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EVENTS ▸ Upcoming Events | Bi-Weekly Conference Call (m)
Links: Upcoming Events
https://www.guycarp.com
917.934.1435
Thomas G. Spataro, Senior Vice President
Driven by innovation. Powered by purpose. Guy Carpenter brings together unmatched insights with bespoke solutions to help clients meet the challenges of our time. Partner with a leader who understands your business, as you confront ever-evolving risks. Guy Carpenter delivers a powerful combination of reinsurance broking expertise, capital solutions, strategic advisory services and industry-leading analytics. We are the world’s top specialists in risk transfer, new forms of capital, and actuarial science and analytics—bringing our expertise to bear on your most complex challenges.
https://focusadjusters.com
800.734.2102 ext. 1903
Patrick Young, Chief Operating Officer
FOCUS Adjusters, proudly headquartered in New York State, is the premier independent (daily and catastrophe) adjusting firm and third party administrator operating throughout the Northeastern United States, Kansas and Florida. FOCUS offers comprehensive and fully customized loss adjustment programs that are tailored to the specific needs of our clients and their policyholders. Our core-value commitment to traditional integrity based customer service models, unparalleled communication and utilization of InsurTech empowers FOCUS to be the industry leader in our service territories. Additionally, our team has extensive experience with highly complex first and third party claim matters and is a leader in Complex Claim/Large Loss Adjustment, Property Appraiser and Umpire services throughout the entire United States and U.S. Virgin Islands.
https://www.enia.com
716.632.5433
Norman Orlowski, President & CEO
“The Strength of Our Past is the Foundation of Our Future”
If you are looking for an insurance carrier that can deliver exceptional value, excellent service and superior coverage, Erie and Niagara is the right company for you. Founded in 1875, we protect our 97,000 policyholders with quality products and services. We hold an A (Excellent) financial rating from A.M. Best Company, the insurance industry’s leading rating organization. Whether your needs are personal, farm or business related, we can help. There are over 300 professional independent insurance agents across Upstate New York representing Erie and Niagara Insurance offering superior service and innovative products. And if you have a claim, you can expect fair, prompt, and courteous service. We welcome the opportunity to be of service to you.
https://www.genre.com
215.341.8022
Aaron Augustyniak, Senior Vice President, Account Executive
Gen Re delivers reinsurance solutions to the Life/Health and Property/Casualty insurance industries. We work closely with our clients to understand their strategic and operational goals, offering a wide range of products, tools and resources that aim to promote our clients’ ongoing growth and success. As a direct reinsurer, we are in the risk assumption business, just like our clients. Our shared perspective helps us understand and evaluate even the toughest risks – and propose the right solution for you. Gen Re is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, and has earned superior financial strength ratings from each of the major rating agencies. We take our commitments very seriously. And with $17.2 billion in capital and $11.8 billion in premiums (NPW), we only make promises we can keep.
https://www.merchantsgroup.com
716.849.3235
Greg Robinson, Regional Vice President
Since 1918, Merchants Insurance Group has been providing quality property and casualty insurance throughout the Northeast and North Central United States. Our focus is small to mid-sized businesses and contractors, as well as personal lines products in New York. Merchants is rated A- (excellent) by the A.M. Best Company. With New York offices in Buffalo and Hauppauge, we are able to work with agents and policyholders to address their insurance needs.
Dryden Mutual is organized as a NYS co-operative fire insurance company. This means the company does not issue stock and is not a publicly traded company. Dryden Mutual has been an admitted carrier located in New York State for over 160 years. Dryden Mutual’s employees and directors are thoroughly committed to supporting the New York State economy through efficient transfer of risk for local families and businesses.
Fire service personnel should not have to worry about injury in the line of duty. As a mutual company, we are owned by our policyholders, working through the insurance broker of your choice. We are experienced, responsive, and process claims promptly and professionally. Fire Districts of New York Mutual Insurance Company, Inc. (FDM), has maintained its AM Best “A-” rating with a stable outlook. AM Best is one of the most preeminent rating organizations in the insurance industry indicating that FDM has an excellent ability to meet its financial obligations. Fire Districts of New York Mutual is a traditional insurance company. Unlike a trust or pool there is no Joint and Several Liability or risk of assessments due to financial shortfalls. The premium you pay for a policy year is final (subject to payroll audit) and will never be adjusted due to claims activity or a funding shortfall.
Mutual Boiler Re has been proudly providing equipment breakdown coverage and protection to partner companies since the invention of steam-powered boiler systems. Our strong heritage of providing quality products and innovative services continues today.
Since 1896, our professional employees and agency business partners have been dedicated to building a highly regarded insurance company that exceeds the needs and expectations of its policyholders through the delivery of superior products and unsurpassed customer service. Our strategy to meet this commitment is to align our Mission and Values with the needs of our policyholders in a way that differentiates Preferred Mutual in the insurance industry. Our values are embedded deep in our culture and clearly define the personal, caring and professional approach we foster with you.
Starting out as a small “county cooperative” with $1,273 in premiums, today, Security Mutual Insurance Company writes over $38 million in premiums. With over $111 million in assets; over $61 million of policyholder surplus, we provide Property and Casualty Insurance for Home and Business. Security Mutual is represented by a network of more than 400 independent agents throughout New York State.
Since 1883, the mission of Sterling Insurance Company has been to provide “unexcelled service and sound insurance protection” to its policyholders. And for over a century, we’ve delivered on our promise. In our first one hundred years, we’ve succeeded by doing two things exceedingly well. First, we’ve built a solid financial base on which our policyholders can rely. Our reserves and investment strategies are designed to assure that we can always meet our obligations. Second – and of equal importance – we strive to build solid relationships with those whom we work: our policyholders; our agents; our employees; and the community in which we live and conduct business. This has given us a direct and personal understanding of the needs and goals of our business partners.
Wayne Cooperative was organized as a mutual assessment cooperative insurer, owned by its policyholders, in 1877 to provide property insurance coverages to local farm grange members. Today, the Company is licensed to write property and casualty coverages in New York, except New York City, and is represented by many independent agents throughout the state.
BriteCore is a cloud-native core insurance platform for P&C insurers that unlocks business growth, delivers greater productivity, and provides a modern customer experience. With the BriteCore Platform, insurers easily administer policies, manage billing and claims, rapidly configure new products, and access detailed reporting and analytics in an all-in-one core system, including agent and policyholder portals.
The ultimate goal of Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company is to provide our agents and insured’s with exceptional insurance service and products while being financially responsible.
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.
EVENTS ▸ Upcoming Events | Bi-Weekly Conference Call (m)
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR ANNUAL PARTNERS!
Thank you for being such a vital part of the NYIA community. NYIA’s educational events would not be possible without the support of NYIA partners. Your partnership demonstrates your commitment to the education of the P&C insurance industry and enables NYIA to subsidize the cost of our events. THANK YOU.
Annual Partner Profiles
EVENTS ▸ Upcoming Events | Bi-Weekly Conference Call (m)
Details
Agenda (at a glance)
Session Descriptions
Conference Registration
Conference Brochure
Sponsorship Prospectus
Sponsorship Contract
Exhibitor Prospectus
Exhibitor Registration
Questions
Add to Calendar
PLATINUM
American Association of Insurance Services
Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz
Dryden Mutual Insurance Company
Finys
FOCUS Adjusters
Gen Re
Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC
Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company
Holborn Corporation
Merchants Insurance Group
MSO, Inc.
Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
GOLD
Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro, P.C.
Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company
e2Value, Inc.
Erie and Niagara Insurance Association
Gallagher Re
Greater New York Mutual Insurance Company
Merlinos & Associates, Inc.
Mutual Boiler Re
Opus Investment Management
Statewide Underwriting Services
Stifel
TransRe
SILVER
Central Co-Operative Insurance Company
Underwriters Rating Board
Utica First Insurance Company
Wayne Cooperative Insurance Company
BRONZE
New England Asset Management
North Country Insurance Company
Weir Financial Resources
Thursday, June 2, 2022, 8:30–9:15 a.m.
Risky Business: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for the Insurance Industry
Speaker: Dr. Robert Hartwig, Clinical Associate Professor of Finance and Director of the Risk and Uncertainty Management Center, University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore Business School
In many ways it is almost back to business as usual, but there are many developments in our industry that make the business of risk differentiation anything but usual. NYIA is pleased to have Dr. Robert Hartwig kick off the conference and share his perspective as someone who is immersed in the property and casualty insurance marketplace. Dr. Hartwig will provide a financial overview and outlook taking into account the vast array of factors impacting our industry: the COVID-19 pandemic; catastrophe loss trends; capital and capacity; investment market issues; the economy, inflation and impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; commercial lines growth and pricing; distribution trends; and last but certainly not least, the latest with cyber.
Thursday, June 2, 2022, 9:15–10:15 a.m.
Hype vs. Reality: Understanding Social Inflation and Combatting Nuclear Verdicts
Featured Panelists: Josh Hoffman, Partner, Hoffman, Roth and Matlin, LLP; Thomas Holzheu, Chief Economist Americas, Deputy Head GERS, Swiss Re; Thomas Stebbins, Executive Director, Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York (LRANY); and Jerry Theodorou, Director of the Finance, Insurance and Trade Policy Program, R Street Institute
Moderated by: Marc Craw, Attorney, General Counsel Office, MLMIC Insurance Company
Social inflation can be difficult to understand and almost impossible to quantify. The effects of this phenomenon are an increasing concern for property and casualty insurers and society as a whole. What is driving social inflation and how can we begin to combat nuclear verdicts and rising litigation costs on the front lines? In this program our panel of insurance and litigation experts will provide you with keen insights on the existence of social inflation and potential strategies insurers can employ to deflate the associated rising costs and ultimately how much policyholders pay for insurance. In addition, the panel will provide perspective on the fast-growing third party litigation funding industry and the harmful economic and ethical consequences of the ballooning costs specifically tied to this driver of social inflation.
Thursday, June 2, 2022, 11:15–11:45 a.m.
Keynote Address
Featured Speaker: Michael Humphreys, Acting Insurance Commissioner, Pennsylvania Insurance Department
This year’s keynote address will enable you to hear from a neighboring state regulator. Michael Humphreys is the Acting Insurance Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. The Acting Commissioner will provide us with his thoughts as Pennsylvania’s top insurance regulator and share perspective based on his background that spans across states as well as regulation and legislation. Before coming to Pennsylvania, Humphreys served as assistant commissioner for insurance at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Humphreys also previously worked for the National Council of Insurance Legislators as director of state-federal relations. Be sure to tune in for an informative address that will undoubtedly include keen insights given the Acting Commissioner’s breadth and depth of insurance and public policy experience.
Thursday, June 2, 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Data: Balancing the Enormous Potential with the Possible Pitfalls
Featured Panelists: Mallika Bender, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Staff Actuary, Casualty Actuarial Society; Mark Brannon, Director and Consulting Actuary, Merlinos & Associates, Inc.; Edmund Kelly, President and CEO, American Association of Insurance Services; Laura Panesso, Assistant Vice President of State Relations, Insurance Services Office, Inc.; and Christine Pritchard, Product Manager, Progressive
Moderated by: Edward Harper, President and CEO, Statewide Underwriting Services
The expansion and improvement of data compilation and analytics can greatly benefit the insurance industry and other data driven sectors. There is an opportunity for the industry to be further revolutionized if these advanced analytics tactics are leveraged appropriately. Data has the ability to produce more leads, increase satisfaction, mitigate fraud, improve risk assessment and enable business growth. But often with technology where there is high reward there is also high risk. Proper scrutiny, storage and upkeep of the data and analytic tools is key in ensuring the data collected reaches its highest potential. Our panel of data experts will provide you with insights on how to balance positive opportunities with the feasible drawbacks of data and ways to harness the technology and ultimately drive results and positive outcomes.
Friday, June 3, 2022, 9:00–9:45 a.m.
Three Essentials for Getting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Right
Speaker: Sesha Yalamanchili, President, On the Mark Consulting
Ready. Set. Grow. As the insurance industry pushes towards a common goal of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), we each have the challenge of figuring out how to make all this work in our own companies. It can be overwhelming and confusing knowing where to start. Where do we even begin to tackle important questions like Are we actively listening to our employees and holding open conversations about diversity? Are people comfortable speaking up? Are we taking new recruiting approaches to expand the pool of diverse candidates? or Are our customers, partners and community experiencing benefits from our progress with DE&I? Join NYIA for this engaging and interactive presentation and learn how to set the stage to move your company’s DE&I efforts forward more effectively.
Friday, June 3, 2022, 10:00–10:30 a.m.
Beyond New York: Federal and National Snapshot
Speaker: Erin Collins, Senior Vice President – State & Policy Affairs, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC)
There is always a great deal of regulatory and legislative activity in New York impacting our industry. As we tackle these issues in New York, it is also helpful to have a keen sense of what is occurring in other states as well as in our nation’s Capital. We are pleased to have Erin Collins with NAMIC joining us to share information and perspective about what is transpiring across the country and in Washington, DC. There has been no shortage of property and casualty issues, particularly in state capitols and state regulatory bodies. This is your opportunity to get the big picture from an individual who is at the front lines of engagement with all 50 states and beyond as well as NCOIL and NAIC.
Friday, June 3, 2022, 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Regional Roundtable
Moderated by: Scott Shatraw, President and CEO, Utica First Insurance Company
The ability to come together for the betterment of the insurance industry is one of the great strengths of our association. And learning from each other as peers is one of our most valuable tools as an industry. This year’s Regional Roundtable is an especially important occasion to connect as an insurance community as it is our first time hosting an in-person roundtable since 2019. New York continues to be a unique marketplace and the challenges of the past years have increased the need to work together as an industry and foster strong relationships as colleagues. This roundtable will be an opportune time to talk about the vast array of issues companies are facing. We have topics we are ready to address, but first on the agenda are always the items you would like to bring to the conversation.
EVENTS ▸ Upcoming Events | Bi-Weekly Conference Call (m)
Links: Details I Speakers | Registration | Questions | Add to Calendar
Senator Neil D. Breslin
Neil David Breslin, Democrat, is currently serving as New York State Senator representing the 44th District, which consists of parts of Albany County and parts of Rensselaer County. Born as one of six children, Neil is a lifelong resident of Albany.
On academic scholarship, Neil attended Fordham College from which he graduated with a BS degree in Political Science. While in law school at the University of Toledo, he was named the editor-in-chief of the Law Review. Upon graduation from law school, Neil became an associate in the firm of Garry Cahill & Edmunds and two years later became a partner in a new firm entitled Garry, Cahill, Edmunds & Breslin. In 1981, Neil formed a partnership with his two brothers, Michael and Thomas. Currently, Neil practices law as “of counsel” to the firm of Barclay Damon, LLP.
Neil has been a community leader for many years. His involvement in civic and social areas in Albany includes 15 years as a board member of Arbor House, a residence facility for women in need. He also served as president of Arbor House for a period of seven years. Neil has been the attorney for St. Anne’s Institute in Albany and has performed work for Hospitality House, the International Center and Hope House, a drug treatment facility. Further, Neil was Vice President of the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless from 1994 to 1998.
An active member of the New York State Bar Association, Neil has served as a lecturer on real estate law; editor of the newsletter of the New York State Bar Association General Practice of Law Section from 1980-1984; member of the Executive Committee of the General Practice of Law Section from 1980-1985 and from 1989-1998; chairperson of the General Practice of Law Section from 1993-1994; and member of the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association from 1992-1994. Additionally, he has been a member of the Character and Fitness Committee of the Appellate Division, Third Department and was also chairman of the Grievance Committee for the Albany County Bar Association from 1985-1993.
Neil currently serves as Co-Chair of the Legislative Ethics Commission and is a member of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources. Neil is the former and longest serving President of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) and is currently Chair of NCOIL’s Special Committee on Race in Insurance Underwriting. In addition, he is the former Chair of the State/Federal Relations Committee. In recognition of his dedication and commitment, Senator Breslin has received awards from numerous organizations including the Environmental Planning Lobby, Capital Area Council of Churches, the Legal Project, the Homeless Action Committee, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, Caregivers Respite Services of Catholic Charities, University at Albany’s Presidential Honors Society, New York State Bar Association, American Civil Liberties Union, KidsPeace National Centers, Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy (“Distinguished Public Service Award”) and Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club (“Profiles in Courage Award”). In addition, in 2009, he was the recipient of the Pathways of Hope Award given by the Clearview Center, the Advocacy Award given by the International Center of the Capital Region, the Community Service Award from Centro Civico Hispanoamericano; and was honored by the Capital District Area Labor Federation for years of service to the labor movement and working families. He was also the recipient of the 2012 “Voice of Progress Award” given by the RFK Democratic Club and in 2013, he received the “Person of the Year Award” given by the Troy Youth Association. In 2014, he received the Distinguished Leadership Award given by the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region. In 2015, he was named a Champion in Compassion, an award given by the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society. In 2017, he received the Centennial Medallion from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany as well as the CWA Solidarity Award. In 2018, he received the Humanitarian Award from Living Resources. Most recently, in 2019, he received the 2019 Public Service Award from the Insurance Federation of New York.
Assemblymember Kevin A. Cahill
Representing the 103rd Assembly District which includes sections of Ulster and Dutchess Counties in the beautiful, historic Hudson Valley, Assemblymember Kevin Cahill was elected to the State Assembly in 1992.
Assemblymember Cahill was appointed to chair the Assembly Standing Committee on Insurance in 2013. He has been on the forefront in the effort to provide New Yorkers with quality, affordable insurance for home, health and property. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, he shepherded bills through the Assembly to improve disaster preparedness and ensure that residents had appropriate access to their claims. He has also fought for health insurance coverage for substance abuse disorders, the essential benefits of the Affordable Care Act and comprehensive contraception availability.
As the former Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Energy, Assemblymember Cahill led the way with initiatives promoting renewable power generation, sustainable building practices, energy efficiency and the development of a green workforce. These successes preserved our environment and insulated us from the uncertainty of global energy markets, putting New York on the path to energy independence.
With his forward-looking approach, Kevin Cahill has steadfastly fought to protect our environment thereby preserving the beauty and natural resources of New York State for future generations. In recognition of his efforts, he was named Legislator of the Year by the Environmental Planning Lobby in 2008.
Assemblymember Cahill believes in the value of providing a strong education to the young people of our State. He has actively sought alternative ways of financing our public education system and reforming our property tax structure. Kevin Cahill authored the Equity in Education Act, which calls for full state funding of public schools. He encourages our children to develop a strong passion for literature through his annual summer reading program. The Assemblymember has championed funding for improvements for local libraries, the Mid-Hudson Library System, the Agribusiness Child Development in Kingston and the Rhinebeck School District Science Lab. He also developed an initiative to bring science and technology laboratories to each school district in the communities he serves.
The 103rd Assembly District is home to Ulster County Community College, SUNY New Paltz and Bard College. Many of the students in the district also attend nearby Dutchess County Community College. In his commitment to higher education, Kevin has been a staunch advocate securing vital funding for enhanced access, modernization and expansion on the various campuses.
Recognizing the importance of the arts to our region’s character and economy, Assemblymember Cahill has provided unwavering support for local arts organizations. Kevin has been effective in securing grants in the communities he represents, helping municipalities and not-for-profits obtain funding including the Woodstock Community Center, the Rosendale Theater, the Hudson River Maritime Museum Education Building, the Bardavon/Ulster Performing Arts Center, the Phoenicia Festival of the Voice and Ross Park in Esopus, to name but a few.
Kevin Cahill is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and Albany Law School. He is an attorney and served as director of a Medicare health plan. He is the Chair of the Health, Long-Term Care & Health Retirement Issues Committee of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators and is an active member of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
A lifelong resident of Kingston, Kevin is the proud father of two daughters and enjoys time with his three grandchildren. He keeps the best interests of his constituents in mind to fervently advocate on behalf of the people of his district and all of New York.
EVENTS ▸ Upcoming Events | Bi-Weekly Conference Call (m)
Links: Details | Speakers | Registration | Questions | Add to Calendar
Mark Murray, Managing Director, Strategic Advisory, Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC
Mark Murray is a managing director in Guy Carpenter’s Strategic Advisory Unit with almost two decades of experience in credit analytics and reinsurance. Murray co-leads the North American Rating Agency advisory practice and is a member of the ERM Best Practices Group, ESG and Scenario Testing working groups within Guy Carpenter. His primary responsibilities are focused on helping clients in the areas of rating agency relations, enterprise risk management and capital modeling analytics.
Murray has been a member of Guy Carpenter’s Strategic Advisory Unit since 2014. Prior to joining Guy Carpenter, Mark worked for JLT Re/Towers Watson as a senior vice president in their Rating Advisory Unit and worked with A.M. Best while at Towers Watson to help them develop their stochastic based BCAR factors. Prior to that, Murray was a senior financial analyst at A.M. Best covering a portfolio of U.S. property and casualty and global reinsurance companies. He is a graduate of Temple and Drexel Universities and currently works out of Guy Carpenter’s Philadelphia Office.
James Waller, PhD, Research Meteorologist, Global Strategic Advisory, Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC
James Waller is a research meteorologist with Guy Carpenter’s Global Strategic Advisory, responsible for extreme weather advisory and post-event analysis, and testing and evaluation of catastrophe models. He also represents Guy Carpenter on the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Research Advisory Council.
Prior to joining Guy Carpenter in 2012, Waller worked with a team to define tornado-prone regions for the National Building Code of Canada, and reviewed Canadian snow and wind loads under present and projected climate conditions, while working with the Climate Adaptation Group at Environment Canada. Practical experience includes instrument testing and evaluation, weather observation networks, and deployment of a marine observation station. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in engineering from the University of Waterloo, and graduate degrees in meteorology from Florida State University, where he was also an instructor.