PIANY's MetroRAP: Agents Gather in Manhattan for '18 RAP.

• Position: IN THE ASSOCIATIONS

* Hundreds of insurance professionals filled the grand rooms of the Roosevelt Hotel, in Manhattan, for PIANY's Metropolitan Regional Awareness Program on Jan. 25. With a schedule full of valuable continuing-education sessions, networking opportunities and a packed trade show, it was the place to be for all greater New York City professional, independent agents and brokers.

Education

Attendees of the event had the opportunity to earn up to five CE credits by attending morning and afternoon education sessions.

During the morning session--New York Regulations: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You!--instructor Matthew F. Guilbault, Esq., led the way through the twists and turns of state laws and regulations. The course paid specific attention to recently enacted legislation such as, the state paid family leave regulation, the cybersecurity regulation and CE requirements.

Instructor Sheldon Hansen, CIC, CRM, CPIA, examined ways to reduce errors-and-omissions claims in the afternoon session--E&O in a Changing World. The class examined the agent's responsibility in reducing E&O claims, the defense materials necessary in an E&O suit and more.

Awards

PIANY recognized two New York state industry professionals for their contributions to the insurance industry and gave away two scholarships for CE classes during the Metro RAP keynote/awards luncheon.

PIANY presented Stephen Mock, principal and CEO of JLNY Group LLC, with its Executive of the Year award. The award recognizes an individual from an insurance company, a general agency or a managing general agency who has demonstrated a strong working relationship with agents and brokers, and who has exemplified a commitment to professionalism and service.

During his acceptance speech, Mock spoke about how he fell into the insurance industry and the ways it has positively affected his life. He ended by praising his staff at JLNY and thanking PIANY and the MetroRAP committee.

Leslie Rogoff, marketing manager for Madison Avenue Brokerage, received PIANY's Distinguished Insurance Service award in recognition of her history leading many successful industry networking and education events.

As she accepted the award, Rogoff recounted her initial reluctance entering the insurance business before falling in love with the industry through her engagement with the PIANY board of directors.

"I am extremely proud of the work PIA does and proud of the opportunities I've had to make an industry impact while working with...