RAP Wrap-Up PIANY Hudson Valley Conference Hails "Heroes'': PIANY's HVRAP returns to Suffern; Event hones in on participation and communication.

* Professional, independent insurance agents experienced deja vu as they came back to Suffern at the Crowne Plaza for the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State, Inc.'s 15th Hudson Valley Regional Awareness Program on Oct. 24. Continuing-education courses; a sold-out trade show; and an exciting keynote awards luncheon had hundreds of professional insurance agents roaming the venue.

Presidential Address

Jamie A. Ferris, CIC, AAI, CPIA, gave his first formal remarks as the newly elected president of PIANY during the Keynote Awards Luncheon. Ferris began his speech with a quote from the '80s sci-fi film The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, "No matter where you go, there you are." Ferris said the quote exemplifies the insurance industry, as insurance agents are there for their clients, no matter the dire circumstances in which they find themselves. Buckaroo Banzai was described as a scientist, neurosurgeon, rockstar and racecar driver. In the movie, a character refers to Banzai as Einstein, James Bond and Batman all rolled into one--Ferris said that's exactly the way he thinks about professional insurance agents.

"The most impressive part about being in PIA is the other members who volunteer and serve on the committees," Ferris said. "These are some of the greatest people I've met." He then asked his audience to heed his advice and step further into PIA, like he did before he became president; whether it's with the PIANYPAC, NY-YIP, serving on the Advisory Councils or any way to do more for the association. "Even though I've put a lot of time in, I've gotten so much more out of the organization than I've given," he said. Lastly, Ferris encouraged everyone to extend the invitation to their fellow insurance agents who are not members of PIA. "We need to increase our ranks and continue to build our membership." he said. "Extend the message to other agents in the area who may not be part of PIA. Reach across to another agent in town and say 'Hey, have you heard of this organization? Do you know of this great work they're doing for us? Your membership in it is extremely valuable.'"

Award Presentation

During the Keynote Awards Luncheon, HVRAP Chair Donna Chiapperino, CIC, presented awards to two deserving individuals. The Distinguished Insurance Service award was presented to Richard A. Savino, CIC, CPIA, and managing partner of Broadfield Group. During his acceptance speech, Savino highlighted how proud he is to be a...