PIANY’s MetroRAP
Agents Gather in Manhattan for ‘18 RAP
Hundreds of insurance professionals filled the grand rooms of the Roosevelt Hotel, in Manhattan, for PIANY’s Metropolitan Regional Awareness Program on Jan. 25. With a schedule full of valuable continuing-education sessions, networking opportunities and a packed trade show, it was the place to be for all greater New York City professional, independent agents and brokers.
Education
Attendees of the event had the opportunity to earn up to five CE credits by attending morning and afternoon education sessions.
During the morning session—New York Regulations: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You!—instructor Matthew F. Guilbault, Esq., led the way through the twists and turns of state laws and regulations. The course paid specific attention to recently enacted legislation such as, the state paid family leave regulation, the cybersecurity regulation and CE requirements.
Instructor Sheldon Hansen, CIC, CRM, CPIA, examined ways to reduce errors-and-omissions claims in the afternoon session—E&O in a Changing World. The class examined the agent’s responsibility in reducing E&O claims, the defense materials necessary in an E&O suit and more.
Awards
PIANY recognized two New York state industry professionals for their contributions to the insurance industry and gave away two scholarships for CE classes during the MetroRAP keynote/awards luncheon.
PIANY presented Stephen Mock, principal and CEO of JLNY Group LLC, with its Executive of the Year award. The award recognizes an individual from an insurance company, a general agency or a managing general agency who has demonstrated a strong working relationship with agents and brokers, and who has exemplified a commitment to professionalism and service.
During his acceptance speech, Mock spoke about how he fell into the insurance industry and the ways it has positively affected his life. He ended by praising his staff at JLNY and thanking PIANY and the MetroRAP committee.
Leslie Rogoff, marketing manager for Madison Avenue Brokerage, received PIANY’s Distinguished Insurance Service award in recognition of her history leading many successful industry networking and education events.
As she accepted the award, Rogoff recounted her initial reluctance entering the insurance business before falling in love with the industry through her engagement with the PIANY board of directors.
“I am extremely proud of the work PIA does and proud of the opportunities I’ve had to make an industry impact while working with amazing staff, brokers and colleagues,” she concluded. “We are a very impressive, incredible group of bright, hard-working, dedicated people.”
PIANY past President Shelly Kozel presented the Bernard I. Kozel Memorial and the Arthur I. Moll Memorial scholarships. Dedicated to the memories of Bernard I. Kozel, a longtime member of the insurance profession, and Arthur I. Moll, past president of both PIANY and PIA National, respectively—each scholarship provides one individual with tuition for two Certified Insurance Service Representative seminars conducted by PIANY. Stephanie Ruffin, underwriting technician at Lancer Insurance Co., received the Arthur I. Moll Memorial scholarship and Kristen Haszto, small business underwriter at JLNY Group, received the Bernard I. Kozel Memorial scholarship.
Keynote address
After the awards were handed out, New York Knicks legend John Starks took the stage to deliver his keynote address. A crowd favorite in New York during his tenure with the Knicks from 1990-98, the city was a permeating presence throughout Starks’ speech.
Starks opened by recalling his early days playing for the Knicks and his first experiences in New York City. He spoke openly about his relationships with other players on the team, speaking with admiration for Patrick Ewing, calling Greg Anthony an under-appreciated player and joking about the character of Charles Oakley. Starks also took time to address his infamous feud with Reggie Miller and express his admiration for Julius “Dr. J” Erving, whom he cited as his biggest influence growing up. While he readily admitted he was intimidated when he first arrived in New York, he spoke frequently of his love and affection for the community he has come to call home.
“This community means everything to me,” he said. “It makes me feel good to be here and be a part of it. It means so much to me to be able to give back some small piece of myself to help this city grow.”
While recalling the dynamics of the Knicks during his tenure, Starks described how the character of the city infiltrated how the team conducted itself. The team channeled the hard-working, tough character of the city into its motto, and it was able to execute and succeed because of the effort and hours put in during practice.
“Kind of like with what you all do,” he said. “If you work hard and put in the work, then you’re going to get something out of it. That’s what our motto was.”
His love for the community of New York City, his experience growing up and the central question of “What can I do to help others?” spurred Starks to start the John Starks Foundation. Founded in 1994, the foundation is dedicated to providing academic scholarships to New York City area students, based on financial need and academic excellence. He spoke with pride as he expressed his gratitude to sponsors and the hard-working individuals who have contributed to the longevity of his foundation.
“New York gave me so much pleasure during my time playing that I had to give something back to New York City,” he said. “And, that’s what makes me feel good every single day.”
While speaking on the importance of community, Starks also recognized the commitment to community is inherent in the independent insurance agency system. “What you guys do is very special,” he said. “The commitment that you give to your community is very special too. And, I commend each and every last one of you in here for doing that.”
Networking
MetroRAP offered opportunities to connect with fellow agents, catch up with friends and make new contacts during two events. Attendees kicked off MetroRAP chatting with friends and colleagues over hors d’oeuvres and drinks during the PIANY-YIP MetroRAP Welcome Reception at Connolly’s Pub.
With nearly 100 exhibitors, a continental breakfast and plenty of door prizes and cash giveaways, the MetroRAP trade show offered participants the perfect venue to mingle and stay up-to-date on the latest innovations, products and markets.
