(DeWitt, New York, Jan. 29, 2013) — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York honored outstanding contributions to the insurance industry and discussed public policy with state legislators in Albany today. The fifth annual Capitol Day drew insurance professionals from all over the state to the Hotel Albany and the State Capitol.
New York’s oldest insurance producer trade association presented a number of awards in recognition of excellent performance during 2012 in a ceremony at the Hotel Albany.
- Kristen Steinmiller of Steinmiller Associates, Webster, received the Joel S. Pollack Young Agent of the Year Award. Steinmiller is the president of her family’s insurance agency. She also serves as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Monroe County, chair of the Rochester Insurance Day Committee, and as a member of the IIABNY Next Generation Insurance Professionals Committee. In addition to her work in the insurance industry, she serves as vice-president of the Walworth Lions Club and on the stewardship committee of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Penfield.
- The Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) of the Year Award went to Michelle Dixon of Seely & Durland Insurance, Warwick. IIABNY gives the award to recognize tremendous technical and business skills and professional service to clients. Presenting the award, IIABNY Chair of the Board Thomas J. Crowley spoke of Dixon’s dedication to her career, her agency and her education. He also recognized her efforts to accommodate clients’ schedules and her friendly manner. She holds the Personal Lines ACSR designation.
- Michael Barrett, president of Barrett & Associates, Albany, received the Vincent Alba Award for demonstrated commitment to political engagement and support of IIABNY’s state and federal political action committees. Crowley cited, “The quality and depth of (Barrett’s) service to the association for more than 30 years and his stellar reputation with legislators and policymakers” in presenting the award. He noted that IIABNY is a leader in shaping the insurance laws and regulations in New York because of his efforts.
In the morning, IIABNY held its annual Legislative (L) Day. Agent members and associates from throughout New York State met with members of the State Assembly and Senate over lunch at the Empire State Plaza. Many members visited individual lawmakers’ offices to discuss important industry concerns such as the forthcoming health insurance exchange; pressure on agents to provide improper certificates of insurance; and a common standard for triggering hurricane deductibles in homeowners insurance policies.
Following the legislative activities and before the awards dinner, Capitol Day attendees participated in a number of presentations and activities.
- Aubie Knight, CIC, CRM, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia, gave a presentation on how to balance career success with personal and family commitments.
- Agents and brokers met with insurance company staff to discuss business issues at a brief reception.
- IIABNY staff presented “20 Tips in 20 Minutes,” a video series that provided ideas to help agencies grow profitably.
- Joseph Muldoon, director of broker relations for the New York State Health Benefit Exchange, gave a presentation on the status of New York’s forthcoming health insurance exchange, which is part of federal health care reform.
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, Inc. has represented the common business interests of independent insurance professionals since 1882. More than 1,750 agencies and their 13,000 plus employees currently rely on the DeWitt, New York-based not-for-profit trade association for legislative advocacy, continuing education and other means of industry support. In addition, most IIABNY members proudly identify themselves as Trusted Choice® agents and brokers, a national consumer brand uniting more than 21,000 independent agencies across the United States. For more information, go to www.trustedchoice.com or www.iiabny.org.