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New member of county authority questions panel’s relationship with broker.
Pittston insurance broker Joseph Joyce attended Thursday’s Luzerne County Convention Authority meeting to present insurance quotes that he obtained on the authority’s behalf.
Donna Cupinski, a new authority board member, questioned the authority’s relationship with Joyce Insurance Group and asked if other insurance businesses have the opportunity to bid.
“Do we allow all agencies to quote or just your buddies?”
Joyce said his insurance business has been serving as broker for the authority “since the beginning.”
“We go to every carrier who will give us a quote,” he said, adding that all quotes are presented to the authority board for its consideration and approval.
It was unclear Thursday how much Joyce is paid to serve as broker.
Authority Chairman Patrick Judge said the insurance arrangement has been “past practice,” but the board “could take it under consideration.”
The authority received a preliminary proposal from Team Services, a sports marketing agency that wants to assist in selecting naming rights for the arena. Those rights will be up for grabs starting Jan. 20, 2010.
Board members said they would need more clarification on some of the proposed fees, including a $50,000 bonus.
Judge said the board has to do more research before voting.
Jeff Barrett, chief executive officer of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, attended Thursday’s meeting to introduce himself to new members and advise the board that the building is 10 years old and in need of capital repairs.