Palestina, himself a recipient of the Franklin Award back in 1996, explained to the audience the importance of ethics playing a part in professional associations such as the CPCU Society and those who receive the Franklin Award. With signs around the room referencing Ethics Awareness Month, Palestina noted "you may have noticed the signs we displayed here and there informing everyone that March is Ethics Awareness Month, a national insurance industry education event which marks it's 10^th anniversary this year. It began in 1990 as a means to raise awareness and generate discussion of ethical issues facing the insurance and financial services industries. The goal of the campaign is to help professionals to better define their own personal ethics, understand the importance of ethical training, and apply ethical standards and thinking in corporate America. This Franklin Award also takes into consideration ethical standards met by the award recipient Bob Seltzer".

Palestina then read a Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia's Mayor John Street paying tribute to the CPCUs for their professionalism and their many charitable and civic efforts in the Delaware Valley (click on image of tribute to view the larger version). This was followed by the Award presentation itself by Josephine Battisti, CPCU, Chairman of the Event Committee. Noting Mr. Seltzer's lifestyle which helped in his being selected for the award the following were acknowledged: he has dedicated his life to the improvement of the insurance industry both inside and outside his firm; is a great believer and supporter of continuing education; is an advocate of getting involved, personally having served many organizations in various capacities such as the Council of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers, IIAA, Insurance Services Office and the Insurance Society of Philadelphia; served the community via the Federation of Allied Jewish Agencies, the Jewish Y's and the Deborah Heart & Lung Foundation.  Jo also made mention of the days event being extra special due to the fact that the recipient and the keynote speaker were both celebrating their birthdays today. Two birthday cakes with candles were later brought out as the crowd sang "Happy birthday".

After receiving the Award, Mr. Seltzer, President of the Cohen-Seltzer insurance agency with locations in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, discussed his life work and thanked his family and friends for their years of helping him become a better person and supporting him in his many civic and charitable endeavors.

A special gift was presented to Mr. seltzer by son Dan.  It was a binder full of many congratulatory letters written to Bob by many of his friends and associates that he has made throughout the years.

Keynote speaker Ron Jaworski remarked on his friendship with Mr. Seltzer over the years and then talked about some of his more humorous experiences with the Eagles and his admiration for coach Dick Vermiel who he said is a role model himself for ethical behavior.