The employee newsletter of PIA Management Services Inc.Winter 2014
PIA welcomes new staff
Since the last issue of The Insider, five new employees have found their way to PIA and we have welcomed an old friend back to our ranks. If you haven't done so already, take a minute or two to welcome Leo Bonesteel, Chris Hughto, Kristine Lindskoog, Debra Schaefer, Lauren Quirk and Vera Ragone (formerly Murphy) to PIA.
Leo
Leo, of Poestenskill, is the Printing and Mailing Department's new printing technician/press operator. His primary responsibility is printing or duplicating materials brought to the department. The Printing Department is responsible for printing or duplicating the majority of hard copy materials needed by PIA and Creative Services.
He has 30 years of experience as a press operator at various organizations across the Capital Region. He's a certified building analyst and is skilled in building carpentry, electrical and plumbing.
Leo owns eight acres of land, which keeps him busy with landscaping. And, when he's not beautifying his property, he enjoys building in his spare time.
Chris
Did you know PIA has more than 10,000 pages on its website? Chris, a resident of Clifton Park, plays a central part in plotting the path of the website's evolution. So, the next time you visit the association's website, take a second to admire the handwork of all those involved from the IT and Communication Departments—including Chris—who make it run smoothly.
Currently, Chris is attending Siena College to earn his Bachelors of Science degree in computer science. He has earned his second-degree black belt from the U.S. Budokai Karate Association in Clifton Park.
Kristine
Kristine, of Alcove, is a licensed sales executive, who has worked at several agencies in the area. She is responsible for the sale of E&O, cyber and membership. She also develops leads for group health, life and long-term disability sales.
Kristine enjoys traveling, hiking and climbing smaller peaks. She also enjoys cooking, reading and fostering dogs. She lives with her husband, Kyle, daughter, Alexa, two dogs and one deaf/special needs cat.
Debra
Debra, who lives in Schenectady, is the latest addition to Member Services. She also has worked at local agencies (some PIA members) in both commercial lines and life and health for more than 20 years. At PIA, she is a customer service representative for new business sales.
Deb is a music aficionado—in fact, she is the music director at the folk group at St. Margaret of Cortona in Rotterdam Junction and she teaches guitar. She also loves to read and travel.
Lauren
Lauren, of Glenmont, is a meeting coordinator for the Education and Conference Department. She is responsible for booking and coordinating continuing-education programs in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Hampshire.
Since 2009, she held various coordinating/event-planning positions in the Capital Region and in Manhattan. She is a member of the American Marketing Association.
An avid runner, Lauren has run the Lake Placid Half Marathon twice and runs a number of 5K races for charities, including Givebug and Susan G. Komen. In the summer, she enjoys camping with her family on Lake Champlain, which allows her to do a lot of water skiing.
Vera
Vera returned to our ranks this season after leaving PIA to moving with her husband for his job. Lucky for us, they transferred back after a year. You may remember her as Vera Murphy, the financial coordinator for education, now she takes the role of onsite and Webinar coordinator and we're thrilled she's back.
PIA anniversaries
As noted during the year-end event, congratulations to the following individuals who celebrated their milestone employment anniversaries at PIA in 2013:
35 years
30 years
25 years
20 years
15 years
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5 years
1 year
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A Message from Mark
Happy New Year!
Kelly
We've already had major developments in 2014, starting with Kelly Norris stepping into the role of executive director. Kelly has demonstrated strong leadership and knowledge of association management and I'm certain we have the right staff in place to move forward. Many of you have heard me say one of my least favorite phrases is: "because we've always done it that way." We need to seek fresh and creative ways to make sure we are doing the best job possible for our members and to make sure we are financially strong as we proceed into the future. I know Kelly shares my respect for our institutional knowledge as well as my desire to always be getting better.
While economic factors, mergers and acquisitions in our industry, and a market that has not behaved in a manner that we might have hoped or expected have made it challenging for our members and ourselves, it's important to remember we are here to make sure our members are successful. We have made our membership numbers, but we still face struggles. Like our members, we are working twice as hard to maintain our position.
Toward that end, we are always introducing new products and services, such as Floodbroker.com, an exclusive PIA offering that helps members sell flood insurance and protect themselves from E&O exposures; with benefits like the newly developed Business Operations Tool Kit and kick-ass events like MetroRAP, which was an all-hands-on-deck success.
You are not a cog in the wheel—your work is a vital part of this organization, and your input is important and welcome. If you have suggestions to increase our savings, improve our offerings or bring in revenue that will help us keep the cost of membership down, I want to hear about it.
As I mentioned at the year-end event, I am so proud of PIA staff, who selflessly and generously contributed throughout last year to help a child's wish come true through Make-a-Wish. I am always impressed with our ability to get things done for each other, and especially for our members. You should be proud, too. If you need a reminder why, check out the next article and the photos on the EIC to remember the heartwarming visit we had from Jubilee and her family after we sent them to Disney World through Make-a-Wish.
End-of-year event
Jubuliee and family
On Dec. 20, PIA employees gathered at our annual Year-End Celebration—and what a celebration it was! Our very special guest, Jubilee, PIA's Make-A-Wish recipient, along with her parents, shared the story of her adventure meeting Disney princesses, going to the Kennedy Space Center and so much more. Tears were flowing as we learned about Jubilee's struggles, but also her enthusiasm and her desire to live life to the fullest and as normally as possible. Our employee fundraising efforts throughout 2013 could not have been rewarded any better than by seeing Jubilee's beautiful smile and knowing we made a difference in her life and the lives of her entire family.
We also honored Diane Fowler on her last day with PIA for her 35 years of service. More than just a dedicated employee, Diane has been a friend and mentor to many of us. Although she will be greatly missed on many levels we wish her all the best in her retirement.
Jen, Patty and Susan
Our celebration wouldn't have been complete without award winners and raffle winners. Congratulations to Positive Attitude winner, Susan Shapiro; Member Service award winner, Jen Neri; and the Volunteerism award winner, Patty Paone. Several staff members won gift cards and Scott Dickinson, Patty Dykeman and Kelly Hanlon were the lucky winners of the raffle baskets.
You can see photos of the event on the EIC—just click on "Company news" and you'll find them right under this edition of The Insider.
The Employee Events Committee is already at work thinking of staff events and fundraising ideas for 2014. We hope to raise enough money to sponsor another wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation this fall. If you have an idea for an employee event or a creative fundraiser, contact Gloria.
Superbowl event
It doesn't matter which team you root for—PIA staff will all be winners on Jan. 31! The Employee Events Committee will be grilling up hot dogs in the downstairs board room from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Dogs will be $2; for an extra dollar, you can add chili or cheese sauce! Nachos also will be available for $3.
Wear your favorite team apparel or team colors (even if they will not be playing in the Super Bowl). And, of course, we have our Super Bowl raffle basket; tickets will be sold until 2 p.m. on Jan. 31, and Mark will draw the winning ticket shortly thereafter.
Employee news
Wedding bliss on the beach
Congratulations to Member Services' Roberta Ashe and fiancé Jeffrey Bryant McClintock, who eloped on Aug. 20. They got married on the beach in North Hampton, Mass. Roberta is in the process of changing her name, and the two are now living happily together as newlyweds in Voorheesville.
Jackie's getting married
Best wishes to the IRC's Jackie Schrom and Gordon Proper of Hudson, N.Y., who recently proposed. The two will wed later in 2014. Gordon is a genealogist and a reverend, and he currently is writing a historical biography. While Jackie and Gordon have planning yet to do for the wedding, they are excited to share that PIA's Char Gaylord will be their matron of honor.
Pride and joy
Kim Zeoli's son, Connor began his freshman year at RPI this fall, and so far, he's produced some great grades—a 3.84 GPA, despite a football injury that kept him out of class at the beginning of the semester, and off the field for his first season. He expects to be back on the gridiron next fall.
Congratulations to Darel Cramer's daughter Kati, who as a senior at Utica College, has made the deans list with a 3.8 for her most recent semester. Kati will graduate in June and will begin her internship as a child life specialist in the Fall.
Loni Harvey's daughter, Jami graduated from Mass General Hospital Institute with her doctorate in physical therapy. She is living in Randolf, Mass., and she is now employed a Braintree Medical Outpatient Rehab Hospital. Loni's oldest son, Nick has applied to Columbia University's graduate program in education. He plans to begin his coursework this year, while continuing to work as residence director at his alma matre, Kings College in Manhattan.
Connie Vecellio and her husband, Jim will welcome the arrival of their second granddaughter (to proud parents Angie and Jamie) in June.
PIA artist exhibits work
One of Bert's pieces
PIA's Roberta Lawrence held an art show this summer at the Gastropub restaurant on New Scotland Road in Albany. Some 14 pieces were exhibited, featuring scenes of trees, mostly in Albany's Washington Park, but also from the High Line in New York City, done with woodless colored pencils and graphite. Interested in seeing Bert's work? One piece of this art hangs in Lauren Bunce's office. All the work is for sale.
What's new with you?
Please let us know so we can include it in the next edition of The Insider! And remember, certain life changes may affect your 401(k), life insurance or other coverages. Always contact Gloria if you or your family has hit a milestone, moved, or changed circumstances.
Housekeeping
Parking
A reminder: When leaving your car overnight at PIA, please park it on the Thruway side of the north lot in the first available slot near the dumpster.
Print to your copier
Just a reminder, whenever possible please send your print jobs to the copiers, rather than the printers. Ink for the copiers costs PIA less and saves us all money.
Be healthier and wealthier with CDPHP's Lifepoints Program
Did you know that some of your colleagues are earning hundreds of dollars every year simply by taking care of themselves and letting their health provider know about it? If CDPHP is your PIA-sponsored health carrier, you too, can earn gift certificates up to $365 for taking action to improve your health. When CDPHP is notified of annual physicals, cancer screenings and other health-related steps you take, you receive additions to your balance. (Don't forget to self-report other personal steps, such as gym memberships and reaching weight goals online.) Want more information on this program? Click here.
75th anniversaries
PIA of New Jersey and PIA of New York will celebrate their 75th anniversaries this year, culminating in a gala affair at the Joint Annual Conference in Atlantic City in June. Check out the PIA magazine, to see photos from years past as part of the celebration.
Technically, PIA of New Jersey turns 75 this year, having been established in 1940 and New York the following year, in 1941, but the mid-year event presents a serendipitous opportunity to celebrate both.
Beginning in the 1940s as the Mutual Agents Association, the organizations were known as the Independent Mutual Insurance Agents in the 1960s and 70s. In 1977, the Professional Insurance Agents identity was established at a national level and adopted by our respective states, in response to the expanding markets accessed by member agencies.
We've created special logos for each state (and a combined one) to use throughout the year on promotional pieces for the conference, and elsewhere—where ever you see the opportunity. For pre-printed pieces, silver diamond-shaped stickers are available, but if you can, call the Communication Dept. and use a multi-colored logo.
You may be wondering when PIA of Connecticut was established. It was incorporated in 1953 as The Mutual Insurance Agents Association of Connecticut Inc., and was affiliated with the National Association of Mutual Insurance Agents and the Mutual Insurance Agents Association of New England. In 1977, it changed name to Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut Inc., and joined PIA Management Services with the affiliates of New York and New Jersey.
There's a template for that
Speaking of logos, did you know the logo for nearly every organization we manage, as well as digital templates for stationery, and even emails we send to members and other stakeholders are available for you to use? You can find the most commonly used ones, with the standards for their use, on the EIC [here], under "Operations," and then "Logo usage." But, if you are having trouble call the Communication Department and we can walk you through their use.
Its important to use PIA logos and templates consistently for many reasons: Of course it keeps the "professional" in PIA, but consistency also prevents confusion for our members, reinforces brand recognition and loyalty, and helps ensure that the quality and characteristics of these branding tools are used appropriately. For example, you would never want to "borrow" the PIA logo by cutting and pasting it from the website or elsewhere on the Internet to be placed in a printed piece—the pixels are too few and the end product would not look like PIA had created it.
If you find yourself needing a template, there's a good chance one of your colleagues has had a similar need—in fact, there's a good chance it's already been created, so before you recreate the wheel, Think PIA first! Call the graphics folks in Communication and see if we can find it for you.
Updates from IT
A couple new developments are coming to your computer!
Pidgin
First, we will be adding phone extensions to Pidgin. How often have you been instant messaging a colleague and realized the conversation would be quicker and more clear if you simply pick up the phone and explain yourself? Having the person's phone extension right in front of you can be very helpful. In addition, many people use Pidgin simply to check if the person they need is at their desk. Once determining that they are there, having their phone number on Pidgin makes it unnecessary to look any further to call them.
Security
Soon, new privacy measures will be on your computer to protect you. After 30 minutes of inactivity, your computer will lock so that nobody can use it without your password. This will prevent unknown or unwelcome use of your desktop when you are away from your desk.
And, of course, we are always concerned with our members' privacy too. In addition to the in-house security measure of locking computers that aren't in use, member usernames and passwords are no longer available to PIA staff. Members who are used to calling us for this information may be surprised by this—help to keep them from being frustrated by explaining to them that this new development is for their own protection, and then, walk them through how they can obtain their information by requesting it be sent to them via email with this form. Once they've done so, their username and password will arrive almost instantly!
Another new development—PIA is updating the email signatures for all of us. Starting this month, we will have new, standardized signature blocks that feature products and benefits for our members. In addition to your contact information, we will all have one feature that we are promoting at the same time, in addition to one determined on a department-by-department basis. These will be updated monthly.
And a reminder, a clean email box makes your life easier. While helping keep you organized and efficient, it also helps Outlook run efficiently, so take a few moments to clean up your email on a regular basis (and after deleting those old emails, don't forget to empty your trash folder).
Housecleaning
While we're thinking about keeping things organized and efficient, don't forget that the PIA T:\ and S:\ drives have finite space to hold our collective data. While we don't encourage you to save your files on your desktop (that data is not backed up and it can't be retrieved if you lose it), its smart and helpful if you take a look at what you have placed on the T:\ and S:\ drives and delete outdated or unnecessary files.
Creating an out-of-office email message
Going to be away for a while? If you plan to be away from your computer, leave an out-of-office message for those who send you email, so they don't get frustrated waiting for your reply. You can do this yourself with Outlook, following the directions below.
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Click on the "Add-Ins" tab on the top ribbon.
Then click "Edit IceWarp Auto-Reponder." This will open the IceWarp options box.
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Under the tab called Responder select the following options.
- Mode: Drop down and select "Respond again after a period."
- Respond again after (Days): 1
- Respond only between: Add the start and end date of the away message.
- From: Leave this blank.
- Subject: Write in "Out of office" or "Away message."
- Message text: Add your message (A good away message includes the range of days that you will not be available and also backup employee.)
- Then click OK.
If you come back early or want to shut it off then change Mode to "disabled."
Take pictures!
In the last Insider, we reported our increased ability to include photos in our member publications and offered some advice on taking pictures. Since then, we've instituted a new section in PIA magazine, called PIA at work, which allows us to show members, volunteers and even staff working hard for the associations. Please keep those photos coming!
Employee trivia
There's a PIA employee who sleeps on a bed of magnets at night, perhaps explaining an attractive personality. Can you guess who it is?
Roll over: Accounting's Holly Ebert
Have you noticed the new, white Minicooper in the parking lot? Which PIA staffer is driving the new mini?
Roll over: YIP's Lauren Bunce
Which PIAer has the longest commute to work, driving 214 miles round trip every day?
Roll over: Print Shop's Brian Kaiser drives to Glenmont from Westmoreland. Brian says he doesn't mind at all, but, "If I can make it to work, anyone can make it!"
