The Insurance Federation of New York presented its prized Free Enterprise Award to Martin J. Sullivan, president and CEO of AIG, on November 8 at Ciprianis Wall Street. Cecilia Norat, president of IFNY, noted that 600 participants braved the intense rain to pay tribute to the latest captain of the industry to receive the award. Sullivan joins a list of whos who IFNY has honored: Henry Ford, Donald Trump, Felix Rohayton, Harry Helmsley, and many others. Chairman Roger Moak expressed to the attendees the value of IFNY, but was a little modest. In fact, it is the World Series of networking, and happily lacks that tiresome association-ness that boxes up so many NFPs in processes and misplaced passion.

Where Oh Where

will Howard Mills go, following his tenure as superintendent of insurance? The former legislator is not a lawyer. Hes a former assemblyman, development director of a college, and military leader. O.K., so where to? One of the straightest, most affable men I have had the pleasure of knowing, Mills is not crazy ambitious, and seems to have a great governor on his ego " nice qualities that commend him to a leadership role, for sure. Recent predecessors have gone different ways: Al Lewis to private law practice; Jim Corcoran first to private practice, then to Corporate GC, now back to private practice; Sal Curiale to Mutual of America as senior vice president; Ed Muhl to a major consulting firm; Greg Serio to Al DAmatos Park Strategies, a think tank, public affairs, and advocacy organization.

For Mills, an association leadership or public policy entity would seem to me ideal.

Wholl succeed Ernie Csiszar At PCI?

Two New Yorkers, we are told, are in the running " or walking " depending upon the head-hunting firms latest marching order.

Upper Hudson

Tireless Tommy Dietz " a creative engine of good ideas " has appeared on the scene again, this time with a bright entrepreneurial group that has formed the Upper Hudson National Insurance Company to write BOPs, and other policies through independent agents and brokers. What the Upper Hudson refers to must be the river not the valley, nor the Bay, unless they mean the explorers torso above the waist " no, thats not it.

In fact, it refers to Dietz, Jon Farrow, George Marcone, and Jody Farquhar.

Farrow will be known to producers from the Frontier Insurance Companys best days. Marcone has been in the field long enough to earn a CPCU, ARM and ARe, and Farquhar is no newcomer.

This new team has a lot of muscle and a narrow enough niche to make it. Dietz as marketing director seems ideal, since his friendships with agents dates back to the presidency and state national directorship of IIABNY. He co-founded a thing called IAMAC in the early 80s to give agents access to the New York Insurance Exchange, and was president of BRACE, IAAC, Downstate, and remains as probably one of the most decorated agents anywhere. Add to Dietzs decorations by pinning some good business on these guys. They have identified an under-served class, and are providing A-rated (Demotech) products. Board is impressive, too. Its agent-driven, and thats a pleasant rarity these days.