PIA just concluded its most recent round of Regional Advisory Council meetings. What are RACs? I’m glad you asked.
As a completely biased writer who has attended nearly a hundred RAC meetings throughout the years, they are one of the most valuable experiences that PIA offers.
RACs are informal, roundtable discussions at which agency members share their opinions on the industry’s hottest issues, access the most up-to-date industry information, influence the association’s programs and services and network with peers. These RACs are used to understand the issues that affect the state’s independent insurance agents, so that the association can better serve its members.
These are not just words on a page, either. RACs provide a direct conduit for PIA members to the association’s statewide committee and board leadership. It is a chance for independent agents to not only hear what others have to say, but to share their industry concerns and questions. These are taken very seriously. Issues that were first raised at RACs—like auto insurance photo inspections and the New York City anti-arson application—are now among PIA’s top legislative priorities. Countless other issues have led to new PIA resources and continuing-education courses to help educate association members.
The RACs are also a place to learn about what is happening in the industry. During the latest round of meetings, there were extensive discussions about the New York State Department of Financial Service’s new CE requirements, as well as a new law that restricts how carriers can rate dog breeds on homeowners insurance policies. RAC members also discussed the impact of inflation on the insurance marketplace and how to best handle remote employees.
Of course, I can’t forget that the RACs offer a platform to hear about PIA resources that are available to the association’s members. Need information about the next PIA conference? You can find it at the RACs. Need help with cybersecurity? You can find information at the RACs. Need help with agency agreements? You can find … you see where I am going with this.
The best part? These meetings are held virtually and run about an hour. They are convenient to attend and will not take you away from the day-to-day of your office for long.
Interested in learning more about the RAC? Visit the PIA Regional Advisory Councils webpage.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., joined PIA as government affairs counsel for the Government & Industry Affairs Department in 2012 and then, after a four-month leave, he returned to the association in 2018 as director of government & industry affairs responsible for all legal, government relations and insurance industry liaison programs for the five state associations. Prior to PIA, Brad worked as an attorney for Steven J. Baum PC, in Amherst, and as an associate attorney for the law office of James Morris in Buffalo. He also spent time serving as senior manager of government affairs as the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, a chamber of commerce serving the Buffalo, N.Y., region, his hometown. He received his juris doctorate from Buffalo Law School and his Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Politics from Utica College, Utica, N.Y. Brad is an active Mason and Shriner.
