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

The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. said Richard J. Zick, president and chief executive officer of Utica First Insurance Co., will speak at its April 15 Long Island Regional Awareness Program.

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

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

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

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

Participants will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits at two courses: "Generational gaps: Are they working for or against your agency?" and "Current economic trends and their effect on the insurance industry."

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

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