February 2014 Chaptergram

          With the new year begun, it’s time to start thinking about our chapter’s goals for 2014. The incoming board is committed to delivering pertinent technical education for our members. While attending last year’s Annual meeting in New Orleans I learned a great deal about how our industry is likely to be affected by innovation in technology, shifting workforce characteristics and evolving market needs. In anticipation of these changes it is more important than ever to educate ourselves. I’d like to urge every CPCU to get CPD qualified. The paperwork is available on the National website and completing it is quick and easy. I also encourage you to pass along topics you’d like to see covered in this year’s roster of technical classes.

        We also plan to increase the number of people who complete their CPCU designation. We’re off to a good start with four new designees. Congratulations to David Brown, Karen Dean, Lynn Dominiak, and Justine Poirier.

         I look forward to working for and with our chapter this year. It’s an honor to be associated with so many dedicated insurance professionals.

The Buffalo Chapter presented Camp Good Days and Special Times with a check in the amount of $1,000 on January 23^rd. This money was raised at its annual holiday party and installation dinner that was held on December 17^th.

Camp Good Days is an organization which provides programs and services for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life-threatening challenges.

We are proud to say that we were able to send a kid to camp again this year! Thanks go out to all of the generous chapter members who made this possible. THANK YOU!

In the picture from left: Shelly Gorcica, CPCU, Lisa Booz of Camp Good Days and Special Times, Joanna Rourke, CPCU, Barbara Schaffstall, CPCU and Melissa Stephens, CPCU

Joanna Rourke, CPCU – President

Barbara A. Schaffstall, CPCU – Vice President

Brenda Sokolowski, CPCU – Secretary

Melissa Stephen, CPCU – Treasurer

Michele J. Gorcica, CPCU – Immediate Past President

Sandy Sugg, CPCU; Lawrence DiaPaul, CPCU; and Mary Jo Cichon , CPCU  – Scholarship

Elaine Lovelace, CPCU – Candidate Development

James Tippett – Candidate Representative

Joanne Klenk, CPCU – Membership/History/By-Laws

Ron Cycon, CPCU – Social

Brian N. Lane, CPCU – Webmaster

Rick Pippard, CPCU – Education

Nicole Morgante, CPCU – Public Relations

Please visit our Chapter Website  https://buffalo.cpcusociety.org/

Being on the board of the Buffalo Chapter is a unique opportunity to meet fellow CPCU’s and other influential figures in the industry. Also, it is an opportunity to give back to an organization that works hard to keep the CPCU tradition going in our area and encourages lifelong learning.

Please contact Nicole Morgante (716) 805-1090 x309 if you are interested in volunteering in any capacity.

Thank You!