September 28, 2009
 
PIWA Annual Conference gives brokers insight, education
 
        The Professional Insurance Wholesalers Association of New York State Inc. held its 2009 Annual Conference, Sept. 23-24, at the Hilton Pearl River, Pearl River, N.Y. 
        "PIWA members depend on their association for the latest in the industry, cutting-edge education and networking opportunities," said Lucas Snyder, newly-elected president of PIWA. "Once again, the Annual Conference delivered, providing members with the information and tools they need to help them successfully run their businesses."
        Snyder was elected and installed into office at the Annual Membership meeting held during the conference. He succeeds 2007-2009 President Gary Ricker, president of Pacific Pro Intermediaries. 
        Lucas Snyder is vice president of NIF Group in Manhattan and the son of past president Abe Snyder, making him the first-ever, second-generation president in PIWA history.
        Also elected as officers:  
        *Vice President Jo Ann Peri, Cowles & Connell of New York;
        *Treasurer David Pietrowski, LoVullo Associates Inc;
        *Secretary Barry Walfish, JimCor Agencies Inc.
 
Conference events
        On Wednesday, Sept. 23, attendees had the opportunity to take part in the annual golf outing at the Blue Hill Golf Club. Once again, the weather cooperated and participants were able to enjoy the beautiful weather and a great golf course.
        Following the outing, participants enjoyed a networking reception and opening dinner, where the association's annual Service to the Industry Award was presented to David A. MacLeod, CPCU, ARM, AIAF, president of Guilford Specialty Group and Burlington Insurance Group. 
        The dinner also featured the presentation of the Abe Snyder Memorial Scholarship, a $2,500 award for students studying risk management and insurance, to Margarita Rudzitskiy, Ridgefield, N.J. The scholarship is given in memory of past PIWA president Abe Snyder in recognition of his commitment to the industry and professional advancement. 
        Thursday's events were kicked off by the annual keynote breakfast, featuring an address by John F. Wood III, president of the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices. Wood provided those in attendance with a look at the activities and positions of NAPSLO over the last year and into the future.
        Participants also attended two timely, on-target educations programs on Thursday:
Thank you, conference sponsors
        Please join the PIWA Board of Directors in thanking the many companies which sponsored a portion of this year's event. Your support made the event possible!
 
All Risk/CESI LLC………………………….....…........1st tee
Atlantic Casualty Ins. Co…………………....…………Green sponsorship
Beazley USA/First State Management Group Inc…..Gold tournament
Burlington Insurance Group…………………....………Gold conference host
Cowles & Connell of NY…………………….....………Gold prizes
CRC Services Inc…………………………….....………Keynote Breakfast
Demetriou General Agency………………....…………Notepads    
ELANY………………………………………......……...Education session
GLN Worldwide Ltd………………………......………..Table programs
Global Facilities Inc……………………….....………...Tee sponsorship
Guilford Specialty Group……………….....…………...Gold conference host
Inter-Reco Inc……………………………......………….Opening Gala
Jimcor Agencies………………………….....………….Closest to the Pin
LoVullo Associates Inc……………………....………..Gold conference host
Max Specialty………………………………....…….….Opening Reception
Pacific Pro Intermediaries…………………..…….…...Silver conference host
Russell Bond & Co. Inc…………………...……….…..Tee and green
Tower Group Cos.…………………………....…….…..Gold conference host
Western World Insurance Group…………..…….……Gold conference host