THE DIRECTOR’S CORNER Reflecting on 2022 and Looking Ahead for the New Year

By: Tyra Dressel

Executive Director of Big I Oregon

REFLECTING ON 2022 AND LOOKING AHEAD FOR THE NEW YEAR

Happy New Year! The start of the year tends to wax nostalgic as I reflect on the past 3 years as Executive Director of Big I Oregon. I’m proud of what our small but mighty team has accomplished on behalf of our members, and I continue to be amazed at the breadth and depth of resources that we have at our fingertips to assist members in their growth, training, and leadership. As I head to the Winter Leadership Meeting for Big I in Savanah Georgia, it will be with gratitude for the years of service Ed Davis our outgoing National Director has given in this position with integrity, determination, and civility. He was an excellent representative and voice for the agents of our state. I’ll now be joined by Stephen Smelley our new National Director who will have big shoes to fill, but I know his passion for the independent agents’ perpetuation and professionalism will serve our state well into the future and at the national board meetings.

A new year would not be complete without a resolution or two. As your Executive Director, you have my resolve to continue building and collaborating with other states and national to harness the power of collective resources so that Oregon’s members can grow and thrive. It will be through our newest partnership SOAR that we will answer the call of the need to attract quality new talent to the industry with staunch support.

You also have my resolve to expand the opportunities our members have to be involved, collaborate and share their talents. The expansion of our committees is a passion that Russ Schweikert, our new President, and I share. Board Members chair our committees and members from around our state serve on the committees. Meetings are virtual so you may participate no matter where you live. This year we have added the opportunity for Associate Members to join a committee as well. Whether you are an Associate Member or an Agency Member I encourage you to reach out and find the committee that fits your interest and talents. Our NextGen Committee is a stellar example of wonderful things happening when people come together. In 2016 Lyndsay Kooistra, our Immediate Past President, resurrected the Young Agents (now known as NextGen) and they have been connecting, engaging, and giving back ever since! I am writing this article the morning after they held our Annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party. They took it up a notch this year and included “Carol-aoke”: When an attendee in an ugly sweater grabs the mic and sings their favorite tune.” If you have not already seen it, check out our short video that includes a couple of “Carol-aoke” moments on our Big I Oregon YouTube channel.

Bob Rosson, our former Finance Committee Chair and Board Member, sums up his time with Big I Oregon, “I have been involved with Big I Oregon as a finance committee member or board member for many years. Although being involved with the board had many positive impacts, I really enjoyed making connections with fellow board members and insurance agency owners. These connections have proven valuable in several ways, personal and professional. I have made friendships with those I only previously knew casually. Professionally, it is important to network with fellow agency owners and leaders. I loved having others to call on for an alternative opinion or solution. This could be an internal agency issue or a coverage challenge for a client. I encourage others to get involved…it is well worth it!”

As the Executive Director of this vital and growing organization I am proud of the collaboration of independent agents we have fostered. We have built a community of insurance professionals that strive to give back through sharing their industry knowledge, business prowess, and difficult experiences that have made them better at what they do. You may be in business for yourself, but with membership in Big I Oregon you are never alone. My challenge to our members in 2023, make a connection, join a committee, and step out and share your experience!

Annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

NextGen Committee: Angela Williams, Mallory Neal, Kaity Blacksher, Dallas Ross, Tyler Ross Dave Markel, Safeco & Tyson Bodewig, Kennedy Restoration, Singing Karaoke Scott Esqueda, Oregon Mutual Insurance Company, Ugly Sweater Winner

Deborah Mohr, Deborah Mohr Melissa Castellano, Chubb & Denise Consulting, Todd Blacksher & Kaity Moore, Iroquois Northwest Blacksher, Atkinson Insurance

Dallas Ross, Timmco Insurance, Inc, Jennie Weiland, HUB International Northwest, LLC Melissa Castellano, Chubb & Denise Moore, Iroquois Northwest

Eric Seim, Travelers, Casey Manley, PGE, Sean Manley, J.D. Fulwiler & Co, Lyndsay Kooistra, LaPorte Insurance, Jennifer Colonna, Travelers

Ed Davis, Maps Insurance Services, LLC, Elodee Chapman, BELFOR Property Restoration & Pat Davis

Make-A-Wish Oregon Recipient, Skylar, telling us her journey and how much MakeA-Wish Oregon means to her.