Will the government reclassify marijuana?

On Aug. 30, 2023, Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra authored a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration recommending that marijuana be reclassified from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act....
Weekly Dispatch: Sept. 28, 2023

Weekly Dispatch: Sept. 28, 2023

Possible by week’s end: National Flood Insurance Program lapse, federal government shutdown. Utica National presented with Company Award of Excellence—get your E&O through Utica National and PIA. NHID announces confirmation of Bettencourt as insurance commissioner. And, PIANY asks members to contact governor to sign photo inspection and bait-and-switch bills. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, advocacy updates, technical resources, accolades, education opportunities, upcoming events and information you may have missed in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

Will the government reclassify marijuana?

Will the government reclassify marijuana?

On Aug. 30, 2023, Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra authored a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration recommending that marijuana be reclassified from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act....

N.Y.: Call to action: Insurance agents assemble

N.Y.: Call to action: Insurance agents assemble

The 2023 New York legislative session was a successful one for independent insurance agents. In 2023, PIANY saw not one, but two, of the association’s top priorities pass the Legislature! The advocacy of insurance agents, like yourself, has been critical in getting...

Brand management: Pay attention to reputation

Brand management: Pay attention to reputation

If you decided to sell your agency today, would potential suitors be drawn in by your brand? Every business has a brand, whether they are aware of it, and proper brand investment is incredibly important. Branding may not always be top of mind for an agency owner....

Weekly Dispatch: Sept. 21, 2023

Weekly Dispatch: Sept. 21, 2023

Bill to remove FIO’s subpoena power introduced in Congress. Help your agency stay competitive, consider modern employee benefits. Connecticut’s minimum wage to increase in January. PIANJ discusses the new law that requires business owners and rental owners to maintain certain liability insurance policies. Statewide pay transparency law now in effect in New York state. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, advocacy updates, technical resources, education opportunities, upcoming events and information you may have missed in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

Five ways to attract and keep top insurance agency talent

Five ways to attract and keep top insurance agency talent

Building a strong team is a crucial part of running a successful independent insurance agency. This is especially true in times of economic uncertainty. Having the right people in place can help your agency continue to win when things get tough. With recent shifts in...

Weekly Dispatch: Sept. 14, 2023

Weekly Dispatch: Sept. 14, 2023

New report: Industry faces average annual natural catastrophe losses of $133 billion. FEMA designates first communities to receive targeted assistance for hazards resilience. Connecticut and Vermont receive disaster declarations. ISO’s bases of premium revised in New Hampshire. New insurance commissioner nominated for the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. And, PIANY elects officers, directors at its annual business meeting. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, technical resources, education opportunities, upcoming events and information you may have missed in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

Stay competitive with modern benefits

Stay competitive with modern benefits

In the AppleTV+ show Severance, employees are split—their personal selves literally are left at the door when they swipe in for work. As they get to their desks, employees transition into their work selves, leaving the burdens of their personal lives at the door. In...