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The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State recognized the achievements of four insurance professionals at its recent Metropolitan Regional Awareness Program (MetroRAP), held last Thursday at the New York Marriot in Brooklyn.
Janette Craven Drake received the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc.’s Bernard I. Kozel Memorial Scholarship award. The award honores Kozel, a long-time member of the insurance profession, and is given to a member who is a full-time insurance professional with less than five years of experience in the industry.
Drake was a marketing representative for Bethpage Insurance Agency in Bethpage, N.Y. In September 2002, she passed the New York State Insurance Broker test to become a licensed insurance broker. “Janette’s extraordinary work for our customers is a reflection of the Bethpage Insurance Agency, and of the independent insurance agent,” stated Owner Christopher Drake. “She always finds our clients the best quote and helps them get the coverage they need.”
Donna L. McKenna received the PIANY’s Arthur I. Moll Memorial Scholarship award, which honors Moll, past president of both PIANY and PIA National. It’s given annually to a PIANY member who is a full-time insurance professional with less than five years of experience in the insurance industry.
McKenna is a customer service representative at McCaffrey-Naso Inc., in Hicksville, N.Y. She’ll receive tuition for two courses conducted by the PIANY toward Certified Insurance Service Representative designation. “Donna’s dedication and loyalty to our clients is to be admired,” stated Thomas McCaffrey, CPCU, president of McCaffrey-Naso. “She is a dedicated employee and always goes that “extra mile” for our clients.”
Richard Zick, AU, CPCU, president and chief executive officer of Utica First Insurance Co. was presented with the PIANY’s “Executive of the Year” award, which is given to “an individual from an insurance company, general agency or managing general agency who has forged a strong working relationship with agents and brokers in the insurance industry.”
“Throughout his career, Mr. Zick has demonstrated a strong sense of loyalty and commitment to his colleagues in the agency and brokerage community,” stated Harvey A. Leff, VP of Buckingham Badler Associates Inc. and chairman of PIANY’s 2003 MetroRAP program.
Vincent Polese, CIC, received the organization’s “New York Young Insurance Professional of the Year” award for the second time. He is the managing director for CRC Insurance Services in New York. The award recognizes “an individual who has exemplified a commitment to a high level of professionalism, networking and service and whose achievements and dedication have helped shape the future of the industry and the New York Young Insurance Professionals.”
Donna Chiapperino, NYYIP chairperson, noted that “Vince’s tireless commitment to the New York Young Insurance Professionals and the industry as a whole is second to none. It’s nice to be able to show recognition and appreciation for all he’s done and continues to do for the organization and the insurance industry.”