We’re a community: The value of working with others in the industry

One of the greatest privileges in my role as PIANY president is representing our incredible community of insurance professionals. Over the past two months, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a series of events and meetings that truly showcase the breadth, diversity and strength of the insurance industry. 

Now, if you’re a Gen Xer like me, you probably watched Fraggle Rock, and you might remember Traveling Matt—the curious explorer who set out to learn about the world beyond his home base and report back to his friends. Lately, I’ve felt a bit like Traveling Matt myself—journeying across the state (and beyond!) on behalf of PIANY, meeting industry leaders, lawmakers and colleagues to bring back insights, stories and progress to share with all of you.

All who wander are not lost …

My journey began this fall when our association installed its officers and board of directors in September, and was immediately followed up by a trip to Washington, D.C., where I joined fellow PIA leaders from around the country to lobby members of Congress on key issues that impact independent agents and brokers. Engaging directly with lawmakers was both energizing and affirming—it was a reminder that when insurance professionals speak with a unified voice, we can make a real difference for our clients and our businesses.

From there, I had the pleasure of participating in the National African American Insurance Association Diversity and Inclusion Summit, an inspiring gathering focused on building equity and opportunity across the insurance industry. I also joined colleagues at the Latin Agents & Brokers Salsa and Scholarship Event, which combined celebration and purpose—supporting education while strengthening connections in our community. That was quite the party.

In New York City, I attended the Insurance Business Women in Insurance Summit, where I was surrounded by leaders driving innovation, resilience and representation in our profession. I also joined discussions at the City & State Forum on the Crisis of Auto Insurance Premiums, where we tackled one of today’s most pressing issues for both agents and policyholders—as the name of the event implies, auto insurance premiums—and what solutions can be implemented to help the consumer.

I also had the opportunity to meet with the New York State Insurance Fund Producer Advisory Council to ensure that the voices of agents and brokers are represented in critical policy discussions, and to attend the IBANY Fall Reception, a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers and celebrate our shared successes.

A chance for advocacy

On the advocacy front, PIANY has remained deeply engaged with state-level initiatives. We continue to work closely with our local legislators in Albany to advance our legislative priorities—from the recently enacted anti-arson application repeal and real time driver updates to the Department of Motor Vehicles, to new efforts like continuing-education carryover, regulating third-party litigation funding, and combating fraud through measures such as making the staging of construction accidents a felony.

There is no I in team …

Every event, every conversation and every handshake reinforces the same truth: PIANY’s strength comes from you—our members. Your engagement and support empower us to advocate effectively, to educate continuously and to elevate our profession every day.

As I continue my travels, I’ll bring stories and updates from across our great state—and beyond—back to you, our PIANY family. Together, we’re charting a path forward for a stronger, more united insurance community.

[PHOTO CAPTION, TOP-RIGHT CORNER: (L-R) NYIA President Cassandra Anderson; New York state Assemblyman David Weprin, D-24; and Bartow]