What’s new: In brief (November 28, 2004)

A hearing by the New York Insurance Department into possible violations by brokerage Marsh has been postponed. The hearing, originally set for November 26 has now been moved into next year, rescheduled for January 18. The reason for the delay given by the NYID is the ongoing investigation by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer into the brokerage’s market conduct. The Insurance Dept. is concurrently looking into allegations of fraud and antitrust on the part of the brokerage, which Spitzer has charged with bid-rigging and steering of clients to insurers with which the broker has the best commission terms.

Allianz Canada has awarded its 2004 "National Caregiver Award" to Jeanne Composano of Niagara Falls, Ontario. The 69-year-old grandmother has been a full-time caregiver to her daughter, Tina, and two grandchildren after a brain stem stroke 10 years ago left her daughter able only to move her eyelids. Composano and her daughter, who is fully cognizant, have even developed their own form of communication using blinking a process now enhanced through special technology. Composano has received a $10,000 award from Allianz, which has been handing out the honors since 1998.

The Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) has released its 2005 meeting schedule, with the first slated for Saturday, January 15 in Mississauga. The day-long meetings include reports from CCIF committees on issues including recruiting, cycle times and aftermarket parts, as well as afternoon break-out workshops. For more information or to receive a copy of the schedule, contact Pam Bryan at the CCIF administration, at 905-726-9027, fax: 905-726-9035 or email: administrator@ccif.net.