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Albany Update: Hochul Appoints Benjamin as LG, Big I NY and Small Biz Groups Urge Caution on Activating HERO Act

On Tuesday, Kathy Hochul was sworn in as the 57th Governor of New York, pledging civility and a departure from the tactics of the former administration. On Thursday, she appointed state senator Brian Benjamin (D, Harlem) to serve as her Lieutenant Governor, to be sworn in after Labor Day. Benjamin holds an MBA from Harvard Business school, and previously worked as an affordable housing developer and investment banker at Morgan Stanley. He was first elected to the State Senate in 2017, and ran unsuccessfully for New York City Comptroller in 2021. We look forward to working with Governor Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Benjamin to ensure a…

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Why Small Businesses Need Cyber Insurance

A guest post by Support New York Chair of the Board Member Cowbell Cyber​With cyberattacks, especially ransomware attacks, on the rise, cyber insurance has become more important in helping keep small businesses safe.It is estimated that 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses, but only 14% of small businesses are ready to defend themselves. Although 88% of small business owners felt their business was vulnerable to a cyberattack, many do not have the resources to protect their company.  Small businesses need to identify and understand common threats to their operations, assess their business' risk exposures, and prepare themselves before a cyber incident occurs. Cowbell's cyber…

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Big I NY Leadership Academy Questions and Answers with Jim Lombardo

​​Q. Can you briefly describe the Leadership Academy?A: It’s an intense 6-day course held over 6 weeks, where future agency leaders and managers hone the skills that will help them develop into the stars who will guide your agency, the independent insurance agency system, and the industry. Q. What skills are you talking about?A: Communication, Goal Management, Motivation, Team Building, Powerful Presentations, The Power of Caring – and more!Q: What if I can’t afford the $2,900 tuition?A: I say, you can’t NOT afford it! And I’m not joking. This is YOUR agency and YOUR future – it’s crucial to invest in that next layer of leadership.…

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