Calafiore Elected President of Greater N.Y. Brokers
The Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater New York inaugurated its youngest president to date — Anthony S. Calafiore, president, Apex Brokerage Co. Inc. — at its 27th annual Dinner Dance.
CIBGNY also honored Terry M. Gras, corporate secretary, Otsego Mutual Fire Insurance Co. as its 2004 Man of the Year, at the event.
“I arrived in this industry fresh out of college, with no experience,” said Calafiore, newly elected president of CIBGNY, after he was sworn into office. “I had no father, uncle or relative in the business. I was armed only with a desire and a passion to succeed.”
He went on to credit many CIBGNY members with helping him learn and find success in the insurance business.
“They not only opened the door to CIBGNY for me, but they helped open the doors to insurance companies and general agencies that I do business with every day,” he said. “This is what membership in CIBGNY can do for any of us.”
During his tenure as president, Calafiore plans to put particular emphasis on government relations and the recruitment of young professionals.
Choosing Terry Gras as its 2004 Man of the Year, CIBGNY noted his leadership at Otsego Mutual, where he plays a role in making the company a respected and stable provider of homeowners and fire insurance in the downstate New York market.
“Terry exemplifies what today’s businessman should be,” said Calafiore. “He works hard at the office but he also works effectively in his community˜as a coach in youth sports, an active participant in the Rotary and a member on his local board of education. Terry is a man worthy of our respect.”
Additionally, Al Caputo, immediate past president of CIBGNY, received an award recognizing his two-year tenure as CIBGNY president. During his presidency, he emphasized successes in membership recruitment and educational development. Newly elected Vice President Anthony Aquilino also was honored for his contributions as membership chairman.
As part of the evening’s events, the officers and directors, who were elected at CIBGNY’s annual business meeting in September, were installed. The following officers have been elected for the 2004-05 term: President Anthony S. Calafiore, Apex Brokerage Co. Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y.; Vice President Anthony Aquilino, Regency Agency Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y.; Vice President Peter Resnick, Interboro Mutual Indemnity Insurance Co., Mineola, N.Y.;Secretary Justin Fries, CIC, CPCU, Garber Atlas Fries & Associates, Lynbrook, N.Y.; and Treasurer Shelly Kozel, Lezok Ltd., New York, N.Y.
The following members will serve as directors for the Class of 2007: Anthony S. Calafiore, Apex Brokerage Co. Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y.; Jose Carranza, Carranza Brokerage, Hempstead, N.Y.; Stuart Fries, CIC, Garber Atlas Fries Associates, Lynbrook, N.Y.; Jeffrey H. Greenfield, NGL Insurance Group; Lynbrook, N.Y.;Michael Pellcione, Glenn M. Fox Agency, Brooklyn, N.Y.;Vito A. Pietanza, Summit Coverages Ltd., Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Lucas Snyder, CRC Services, New York, N.Y.
CIBGNY is a professional, independent insurance brokers association in the New York City metropolitan area.