Solidarity
We’re with you every step of the way
Behind every Progressive agent is the support of more than 60,000 Progressive employees. It’s our mission to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to succeed.
From caring field sales reps to dedicated agent service teams, we’re ready to help you grow. Plus, we supplement your counsel and guidance with aroundthe-clock claims and customer service via our mobile app and online servicing.
Whether it’s sales, service, claims or anything in between, you’ve got a partner every step of the way.
TO LEARN MORE
Search for us online at Agents of Progressive, Progressive Connect, or Progressive Appointment.
Proud Platinum Sponsor of the Big I Illinois since 2005.
WELCOME
Welcome to CONVO 2024! This year, we are excited to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of our Association. As we embark on three days of fun, learning, laughing, and growing together as an industry, we will honor our past and empower our future. We will look back to remember the foundation this community was built upon. We will discuss our current challenges in the industry and country. We will look to the future and what will continue to make our industry the greatest in the world. During the event, I challenge you to make new friends, as the heart of what makes our industry great is the amazing people. Congratulations on making history and choosing to be a part of this milestone event!
ILLIN O I S
On behalf of the Big I Illinois Board of Directors, Volunteers, and Staff, we look forward to connecting with you over the next few days. If you need anything, stop by the Big I Illinois registration desk or see a staff member or volunteer. Part of our association’s legacy is the resources available to member agencies. We encourage you to make the Association your #1 Resource and ask us first. We pride ourselves on the products and services we offer to help our members, the deep knowledge of our staff, and the years of research we have done and continue to do.
The fun does not have to end with CONVO. Join us on CONNECT, Big I Illinois’ communication platform for agency members, as we continue to discuss themes from the event and other industry news, resources, and more.
Shannon Churchill CONVO Coordinator
Introducing...
2024-2025 Big I Illinois President
Pat Taphorn was hired out of college in 1989 with Unland Insurance & Benefits in an Accounting & Operations position and moved into a sales role in 1994. He took over as President in January of 2016 and still has agent responsibilities. He oversees all four agency locations. Unland Insurance & Benefits provides P&C, Life, Health & Employee Benefits, HR and Financial Services.
Check out the October issue of Insight magazine for an interview with Pat outlining his goals for the year.
Time Capsule
Help us create a snapshot of what our industry looks like today to leave behind for a future generation of independent agents. Share a business card, photo of your office or team, a news article or any other memorabilia that represents your experience in the industry. Bring your item to the registration area at CONVO and it will be included in a time capsule to be opened on a future anniversary.
History Museum
Take a walk through the history of Big I Illinois and the industry associations that contributed to our rich history. Historical documents, photographs, magazines, and a unique collection of flags help set the scene for a unique story of origin. Open Tuesday, Noon to 5:00 pm and Wednesday, 7:00 am - 10:00 pm.
Make your Mark on History
Stop by the registration area to sign a special anniversary canvas to document those who helped celebrate our 125th Anniversary.
It’s a "fancy" Big Party for everyone on Wednesday evening. Let’s toast to our remarkable past and to a future full of possibility.
ATTENDEE INFORMATION
Name Badges
Admission to all meetings and entertainment events will be by name badge only. Please wear your name badge at all times. It is your ticket to education and social events.
Continuing Education Credit
QR codes are used to track CE credit. Three-hour sessions will have two scans and one-hour sessions will have one scan. After scanning the code provided during the session, you will be directed to a website to answer a few questions and complete your CE request. See the classroom volunteer with questions.
NOTE: You must be on time to each class. Anyone that is late to class, or leaves early, will NOT receive CE credit.
The maximum number of Illinois CE hours a licensed individual may earn is 12 for the entire event.
If you should have questions or need anything throughout the event, visit the CONVO Registration Desk or see a Big I Illinois staff member.
Tradeshow – New Booth Procedure for Prize Drawings
If you have entered a prize drawing for one of the exhibitors, you will want to make sure you are on the tradeshow floor (hospitality area) at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Each exhibitor will be drawing and announcing their winners live. If your name is called and you are not present, exhibitors have the option to draw someone else. It is the responsibility of the exhibitors to get prizes to the winners.
First-Time Attendees & Young Agents
If you are a first-time CONVO attendee, or are a young agent (under 41 years old or less than 5 years in the industry), stop by the Bee Hive on Wednesday at the Civic Center, near registration. Connect with other first-time attendees or chat with other young industry professionals. Stop by registration to pick up your NewBee or Young Agents button. Look for a special gathering area during the Welcome Reception Tuesday and reserved seating during Wednesday morning’s General Session.
Tuesday, Oct. 15
8:00 - 11:00 pm
BLACKJACK • CRAPS • POKER
ROULETTE • LET IT RIDE
Play for chances at some incredible prizes!
Play for chances at some incredible prizes!
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Tuesday, October 15
10:00 am CONVO Golf Outing
Noon - 5:00 pm Convention Registration
Noon - 5:00 pm Association History Museum Open
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Concurrent Education Sessions (CE)
- Look for class details on page 12
5:00 - 6:00 pm Welcome Reception and Meet & Greet
Dinner Break
Dutch Dine Arounds
-Hotel Lobby - Meet at 5:50 pm
6:00 - 8:00 pm
-Must sign up. See registration desk for details.
Past Presidents Dinner (Invitation Only)
-Hotel - LaSalle Ballroom
8:00 - 11:00 pm Casino Night
Wednesday, October 16
7:00 am Registration Open
7:00 am
7:00 am - 10:00 pm
8:00 - 11:00 am
Overview & Outlook for the P&C Insurance Industry: Trends, Challenges, Opportunities (CE)
- Look for session details on page 14
11:00 am - 2:00 pm Tradeshow and Lunch **New Timing
2:00 - 3:50 pm
3:00 - 4:00 pm
4:15 - 5:30 pm
Concurrent Education Sessions (CE)
- Look for session details on page 15
VIP Meet & Greet with Ben Zobrist (Big I Illinois Board and Committee Members Only)
Closing Keynote with Ben Zobrist (Open to all)
- Look for session details on page 19
6:30 - 11:00 pm Champagne Celebration/Big Party
Thursday, October 17
7:00 - 8:30 am Breakfast
8:30 - 11:30 am
Greatest Industry in the World: State of the AssociationAddress and Paving the Way for Perpetuation of the Industry (CE)
- Look for session details on page 21
- LaSalle Ballroom
- Marquette A Ballroom
- Cotillion Ballroom
- 4th Floor
- Marquette Prefunction
- Marquette Ballroom
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 2:00 - 3:50 p M
2:00 - 2:50 pm
Anatomy of a Cyber Attack: The Breach Phase
-Ryan Smith and Stephen Carlson
Government Interference in Your Agency and Association Resources to Help
-Brett Gerger, Evan Manning, and Jennifer Jacobs
Developing and Retaining Talent in 2024 and Beyond
-Bobby Shomo
The State of the Auto Market- A Perspective from AM Best
-Janet Hernandez
3:00 - 3:50 pm
A Simpler Way to Sell Cyber - Techniques for Uncovering Cyber Risks
-Ryan Smith
Home Loss Settlement in the Hard Market New Normal
-Nicole Broch
Maximizing Your Carrier Relationship as an Independent Agency
-Bobby Shomo
10 Signs that You Should Consider Transitioning Ownership of Your Agency
-Craig Niess, Jeff Smith, Jarod Steed
Session & Speaker Details
Click below to read more about the CONVO 2024 sessions and speakers.
Session Details
Speaker Bios
10:00 am
DAY T UESDAY , O
CONVO Golf Outing - Weaver Ridge Golf Club
Noon - 5:00 pm Convention Registration - Hotel
Noon - 5:00 pm Association History Museum Open - Hotel, LaSalle Ballroom
1:00 - 4:00 pm Concurrent Education Sessions (CE)
Sponsored by:
Speaker: Mary LaPorte
- Hotel, Cheminee Ballroom
E&O: Introduction to Homeowners (includes Ethics) (CE)
What happens with the Homeowners policy when a marriage is breaking up and a spouse moves out of the household? How do you know when your customer’s hobbies might be considered a “business?” Are you covered when renting your home through a home-sharing network like Airbnb? Are intentional acts by children covered under the policy? We are faced with questions like these regularly, and the policy itself is a critical resource. In this session, we will explore these questions and review eligibility and definitions while focusing on coverage provided under the liability section of the policy.
The class will use discussion points to help participants become aware of situations that can be resolved with endorsements or risk management practices. This is a great class for anyone who works in personal lines, or who would like a stronger understanding of the homeowners policy.
*Applicable towards three hours of the necessary credit for the E&O discount *Satisfies the IL Ethics credit requirement.
Insurance Game of Games (CE)
Speakers: Nicole Broch, Luke Praxmarer
- Hotel, Marquette Ballroom
If you are an insurance nerd, this is your chance to truly enjoy insurance education while competing, interacting, and learning. Join hosts Luke Praxmarer & Nicole Broch as we play “Pursuing Trivia” and “Insurance Jeopardy.” Put your insurance knowledge to use by outsmarting the other teams to win prizes. We will be covering a variety of topics, including Personal Auto & Home, Commercial Property & Auto, Personal Umbrella, EPL, Business Income, Workers Comp, and more. You will leave this course with a greater knowledge of various insurance concepts and coverages, a sore belly from laughing, and hopefully prizes and/or swag from winning.
5:00 - 6:00 pm Welcome Reception and Meet & Greet
- Hotel, Marquette A Ballroom
Kick off CONVO at the Welcome Reception. Join us for a drink and hors d’ oeuvres before heading out to dinner at the Dutch Dine Arounds, with your company partners, with old friends or new acquaintances.
6:00 - 8:00 pm Dinner Break
Don’t have dinner plans? Here are some options:
Dutch Dine Arounds (Sign up required)
- Hotel Lobby - Meet at 5:50 pm
- See registration area for sign up sheets.
Sign up to join a group dinner coordinated by BIg I Illinois staff. We’ve made the reservations and travel arrangements, you bring your awesome self as we discuss life, the insurance industry and anything you want!
* Attendees are responsible for paying for their own dinner.
Past Presidents Dinner (Invitation Only)
- Hotel, LaSalle Ballroom
8:00 - 11:00 pm Casino Night
- All Attendees Welcome
- Hotel, Cheminee Ballroom
Feeling lucky? Spin the wheel at roulette, have the winning hand at poker, blackjack, or one of the many other games. Turn in your chips to win one of many great prizes!
7:00 am Registration Opens - Civic Center, 1st Floor
7:00 am Hot Breakfast - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
Illinois Insurance Pre-Licensing Program
7:00 am - 5:00 pm Association History Museum Open - Hotel, LaSalle Ballroom
8:00 - 11:00 am General Session (CE) - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
7:00 am - 4:00 pm BeeHive for First-Timers and Young Agents Open - Civic Center, 1st Floor
Big I Illinois Awards Ceremony, Passing of the Gavel, and DOI Update
Speakers Phil Lackman, Pat Taphorn, Allyson Padilla, and DOI Acting Director Ann Gillespie
Big I Illinois Agency of the Year, Agent of the Year, and Young Agent of the Year Awards will be presented. The Cartwright Merit Award Committee will address the audience. Attendees will also hear state and national updates, and more.
Overview and Outlook for the P&C Insurance Industry: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
By Dr. Robert Hartwig
Robert P. Hartwig, PhD, CPCU, will present an overview of the Property and Casualty insurance industry, focusing on trends, challenges, and opportunities in Illinois. The presentation will cover topics such as financial performance, economic outlook, the impact of inflation, and the challenges posed by legal system abuse. Hartwig will discuss the industry’s growth, underwriting performance, catastrophe losses, and economic factors influencing the industry. He will also explore the effects of inflation on claim severities, loss ratios and cost drivers, and the impact of legal system abuse and nuclear verdicts on the industry’s costs. The presentation will conclude with a question-and-answer session.
11:00 am - 2:00 pm Tradeshow and Lunch **NEW TIMING
- Civic Center, 1st Floor
Pick up your food truck tickets at the tradeshow entrance.
We’ve combined the lunch and tradeshow this year! Meet with more than 120 vendors and learn about the valuable industry products and services that will make your agency stand out. Lunch will be provided inside the tradeshow, allowing you to maximize your time visiting with exhibitors. (See exhibitor list on page 22.)
Lunch will be provided by Food Trucks outside the back wall of the tradeshow. Food trucks will feature mexican, american, bbq, and desserts.
TWO O CTOBER 16
2:00 - 2:50 pm Concurrent Education Sessions (CE)
- Each class is filed for CE in one-hour segments.
Sponsored by:
Anatomy of a Cyber Attack: The Breach Phase
Speaker: Ryan Smith and Stephen Carlson
- Civic Center, 4th Floor
Attendees will witness a variety of ways attackers can access their agency system and critical agency data. They will understand the issues their insurance agency faces and how they can better prepare themselves and their clients when discussing breaches. Tips for what an incident response plan entails will be shared, along with recommendations for how to begin creating a plan of your own.
2:00 - 2:50 pm Government Interference in your Agency & Association Resources to Help Speaker: Brett Gerger, Evan Manning, Jennifer Jacobs
- Civic Center, 4th Floor
This comprehensive class is designed to equip insurance professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to understand and adapt to the latest regulatory developments affecting their businesses and clients. Participants will learn about key regulatory actions, their implications, and how to leverage available resources to navigate these changes effectively.
Key topics include:
• Employment Regulation: Ban on non-compete agreements, understanding and complying with the overtime rule, and hard market conditions
• Agency Challenges: Interpreting regulatory requirements, implementing best practices for navigating challenging market conditions, exploring the surplus lines market
• Regulation: Sewer backup, public adjusters, navigating mandatory auto insurance requirements
Attendees will also learn how to leverage Big I Illinois resources for guidance and support. Continued on next page.
DAY TWO W EDNESDAY
, O CTOBER 16 - CONTINUED
2:00 - 2:50 pm Developing and Retaining Talent in 2024 and Beyond
Speaker: Bobby Shomo
- Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
Developing and retaining talent continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing agencies today. During this session, Bobby will share tips and tools that have helped his six-location, 25+ person agency stand out as a Best Practices Agency for over six years. Bobby will walk attendees through the makeup of today’s generational-diverse workforce and share the importance of defining the responsibility of developing talent, setting goals, and measuring performance standards. Finally, he will share his keys to keeping the talented members of your team growing, learning, and building a foundation for success.
2:00 - 2:50 pm The State of the Auto Market - A Perspective from AM Best
Speaker: Janet Hernandez
- Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
Join Janet Hernandez, Senior Financial Analyst at AM Best, as she details the current state of the auto industry. Topics explored will include the headwinds carriers are facing including rate adequacy and the rapidly increasing costs of claims, tailwinds such as improved industry innovation such as the use of telematics, and how the Illinois auto market stacks up nationally.
3:00 - 3:50 pm Concurrent Education Sessions (CE) - Each class is filed for CE in one-hour segments.
Sponsored by:
A Simpler Way To Sell Cyber - Techniques for Uncovering Cyber Risks
Speaker: Ryan Smith
- Civic Center, 4th Floor
To sell cyber, first your client must understand their cyber risk but many sellers struggle due to the technical nature of cybersecurity. There’s an easier way! Hear from Ryan Smith, a cybersecurity consultant that has been helping businesses with cyber risks since 2017, as he shares tips on creating an educational approach to selling that helps expand your prospect’s awareness of their risk without getting technical.
The most important asset requiring protection is the business’ income. In this session the four most important business income concepts are discussed. Upon these concepts business income is built. After this session, business income coverage will be far less mystifying.
Day two continued on next page.
W EDNESDAY , O CTOBER
3:00 - 3:50 pm Home Loss Settlement in the Hard Market New Normal
Speaker: Nicole Broch - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Loss settlement is often questioned by insureds at time of purchase and misunderstood by agents at time of loss. This brief course goes through loss settlement, including examples, to gain great understanding.
3:00 - 3:50 pm Maximizing Your Carrier Relationship as an Independent Agency
Speaker: Bobby Shomo - Civic Center, 4th Floor
To maximize carrier relationships, independent agencies should carefully select carriers that align with their values and mission, cultivate deep relationships with decision-makers through regular communication and understanding, prioritize effective communication techniques tailored to generational preferences, and uphold a fiduciary role by acting with honesty, integrity, and character. By following these strategies, agencies can foster strong partnerships that benefit both themselves and their clients.
3:00 - 3:50 pm
Sponsored by:
10 Signs that You Should Consider Transitioning Ownership of Your Agency
Speakers: Craig Niess, Jeff Smith, Jarod Steed - Civic Center, 4th Floor
In this session, current agency owners and future owners will review the questions they should consider when contemplating whether the agency needs an ownership transition. Transitioning ownership is a time-consuming process that requires careful planning in order to create an orderly transition of the clients, business, leadership and management of the operation. Current agency owners should ask themselves the questions in this presentation every year and begin planning for a transition at least 5 years in advance of the first transition date. This program will provide the tools necessary to plan a smooth transition to the next generation.
3:00 - 4:00 pm VIP Meet & Greet with Ben Zobrist (Big I Illinois Board & Committee Members Only) - Civic Center, Lexus Club
4:15 - 5:30 pm Closing Keynote with Ben Zobrist (CE) - Open to ALL attendees - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
Drawing on his extensive experience in professional sports and life, Ben Zobrist discusses the importance of leadership and teamwork, sharing insights on how to foster a collaborative and supportive team environment and how to persevere in the face of adversity.
6:00 - 11:00 pm Champagne Celebration/Big Party - Open to ALL attendees - Hotel, Marquette Ballroom
Join us as we clink our glasses to our remarkable past, cherish the present we’ve built together, and toast to a future filled with exciting possibilities. This year’s “Big Party” will feature dinner, drinks, live music from the band “Midnight” and fun, as always. Plus, we’re taking it up a notch and creating a celebration that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Cocktail attire encouraged, but not required!
Roush Insurance Services, Inc.
Special Risk Professionals
18077 River Road, Suite 107 · Noblesville, IN 46062-8311
Phone: (800) 752-8402 · Fax: (317) 776-6891
www.roushins.com
Time is money. You need a reliable wholesaler with multiple placement options for risks standard carriers reject. We specialize in new ventures, accounts with a lapse in coverage, risks being cancelled or non-renewed, low credit score clients, and unique exposures.
• Habitational, including older buildings and mixed use
• Auto dismantlers, salvage yards and service risks
• Convenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores
• Daycare operations (adults and children)
• Dwellings (owner, seasonal, tenant, vacant)
• Homeowners, condo associations and unit owners
• Lessor’s risk and small mercantile
• Vacant buildings and land
You are Invited to Join us at The Round Table!
Our mobile-friendly, secure agency portal enables you to see all your agency activity in one place. You can review quotes and binders, upload documents, download policy transactions, make free ACH payments, report claims and more!
our exclusive online DP1 Roush Dwelling Program!
Answer a few questions, choose the desired coverages and limits, and get a firm quote. Data transfers to the fillable application that is emailed to you when you submit.
Request access at https://www.roushins.net/ RIS-Portal/
We Don’t Want to Buy Your Business – We Want to Earn It!
In-Depth Insurance Knowledge
No Volume Commitment
Timely Quoting and Policy Issuance
Exceptional Customer Service
Great Markets and Commission
Reputation for Excellence
Independently Owned
Topnotch Underwriting
Your Satisfaction is Our Goal!
Where do your submissions go?
When you email them to quote@roushins.com, you will receive an acknowledgment with your underwriter’s contact information promptly. Get the superior customer service you deserve!
THREE T HURSDAY , O CTOBER 17
7:00 - 8:30 am Hot Breakfast - Hotel, Marquette Prefunction
Sponsored by:
8:30 - 11:30 am Greatest Industry in the World: State of the Association Address and Paving the Way for Perpetuation of the Industry
the “greatest industry in the world”. Learn what characteristics to look for when seeking talent for the future and how to lay the foundation for them by providing mentorship. To
708
AAA, The Auto Club Group ||| member.acg.aaa.com/il.html
111 Aegis General Insurance Agency www.aegisgeneral.com
500 AJ Wayne ||| www.ajwayne.com
510 AMERISAFE ||| www.amerisafe.com
709 AmTrust Insurance ||| www.amtrustfinancial.com
803 AMWINS ||| www.amwins.com
712 Anzen Specialty - Executive Risk Insurance www.anzen.com
611 Appalachian Underwriters || www.appund.com
217 Applied Systems/EZLynx www.appliedsystems.com
822 Applied Underwriters || www.auw.com
413/508 Arlington/Roe ||||| www.arlingtonroe.com
411 Berkley Agribusiness || www.berkleyag.com
312 Berkley Aspire ||| www.berkleyaspire.com
307 Berkley Management Protection ||| www.berkleymp.com
206 Berkshire Hathaway Homestate www.bhhc.com
104/105 Big I Illinois www.ilbigi.org
821 Bliss McKnight ||| www.blissmcknight.com
202 BluSky Restoration ||| www.goblusky.com
211 Boundless Rider ||| www.boundlessrider.com
420 BriteCo Jewelry & Watch Insurance ||| brite.co
101 Burns & Wilcox www.burnsandwilcox.com
719 Chicagoland SIA LLC & Valley Insurance Agents Alliance www.chicagolandsia.com & viaa4u.com
610 Chubb ||| www.chubb.com
320 Columbia Insurance Group ||| www.colinsgrp.com
A L p HABETICALLY
203 Conifer Insurance Services || www.coniferinsurance.com
620 Cowbell ||| www.cowbell.insure
409 CRDN of Chicago || www.crdn.com
717 Don R. Jensen & Company || www.donrjensen.com
408 Donald Gaddis Company ||| www.gaddiscompany.com
200 EBRM www.ebrm.com
720 EMC Insurance ||| www.emcins.com 714 Encova Insurance ||| www.encova.com 309 Engage PEO www.engagepeo.com 215 Enterprise Mobility || www.enterprise.com 219 ePayPolicy || www.epaypolicy.com 302 Erie Insurance ||| www.erieinsurance.com
103 Farm Agents Council www.ilfarmagents.com 805 First Insurance Funding www.firstinsurancefunding.com 122 First Nonprofit, An Amynta Company || info.firstnonprofit.com/are-you-an-insurance-agent 612 Forreston Mutual Insurance Company ||| www.fmic.com 300 FrankCrum www.frankcrum.com 816 Frontier-Mt Carroll Mutual Insurance Co. || www.fmcmutual.com 809 Futuristic Underwriters www.futuristicunderwriters.com 214 Gallagher | www.ajg.com 818 Glatfelter Public Entities www.glatfelterpublicentities.com 117 Goodville Mutual Casualty Company || www.goodville.com 210 Grange Insurance www.grangeinsurance.com
313 Grinnell Mutual ||| www.grinnellmutual.com
718 HawkSoft || www.hawksoft.com
410 Honeycomb || www.honeycombinsurance.com
301 HSB || www.hsb.com
304 IA Valuations ||| www.iavaluations.com
102 IdealTraits || www.idealtraits.com
806 Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund ||| www.imsif.com
613 Illinois Public Risk Fund ||| www.iprf.com
521 IMT Insurance |||| www.imtins.com
308 Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Co. ||| www.imfco.net
819 Indian Point RV Roofing, FlexArmor of Illinois www.indianpointrvroofing.com
602 Indiana Farmers Insurance ||| www.indianafarmers.com
201 Insurance Program Managers Group ||| www.ipmg.com
601 Integrated Specialty Coverages, LLC || www.iscmga.com
710 IPFS ||| www.ipfs.com
815 J.M. Wilson Corporation ||| www.jmwilson.com
401 Liberty Mutual / State Auto ||| www.libertymutual.com
817 Limit ||| www.limit.com
813 Madison Mutual Insurance Company ||| www.madisonmutual.com
621 Main Street America ||| www.msainsurance.com
421 MAXIMUM ||| www.maxib.com
715 MEM ||| www.mem-ins.com/previsor
321 Mercury Insurance ||| www.mercuryinsurance.com
701 Method Insurance Services ||| www.methodinsurance.com
509 National General, an Allstate company || nationalgeneral.com
319 Nationwide Agribusiness ||| nationwide.com/agribusiness/farm-insurance/ 519 NHRMA Mutual ||| www.nhrma.com
713 Novatae novatae.com
311 Old Republic Surety Company || www.orsurety.com
801/802 Omaha National || www.omahanational.com 711 Openly || openly.com
121 Paul Davis Restoration || www.lake-county.pauldavis.com 811 Paychex HR & Payroll Solutions ||| paychex.com
502 Pekin Insurance ||||| www.pekininsurance.com
501 Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Ins. Co. www.plmins.com
216 Philadelphia Insurance Companies || www.phly.com
721/800 Progressive |||||| www.progressive.com
112 REInsurePro || www.reinsurepro.com/ILconvo24
702 Rhodian Group ||| rhodiangroup.com
220 Risk Placement Services, Inc. || www.rpsins.com
619 Rockford Mutual ||| www.rockfordmutual.com
814 Rokstone Agriculture rokstoneagriculture.com
Continued on next page.
EXHIBITOR LIST
Truck Lunch Entrance/Exit
This is the area exhibitors will be drawing and announcing booth prize winners at 1:30 pm. *See note on page 7
STATE pAC CONTRIBUTIONS
ILLINOIS
State Political Action Committee
$5,000
The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
$3,000
Unland Insurance & Benefits
$2,000 - 2,500
Big I DuPage Illinois
Big I Southern IL Region
Farm Agents Council
Michael Mackey
The Plexus Group
$1,001 - 2,000
Chris Leming - TROXELL
Cornerstone Agency, Inc.
Big I IL NEI
Michael Wojcik - The Horton Group TROXELL
$500 - 1,000
Arlington Roe
Ben Leezer
Christopher Gaddis
James T. Shanahan Agency Inc.
LLC Insurance Agency, Inc.
Peterson Insurance Services, Inc.
TW Group Inc.
$250 - 499
1st Fed Insurance Services dba Killam Englund Insurance Agency, Inc.
Acrisure Midweat
Alera Group
Arachas Group, LLC
Assured Partners
Blank’s Insurance Agency
Buttrey-Wulff-Mammings Agency, Inc.
Byrne, Byrne and Company
Chartwell Insurance Services, Inc.
Cindy Jackman
Compass Insurance
Connor & Gallagher Insurance Services, Inc.
Crossroads Insurance Services
David Ocasek
Dayton Kilgus
Dykstra Insurance Agency, Inc.
Erland Insurance Agency
Fergurson Insurance Agency, Inc.
First Mid Insurance Group
First State Insurance
Foppe Insurance Agency, Inc.
Freiburg Insurance Agency
Your Big I Illinois State Political Action Committee General Assembly who support the legislative making significant contributions to both
Thank you to our State PAC Contributors
Frisbie & Lohmeyer, Inc.
George Daly - The Horton Group
Hartauer Insurance Agency
Held Insurance Agency
Heneghan, White, Cutting, & Roentz Insurance Agency
I I P Insurance Agency, Inc.
Insurance Providers Group
James D. Surles
Kiesewetter Insurance Agency, LLC
Lagestee insurance Agency, Inc.
Langlois Insurance Agency
Leffelman & Associates, Inc.
LiFonti Insurance Services, inc.
Likes Insurance Agency, Inc.
Loman-Ray Insurance Group LLC
Lutz Agency, Inc.
McCutchen Insurance Agency, Inc.
Meyer-Jochums Agency, Inc.
Minton Insurance & Associates, LLC
Ogden Insurance Agency, Inc.
Patton insurance Group dba Howell Insurance Agency
Paul T. Price & Son, Inc.
Prime Insurance Agency, Ltd.
Ramey Insurance Agency, Inc.
Ramsey Financial Services Inc.
Roanoke Insurance Group
S.T. Neswold & Associates, Inc.
Saliba-Yewell Insurance Services, Inc.
Schwaller Insurance Agency, Inc.
Secure Futures, Ltd.
Siegert-Lees Insurance Services, LLC
Squier Insurance Agency, Inc.
The Daniel & Henry Co.
The David Agency Insurance, Inc.
The Liddle Agency, Inc.
Tingley Insurance Agency, Inc.
Tricor, LLC
West Central Insurance Agency, inc.
West Insurance Agency, Inc.
West’s Insurance Agency, Inc.
Winters LLP
Wirth Agency
$1 - 249
Affiliated Insurance Agencies
A F I Insurance Agency, Inc
AAdvantage Insurance Group LLC
Abis Insurance Services Inc
AgData Insurance Services, Inc.
Anderson Insurance Agency
Anthem Insurance Group, Inc.
Assurity Insurance Agency Inc.
B. Ozburn Insurance Agency
Bair Insurance Agency
ACCONTRIBUTIONS
Committee (State PAC) supports candidates for and members of the Illinois legislative agenda of independent agents. State PAC is a bi-partisan committee, both Republican and Democratic candidates for state office.
Contributors & Supporters
Beck Insurance Agency
Beil & Stromberg Insurance
Bob White Insurance Agency LLC
Brian Long
Bussian Insurance Agency
Charles Hruska IV
Clark Carroll Insurance Agency, Inc.
Clemens & Associates, Inc.
Clennon Insurance Agency
Concklin Insurance Agency, Inc.
Coulter Insurance Agency
Craig Slaw
Danielle Duerr & Associates Inc.
Dasco Insurance Agency, Inc.
Diane Aherin
Doran Insurance & Services, Inc.
Dozier Insurance Agency, Inc.
Evan Manning
Forest Insurance
Frost Group Inc.
Funk Insurance Associates
Galena Financial Group, Ltd.
Gardner-Whitworth Ins. Group
George Ryan, Jr. Insurance Group, Inc.
Graves Financial Services, Inc.
Gully & Hechler Insurance Agency
Harnist Insurance Agency, Inc.
Henderson-Weir Agency Inc.
Hepner Insurance Agency, Inc.
Hi-Way Insurance Agency, Inc.
Imming Insurance Agency
Inner-City Underwriting Agency, Inc.
Insurance Specialists, Inc.
Insurance Support Systems, Inc.
InsureChampaign
Jackson & Gray Co., Inc.
Jim Lyons Insurance Agency
Joe Black Agency, Inc.
Johnson Agency
Kaczmarzyk Agency, Inc.
Kane Insurance Group, Inc.
Karin Jones
Kirkpatrick Jones & Herzog Ins Agy. Inc.
Kyle Perry
Lawrence K. Hunt
Leonardi Insurance Agency
Libertyville Insurance Agency
Lincoln Insurance Agency
Lincoln Logan/May Enterprise Ins. Agcy
Macias Insurance Agency
MAS Insurance Consultants, Inc
McKellar, Robertson, McCarty, & Click Ins. Agency
Mealiff Insurance & Financial Services, LLC
Merit Insurance Group
Musso Insurance Agency
Nicholas Knudtson
North Wayne Insurance Agency, Inc.
Northern Illinois Insurance Clinic, Inc dba Marvin Uecker Insurance Agency
Northwest Ins Services, ISU Northwest Ins Services, Arlington Financial
Olsick & Company Insurance
Partners Hometown Insurance Agency LLC
Partners Insurance Agency, Inc.
Patrick VanDeVelde
Peak Insurance Agency, Inc.
Pelz Agency
Porter-Hay Insurance Agency
Premier Ag Partners, LLC
R.W. Gipson Agency, Inc.
Railside Citrus Insurance Agency, Inc.
Ray Insurance Agency, LLC
Rhonda Powell
Richard E. Bechtold Agency, Inc.
Risk Management Solutions of America, Inc.
Robertson Ryan & Associates
Ryan Benes
Sager Insurance Group, LLC
SC Crop Insurance Inc
Schulz - Brundage Inc.
Sedlak LLC dba Schmale Insurance Agency
Staley Insurance Agency
Stanley’s Insurance Agency, Inc
Stoutenborough Insurance Agency
Straughn Insurance Agency
The Insurance House, Inc.
The Williamson Agency
Ulrich Insurance Agency
Waterman-Neely Ins. Professionals
Webb Insurance Group
Wehling Insurance Agency
William Rademacher Agency, Inc dba Par Insurance Agency
Willow Insurance Services, Inc.
Wohltman-Aherin Agency, Ltd.
Yaekel & Associates Ins. Service, Inc.
Zanger Insurance Group, LLC
Don’t see your agency represented?
State PAC accepts both individual and corporate contributions –it’s easy to add on a voluntary contribution to your dues statement, contribute online at ilbigi.org/advocacy, or see a Big I Illinois staff member at registration.
Contribute Here
INSUR pAC CONTRIBUTORS
Thank you to the 2024 Big I InsurPac Contributors. InsurPac is the federal political action committee for independent insurance agents & brokers. It is the largest property-casualty agent PAC with over 5,000 donors each election cycle.
Millennium Club $5,000
Luke Praxmarer
Gregory Sandrock
Michael Wojcik
Platinum Club $2,500 - 4,999
Craig Kliethermes
Kevin Lesch
Luke Sandrock
Centennial Club $1,000 - 2,499
Mohammad Ali
Amiri Curry
Tom Evans
Steven Foster
Charles Hruska
Cindy Jackman
Rebecca Korach
Christopher Leming
Lisa Lukens
Jeff McMillan
Brian Ogden
Allyson Padilla
Dustin Peterson
Jay Peterson
Ray Roentz
James Sager
Patrick Taphorn
Noele Tatlock
Gold Club $500 - 999
Jason Cass
Craig Concklin
Renee Crissie
Nick Gunn
Julie Hearing
Todd Henricks
Brent Jones
J Phillip Lackman
Todd Mackley
Lindsey Polzin
Joe Roberts
Pioneer Club $250 - 499
Robert Curran
Kevin Dougherty
Christopher Gaddis
Daniel Kiesewetter
Mathew Langlois
Evan Manning
Jeffrey Murphy
Richard Price
Keith Rademacher
Thomas Ross
William Ryan
Richard Sedlack
James Shanahan
Ana Maria Viti-Welch
Gerard Widolff
William Wirth
Founders Club $150 - 249
Clark Carroll
Brent Dykstra
George Germanos
Gregg Germanos
Luke Gruden
Ronald Hechler
Jennifer Jacobs
Joshua Kaburick
Mark Kakenmaster
Tony LiFonti
Louis Palanca
Nancy Schwaller
George Stone
Claire Zanger
Supporter $1 - 149
Mary Bizanti
Eric Brammeier
Jaime Butts
Diane Clennon
Jeff Donnan
Kevin Feeney
Blake Freese
David Freese
William Froppe
Dan Frost
Julie Gromacki
Hedy Gross
Mark Jenner
Thomas Walsh Jr
Lori Mahorney
Bob Matzenbacher
Barb Moore
Bryan Olsick
Gene Radwanski
Ken Samson
Craig Slaw
Charles Squier
Duane Straughn
Pat VanDeVelde
Mary Walsh
Robert Weller
IM p ORTANT DATES O RTANT 2024-2025
November 14 – Pheasant Hunt State PAC Fundraiser - Morrisonville
January – Lake & DuPage County Legislative Events
January 30-31 – Farm Agents Council Mid-Winter Meeting – Embassy Suites, East Peoria
February - Chicagoland Blackhawks Watch Party
March 19 – Insurance Industry Legislative Day – The Inn at 835, Springfield
April 8-10 – Sales and Leadership Conference – Central Illinois
April 30-May 2 – Big I Legislative Conference – The Westin, Washington, D.C.
May 21 – Northern IL Golf Outing – Chicagoland Area
June 5 – Southern IL Golf Outing – Carbondale
June 12-13 – Farm Agents Golf Outing & Summer Meeting – DoubleTree Hotel, Bloomington
July – DuPage Golf Outing – Arrowhead, Wheaton
July – Tech Conference – Chicagoland TBD
September 11-13 – Big I Fall Leadership Conference – Nashville, TN
October 2 – Southern IL Wine Tour
October 7-9 – CONVO – Peoria
Upcoming Events
Loss Control training and support that includes an extensive library of online training courses, simulator training and sample safety guides.
IPRF members can select their own defense counsel subject to IPRF’s litigation management process and approval.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF
Executive Committee
Chairman of the Board
Allyson Padilla, AAI - Olney President
Pat Taphorn, CIC, CSRM - Pekin
President-Elect
Thomas Evans, Jr. - Fox Lake
Vice President
Chris Leming - Springfield
Secretary/Treasurer
Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR, CPIA - Cobden
IIABA National Director
George Daly - Orland Park
Directors
Mohammed Ali - Evanston
Charles Hruska, IV - Mokena
David Jenk, Esq. - Chicago
Rebecca Kohn - Skokie
Lindsey Polzin, CIC - Naperville
Ray Roentz, CIC - Jerseyville
Noele Tatlock - Pekin
Luis Tayahua - Berwyn
Sharon Waldvogel - Roselle
Andrea Wallace - Glen Carbon
At-Large Directors
Amiri Curry - Schaumburg
Kevin Lesch, CBC - Elgin
Jeff McMillan, LUTCF - Gilman
James Sager - Dahlgren
Luke Sandrock, CIC - Tampico
Committee Chairs
AIS Board President
Bill Lawrence, CIC - Bloomington Budget & Finance
Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR, CPIA - Cobden Education
Lisa Lukens, CISR Elite - Herrin Farm Agents Council
Steve Foster - Virden Government Relations
Dustin Peterson - Clinton Planning & Coordination
Nick Gunn, CIC - Morton Technology
Brian Ogden, CIC - Petersburg Young Agents
Cody Imming - Carlyle
Rebecca Buchanan
Big I Illinois Staff
(217)793-6660 • info@ilbigi.org
Insurance Products Administrator rbuchanan@ilbigi.org
- Cyber Liability
- Products and Services - Errors & Omissions
Shannon Churchill Director of Information and Technology schurchill@ilbigi.org
- Agency Analytics and Technology -CONVO -Farm Agents Council (FAC)
Brett Gerger, CIC Director of Education and Agency Resources bgerger@ilbigi.org
- Education - Pre-Licensing
- Statutory & Regulatory Compliance
Tami Hubbell, CIC
Accounting & Admin Services thubbell@ilbigi.org
- Accounts Payable & Receivable
- Advertising Sales
- Tradeshow Sales
- Event Registration
Jennifer Jacobs, SHRM-CP Director of Human Resources, Board Admin jjacobs@ilbigi.org
- Human Resource Best Practices
- Employee Benefits
- Hiring Resources
Mark Kuchar, CPA
Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer mkuchar@ilbigi.org
- Accounting
- Tax Inquires
- Agency Payment Solutions
Phil Lackman, IOM Chief Executive Officer plackman@ilbigi.org
- Big I Illinois/IIABA Management
- Strategic Planning - Press Inquiries
Lori Mahorney, CISR Elite Director of Membership Services lmahorney@ilbigi.org
- Agency Membership
- Associate Membership
- Pre-Licensing
Evan Manning Director of Government Relations emanning@ilbigi.org
- Current & Pending Legislation
- Political Action Committees
- Legislative Events
Kristi Osmond, CISR Elite Office Administrator kosmond@ilbigi.org
- Class & Event Registration
- Education/Pre-Licensing Requirements
Rachel Romines Director of Communications rromines@ilbigi.org
- Publications
- Trusted Choice
- Agency Marketing
- Young Agents
Tom Ross, CRIS, CPIA Marketing Representative tross@ilbigi.org
- Agency Membership
- Associate Membership
- Agency Valuations
Carol Wilson, CPIA Director of Professional Liability and Insurance Products cwilson@ilbigi.org
- Errors & Omissions
- Cyber Liability Insurance
- E&O Premium Financing
- Coverage for Your Agency and Clients
Learn more about the Big I Illinois Board of Directors, Committees, and Staff, click below.
IIAI
R. W. Hosmer, Chicago (1899-1900, 1905-1906)
John Wachenheimer, Peoria (1900-1901)
Charles P. Whitney, Chicago (1901-1902)
Clarence S. Pellet, Chicago (1902-1903)
Frank Dooing, Springfield (1903-1904)
R. F. Streuver, Peru (1904-1905)
S.D. Section, East St. Louis (1906-1907)
Adam Spitler, Mattoon (1909-1910)
Henry F. Arnold, Galesburg (1910-1911)
John H. Wood, Bloomington (1911-1912)
Charles F. Hildreth, Freeport (1912-1913)
Shirley E. Moisant, Kankakee (1913-1914)
N. W. Tomblin, Aurora (1914-1915)
E. R. Partlow, Danville (1916-1917)
George North Taylor, Streator (1917-1918)
A. A. Bartlett, Galesburg (1918-1920)
J. S. Giberson, Alton (1920-1922)
A. J. Anderson, Kewanee (1922-1924)
Ross C. Sherman, Waukegan (1924-1926)
J.M. Newberger, Chicago (1926-1928)
Robert W. Troxell, Springfield (1928-1932)
Rockwood Hosmer, Chicago (1932-1933)
Alvin S. Keys, Springfield (1933-1935)
Frank J. Budelier, Rock Island (1935-1937)
Herbert Stewart, Chicago (1937-1938)
William H. Jennings, Jr., Rockford (1938-1940)
Lyle H. Gift, Peoria (1940-1941)
N.McCullogh Winters, Quincy (1941-1943)
James H. Beattie, Rockford (1943-1945)
Merle A. Read, Joliet (1945-1946)
Russell L. Sprouse, Springfield (1946-1948)
Lymand D. Drake, Jr., Chicago (1948-1949)
Frank H. Hawk, Peoria (1949-1951)
W. H. Redeker, Centralia (1951-1953)
William P. Morrisey, Alton (1953-1954)
H. W. Mullins, CPCU, Rockford (1954-1955)
Joseph F. Prola, Springfield (1955-1956)
pAST p RESIDENTS
Joseph A. Naughten, Chicago (1956-1957)
Charles A. Bryant, Peoria (1957-1958)
Frank R. Miley, CPCU, Peoria (1958-1959)
Fred O. Waller, Galva (1959-1960)
Harry C. Parrish, Paris (1960-1961)
James S. Woodworth, Jr., CPCU, Robinson (1961-1962)
Thomas K. Sprague, Jr., Joliet (1962-1963)
Robert L. Shade, Decatur (1963-1964)
Robert B. Stitt, Chicago (1964-1965)
Cal W. Schuneman, CPCU, Prophetstown (1965-1966)
Leland R. Crank, East St. Louis (1966-1967)
Peter M. Wolff, Chicago (1967-1968)
Robert L. Newell, CPCU, Ashland (1968-1969)
Jack E. Deveau, CPCU, Rockford (1969-1970)
H.Bernard Jacobs, Bloomington (1970-1971)
Richard G. Jones, Mattoon (1971-1972)
Jack Payan, CPCU, Palos Heights (1972-1973)
Marvin R. Marsh, Champaign (1973-1974)
Warren Osenberg, DeKalb (1974-1975)
William L. Laird, CPCU, Batavia (1975-1976)
Harold E. Parr, Princeton (1976-1977)
Gerald Butts, CPCU, Moline (1977-1978)
Arthur L. Tyler, Champaign (1978-1979)
Edward D. Bowman, CPCU, Westmont (1979-1980)
James M. Hardesty, Peoria (1980-1981)
L.Dwayne Query, Rochelle (1981-1982)
David B. Lowe, CPCU, Sterling (1982-1983)
Richard B. Baker, CPCU, Arlington Heights (1983-1984)
Larry Rollings, CIC, Arcola (1984-1985)
Roy E. Robinson, CPCU, CAE, Springfield (1984-1985) Honorary
Ralph Swank, Jr., CPCU, Waukegan (1985-1986)
Bruce Osenberg, DeKalb (1986-1987)
Dale McNeely, Taylorville (1987-1988)
Ronald M. Whitaker, CIC, New Lenox (1988-1989)
William S. Beam, Moline (1989-1990)
Edward W. Bowman, Burr Ridge (1990-1991)
Thomas J. Tropp, Chicago (1991-1992)
RESIDENTS
Ray Mead, Peoria (1952-1955)
Walter A. Corcoran, Quincy (1953-1954)
E. E. Bartlett, Moline (1954-1955)
Don Amos, DeKalb (1955-1956)
John B. Read, Sr., Chicago (1956-1958)
George R. Dressler, Chicago (1958-1959)
Orville L. Varland, Rockford (1959-1961)
Ira C. Johnson, Aurora (1961-1963)
Wayne E. Varland, Rockford (1963-1964)
J. E. Russell, Glen Ellyn (1964-1965)
Fred Moe, Springfield (1965-1966)
Herbert Richter, Mt. Carroll (1966-1967)
Dale R. Bybee, Quincy (1967-1968)
Frank E. Roth, Jr., New Windsor (1968-1969)
Gilbert J. Koenning, Beecher (1969-1970)
Ellsworth Windett, Yorkville (1970-1971)
Curt Mahaffey, El Paso (1971-1972)
R. E. Sechler, CIC, Rockford (1972-1973)
John C. Alexander, CIC, Danville (1993)
George W. Boehm, CIC, Libertyville (1994)
David C. Lacine, CPCU, Arlington Heights (1995)
Don “Chip” Frank, CIC, Bloomington (1996)
Bryce Carey, Hinckley (1997)
Gary Semmer, CIC, Glen Ellyn (1998)
Julie M. Hearring, CIC, Olney (1999)
Gene Sberna, CIC, Lake Forest (2000)
Dino Gavanes, CIC, Itasca (2001)
Paul Verisario, CPIA, Inverness (2002)
Ken Wagler, LUTCF, Peoria (2003)
Brian M. McSherry, CIC, Flanagan (2004)
James W. Ander, Burr Ridge (2005)
Allen D. Karch, CIC, Champaign (2006)
Brian Konen, CIC, Aurora (2007)
Ken Samson, CIC, Deerfield (2008)
Dean Lyman, DeKalb (1973-1974)
C.Keith Smith, Springfield (1974-1975)
John R. Stone, CIC, Elgin (1975-1976)
F. G. Brown, CIC, Decatur (1976-1977)
Harold G. Nixon, Peoria (1977-1978)
Walter K. Blake, Arlington Heights (1978-1979)
Marvin F. Uecker, CIC, Lena (1979-1980)
Jacob P. Sommer, CIC, Oak Brook (1980-1981)
Willard W. Bockler, Metamora (1981-1982)
Charles C. Masching, Mattoon (1982-1983)
Norris L. Beren, CIC, Des Plaines (1983-1984)
Richard Bybee, CIC, Quincy (1984-1985)
Keith Caywood, CIC, Plano (1985-1986)
David H. Nixon, CIC, Peoria (1986-1987)
Bob H. Smeltzer, CIC, Rock Falls (1987-1988)
Sharon K. Heaton, Pontiac (1988-1989)
Dave Tebben, CIC, Pekin (1989-1990)
R. J. Pohl, CIC, Belleville (1990-1991)
Tom Franzen, CIC, Mt. Olive (1991-1992)
IIA of IL
William L. Ryan, Maroa (2009)
Luke F. Praxmarer, CPCU, AAI, Palatine (2010)
Todd C. Henricks, Cerro Gordo (2011)
Thomas J. Walsh, Jr., Westmont (2012)
Philip “Mike” Beard, Mt. Vernon (2013)
Charles E. Hilson, South Holland (2014)
Gregory A. Sandrock, CIC, AFIS, Tampico (2015)
Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR, Carbondale (2016)
Rick Sutton, Petersburg (2017)
Ryan Hite, Peoria (2018)
Patrick Muldowney, Chicago (2019)
Bill Wirth, Waterloo (2020)
Don Blank, Olney (2020) Honorary
George Daly, Orland Park (2021)
Jay Peterson, Clinton (2022)
Kevin Lesch, CBC, Bartlett (2023)
Big I Illinois
Allyson Padilla, AAI, Olney (2024)
CARTWRIGHT MERIT AWARD RECI p IENTS
The Charles M. Cartwright Merit Award is considered the most prestigious award the IIA of IL presents. Named for Charles Cartwright, editor of the National Underwriter for more than 50 years, and champion of associations and the insurance industry, the award is presented at discretion of the Big I Illinois Executive Committee to the “Person who has performed the most meritorious service for the good of the insurance agents of Illinois.”
1944 Herbert L. Regan, Joliet
1946 Lyle H. Gift, Peoria
1949 Walter M. Sheldon, Chicago
1951 Merle A. Read, Joliet
1952 Emil L. Lederer, Chicago
1953 Alvin S. Keys, Springfield
1954 Alan I. Wolff, Chicago
1955 Frank H. Hawk, Peoria
1956 Lyman M. Drake, Jr., Chicago
1957 H. W. Mullins, CPCU, Rockford
1958 W. H. “Red” Redeker, Centralia
1959 Joseph F. Prola, Springfield
1962 Frank R. Miley, CPCU, Chicago
1963 Robert L. Newell, CPCU, Ashland
1964 Harry C. Parrish, Paris
1965 N. McCullough Winters, Quincy
1966 James S. Woodworth, Jr., CPCU, Robinson
1968 Sanford H. Lederer, CPCU, Chicago
1969 Thomas K. Spraque, Jr., Joliet
1970 Robert L. Shade, Decatur
1971 George J. Nicoud, Springfield
1972 Robert B. Stitt, Palos Heights
1973 Calvin W. Schuneman, CPCU, Prophetstown
1974 Eugene F. Gallagher, Chicago
1975 Peter M. Wolff, Chicago
1976 Jack W. Gift, Peoria
1977 Warren Osenberg, DeKalb
1978 Jack Payan, CPCU, Palos Heights
1981 Jack E. Deveau, CPCU, Rockford
1982 Gerald L. Butts, CPCU, Moline
1983 William L. Laird, CPCU, Batavia
1985 L. Dwayne Query, Rochelle
1986 Richard B. Baker, CPCU, Chicago
1987 Arthur L. Tyler, Champaign
1988 James M. Hardesty, Peoria
1989 Marvin Marsh, Champaign
1991 Roy E. Robinson, CPCU, CAE, Springfield
1993 Edward W. Bowman, Burr Ridge
1993 David H. Nixon, CIC, Peoria
1995 Don Blank, Olney
1997 Sharon Heaton, CIC, Pontiac
1998 Ronald M. Whitaker, CIC, New Lenox
1999 Dale W. McNeely, Taylorville
2001 John Alexander, CIC, Danville
2003 David Lacine, CPCU, Elmhurst
2005 Kenneth E. Wagler, LUTCF, Peoria
2006 Daniel Pancake, Chicago
2007 Gary Semmer, CIC, Glen Ellyn
2008 Dino Gavanes, CIC, Itasca
2010 Paul Verisario, CPIA, Des Plaines
2011 Gene Sberna, CIC, Lake Forest
2012 Julie Hearring, CIC, Olney
2013 Brian M. McSherry, CIC, Pontiac
2014 Charles F. Schramm, CIC, CPCU, AAI, ARM, CRM, Deerfield
2015 Dennis W. Garrett, CIC, Taylorville
2017 Cynthia K. Jackman, CIC, Carbondale
2018 Luke Praxmarer, CPCU, AAI, Elk Grove Village
2019 Ken Samson, CIC, Northbrook
2022 Rick Sutton, Petersburg
2023 Greg Sandrock, CIC, AFIS, Tampico
Note: There were no recipients of the award for the following years: 1945, 1947, 1948, 1950, 1960, 1961, 1967, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2009, 2016, 2020 and 2021.
BIG I ILLINOIS AWARD RECI p IENTS
Presented during the General Session on Wednesday, October 16, 8:00 to 11:00 am.
Agency of the Year
T
he Agency of the Year Award is presented to a Big I Illinois member agency that exemplifies leadership and innovation within the industry. The Agency of the Year demonstrates strong growth, innovative marketing strategies, creative utilization of evolving technology, top-level customer service and dedication to the community.
2018 Town & Country Insurance Agency, Ltd., Canton (Less than 10 employees)
2018 Compass Insurance Partners, Fairbury (10+ employees)
2019 Eclipse Insurance Agency
2020 MH Insurance Centre
2021 Bailey Family Insurance, Springfield (Less than 10 employees)
2021 Unland Insurance & Benefits, Pekin (10+ employees)
2022 Heneghan, White, Cutting & Roentz, Jerseyville (Less than 10 employees)
2022 J. Krug, Itasca (10+ employees)
2023 Held Insurance Agency, Mt. Prospect (Less than 10 employees)
2023 Connor & Gallagher OneSource (CGO), Lisle (10+ employees)
Agent of the Year
The Agent of the Year Award is given for the outstanding performance of an individual retail agent member of Big I Illinois in the categories of production, use of technology, professional development and civic responsibility.
2018 Christy Carpenter
2019 Keenan Rice
2020 Brooke Miano
2021 Daniel McNeely
2022 Ray Roentz
2023 Marco Espinoza
Young Agent of the Year
The Young Agent of the Year award recognizes the achievements of young agents in Illinois. The nominee must have demonstrated service to the insurance industry, professional trade associations, and community in a manner that would be considered exceptional for a person of their age. The award is given for career service and is not limited to activities during this past year.
2000 Mary Walsh
2001 Ken Samson
2002 Brian Konen
2003 Tom Mollenhauer
2004 Doug Whitworth
2005 Elaine Wagener
2006 Jason Cass
2007 Lindsey Polzin
2008 Dave Marker
2009 Adam Hackman
2010 Mark E. Donaldson
2011 Michael-Charles Hilson
2012 Bill Rademacher
2013 Keith Verisario
2014 Thomas D. Evans Jr.
2015 Kevin Lesch
2016 Ryan Hite
2017 Ray Roentz
2018 Luke Sandrock
2019 Dustin Peterson
2020 Nick Gunn
2021 Tyler Sandrock
2022 Julie Campbell
2023 Keely Cardwell
NOW IN ILLINOIS
For over 100 years, we’ve been dedicated to protecting the people and businesses on Main Street. As we expand into Illinois, we bring with us the same commitment to choice, guidance, and support that independent agents have relied on for a century. Main Street America Insurance was founded with a promise to put agents first—because the better we serve you, the better you can serve your customers. It’s a promise we continue to uphold today. While we’re new to Illinois, our dedication to agents like you remains as strong as ever.
NOTES
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