committee; the Executive/Budget & Finance Committee and the Industry Relations Subcommittee, as well as the Northeast Advisory Council. He noted Radespiel will serve this upcoming administration as secretary for 2015- 16, continuing a family tradition, as his father also volunteered and served as PIANJ president.

“Steve is a model leader for PIA members,” said Tippy, “Always taking time to foster the good image of both his own agency and the industry in his community, as a member of the Gateway Chamber of Commerce and serving as president of the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce.”

Newly Elected PIANJ Administration

PIANJ’s annual change of administration took place Sunday morning and Immediate-past-President Glenn Tippy, CPCU, CLU, publicly recognized his administration during Monday’s networking lunch, asking all of the directors and officers to stand as he introduced the following new administration:

PIA National Director, Keith A. Savino, CPIA;
Immediate-past-President, Glenn Tippy, CPCU, CLU;
Secretary, Steven C. Radespiel;
Treasurer, Bruce Blum;
Vice President, Rip Bush;
Vice President, Kacy Campion Renna, CIC;
First Vice President, Donald F. LaPenna Jr.;
President, Charles Caruso, CIC, CPIA.

Young Pros Recognized

During Monday’s networking luncheon, PIANJ President Charles Caruso also recognized the New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals 2014-15 officers:

Immediate-past-President Casey Yarger, CIC, of Robert Petri & Daughter Insurance Agency in Milltown, N.J.
Secretary/Treasurer Logan True, of True & Associates of Clinton and Westfield, N.J;
Vice President Aaron Levine of LG Insurance Group in Long Branch, N.J.; and
President Natalie Bruno, CPIA, of D’Agostino Agency in Hammonton, N.J.

Caruso praised the Young Insurance Professionals as having a history of “…getting things done. This organization initiates and develops leaders that will take us through the next generations in our industry. But, leadership is not something that can be taught; it must be experienced firsthand. And, that’s where the Young Insurance Professionals comes in,” he said. “Through participation in YIP, we identify visionaries who don’t just take part in, but create networking and special events; education, legislative initiatives and building tomorrow’s insurance leaders … today.”

DOBI meeting

Two top Department of Banking and Insurance officials met with PIANJ directors Monday morning at the conference to discuss important and emerging issues affecting agents and the state’s insurancebuying public. DOBI Commissioner Kenneth E. Kobylowski and Assistant Commissioner William Rader discussed the rising share-economy services such as ride-hailing (Uber and Lyft), Airbnb and Task Rabbit; as well as restrictive underwriting; a private flood market and flood mitigation projects; electronic ID cards; electronic policy delivery; and health policy fees.

Education that puts the ‘Professional’ in PIA

Participants had the opportunity to take up to 12 credits through exciting courses offered at the conference, starting Sunday, June 7, with Is this Stuff for Real? And, More Importantly, How Do We Insure It?, taught by the wildly popular Steve Lyon, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AAI, ARM, AIS, CRIS, CWCP.

Throughout the weekend, professionals had several opportunities to earn valuable education that they can use for their business. Monday morning offered a choice of The Rs of Customer Service— Regulations, Rules and Responsibility, taught by Steve Lyon or The Really BigUmbrella Class, taught by Bruno Falvo, CIC, CPCU, ARP.

That afternoon packed in even more, with Business in the Home with Falvo; What is ERISA? And, How It Can Cost You Money, taught by Gary Slavin, CIC; and Additional Insureds vs. Contractual Liability, with Lyon.

Education closed the conference as well, with Falvo presenting Errors and Omissions Loss Control by Example, Tuesday morning.

NJYIP Fun Run

The PIANJ Young Insurance Professionals celebrated 31 years of raising contributions for Special Olympics New Jersey through the Fun Run on Tuesday morning, as the weather broke in time for runners to take their mark. This year, more than 175 runners and other participants shattered fundraising records, bringing in $145,000 to this single event. To date, PIANJ and NJ-YIP have raised nearly $3.5 million for the athletes and the events in which they participate.

The runners with the best overall time included: Overall fastest male, Kyle Price (16:34.23); Overall fastest female Victoria Thaler, (20:31.11); Top Team Fundraiser, FMI ($73,375.00); and Top Individual Fundraiser, Ed Francis (ARI) $2700.00.

Another notable moment took place as PIANY-YIP President Jennifer DiCristafaro presented the ceremonial YIP team trophy. NY-YIP and NJYIP have good-heartedly challenged each other for several years to be the fastest team. This year, New Jersey took the win. “The trophy is back home!” NJYIP president Natalie Bruno exclaimed as she accepted the honor.

Carmon Bannon, Chief Program Development Officer of Special Olympics New Jersey and Special Olympic Athlete, Amy Noctor both spoke to the room, thanking PIA, YIP and the long-time companies and agencies for their continued dedication and support during the postrace breakfast, Bruno MC’d the breakfast celebration with Aaron Levine, recognizing runners and fundraisers.

Save the Date!

Plans are already underway for an even bigger and better show next year at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, June 12- 14, 2016.

2015 PIANJ/PIANY ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Insurance Advocate