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PIANY President and RBA Director at Hudson Valley RAP
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D. Scott Liebert, CIC, president of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. and a member of the Board of Directors of the Rockland Business Association, addressed growing concerns of insurance professionals about the economy’s impact on the industry and the independent agency system. The comments were part of Liebert’s inaugural speech yesterday at PIANY’s sixth-annual Hudson Valley Regional Awareness Program. Liebert’s keynote address focused on the current financial crisis and noted the property/casualty industry already was facing challenges before the recent economic tailspin: “The events over the past several weeks highlight some very important responsibilities each of us, as representatives of our industry, carry … as we gather here today, we witness the future of the professional insurance agency system evolving. “Make no mistake; we face challenges that existed long before the financial meltdown ... we face unprecedented competition in a painfully soft market; zealous regulators and policymakers; and an unfairly tarnished image.” However, he urged professional agents not to lose heart, but rather commit to improving their trade and communities. Liebert noted that the marketplace presents ample opportunity for agents to redefine themselves. “We have the chance to have an impact on an industry and economy that is undergoing a reformation,” he said. “As agents, we are naturally innovative and entrepreneurial. Our ability to embrace change and evolve will carry us though this difficult economic period and beyond.” Liebert reminded agents of the numerous benefits independent agents provide to the public: “Professional insurance agents are linked to their neighbors as reliable friends; with reputations we’ve earned as being ethical and committed to our clients … and only professional agents offer the power of choice to those clients.” “I am really proud to be a professional insurance agent—we are fortunate to be a part of an industry that serves the greater good and makes people, their families and their businesses whole after a crisis.” A record-breaking number insurance professionals attended PIANY’s Hudson Valley RAP at it’s new location, the Doubletree Hotel, Tarrytown, N.Y. Liebert pointed to its success as evidence of the strength of the independent agency system and optimism for the future: “By your presence at this event, each of you here has demonstrated your commitment to improving yourselves. You are the hope for the future of our industry… It is this association, comprised of people like you and me, which protects the ongoing welfare of the independent agency system. It is our duty and mission to take part in PIA so it can continue to ensure the prosperity and health of our industry.” PIANY is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout the state. |
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