[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 63 (Thursday, April 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS & BROKERS OF NEW YORK ON 
                         ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2007

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to 
recognize the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York on the 
occasion of its 125th Anniversary.
  This year, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, or 
IIABNY, will celebrate its 125th year of existence. IIABNY is very 
proud of the constant commitment its members have made to their 
communities. The theme of this 125th anniversary is ``IIABNY members 
committed to their communities for 125 years.''
  IIABNY was founded in Buffalo in the year 1882 as a voice for New 
York's independent insurance agents. After a few name and location 
changes, IIABNY settled in Dewitt, a suburb of Syracuse, NY. As the 
oldest and largest state association for independent insurance agents 
and brokers, IIABNY represents nearly 1,900 agencies and their nearly 
20,000 employees throughout New York State.
  Many leaders at the national association, the Independent Insurance 
Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA), have originated in New York. In 
1898, Mr. C.H. Woodworth, from Buffalo, New York, was the second IIABA 
president. He is considered by many to be the ``father of the 
association.'' Through the years, six New York members have served as 
the national president. Four New Yorkers have been honored with the 
Woodworth Memorial Award, which is bestowed upon an individual who has 
performed special, meritorious, and outstanding service on behalf of 
the independent agency system and IIABA members everywhere.
  The mission of IIABNY, working in the public's best interest, is to 
advance the performance and success of independent insurance agencies 
and brokerages in New York. Starting with the landmark 1904 ``Yonkers 
Case,'' clearly establishing agents'' ownership of expirations, 
advocacy efforts have been undertaken and continue today on behalf of 
independent insurance agents and brokers as well as small business 
owners.
  IIABNY has evolved as member needs have changed. IIABNY draws on vast 
experience from the past, strength and respect in the present, and 
foresight for the future of the independent agency system. Agents and 
brokers have come to rely on the association to be their advocate on 
many fronts. IIABNY clearly has an impressive history and they continue 
today as the voice of independent agents and brokers.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that this honorable body join me in celebrating 
the 125th Anniversary of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of 
New York.

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