February 2, 2011

PIWA braves the weather to deliver its message to lawmakers: Insurance wholesalers help New York businesses.

PIWA leaders made their first 2011 trip to Albany this week to meet with lawmakers on behalf of the New York state insurance wholesale community.

From left: Assembly Insurance Chair Joseph Morelle; PIWA Vice President JoAnn Peri; PIWA President Lucas Snyder; PIWA past President Wil Cote.

Despite the pending snowstorm, PIWA President Lucas Snyder, Vice President Jo Ann Peri and past President Wil Cote joined PIWA Legislative Representative for a full day of meetings with legislators and Insurance Department officials on February 1.

The PIWA representatives discussed issues of concern with the chairmen of the Senate Insurance Committees and Assembly Insurance Committees. Among the issues addressed this week: the proposed consolidation of New York's Insurance, Banking and Consumer Protection agencies; proper implementation of federal Dodd-Frank provisions in New York; and removing burdensome paperwork such as declinations for first and second renewals.

Response from lawmakers was positive. Senator Seward told PIWA representatives that he will try to make New York a better place to do business. Assemblyman Morelle and Assembly Insurance Committee Director Justin Wilcox asked on-target questions about the nature of the wholesale marketplace as the PIWA representatives described their businesses. PIWA also met with Insurance Department officials.

The proposed 2011 state budget was announced February 1 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Once again, it includes additional fines and increased penalties on insurance licensees, in addition to the proposed consolidation of state agencies. It also includes proposed implementation of the federal Dodd-Frank provisions in New York. Watch for further updates from PIWA as the budget process moves forward.

PIWA Spring Fling Educational Forum and Networking event

NEW Manhattan location— St. Johns University — May 19, 2011

PIWA returns to Manhattan in 2011—with an informative, hands-on education program, and a unique networking reception. Something for everyone! Block the afternoon and tell your staff. This is an event you’ll want to attend......and a great chance for your employees to learn from and network with company representatives.

2-5 p.m. Company coverage presentations—tips and tools to understand and sell different lines of coverages—learn the details from company underwriters. Designed for line-level producers as well as wholesale management.

5-7 p.m. Networking reception in the beautiful St. Johns University Atrium. Be sure to attend to network with company representatives, wholesalers and industry representatives.

Watch your PIWA mail for registration information and sponsorship opportunities.