Early February events include the LICONY Annual Dinner and IIABNYs Legislative Day in Albany, two occasions to get a good measure of what the feel is for insurance in a changed legislature and new regulatory environment. We go to press before LICONYs dance, so we dont know who attended, and who missed, but we can say with certainty that nuances have begun to matter more, and friendships are being tested and tried.

IIABNYs 37th L Day will find agent advocates touring the halls of the capital and hunting local legislators to persuade them to protect agents livelihoods, and, as a corollary goal, to support rational legislation that serves consumers and business fairly.

Disclosure of arrangements between brokers and carriers will be on their agenda. The association wants to keep disclosure loose, and, while binding upon the broker, not a tedious exercise. Agents clients should know theyre compensated, but it can get extreme. Is there anyone in the solar system who doesnt know agents are commissioned? Or that good performance will earn them more? Big deal.

I think agents should disclose fully, if asked, but volunteering information may encourage a form of twisting that is really not productive for any party. I dont know what results IIABNY can bring to bear should the Spitzer government call for regulation and the inevitable printed forms signed by the client. IIABNYs agenda " like most of the P/C lobby " is rather defensive in style. That worked with the particular three-men-in-a-room for years. But thats changed now.

The glad-handing and homemade bagels from Queens cant hurt, and the diet of persuasive communicating that goes with it is just what the doctor ordered if agents are to emerge from their under-appreciated/misunderstood status.

Of course, prevailing upon Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, partner in one of New Yorks most aggressive trial law firms (one that uses those awful injury solicitation-type ads), and motivating Senator Joe Bruno, given all thats on his mind, seems like a daunting task. Those are the handshakes that matter. Oh, and theres that insurance-loving new guy on the second floor of the Capital. Good luck, guys.

Required Reading

Stop loss guru Alex Giordano has left his post at Standard Security for a new venture with an industry legend. News will be made official in an upcoming column.

Corporate leaders would do well to read Gordon Bethunes saga From Worst to First to find simple, smart ideas on management from the former Continental Airlines chairman who started re-connecting you with your baggage. Gordon has spoken at a few industry functions and hes been prized pretty highly.

Another worthwhile read is ISO.com, counting the number of fields ISO is now engaged in " it is ponderous.

Or while away your spare time counting the articles predicting the failure of President George W. Bushs health care proposals. The prezs proposals are very smart, quite empowering, and courageous " just the kind of thing Nancy Pelosi and Co. probably dont want. If defeated, the issue flies into the campaign for president in 2008.