(West Point, New York, May 12, 2016) — 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, Todd Rockefeller presented the awards at the association's 2016 Leadership Dinner, held following its 134th Annual Business Meeting at The Thayer Hotel at West Point.
The Outstanding Company Partner Awards went to those insurers that scored the highest in the 2016 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. Rockefeller gave awards to:
Outstanding Regional Personal Lines Company Partner: Sterling Insurance Outstanding Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner: Dryden Mutual Insurance Company Outstanding Super Regional Personal Lines Company Partner: The Andover Companies 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: The Travelers Companies
Nicholas Masterpole, owner of Masterpole-Murphy Agency, Inc. in Syracuse, took home the Vincent Alba Award. This award recognizes an individual who makes an outstanding contribution to IIABNY's political effectiveness. Masterpole is the legislative chair for the Independent Insurance Agents of Central New York (IIACNY). Rockefeller praised him for establishing IIACNY as an organization highly regarded by local and state lawmakers.
Christine Neet, member engagement manager for IIABNY, received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions to the association. Rockefeller noted that IIABNY had one of its best years ever for membership dues revenue and retention of members. He recognized Neet for her “rare and unique blend of enthusiasm, tenacity and empathy that allows her to be so successful.”
The Thom McDaniel Exemplar Award went to Robert M. Zak, president and CEO of Merchants Insurance Group. The McDaniel Award recognizes an insurance company executive, manager or employee that demonstrates unwavering support of the independent agency system. Noting that Merchants regularly ranks among the top companies in the IIABNY Industry Index, Rockefeller praised the company for its steadfast support of the independent agency system and its focus on technology for agents and policyholders.
John R. Costello, CIC, first vice-president, construction practice leader for First Niagara Risk Management in Rochester, New York received the 1882 Fellow Award. This award is IIABNY's highest honor and recognizes the individual member who has most significantly contributed to IIABNY, the industry and his or her community. Costello was IIABNY chair of the board for the 2002-03 term. Before and after that, he served as a member of the board of directors and served on and chaired many IIABNY committees. He currently represents IIABNY on the board of directors of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, chairs that board’s finance committee, and serves on the board for national consumer brand Trusted Choice®.
Taijwaittie (Shelly) Seenarine, ACSR of Brown & Brown of New York doing business as The Rollins Agency in Rye Brook, New York, will receive the Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) of the Year Award in a ceremony at the agency next month. An eight-year employee with her agency, Seenarine earned the ACSR designation for personal insurance in 2015. She has developed a reputation for being knowledgeable, attentive, helpful, and skilled at building client relationships.
The Independent Insurance Agents of Central New York will be honored as the 2016 Local Association of the Year at a ceremony in Syracuse in June. 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. IIACNY has raised tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships and charities, provided free continuing education to its members as a way to give back, and actively participated in legislative affairs.
Ashley Engl of Lawley Insurance in Buffalo, New York, will receive the Joel S. Pollack Young Agent of the Year Award at a ceremony in Buffalo. Engl is being honored for her work as a member of the board of the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Western New York, her work with IIABNY’s Next Generation of Insurance Professionals group, and her involvement with a local high school.
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, Inc. has represented the common business interests of independent insurance professionals since 1882. More than 1,900 agencies and their 18,000 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, many IIABNY members represent Trusted Choice®, a national consumer brand uniting more than 7,000 independent agencies across the United States. For more information, go to www.trustedchoice.com or www.iiabny.org.
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