Utica CPCU February Chaptergram
February 16, 2016
“We must be doing something right to last 50 years”
You won’t want to miss Charlie!
President’s Corner
50 years! This coming June our Chapter will celebrate 50 years. We are the same age as the Super Bowl!! I feel like a kid since I’ve only been a member for 32. Quite an accomplishment for a volunteer organization, and a testament to all those dedicated volunteers who founded and grew our chapter! THANK YOU!!!
It’s Groundhog Day as I write this. Another year already under way and one month down. As much as things stay the same, it’s hard not to notice the changes. Our area is experiencing a revival – not just the much ballyhooed nano-tech boom in Marcy, but all around us. I also see this happening in our industry. One of the pleasures of my job is to see the creation of over 400 new independent agencies every year, and watch their growth.
One of our Chapter goals has been to try and teach the local community, especially High School and College Students, what opportunities a career in insurance offers. I’m proud of the progress we have made in just a few years, and of the efforts of our members who have made this happen. You’ll hear more below.
If you ever considered re-engaging with the Chapter, now is the time.
Charlie Kingdollar is coming back!
One of our most popular events of the past few years was the session conducted by Charlie Kingdollar of General Reinsurance Corp. on emerging issues in the industry. We are happy to announce that Charlie will be back on May 25th for a morning session to be held at the New Hartford Office of Utica National from 8-10AM.
Charlie Kingdollar is the Emerging Issues Specialist and Vice President in Gen Re’s Treaty department in Stamford, CT. Charlie is responsible for tracking and analyzing developments that create new or changing exposures, and assessing their potential impact on insurers.
All members are welcome to attend and bring a guest. You must pre-register for the event so you will be allowed access to Utica Mutual. Please email Cindy Fiorilli @ cynthia.fiorilli@uticanational.com if you plan to attend.
A Brief History of Our Chapter
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 Utica 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 Day (“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 I Day was held in conjunction with the Risk Management department of Utica College and was our first I Day held on the Utica College Campus.
Our 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. In 1988, the “Presidents Award”, a national honor given to only 4 chapters out of over 100 nationally, was presented to the Utica Chapter.
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 charities – members volunteer for events on a regular basis, and it has made many donations to local organizations over the years.
(written by John Lanz, CPCU, updated by Bill Fahy, CPCU)
Upcoming Events
Since it’s our 50th year we are planning an event this fall to celebrate this milestone and to induct seven new members into our chapter. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome – email billf@siaa.net – and stay tuned for more details.
We are also planning an April event in conjunction with the Risk Management department at Utica College – similar to what we have done in the past.
Bill Fahy, President
Rachelle Cohen, Vice President
Cindy Fiorilli, Secretary
Jim Lombardo Treasurer
Bob Bullwinkle, Webmaster
Thanks
Thanks to Chris Redmond at Met Life, who has organized the CPCU participation in the 5th Annual Walk a Mile in My Shoes on Saturday, February 6, 2016. The walk benefits the homeless in our area. The chapter was pleased to donate $100 to support her efforts.
Project Invest
We continue to expand the joint program with Project Invest. Our latest event will be a career day at the Oneida Madison BOCES on February 8th. We hope to be adding BOCES as another partner school and implement the program there this coming fall.
The Career shadowing continues in co-operation with Westmoreland High School and according to Cindy Fiorilli, who is coordinating the project for us, over 9 students have participated.
If you are interested in helping out please email billf@siaa.net We sure can use it!!
I DAY UPDATE
I Day will be held on Wednesday October 5th on the campus of Utica College. Planning has started and Laura Archer will be chairperson of this year’s event. We plan on inviting the new Superintendent of Financial Services, Maria Vullo to be the keynote speaker. If you are interested in helping please email billf@siaa.net
Contact information
Bill Fahy – 315-337-0189 or billf@siaa.net
Chapter website Link
https://utica.cpcusociety.org/