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INSIGHT
Olivia Overman
Alan Shulman
Claudia McClain
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Chairman of the Board - Allyson Padilla allyson@blanksinsurance.com
President - Patrick Taphorn, CIC, CSRM ptaphorn@unland.com
President-Elect - Thomas Evans, Jr. tom.evans@assuredpartners.com
Vice President - Chris Leming cleming@troxellins.com
Secretary/Treasurer - Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR cjackman@arlingtonroe.com
IIABA National Director - George Daly george.daly@thehortongroup.com
Directors
Mohammed Ali - mali@aliminsurance.com
Charles Hruska, IV - chas@hruskains.com
David Jenk, Esq. - djenk@nwibrokers.com
Rebecca Kohn - rkohn@worthyinsurance.com
Lindsey Polzin - lpolzin@presidiogrp.com
Ray Roentz - ray.roentz@hwcrins.com
Noele Tatlock - ntatlock@unland.com
Luis Tayahua - lt@goldenowlinsurance.com
Sharon Waldvogel - sharon@infinitybrokersinc.com
Andrea Wallace - andrea@aadins.com
At-Large Directors
Amiri Curry - acurry@assuranceagency.com
Kevin Lesch - klesch09@gmail.com
Jeff McMillan - jeff@mcmillanins.com
James Sager - james@sagerins.com
Luke Sandrock, CIC - lsandrock@2cornerstone.com
Committee Chairs
Budget & Finance | Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR cjackman@arlingtonroe.com
Education | Lisa Lukens salibainsurance@gmail.com
Farm Agents Council | Steve Foster s.foster@ciagonline.com
Government Relations | Dustin Peterson dustin@peterson.insurance
Planning & Coordination | Nick Gunn, CIC ngunn@envisionins.com
Technology | Brian Ogden brian@ogdeninsurance.com
Young Agents | Cody Imming cody@imminginsurance.com
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Big I Illinois Staff
Insurance Products Administrator
Director of Information and Technology
Director of Education and Agency Resources
Accounting & Admin Services
Director of Human Resources, Board Admin
Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
Chief
Director
Director
Office Administrator
Rebecca Buchanan (217) 321-3010 - rbuchanan@ilbigi.org
Shannon Churchill (217) 321-3004 - schurchill@ilbigi.org
Brett Gerger, CIC (217) 321-3006 - bgerger@ilbigi.org
Tami Hubbell, CIC (217) 321-3016 - thubbell@ilbigi.org
Jennifer Jacobs, SHRM-CP (217) 321-3013 - jjacobs@ilbigi.org
Mark Kuchar (217) 321-3015 - mkuchar@ilbigi.org
Phil Lackman, IOM (217) 321-3005 - plackman@ilbigi.org
Lori Mahorney, CISR Elite (217) 415-7550 - lmahorney@ilbigi.org
Evan Manning (217) 321-3002 - emanning@ilbigi.org
Kristi Osmond, CISR Elite (217) 321-3007 - kosmond@ilbigi.org
Rachel Romines (217) 321-3024 - rromines@ilbigi.org
Tom Ross, CRIS, CPIA (217) 321-3003 - tross@ilbigi.org
Carol Wilson, CPIA (217) 321-3011 - cwilson@ilbigi.org
CONVO
October 15-17
ILLIN O I S
Peoria, IL
Marriott Pere Marquette & Civic Center
125 Years of the Association…
Honoring our Past, Empowering our Future
As we began preparations for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Association, one thing was clear. We wanted the event to reflect the people of the organization. We wanted to honor the people who laid the foundation for the industry we have today. We wanted to celebrate our current leadership and members, and we wanted to prepare us all for the future of the industry. The event, if successful, would reflect the mission of the Association in providing a sustainable competitive advantage for our members by showcasing the value of the membership and the Association together.
Wow… what an event to remember. Not only did we hit our goals, but feedback received from attendees ranked it as one of the best CONVOs ever. Here is a quick recap of what you missed…
• The Big I Illinois History Museum showcased the foundation of the Association and the beginning of our roots.
• Past Presidents were honored during a special gavel passing ceremony and celebration.
• Casino Night was fun, and prizes were won. More importantly, we raised money to support the Trusted Choice Disaster Relief fund and those suffering from the recent hurricanes. Donations can still be made at independentagent.com/trusted-choice/Pages/disaster-relief.
• Dr. Robert Hartwig, keynote speaker, shared an Outlook for the P&C industry and reviewed an enormous amount of data on the trends we are seeing and the future state of the market.
• Ben Zobrist hit it out of the park with his closing keynote presentation, in which he shared his personal story of overcoming adversity.
• The final keynote presenter, Charlie Lydecker, shared why he thinks insurance is the greatest industry in the world. Anybody pick up the book he mentioned yet? He shared insights on continuing to grow the industry through
By Shannon Churchill
perpetuation and knowledge sharing. One thing Charlie said that sticks out to me was something along the lines of, “High potential people like to be around high potential people.” As I looked around the room, I realized he was right!
• We heard from a panel of insurance professionals about perpetuating the industry and answering key questions from young agents. It was a great “what you wish you could have told your younger self” session.
• There were 11 Breakout CE sessions on topics like cyber, perpetuation, E&O, and the state of the auto market, resulting in the filing of over 1,300 Illinois continuing education credits.
• Food trucks. The lines were long (lesson learned), but the wait was worth it! That is just one of the food functions and countless networking opportunities featured during the event.
• The 125th Celebration cannot be easily summarized using words. It’s one of those “you had to be there” scenarios. This special occasion included regular food stations, music, entertainment, and fun, which our Big Party usually features. But this year was special... This year, we had an illustrious past to celebrate and a bright future to toast to. And we did it right.
What was CONVO this year? It was a great remembrance of what makes our industry so great….the people. It was an honor to plan and put together an event to showcase the amazing members of our great Association.
Next year, we will be back in Peoria, October 7-9, 2025. Save the dates on your calendar now.
Shannon Churchill is the lead planner of CONVO, and is also the Director of Information & Technology for Big I Illinois. She can be reached at schurchill@ilbigi.org.
2024 Award Recipients
Arlington/Roe Names Andy Roe President & Chief Operating Officer and Patrick Roe
Executive Vice President, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Andy Roe has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer and Patrick Roe has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Indiana-based Arlington/Roe, a managing general agency and wholesale insurance broker. Jim Roe continues as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Andy began his insurance career when he joined Arlington/ Roe in 2001, where he is a third-generation member of the family-owned business. Over the last 20 years, he has been involved in many facets of the organization by holding various roles from underwriting to departmental leadership.
Andy’s responsibilities include maintaining and directing the daily operations of the company as well as working with the leadership team to ensure performance expectations and strategic plan execution. He promotes company culture and is heavily involved with human resources. Andy also oversees financial operations and manages relationships with our carrier and agent partners.
Patrick joined his brother Andy at Arlington/Roe in summer, 2003 as the second member of the third generation of the Roe family. He first began working as a Personal Lines Assistant Underwriter and Underwriter. After five years, he transitioned to a Personal Lines Marketing Representative. In 2010, Patrick became Vice President and Director of Marketing. He was then promoted in 2020 to Senior Vice President for Sales & Marketing. He holds Certified Insurance Wholesaler (CIW) and Associate in Insurance (AINS) designations.
In 2024, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. In this role, Patrick identifies strategies and growth opportunities in our core states. He is engaged with agency partners to understand their needs, develops new sales strategies, and monitors marketplace changes. Patrick works closely with Andy Roe and Jim Roe to develop and implement sales strategies supporting growth.
Jim Roe has been preparing for this transition for some time as part of his commitment to perpetuating the family business. While he remains actively involved, this shift represents a gradual handover of daily operations to Andy (President & Chief Operating Officer) and Patrick (Executive Vice President & Chief Sales & Marketing Officer) allowing him to dedicate more of his efforts to overall strategy, governance and industry positioning. Jim emphasizes that he has no plans to step away, but rather is focusing on guiding the business’s long-term direction and success.
Encova Insurance Wins Gold-Level 2024 Ivans Spark Awards in Commercial Lines and Personal Lines
Encova Insurance has been recognized as a gold-level 2024 Ivans Spark Awards winner in both commercial lines and personal lines. Recipients were recognized for sparking digital connectivity by using technology to support the growth of their agency partners across the policy lifecycle –from marketing to quoting to servicing and renewals.
Out of more than 450 carriers, Encova is one of only six carriers to receive gold-level awards in both commercial lines and personal lines.
Since launching their innovative commercial lines solution, Encova has written over $1.3 billion in commercial lines premium on their platform. The solution is available to independent agents in 19 states. They launched a transformation of their personal lines offerings in 2020 and have continued to grow, which helped qualify them for the gold level this year. The transformation has included moving agents in 10 states to an industry-leading digital platform and will soon include transitioning their entire book of business to the modern, state-of-the-art system.
In Memoriam
Kevin Miller of Society Insurance died in July following a battle with cancer.
Kevin graduated from Illinois State University and had a career in the Insurance industry, most recently as the State Expansion Manager for Society Insurance. He started his career with Society in May 2014 as the regional sales manager in Chicago and then in 2019, was promoted to State Expansion Manager. Previously, he was a territory manager for Safeco. Kevin was well-liked and wellrespected in the industry.
Kevin met his wife Tammy at work and they clicked instantly. They got married in 2003 and enjoyed a beautiful honeymoon in Positano, Italy. He was devoted to his family and put his children, Kate and Jerry, and wife above everything else in life. He treasured each and every minute he had with them and was constantly thinking of ways to have fun with them and give them new experiences.
The Big I Illinois staff and board of directors extend our sincere condolences to Kevin’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Thank you to our Associate Members.
Diamond Level
Platinum Level
Progressive
Surplus Line Association of Illinois
Silver Level
IMT Insurance
Gold Level
Arlington/Roe
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of IL
Pekin Insurance
Keystone Insurance Group, Inc.
SECURA Insurance
Bronze Level
A. J. Wayne & Associates
AAA, The Auto Club Group
AMERISAFE
AmTrust Insurance
Amwins
Apollo Brokers dba Limit
Auto-Owners Insurance Co.
Berkley Aspire
Berkley Management Protection
Berkley Small Business Solutions
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
Bliss McKnight
BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC
Boundless Rider
BriteCo Jewelry & Watch Insurance
Central Illinois Mutual Insurance Company
Chubb
Columbia Insurance Group
Cornerstone National Insurance Company
Cowbell Cyber
Donald Gaddis Company, Inc.
Donegal Insurance Group
EMC Insurance
Encova Insurance
Erie Insurance Group
Foremost Choice Property & Casualty
Forreston Mutual Insurance Company
Frankenmuth Insurance
Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company
IA Valuations
Illinois Mine Subsidence Ins Fund
Illinois Public Risk Fund
Imperial PFS
Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company
Indiana Farmers Insurance
Insurance Program Managers Group (IPMG)
J M Wilson
Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance
Madison Mutual Insurance Company
Main Street America Insurance
Maximum Independent Brokerage, LLC
MEM
Mercury Insurance Group
Method Workers Comp
Midwest Insurance Company
Nationwide
NHRMA Mutual Workers’ Compensation
Paychex HR and Payroll Solutions
Pinnacle Minds, Inc.
Rhodian Group
Rockford Mutual Ins. Co.
ServiceMaster DSI
Society Insurance
SPRISKA - Specialty Risk of America
Steadily
Summit Insurance
Travelers
UFG Insurance
Universal Property & Casualty
Utica National Insurance Group
W. A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc./Interstate Risk Placement
West Bend Insurance Company
Western National Insurance
Westfield
XPT Specialty
In Memoriam
Nancy Solomon, 86, of Lake Forest, IL, passed away on October 21, 2024.
Born Nancy Levin, she married her beloved husband, Ronald Y. Solomon, 66 years ago. Together, they raised two children, Donald L. Solomon (wife Andi) and Julie A. Clarke (husband Philip). Nancy was a proud grandmother to Jenna Solomon, Bradley Solomon (wife Traia), Mathew Baker, and Jessica Baker.
She is survived by her sisters, Susan Neumann (husband Jim) and Jayne Sangerman (husband Charlie), as well as her late brother, Billy Levin. Nancy will be greatly missed by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and the many insurance professionals she taught over her long career.
“Many insurance agents and members today can remember a course they sat through with Nancy as the instructor,” said Shannon Churchill, past Education Director who worked closely with Nancy. “Her love of teaching was evident in every class she taught, and her colorful storytelling and humor were a guarantee with each one. She was a joy to work with, and I loved how she would always want to share experiences with others to grow the industry.”
Small Business Insurance
The traditional coverage your customers need. The customized options your customers desire. The affordable price your customers deserve.
We’ve been successfully protecting small businesses since 1983.
ILLINOIS
Cody Imming
Young Agents Committee Chair
Imming Insurance Agency, Carlyle, IL
Commercial Lines Account Manager
Rebecca Kohn Director
Worthy Insurance, Skokie, IL
Principal
Number of Years with Agency: 14
Year You Started in Insurance: 2010
Education: JD, Fordham University
Number of Years with Agency: 9
Year You Started in Insurance: 2015
Education: Went to Kaskaskia Junior College to play golf, then Rockford University to play two more years of golf before transferring to SIUE to receive his Bachelor’s in Science and Minor in Business.
What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today? Getting people involved.
What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges? Letting people understand what the Association does and how it will help you.
What do you see at the greatest benefit to Big I Illinois membership? The Networking with other agents, finding out what they do that might help you in your business.
What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges? Arranging member agency-hosted CE-earning lunch-and-learn style events to draw more participation with minimal associated costs.
Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities: Four years as Commission Member, Lincolnwood Human Relations Commission
What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today?
Membership and member participation.
Andrea Wallace
Director
Aadvantage Insurance Group, Edwardsville, IL
Director of Operations
Number of Years with Agency: 15
Year You Started in Insurance: 1996
Education: Southern Illinois University
- B.S. in Workforce Education and Development
What do you see at the greatest benefit to Big I Illinois membership? Being part of a larger insurance community; access to a large knowledge sounding board; as a small agency, giving our employees access to mentorship and community.
Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities:
Edwardsville Art Fair
Edwardsville ARTini
Neighborhood Bakery
Glen Ed Food Pantry
Veda’s Closet
Faith Coalition
Wreaths Across America
Got Your Six Support Dogs
USO Food Drive
Luis
Tayahua Director
Golden
Owl Insurance, Berwyn, IL President
Number of Years with Agency: 9
Year You Started in Insurance: 1999
Education: Devry University
Current or Past Civic, Political, or Community Service Activities:
Current President of the Summit Chamber of Commerce
What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today?
At the moment, I think the biggest thing across the board for all agents, captive and independents, is pricing and underwriting guidelines. We’ve all seen the price increases by our companies. The biggest advantage brokers had was that we were able to shop around to find a better price for our clients. Now with stricter underwriting guidelines it’s hard to find a company that will take them at still have a competitive price.
Sharon Waldvogel Director
Infinity Brokers, Roselle, IL
Year You Started in Insurance: 1989
Designations: CISR, PISA
What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today?
The major challenge facing our Association today is that we don’t have enough youth to fill the gaps of those retiring.
What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges?
To respond to these challenges, we must re-engage with our young people and express the importance of building relationships, especially in this world of future AI.
What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges?
Network with your fellow agents in the industry, and talk amongst each other. Most companies and markets I have found that can help are through word of mouth or at insurance expos. There’s always a solution out there you just have to go out there and find it.
What do you see at the greatest benefit to Big I Illinois membership?
Big I Illinois opens your eyes to how big the insurance industry really is. It’s truly, to me, the best resource you can have as an independent agent. I know that I have someone to call when I really need help with something. Their opinion is always sincere, never clouded by what companies they do business with. I feel like they are here for us, the agents, and not the insurance companies, and that’s something you don’t get every day.
What do you feel are major challenges facing our Association today?
Some major challenges for the Association will continue to be mergers and acquisitions, legislative changes, and talent acquisition. Finding ways to provide value to all of these challenges can be done and the Association has or knows the right people to get the job done!
What suggestions do you have to respond to these challenges?
I think the Association has done a great job by evolving its services, maintaining strong advocacy for all members, and
What do you see at the greatest benefit to Big I Illinois membership?
The Big I Illinois membership provides the vehicle to gather and network outside the office ‘water cooler’ of our workfrom-home world.
fostering an inclusive environment that supports agencies of all sizes. The Association has the tools, we just need to share the availability to all members.
What do you see at the greatest benefit to Big I Illinois membership?
Big I Illinois membership offers advocacy on your behalf, exclusive resources and tools. Whether you are looking for education, networking, and resources, all designed to support the growth and success of independent agents throughout the state, are available with Big I Illinois!
WEST BEND
THE BEST REMEDY FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
West Bend has a long history of writing workers’ compensation insurance. Our underwriters are knowledgeable and experienced. Our loss control reps have the expertise and tools to help keep employees safe. And our claims practices are the best in class.
From Main Street-type businesses to specialty businesses like food trucks, West Bend has the experience and expertise to protect businesses of many kinds and many sizes. We want to write all of your workers’ compensation business, small to large!
When you select West Bend for your valued customers, you can rest assured you made the right choice. After all, we are the best remedy for workers’ compensation.
To find an agent near you, visit thesilverlining.com.
LOOKING FOR AN EXIT STRATEGY?
25. Are you looking for an exit strategy while still continuing to produce for a few years or are you ready to sell now? Paczolt Insurance would like to talk with you! We are an independent agency dating back to the 1970s that is located in the western suburbs. Our focus is on mid-tosmall commercial accounts and personal lines. Our companies include EMC, Badger Mutual, Safeco, Progressive, and Travelers. We have the flexibility and capital to get a deal done. Contact:
Susan Troppito Paczolt Insurance susan@piaigroup.com (708) 215-5202
AGENCY FOR SALE
25. Small Agency for sale, including AMS360 management system, website, six carriers, VOIP phone system including a complete crm for insurance agents from Bridge, an Orange Partner with Vertafore. Ideal for an insurance professional expecting a fast start to build with everything in place.
For more information, contact Tami Hubbell, Big I Illinois, at thubbell@ilbigi.org.
PERSONAL LINES SALES REPRESENTATIVE POSITION AVAILABLE
24. Come join our team! Madison Mutual has an opening for a licensed professional insurance agent in our Midwest Preferred Insurance Services office located in Collinsville, IL. The individual must currently hold an insurance producer’s license and have 3+ years of insurance agency experience. Visit the MMIC website Careers page for additional information: madisonmutual.com/careers. Also, explore our social media pages to see for yourself why MMIC is a great place to work!
Send your salary requirements and resume to: careers@madisonmutual.com
AGENCY WANTED
20. Since 2004, Central Illinois Agents Group LLC has been providing independent agents with a variety of markets with contingency opportunities. Agents have availability to several markets that they may not be able to sustain or maintain on their own. We have markets for personal, commercial, agricultural and crop insurance lines. Let us help you get to the next level.
Visit www.ciagonline.com for contact information.
AGENCY/AGENTS/PRODUCERS WANTED
02. Forest Park/Oak Park agency for over 60 years, will meet your needs by providing space, markets, marketing & sales support, automation, merging with or purchasing your agency. Perpetuation/ Succession Plans, Buy-Sell Agreements also available. We have experienced, educated and dedicated staff for you and your clients. Have access to our numerous companies, office services and many other resources. Retain ownership in your book with contingency. Please look closely at us- we are an agency you want to do business with! We’ve done it before, we know how- we make it easy! Visit our website at forestagency.com/agents.html, or call for a confidential discussion and a list of Agency benefits.
Dan Browne will provide an agency evaluation/appraisal at little cost to you. Please call:
Dan Browne or Cathy Hall Forest Insurance (708)383-9000 www.forestinsured.com/mergers-acquisitions
Genuine relationships
SECURA’s team of insurance experts is making insurance genuine. They are here to support you and your clients. Our underwriting teams are quick to reply, open-minded, and know their stuff. Plus they are backed by our caring claims group who will get your clients back on their feet.
Interested in building a relationship? Contact us at secura.net/IL-agents
Hear from our experts
Want to learn more about what SECURA has to offer?
Scan the QR code or visit secura.net/IL-agents for more information about the SECURA team.
