(Cooperstown, New York, May 14, 2015) — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York recognized excellent performance by insurers, a local trade group, volunteers and associates in a ceremony this evening. Acting for the final time in his capacity as IIABNY chair of the board, James Sutton presented the awards at the association's 2015 Leadership Dinner, held following its 133rd Annual Business Meeting at the Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, New York.

The Outstanding Company Partner Awards went to those insurers that scored the highest in the 2015 IIABNY Industry Index. The index is calculated based on survey responses by New York agents and brokers, judging insurers on criteria such as empowerment and consistency of underwriters and field personnel; technology and documentation; the agency-carrier relationship; and compensation. Sutton gave awards to:

• Outstanding Regional Personal Lines Company Partner: Dryden Mutual Insurance Company
• Outstanding Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner: Erie & Niagara Insurance Association
• Outstanding Super Regional Personal Lines Company Partner: Merchants Insurance Group and NGM Insurance Company (tie)
• Outstanding Super Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner: Merchants Insurance Group
• Outstanding National Personal Lines Company Partner: The Travelers Companies
• Outstanding National Commercial Lines Company Partner: Utica National Insurance Group

Jill Muratori, vice-president and counsel of Barrett Associate in Albany, took home the Vincent Alba Award. This award recognizes an individual who makes an outstanding contribution to IIABNY's political effectiveness. Sutton cited her “hard work and tenacity” as a major reason for the recent enactment of a law regulating the use of certificates of insurance. The legislation was IIABNY’s highest public policy priority.

Mike Crowley of Crowley Insurance Agency, Inc. in East Syracuse, New York, received the Joel S. Pollack Young Agent of the Year Award. Crowley was honored for his involvement as an officer of the Central New York agents’ association and his work in the community.

Karen Peters, senior vice-president of Rose & Kiernan, Inc. in Albany, received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions to IIABNY. A member of the IIABNY board of directors since 2011, Peters has served on a number of committees, working groups and task forces. Sutton praised her as one of the association’s “go-to” people for legislative issues. He specifically praised her work in the effort to get the certificates of insurance bill passed.

Jamie Deapo, assistant vice president of membership and member programs for IIABNY, also received the Distinguished Service Award. Deapo joined IIABNY in 1999 after 15 years as an independent agent. During his time as an agent, he served as president of the Central New York agents’ association and as a member of the IIABNY board of directors. Sutton praised him as “an unrelenting advocate” on behalf of independent agents. He especially noted the strong relationships Deapo has built with insurance companies on IIABNY’s behalf.

The Thom McDaniel Exemplar Award went to Bob Baxter, CEO of Dryden Mutual Insurance Company. The McDaniel Award recognizes an insurance company executive, manager or employee that demonstrates unwavering support of the independent agency system. Baxter is known throughout the New York State insurance community for his work with high school students. “His support allows students to experience the insurance industry,” Sutton said, “and many have gone on to pursue successful careers with insurance companies and agencies.”

Steve Zogby of Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc. in New Hartford, New York received the 1882 Fellow Award, IIABNY's highest honor, which recognizes the individual member who has most significantly contributed to IIABNY, the industry and his or her community. Zogby was IIABNY chair of the board for the 2007-08 term. Before and after that, he served as a member of the board of directors and served on and chaired many IIABNY committees. Sutton also cited Zogby’s leadership in various organizations in the Utica, New York area.

Shelley Roff of Perry & Carroll, Inc. in Elmira, New York will receive the Accredited Customer Service Representative of the Year Award at a ceremony at her agency next month.

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Suffolk County will be honored as the 2015 Local Association of the Year at a ceremony in Wading River, New York next week. The award goes to the local association that has done the most outstanding job at building relationships between agents, carriers and vendors; advocating on the critical issues to the industry; encouraging professional development among members; and developing consumer knowledge and trust in the independent insurance agency system.