PIANY Long Island RAP 2003 Is a Success Despite the Weather

April 9, 2003

The early spring chill wasn’t enough to keep nearly 400 agents, company representatives and industry colleagues from showing up at The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc.’s Long Island Regional Awareness Program, LIRAP 2003.

The event, held at Leonard’s of Great Neck, gave attendees the opportunity to network with industry peers and better their businesses through the largest annual downstate insurance gathering. They heard an informative keynote address by Peter J. Molinaro, New York State Insurance Department senior deputy superintendent of insurance, while earning continuing education credits, and expanding their contact lists by networking in the expansive trade show. “Agents and brokers who attended got a leg up on the industry by arming themselves with all the latest information to help them in their day-to-day business practices,” said a PIANY announcement.

Agents were offered the chance to earn NYCE credits by attending the day’s three educational sessions. Agents could mix and match between “E&O Mock Deposition Case Study;” “100 Percent Solution/Group Medical Reimbursement Policy;” and a panel discussion on “E&S Insurance in the Hard Market.”

The expansive trade show opened at 10 a.m., allowing attendees the chance to mingle with peers and make new contacts. More than 60 exhibitors offered market information and up-to-date industry products. The marketplace was also the day’s hot ticket, offering attendees the chance to win one of 15 $100 door prizes or one of two $700 grand prizes. Several exhibitors noted their approval at the steady turnout all day throughout the tradeshow.

“These shows are truly remarkable,” commented F. Michael Conte. “They bring everyone together, they offer a forum in which to meet one another, receive pertinent training and to stay up-to-date and ahead of what is going on in the industry at this time. It truly is a small community within a big industry, one in which you can’t help but turn around and see someone you know. And while it may be small compared to the industry as a whole, it makes us all stronger.”

During his keynote address Molinaro discussed the NYSID’s views on several of the state’s pressing issues, including terrorism, the Terrorism Insurance Act of 2002, availability of contractor’s insurance, automobile insurance fraud and more. He also discussed the direction the NYSID hopes to go with its online registration program. He noted that soon the NYSID hopes to add the electronic submission of applications and the electronic mailing of certifications onto its list of options.

The distinguished Louis A. Morelli Memorial award was presented to Jay Levy, president and co-CEO of the Morstan General Agency, New Hyde Park, N.Y. Actively involved with PIANY, Levy has served on the LIRAP committee for the past two years. Outside of PIA, Levy is an active member of the Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater New York and in his personal time he is involved with the United Jewish Appeal & Israel Bonds within the insurance community.

The Morelli Memorial award is given in memory of PIANY honorary director Lou Morelli. It is presented annually to an individual who shows exemplary contributions to insurance professionalism and has a reputation for working toward the betterment of the agency system and for the growth of the association.

The 2003 Long Island RAP Company of the Year award was presented to First Rehabilitation Life Insurance Co. of America. The Company of the year award recognizes a company from the insurance industry, which has demonstrated those qualities which best foster a sound working relationship between agent and company and who has exemplified a commitment to professionalism and service.

“We had a great turnout this year, I’m very pleased with it,” stated PIANY President David Isenberg. “I’ve seen several new faces and many familiar faces. All in all, it has turned into a great show. Our panel discussion this morning was well attended. It all came together wonderfully, and it looks busy, I love seeing it like that.”

RAP Committee Chair Peter Resnick noted the strong turnout toward the end of the day. “Considering everything that is going on right now, with the hard market and in the world, especially Iraq, right now, having 400 people take time out of their schedules is fantastic. I am very pleased with how today’s event turned out.”

Plans have already begun for Long Island RAP 2004, tentatively slated to be held again at the ever-popular Leonard’s April 22.

Topics New York Agencies Market

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