COME VISIT LIGHTS FANTASIA OR BE A VOLUNTEER.
HAIW PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE WAS PLEASED TO
have Christine Homa from Channel 3 Kids Camp at our November meeting to give us information of the importance of supporting this organization. We are hoping to help them with their mission to help underprivileged children experience a few days at camp. Any one interested in volunteering at Goodwin Park please see Sandi for the schedule. Also, corporation and business sponsors are needed. Contact information is Channel 3 Kids Camp, 73 Times Farm Road, Andover, CT 06232, phone 860-742-2267or www.channel3kidscamp.org.
Coupons are still available from Carolee LaMarre, members, and also the website.
Sandi Tilley
Public Relations Chairperson
Safety Committee
Donna Daniolos- Committee Chairperson
Fire Fighter of the Year Award
This year the fire fighter of the year award was presented by Fire Chief Edward Casares, Jr. The “new” chief as we refer to him, since retired Chief Teale had been with us for over 10 years, has actually been chief for one year and a day, the day of Industry Night. On hand that evening from the Hartford Fire Dept. was the award recipient, Lt. Mario Oquendo, Jr, and two assistant chiefs; Carlos Huertas and Reggie Freeman.
In his introduction, Chief Casares spoke of the department’s Core Values. They are:
When responding to emergency situations within the many communities that call upon us, we are always respectful and empathetic towards those we serve.
In our daily interactions, we are focused on maintaining a courteous and friendly atmosphere built on a foundation of open communication.
We are accountable as the providers of emergency services and perform our duties with courage, gratitude, pride, and a positive attitude.
Chief Casares stated that he selected Lt Oquendo as fire fighter of the year, “because he has demonstrated a commitment to the department’s core values”. “The core values of being respected and empathetic towards those we serve was evident during this past year as we experienced an increase in fire fatalities. One of the toughest duties in this job is to work with those who have lost a loved one. Lieutenant Oquendo has been of great value in providing much needed support to those in need. His compassion and understanding, along with his ability to connect with those he serves provides for a healing environment.
When Lt Oquendo accepted his award, he spoke with caring and as a man genuinely devoted to his profession. He is very passionate about delivering the message of fire safety and injury prevention. To deliver that message he involves the community that he serves. He is responsible for Fire Safety Day at Lozada Park in Hartford, on May 7th. After hearing about the event, many HAIW members offered their support. He sincerely seemed to appreciate the offer. When I invited him to Industry Night, his response was “I look forward to being part of such a great event”. Now I think we are the ones that will be part of a great event, and fun too!
Industry Night was such an enjoyable evening, made more so by the mutual respect and bantering between the fire fighters and Lt. Vance, and between the firemen themselves. Anyone not able to attend the program this year missed an informative and entertaining evening.
The fire fighter of the year award offers us an opportunity to share in the community, and applaud the valued service the fire department delivers. I’m looking forward to a continued relationship with the Hartford Fire Dept, and will keep everyone informed on how they can participate in Fire Safety Day.
Carol Lindquist
Chair, Public Relations
2011 – HAIW/NAIW International Awards
Every year, HAIW recognizes members by using the NAIW awards for different types of contributions. This year, we will recognize those who have contributed in 3 important areas: Rookie, Claims and Insurance Professional.
Rookie of the Year Award - Annette Vinci, Capitol Indemnity
This year’s recipient officially joined HAIW in September, 2010, after attending meetings in February and May, 2010. Since joining, this Rookie has attended all monthly meetings, volunteered to register attendees at dinner meetings, then volunteered to co-chair the Membership Committee, including updating the Roster, sending out new member applications and managing the dues process. Elected to serve on the HAIW Nominating Committee, she gained insight into the characteristics NAIW values in its leaders. She then volunteered to be on the HAIW Industry Night Committee, handling reservations, name tags and helping with the display boards for the meeting. In April, she attended the Region 1 conference, completed the NAIW Leadership Development course, and participated in all conference activities.
The most fun activity was participating in the Fire Safety Open House – South Fire District, Middletown. Our 2011 Rookie spent the day putting fake tattoos of Dalmatian dogs and fire trucks on children…who loved the tattoos. If she ever decides to leave the insurance industry, this recipient can always become a tattoo artist – one never knows where personal and professional growth opportunities will take you! Please join me in congratulating the 2011 Rookie of the Year, Annette Vinci, Capitol Indemnity Corporation.
Claims Professional of the Year Award - Kim Latka, SH Smith
The recipient of the 2011 Claims Professional Award joined HAIW in October, 2009, and has attended all but one meeting since joining. With a degree in Arson Investigation, Fire Prevention Certification and 7 years as a Volunteer Fire Fighter, it’s no surprise that the recipient of this award also helped with the Fire Safety Open House. Achieving a Claims Adjuster’s license in 2000, the recipient is now working on earning a Property & Casualty Broker’s license.
Our recipient is responsible for handling all claims that come into the broker, ensuring that both originating agents and the carrier’s adjuster have open channels of communication so that the insured receives the best possible customer service. In her essay, she notes that “having a claim is not a good experience for anyone and most times people are stressed out…so if I can give them the comfort of my knowledge, I am satisfied at the end of the day. I think that being a claims professional is a rewarding career in a business that is challenging and changing on a daily basis.” From S. H. Smith, please welcome our Claims Professional of the Year, Kimberly Latka.
Insurance Professional of the Year - Sandi Tilley, TDInsure
In her essay, this year’s Professional of the year didn’t write about herself, but about the many individuals with whom she has had the opportunity to work since joining HAIW. Selfless, dedicated and other-centered are her strong qualities, combined with a positive attitude and an eternally optimistic approach to life! From the very beginning, she was hooked on HAIW/NAIW and has expanded her “little agency world into a national insurance world” through her active involvement. Whether at business meetings, board meetings, conventions or community activities, when we get together, we talk about insurance….a new law, new company guidelines, a CEO’s salary or a claim story. It is almost always insurance related and it is always a learning experience.”
We have a very close relationship with our vendors, because these restoration, appraisal and auto glass replacement companies are the financial backbone of our association and our industry. I cannot speak more highly of them. Where would our claims departments be without them? Without them, HAIW members would not earn CE credits at such a good price – FREE. We would not be able to present many of our own programs, host functions, or offer scholarships. They are very important allies to NAIW members around the country.
Stepping in as President when we had a sudden resignation in that position, our recipient took on a challenging assignment and has led us forward, through massive changes at the National level that affect all NAIW associations. The insurance industry has “given her an opportunity to provide clients with security in every day lives. She is proud to be the President of HAIW…and we are proud to introduce the HAIW Insurance Professional of the Year, Sandi Tilley, ACSR, CPIW!”
- How to prepare a Speech
- Deliver a Speech
- Microphone Etiquette
- Stage Fright
- Listening
- Evaluation
You will learn to carefully prepare your speech, apply the principles discussed in the manual while at the same time improve your self confidence and on-the-job communication.
Please let us know if you would be interested in joining a CWC class. Planned start date is January, 2011. Contact Education Chair Michele Redman at
