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Hinman Straub In The Community
Hinman Families Gather to Celebrate Halloween
October 2011
On Friday, October 28, Hinman Straub hosted a Halloween party for its employees and their children.
To view photos from the event, click here.
Karen Dyer Goes “Over the Edge” to Raise Money for New York’s Special Olympics Athletes
September 2011
Karen Dyer, administrator at Hinman Straub, joined 70 other brave men and women in downtown Albany to raise funds for Special Olympics New York. As one of the first participants of the day, Ms. Dyer literally went "Over the Edge" as she and others rappelled off the side of the 18-story Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sept. 16.
“You see so many examples of courage among Special Olympics athletes. They inspire all of us to do things we might not have had the courage to do previously,” said Dyer.
Over the Edge, now in its second year in the capital city, benefits Special Olympics, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports, all of which is offered at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers. Serving approximately 52,000 New York athletes, the private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization is funded primarily by donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. The 2011 Albany fundraising event raised $68,800.
For more information about Special Olympics New York, click here. For more information on Over the Edge, click here. For more information about Karen Dyer and Hinman Straub, please click here.
Hinman Straub Joins with ALA to Assist Flood Victims
September 2011Each fall, Hinman Straub, in conjunction with the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), sponsors a Community Challenge Weekend. With the recent devastation from Hurricane/ Tropical Storm Irene, the Albany chapter expedited its efforts to help the local community during their time of crisis. Including Hinman Straub, there were 27 local area law firms participating in the much-needed donation drive. Collectively, there was nearly $8,000 in cash donations to either the Schoharie County Community Action Program or Red Cross of Northeastern NY. Along with monetary donations, the group donated five truck/car loads of needed items to the Schoharie County Emergency Shelter, including groceries and toiletries, clothing, cleaning products, drug store items, pillows, blankets, gas cards, disposable cell phones and many other items of need.
Spaulding Addresses Insurance Regulatory Obstacles at GAPCA 2011 Annual Meeting
August 2011Ralph Spaulding, a member of Hinman Straub’s Life Insurance Department, recently participated in the Group Annuity/Pension Compliance Association annual meeting in Austin, Texas, where he was the featured speaker on state insurance regulatory issues involving group annuity products.
Mr. Spaulding spoke on "State Regulation of Group Annuities: Obstacles for State Regulators & Evolving Issues," addressing the difficulties and challenges state insurance regulators face in regulating group annuities.
Mr. Spaulding previously worked for the New York State Insurance Department, where he drafted the group annuity product outlines on the Department's website and assisted in the development of approval standards for numerous innovative products, including synthetic GICs, guaranteed paid-up deferred annuities (longevity insurance), equity indexed products, variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits and guaranteed separate account products in the pension and COLI/BOLI markets.
For more information on group annuity products, please e-mail Ralph Spaulding or contact him at 518.436.0751.
Ginsberg Empowers Women in Politics and Public Policy
June 2011Mara Ginsberg, principal at Hinman Straub, was one of the panel experts at this year’s NEW Leadership TM New York Summer Institute, held June 5 to 11 in Albany, NY. NEW Leadership New York is an undergraduate leadership development program created specifically for women. The program focuses on knowledge, skills and the abilities necessary for effective political engagement and community organization. It’s the first and only program of its kind in New York State and is part of the National Education for Women’s Leadership New York. Ms. Ginsberg’s seminar examined the theoretical underpinnings of civil society, including the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in filling the gap between government and the marketplace as well as the role of NGOs and their constituents in influencing decisions of policymakers. The program is sponsored by the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society (CWGCS) as part of the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. For more information on the New Leadership New York program, please click here.
For more information on Hinman Straub and its professionals, please click here.
UPDATED with Video: Fallon Moderates Albany Law Redistricting Panel Discussion
May 2011Michael Fallon, Esq., principal at Hinman Straub, was the featured moderator at Albany Law School's March 15 panel discussion, "Redistricting in New York: Moving Forward," at the Capitol in Albany. Edward Lurie, consultant and former executive director of the Republican State Committee, and Sen. Michael Gianaris, sponsor of an independent redistricting bill, were the morning’s expert panelists. For more information and to watch the one-hour panel discussion, please click here.
For more information on the Government Law Center at Albany Law School, click here. For more information about Hinman Straub professional Michael Fallon, please click here.
Team Hinman Straub Takes the 3.5 Mile Challenge in the 2011 Workforce Run
May 2011
2011 Team Hinman Straub: From left: Andrew Gregory (Corning Place Consulting), Darren Suarez, Kerri Tily, Brittany Vogel, Brendan O’Neill and Jonathan Federman. Lori Sievers, not shown, also participated.
Team Hinman Straub participated in the annual 2011 CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge, joining nearly 9,000 participants who took part in the 3.5 mile run through the streets of Albany and Washington Park on May 19. Now in its 11th year, the Workforce Challenge included more than 400 companies, nonprofits and government agencies. The race was sponsored by the Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club (HMRRC) of Albany and Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. This year’s Hinman Straub team included seven runners, with Brendan O’Neill the fastest of the pack, completing the course in 21:35 - or 6:10 per mile.
Proceeds from this year's event go toward the Albany Police Athletic League (PAL). For more information on the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge, please click here. For more information on Hinman Straub and their professionals, please click here.
Ginsberg Honored with Resolution from the New York State Senate
May 2011
“Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach,” said Bartley J. Costello, Esq. when introducing Ms. Ginsberg. Mr. Costello, also a principal at Hinman Straub, is a long time friend of Ms. Ginsberg’s. “Mara has spent her life helping others and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with her and to introduce her for this prestigious award.”
For more information about the Circle of Humanity event and Ms. Ginsberg's award, please visit Temple Israel of Albany. For more information on To Life!, click here. For more information on Mara Ginsberg, please click here.
Hinman Straub and Corning Place Consulting to present at ESAAL’s 2011 Conference and Trade Show
May 2011Sean Doolan, Lori Sievers and Jonathan Federman, principals at Hinman Straub, will present at the Empire State Association of Assisted Living's (ESAAL) 32nd Annual Conference and Tradeshow at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing. The conference begins on Sunday, May 15, with seminars and events continuing through to Wednesday, May 18. Mr. Doolan, chair of Hinman Straub’s Government Relations and Regulatory Practice Department, will provide an overview of the State Legislature’s activities as it relates to adult care facilities, assisted living residences and assisted living programs. During his session, Advocating for Assisted Living in Turbulent Times, Mr. Doolan will also discuss the state’s tumultuous fiscal situation, the pressure to change the culture in Albany and ESAAL’s proactive 2011 legislative action plan. Ms. Sievers will present the session: You’re in Good Company: A Discussion of Legal Lessons for Our Collective Experience. During the session, she will discuss some of the legal challenges she has encountered in dealing with operational issues of long term care facilities. She will provide insight and guidance on how to incorporate these lessons into the day-to-day operation of facilities. Mr. Federman will join three other panelists for the session: Ask the Attorneys: What you Wanted to Know, but Didn’t Ask. He will discuss challenging legal issues such as: admission agreements, resident eviction and Department of Health enforcement proceedings. A question and answer session will follow each presentation.
Paul Larrabee and Deborah Fasser of Corning Place Consulting will also present during the ESAAL conference. Mr. Larrabee and Ms. Fasser will lead an interactive session focusing on various communication techniques and tips that will help facility managers to remain in control during a crisis. Their May 17 session, Preparing for the Unexpected, will provide insight on how to effectively communicate when an unanticipated incident evolves into a potential media crisis. Among this session’s key components are discussions of staff planning and preparation, emergency protocols, responding to interview requests and limiting long-term negative consequences stemming from press scrutiny.
For more information on the 32nd Annual ESAAL Conference and Trade Show, please click here. For more information on the Hinman Straub professional team, please click here. For more information on Corning Place Consulting’s professional team, please click here.
Bodner to Moderate Panel at Life Insurance Council of New York’s Annual Seminar
April 2011Fredric Bodner, a principal at Hinman Straub, will moderate a panel discussion at the Life Insurance Council of New York’s (LICONY) annual Speed-to-Market & Market Conduct Seminar on May 26. Mr. Bodner will be the moderator for the state Department of Insurance’s discussion on the New York Policy Form Filing Process: Certified Filings and Post-Approval Reviews. As chair of Hinman Straub’s Health Insurance and Life Insurance Departments, Mr. Bodner’s practice is focused on insurance, regulatory and corporate law, including life insurance law, health insurance law and government relations. He also provides assistance to the insurance industry on matters related to legal and regulatory representation, market conduct issues, premium rate and compensation issues. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Bodner worked for the New York State Insurance Department for 23 years. This year’s LICONY seminar will be held at the MetLife offices in Troy. Participation is also available via videoconference. For more information, please click here. For more information on Mr. Bodner and the Hinman Straub professional team, please click here.
Sheehan and Spaulding to Present at the 2011 New England Chapter AICP E-Day Conference
April 2011Jennifer Sheehan and Ralph Spaulding, principals at Hinman Straub, P.C., will present at the 2011 Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals (AICP) 15th Annual New England Chapter Education Day on Friday, May 13. Ms. Sheehan and Mr. Spaulding will discuss historical developments and recent events pertaining to retained asset accounts, as well as related actions and proposals from NAIC, NCOIL, various states and the U.S. Congress. Ms. Sheehan and Mr. Spaulding also will discuss the authority and obligations of insurers, including creditor and guaranty protections. For more information about AICP and this year’s Education Day Conference, please click here.
For more information about Ms. Sheehan, Mr. Spaulding and the Hinman Straub professional team, please click here.
Spaulding to be Expert Panelist at the 2011 Great Lakes Chapter AICP E-Day Conference
April 2011On Friday, April 15, 2011, Ralph Spaulding principal at Hinman Straub, P.C., will participate on a regulatory panel with officials from the Illinois and Michigan departments of insurance during Education Day of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals (AICP) in Milwaukee. As a former regulator with the New York State Department of Insurance, Mr. Spaulding will discuss issues related to filing, market conduct and licensing, as well as answer questions from the audience. For more information about AICP and the Education Day, please click here.
For more information about Mr. Spaulding and the Hinman Straub professional team, please click here.
Ginsberg to Receive 2011 Circle of Humanity Award
April 2011On May 5, 2011, Mara Ginsberg, principal at Hinman Straub, P.C. will be honored with the 2011 Circle of Humanity Award from the Temple Israel of Albany. As founder and president of To Life!, Ms. Ginsberg is receiving the award in recognition of her work and commitment to making a positive difference in the community. To Life!provides comprehensive education programs and support services relating to breast cancer and women's health and wellness. Ms. Ginsberg is one of three people receiving this year's award. For more information about the Circle of Humanity event and Ms. Ginsberg's award, please visit Temple Israel of Albany.
For more information on To Life!, click here. For more information on Mara Ginsberg, please click here.
Hinman Straub Climbs for a Cure
March 2011On March 3, 2011, a number of individuals from Hinman Straub traded their suits for gym clothes and sneakers in the 23rd annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Corning Tower Stair Climb. Benjamin Bodner, Terri Crowley, Jonathan Gillerman, Leanne Kontogiannis, Kelly Ryan and Brittany Vogel, joined 102 other participants in their climb up the stairs of the 42-story state office building in Albany. Sponsored by the Northeastern New York Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Corning Tower Stair Climb helps fund research for the life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of more than 30,000 children and young adults. For more information on The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, please click here.
For more information about Hinman Straub's professionals, please click here.
Fallon to Moderate Albany Law Redistricting Panel Discussion
March 2011Michael Fallon, Esq. a principal at Hinman Straub will be the featured moderator at Albany Law School's panel discussion "Redistricting in New York: Moving Forward" on March 15. Edward Lurie, consultant and former executive director of the New York Republican State Committee and New York Senate Republican Committee, and New York State Senator Michael N. Gianaris will also participate in the event.
The program will be held from 8-9 a.m. in the Assembly Parlor on the 3rd Floor of the New York State Capitol. To register, please contact Katherine Rosenberg at (518) 445-3287 or krose@albanylaw.edu.
Crowley Earns a Profile in the Albany Business Review
February 2011Terri Crowley, an administrator at Hinman Straub Advisors, LLC and a member of the Firm's Government Relations and Education departments, was profiled in a special section of the Albany Business Review for her participation in the University of Albany's weekend Executive MBA program. Ms. Crowley enrolled in the program last fall to further her education and in-depth knowledge of business, accounting and economics. To read the entire profile, please click here. Along with her weekend MBA classes, Ms. Crowley also serves on the Board of Directors for the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, she is a coach for the Albany City Youth Soccer Program, a soccer coach at the Academy of the Holy Names Lower School Soccer Program and on the Board of Equinox, a non-profit service organization. For more information on Ms. Crowley, please click here.
Silver Becomes Newest Officer on the Albany County Bar Association Board of Directors
January 2011On January 11, 2011, Janet Silver, a principal at Hinman Straub, was sworn in as the new 2011 secretary of the board of directors for the Albany County Bar Association. Silver has served on the board of directors since 2008 and is chair of the association's Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Committee, the new chair to the Policy Committee and was the former chair to the Albany County Young Lawyers Committee. A member and active participant of the Albany County Bar Association for nearly eight years, Silver's new position as an officer expands her role and duties as a staunch advocate for young attorneys, New York State's legal system and educational and policy issues affecting both attorneys and the people whom they serve. The Albany County Bar Association, the largest local bar in the region, represents approximately 1,400 members and its mission and purpose is to promote professional collegiality among the bench and bar, facilitate public service and access to justice for all and offer programs, benefits and services to enhance the skills of its members. For more about the Albany County Bar Association, please click here. For more information on Janet Silver, please visit her bio page.
Ginsberg's To Life! Hosts Albany Winter Luncheon
January 2011Mara Ginsberg is a principal at Hinman Straub and the founder and President of To Life!, a not-for-profit organization that provides education and support services to those living with and affected by breast cancer. On January 24, 2011, To Life! will host a winter luncheon focusing on Finding Meaning & Humor in Our Imperfect Lives. New York Times bestselling author Lee Woodruff will be the keynote speaker for the event. The luncheon will take place at the Holiday Inn on Wolf Road in Albany from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. General tickets are available as well as "Meet & Greet" and "Table of 10" options. For more information and to purchase tickets please click here. For additional information on To Life! please visit www.tolife.org or call (518) 439-5975. Due to limited seating, registration for the luncheon is requested by January 18, 2011. Founded in 1998, To Life! is a non-profit organization providing free-of-charge breast cancer education and support services in a 10-county region, including and surrounding Albany County. For more information on Mara Ginsberg, please visit her bio page.
Hinman Straub Brings Holiday Cheer to St. Catherine's Center for Children
December 2010Hinman Straub continues its tradition of holiday donations by once again collecting toys and gifts for St. Catherine's Center for Children. Collecting nearly $1,000 worth items, Hinman Straub provided the children of St. Catherine's with hats and gloves, sheets and towels, gift cards, dozens of puzzles and games and of course - lots of toys. The mission of St. Catherine's Center for Children is to provide a comprehensive range of human services designed to offer hope, foster growth and improve the lives of the children and families. For more information on St. Catherine's Center for Children, please click here.
Fallon Presents at Annual ESSAE Exchange
December 2010Michael Fallon, principal at Hinman Straub, recently presented at The Empire State Society of Association Executives' (ESSAE) second annual Fall Advocacy Institute and Exchange. Presenting at the Hampton Inn and Suites in downtown Albany, Fallon's presentation focused on the laws and regulations regarding lobbying on behalf of 501(c)(3)s. Fallon also discussed monitoring of lobbying activities, tax structure and the consequences of political engagement. For more information on ESSAE, please click here. For more information on Michael Fallon, please visit his bio page.
Ginsberg Co-Chairs 6th Annual To Life! Pink Ball
November 2010Mara Ginsberg, principal at Hinman Straub, was this year's co-chair of 2010 annual To Life! Pink Ball event. Ginsberg not only served as co-chair of this year's event, but she is a breast cancer survivor that is the founder and President of To Life!, a non-profit, community based organization that provides thousands of individuals from across the capital region with breast cancer and wellness related educational and support services. All proceeds from the event go directly toward providing free-of-charge breast cancer and wellness education and support services in Albany and the nine surrounding counties. For more information on To Life! please click here. For the recent newsletter and pictures from the event, please click here. For more information on Mara Ginsberg, please visit her bio page.
As Chair of Board, Costello Brings New Hope to The Next Step
November 2010Bartley J. Costello III, a principal at Hinman Straub, is a long time advocate and passionate Chairman of Albany's The Next Step, Inc. The Next Step is a first of its kind residential treatmentcenter that is home to approximately twenty women, ages 18 and older. All women at the center are seeking recovery from alcohol or other drug addictions. After years of caring for women in an old and slowly crumbling building,the Board of Directors, Chaired by B.J. Costello, successfully negotiated financial support for a new home for The Next Step. Mr. Costello and the Board worked with state and local agencies to find a new, larger and more modern home for which staff can help those women suffering from addictions and learn to live healthy, happy, chemical-free and sober lifestyles. For more information on The Next Step, please click here. For more information on Mr. Costello, please visit his bio page.
Spaulding is Panel Expert at 2010 Annual Conference of Insurance Compliance Professionals
October 2010Ralph D. Spaulding, a new principal at Hinman Straub specializing in life insurance and annuities compliance matters, was a panelist at the 2010 Annual Conference for the Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals (AICP). With 29 years of experience in the insurance industry, Mr. Spaulding was invited to sit on three of the Conference's panels, including: State Filing Speed to Market Initiatives, Group L&H Products: Unique Filing Requirements, and Innovations in Life Product Development. For more information on ICP and its 2010 Annual Conference, please click here. For more information on Mr. Spaulding, please visit his bio page.
Ryan Speaks to KIPP Kids; Encourages Education and Hard Work
October 2010Kelly Ryan, an associate at Hinman Straub, recently visited KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) Tech Valley Middle School in Albany, NY and spoke to approximately 100 7th and 8th grade students. The Friday afternoon group discussion was part of the school's annual Career Month. Every year, on Fridays in October, KIPP Tech Valley invites local professionals to visit the school and speak with students about their profession and achievements. As an attorney and trustee of KIPP Tech Valley, Ms. Ryan was asked to participate in this year's event. She talked to students about the different type of attorneys, the many different career paths for attorneys and the importance of education. Opened in 2005, Albany's KIPP Tech Valley is part of the nationally recognized network of KIPP public schools. KIPP Tech Valley is also the highest performing public middle school in Albany and the only charter school in New York State to have 100 percent of its eighth graders reach or exceed proficiency on the English Language Arts and Math New York State Assessments. For more information about KIPP Tech Valley, please click here. For more information on Ms. Ryan, please visit please visit her bio page.
Hinman Straub's Donation Helps Make a Child's Wish Come True
September 2010As part of the annual Hinman Straub Picnic, nearly $1,300 in collected donations was made to Albany's Make-A-Wish Foundation. The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to enrich the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. Contributions were donated by the collective effort of Hinman Straub�s principals, associates and employees. For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation or to donate, please click here.
Community Links
Albany Police Athletic League (PAL)
Association of Legal Administrators (ALA)
KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) Tech Valley Middle School
Life Insurance Council of New York, Inc.
St. Catherine's Center for Children
The Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals (AICP)
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