History

A Brief History of the Utica CPCU Chapter

By John Lanz, CPCU

Edits and 2016 update by Bill Fahy, CPCU

 

In the spring of 1966, a small group of insurance people met in the Utica Mutual Insurance Company’s cafeteria to form the Utica Chapter of the Society of CPCU. Led by the late Charles "Chick" Hall – its first president through June 1968 – and Ivor Nichols – its first secretary and treasurer – the chapter served a variety of Insurance Professionals from both agencies and carriers throughout the Mohawk Valley region.

The chapter was formed to help insurance industry employees expand their knowledge of the business while working toward the CPCU mission, and it has not swerved from that mission in over 49 years. 2016 will mark the 50th anniversary of the chapter.

In 1978 the chapter promoted the first Insurance or "I Day" in the Utica area with the local Independent Insurance Agents Association. Albert B. Lewis, the NYS Insurance Superintendent was scheduled to be the guest speaker, but bad weather kept him from traveling that day. It was still well attended, and I Day continues to be sponsored by the chapter. The most recent was held in conjunction with the Risk Management department of Utica College and was our first I Day held on the Utica College Campus.

The chapter has earned national recognition over the years through the ongoing efforts of many of the past and current members who generously volunteer their time and energy. The chapter won the "Presidents Award" in 1988, a national honor given to only 4 chapters nationally out of over 100.

The chapter also supports several charitable organizations and events and has been a longtime supporter of the Harry Loman Foundation, a non-profit that works with the society to support and encourage industry research and education. The chapter also supports local charity – members volunteer for events on a regular basis, and it has made many donations to local organizations over the years.