NU Online News Service, March 30, 3:33 p.m.EDT

The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. saidRichard J. Zick, president and chief executive officer of UticaFirst Insurance Co., will speak at its April 15 Long IslandRegional Awareness Program.

Long Island RAP Committee Chair Michael P. Cracco said PIANYlooks forward to "Mr. Zick's impressions of the current soft marketfrom the standpoint of a regional carrier, often the best allies ofprofessional, independent insurance agents."

Mr. Zick's predictions for the rest of 2010 "will providevaluable insight to RAP attendees," promised Mr. Cracco.

In addition to giving his talk, Mr. Zick will also be honored asthe Long Island RAP Executive of the Year for his dedication to theindependent agency system.

The Louis A. Morelli Memorial Awards also will be presented toGarrett M. Duffy, president of Babylon Spirit Inc., and,posthumously, Stan Landberg, marketing director of KingstoneInsurance Co.

Participants will have the opportunity to earn continuingeducation credits at two courses: "Generational gaps: Are theyworking for or against your agency?" and "Current economic trendsand their effect on the insurance industry."

The daylong event will be held at Leonard's of Great Neck, GreatNeck, N.Y.

Additional information is available by contacting the PIANY'sEducation and Conference Department at (800) 424-4244 or visitingwww.pia.org/events/conf/lirap/.