CONVO 2024 - Event Program

Your expertise is needed more than ever.

As the dynamics of today’s market continue to change, insurance needs grow more complex.

Customers have never been more reliant on the knowledge and advice of independent agents like you. Backed by partners like us.

The Hanover stands ready to respond with agility. We deliver impactful insights and offer specialized capabilities that can help you power your growth and best serve your customers.

Brett Timmerman, CIC, LUTCF Asst Regional Vice President, Personal Lines 630-200.2382 • btimmerman@hanover.com

With you, every step

112-10798 (9/24)

hanover.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 21 22 25 26 28 29 31 32 34 35 36 40

Welcome 2024-2025 Big I Illinois President Champagne Celebration Attendee Information Casino Night Schedule at a Glance Complimentary Headshots Concurrent Education Session List Day One Schedule Day Two Schedule Day Three Schedule Exhibitor List Exhibit Hall Floor Plan Big I Illinois State PAC Contributors InsurPAC Contributors Important Dates Big I Illinois Board of Directors & Staff Past Presidents Cartwright Merit Award Recipients Big I Illinois Award Recipients Note Pages Sponsors

Program Advertisers 10 30 16 7 30 24 19 36

Arlington/Roe Donald Gaddis Company, Inc. Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company IA Valuations Illinois Public Risk Fund IMT Insurance J M Wilson Main Street America

13 8 4 20 39 2

Paychex HR and Payroll Solutions Pekin Insurance Progressive Roush Insurance Services, Inc. TAPCO Underwriters, Inc The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

ILLINOIS

Get Involved!

This is your association and as an insurance specialist, your insights and expertise can help shape the future of our association and industry. Your involvement will ensure Big I Illinois remains a leading resource and advocate for independent agents. Association involvement can help you expand your network, enhance your industry knowledge, increase your exposure to developing trends and products, and grow in your profession.

Get started by: • Participating • Sharing • Advocating • Volunteering Scan this code or go to: ilbigi.org/about-us/get-involved-volunteer

CONVO Program | 3

Solidarit y

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.

21A00108.SD26 (08/24)

4 | Big I Illinois

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.

Cheers to 125 years!

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.

CONVO Program | 5

th

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.

CONVO Program | 7

Tuesday, Oct. 15 8:00 - 11:00 pm BLACKJACK • CRAPS • POKER ROULETTE • LET IT RIDE Play for chances at some incredible prizes!

! g i B n i W

8 | Big I Illinois

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE Tuesday, October 15 10:00 am

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)

Hotel

5:00 - 6:00 pm

Welcome Reception and Meet & Greet

Hotel - Marquette A Ballroom

- Look for class details on page 12

Dinner Break Dutch Dine Arounds

6:00 - 8:00 pm

- Hotel Lobby - Meet at 5:50 pm - Must sign up. See registration desk for details.

Past Presidents Dinner (Invitation Only) - Hotel - LaSalle Ballroom

8:00 - 11:00 pm

Casino Night

Hotel - Cotillion Ballroom

Wednesday, October 16 7:00 am

Registration Open

Civic Center - 1st Floor

7:00 am

Breakfast

Civic Center - 4th Floor

7:00 am - 10:00 pm Association History Museum Open 8:00 - 11:00 am

Overview & Outlook for the P&C Insurance Industry: Trends, Challenges, Opportunities (CE) - Look for session details on page 14

Hotel - LaSalle Ballroom Civic Center - 4th Floor

11:00 am - 2:00 pm Tradeshow and Lunch **New Timing

Civic Center - 1st Floor

2:00 - 3:50 pm

Concurrent Education Sessions (CE)

Civic Center - 4th Floor

3:00 - 4:00 pm

VIP Meet & Greet with Ben Zobrist

Civic Center - 4th Floor

4:15 - 5:30 pm

Closing Keynote with Ben Zobrist (Open to all)

Civic Center - 4th Floor

6:30 - 11:00 pm

Champagne Celebration/Big Party

Hotel - Marquette Ballroom

- Look for session details on page 15

(Big I Illinois Board and Committee Members Only) - Look for session details on page 19

Thursday, October 17 7:00 - 8:30 am 8:30 - 11:30 am

Breakfast Greatest Industry in the World: State of the Association Address and Paving the Way for Perpetuation of the Industry (CE)

Hotel - Marquette Prefunction Hotel - Marquette Ballroom

- Look for session details on page 21

CONVO Program | 9

We are third-generation, family-owned & independent.

HONESTY, INTEGRITY & TRUST. We’ve been Doing the Right Thing since 1964.

We’re a managing general agency and wholesale insurance broker with a history of valuing and trusting business relationships.

Let us help you find the right solutions.

Congratulations to the Big I Illinois on 125 years!

800.878.9891 10 | Big I Illinois

ArlingtonRoe.com

CONCURRENT SESSIONS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 2:00 - 3:50 pm Civic Center - 4th Floor

2:00 - 2:50 pm Anatomy of a Cyber Attack: The Breach Phase

Session & Speaker Details Click below to read more about the CONVO 2024 sessions and speakers.

- Ryan Smith and Stephen Carlson

Government Interference in Your Agency and Association Resources to Help

Session Details

- 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

Speaker Bios

- Janet Hernandez

3:00 - 3:50 pm A Simpler Way to Sell Cyber - Techniques for Uncovering Cyber Risks - Ryan Smith

View Full Schedule

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

CONVO Program | 11

DAY

Tuesday, O 10:00 am CONVO Golf Outing - Weaver Ridge Golf Club Noon - 5:00 pm

Convention Registration

Noon - 5:00 pm

Association History Museum Open

1:00 - 4:00 pm

- Hotel

- Hotel, LaSalle Ballroom

ANNIVERS ARY

Concurrent Education Sessions (CE) E&O: Introduction to Homeowners (includes Ethics) (CE)

Speaker: Mary LaPorte - Hotel, Cheminee Ballroom Sponsored by:

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.

12 | Big I Illinois

ONE

October 15 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.

8:00 - 11:00 pm

Past Presidents Dinner (Invitation Only) - Hotel, LaSalle Ballroom

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!

CONVO Program | 13

DAY T

Wednesday, 7:00 am

Registration Opens

7:00 am

Hot Breakfast

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Association History Museum Open

7:00 am - 4:00 pm

- Civic Center, 1st Floor Sponsored by:

- Civic Center, 4th Floor

Illinois

Insurance Pre-Licensing

- Hotel, LaSalle Ballroom

Program

ANNIVERS ARY

BeeHive for First-Timers and Young Agents Open - Civic Center, 1st Floor

8:00 - 11:00 am General Session (CE) - Civic Center, 4th Floor Sponsored by:

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.

14 | Big I Illinois

TWO

October 16 2:00 - 2:50 pm Concurrent Education Sessions (CE) - Each class is filed for CE in one-hour segments.

Anatomy of a Cyber Attack: The Breach Phase Sponsored by:

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.

CONVO Program | 15

DEDICATED TO BUILDING SUCCESS Your customers want to build the best future for their business.

Our wide range of business owners policies can help them reach those goals while you reach yours.

Visit us at Booth 313 to see what we can do for you.

PERSONAL | BUSINESS | REINSURANCE

grinnellmutual.com

“Trust in Tomorrow.” and “Grinnell Mutual” are registered trademarks of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2024.

DAY TWO

Wednesday, October 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.

CONVO Program | 17

DAY T

Wednesday, October 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 10 Signs that You Should Consider Transitioning Ownership of Your Agency

Speakers: Craig Niess, Jeff Smith, Jarod Steed - Civic Center, 4th Floor Sponsored by:

3:00 - 4:00 pm

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.

VIP Meet & Greet with Ben Zobrist (Big I Illinois Board & Committee Members Only) - Civic Center, Lexus Club

18 | Big I Illinois

TWO

ctober 16 - continued 4:15 - 5:30 pm Closing Keynote with Ben Zobrist (CE) - Open to ALL attendees - Civic Center, 4th Floor Sponsored by:

6:00 - 11:00 pm

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.

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!

CONVO Program8/5/24 | 19 9:00 AM

2024 JM Wilson IIA of IL Convo Program-OUTLINES-PRPDF.indd 3

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!

Tr y o u r e x c l u s i v e o n l i n e D P 1 R o u s h D w e l l i n g P r o g r a m !

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 – W e W a n t t o Ea r n I t !

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!

W here do your subm ission s go?

When you email them to quote@roushins.com, you will receive an acknowledgment with your underwriter’s 20 | Big I Illinoiscontact information promptly. Get the superior customer service you deserve!

DAY THREE

Thursday, October 17 Sponsored by:

7:00 - 8:30 am

Hot Breakfast

8:30 - 11:30 am

Greatest Industry in the World: State of the Association Address and Paving the Way for Perpetuation of the Industry Speakers: Charlie Lydecker and Big I Illinois Leadership - Hotel, Marquette Ballroom

- Hotel, Marquette Prefunction

Big I Illinois leadership will share the latest programs, information, and resources the association has sourced to give your agency a competitive advantage. Then, hear from keynote presenter Charlie Lydecker on why he believes the insurance industry is 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 wrap things up, a panel of agents will share the challenges they faced, advice to their younger selves, and what strategies we can all use to support the next generation so that they can grow and thrive in the greatest industry.

Let’s Connect!

I’m switching AMS systems. Anyone have tips to share?

Check out the Big I Illinois community!

Here you can share, discuss, ask questions and more!

Can someone clarify this language for me?

What’s the best way you’ve found to explain the Hard Market to clients?

connect.ilbigi.org CONVO Program | 21

EXHIBITOR

Alphabetically

708

AAA, The Auto Club Group |||

203

Conifer Insurance Services ||

111

Aegis General Insurance Agency

620

Cowbell |||

500

AJ Wayne |||

409

CRDN of Chicago ||

510

AMERISAFE |||

717

Don R. Jensen & Company ||

709

AmTrust Insurance |||

408

Donald Gaddis Company |||

803

AMWINS |||

200

EBRM

712

Anzen Specialty - Executive Risk Insurance

720

EMC Insurance |||

611

Appalachian Underwriters ||

714

Encova Insurance |||

217

Applied Systems/EZLynx

309

Engage PEO

822

Applied Underwriters ||

215

Enterprise Mobility ||

413/508

Arlington/Roe |||||

219

ePayPolicy ||

411

Berkley Agribusiness ||

302

Erie Insurance |||

312

Berkley Aspire |||

103

Farm Agents Council

307

Berkley Management Protection |||

805

First Insurance Funding

206

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate

122

First Nonprofit, An Amynta Company ||

104/105

Big I Illinois

612

Forreston Mutual Insurance Company |||

821

Bliss McKnight |||

300

FrankCrum

202

BluSky Restoration |||

816

Frontier-Mt Carroll Mutual Insurance Co. ||

211

Boundless Rider |||

809

Futuristic Underwriters

420

BriteCo Jewelry & Watch Insurance |||

214

Gallagher |

101

Burns & Wilcox

818

Glatfelter Public Entities

719

Chicagoland SIA LLC & Valley Insurance Agents Alliance

117

Goodville Mutual Casualty Company ||

210

Grange Insurance

313

Grinnell Mutual |||

member.acg.aaa.com/il.html www.aegisgeneral.com www.ajwayne.com www.amerisafe.com www.amtrustfinancial.com www.amwins.com www.anzen.com

www.appund.com

www.appliedsystems.com www.auw.com

www.arlingtonroe.com www.berkleyag.com

www.berkleyaspire.com www.berkleymp.com www.bhhc.com www.ilbigi.org www.blissmcknight.com www.goblusky.com

www.boundlessrider.com brite.co

www.burnsandwilcox.com

www.chicagolandsia.com & viaa4u.com

610

Chubb |||

320

Columbia Insurance Group |||

www.chubb.com www.colinsgrp.com

22 | Big I Illinois

www.coniferinsurance.com www.cowbell.insure www.crdn.com

www.donrjensen.com

www.gaddiscompany.com www.ebrm.com www.emcins.com

www.encova.com

www.engagepeo.com www.enterprise.com

www.epaypolicy.com www.erieinsurance.com www.ilfarmagents.com

www.firstinsurancefunding.com info.firstnonprofit.com/are-you-an-insurance-agent www.fmic.com

www.frankcrum.com www.fmcmutual.com

www.futuristicunderwriters.com www.ajg.com www.glatfelterpublicentities.com www.goodville.com

www.grangeinsurance.com www.grinnellmutual.com

R LIST

habetically 718

HawkSoft ||

321

Mercury Insurance |||

410

Honeycomb ||

701

Method Insurance Services |||

301

HSB ||

509

National General, an Allstate company ||

304

IA Valuations |||

319

Nationwide Agribusiness |||

102

IdealTraits ||

519

NHRMA Mutual |||

806

Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund |||

713

Novatae

613

Illinois Public Risk Fund |||

311

Old Republic Surety Company ||

521

IMT Insurance ||||

801/802

Omaha National ||

308

Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Co. |||

711

Openly ||

819

Indian Point RV Roofing, FlexArmor of Illinois

121

Paul Davis Restoration ||

602

Indiana Farmers Insurance |||

811

Paychex HR & Payroll Solutions |||

201

Insurance Program Managers Group |||

502

Pekin Insurance |||||

601

Integrated Specialty Coverages, LLC ||

501

Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Ins. Co.

710

IPFS |||

216

Philadelphia Insurance Companies ||

815

J.M. Wilson Corporation |||

721/800

Progressive ||||||

401

Liberty Mutual / State Auto |||

112

REInsurePro ||

817

Limit |||

702

Rhodian Group |||

813

Madison Mutual Insurance Company |||

220

Risk Placement Services, Inc. ||

621

Main Street America |||

619

Rockford Mutual |||

421

MAXIMUM |||

814

Rokstone Agriculture

715

MEM |||

www.hawksoft.com www.honeycombinsurance.com www.hsb.com www.iavaluations.com www.idealtraits.com www.imsif.com www.iprf.com

www.imtins.com www.imfco.net

www.indianpointrvroofing.com www.indianafarmers.com www.ipmg.com

www.iscmga.com www.ipfs.com

www.jmwilson.com

www.libertymutual.com www.limit.com

www.madisonmutual.com www.msainsurance.com www.maxib.com

www.mercuryinsurance.com www.methodinsurance.com nationalgeneral.com

nationwide.com/agribusiness/farm-insurance/ www.nhrma.com novatae.com www.orsurety.com

www.omahanational.com openly.com www.lake-county.pauldavis.com paychex.com

www.pekininsurance.com www.plmins.com www.phly.com

www.progressive.com www.reinsurepro.com/ILconvo24 rhodiangroup.com www.rpsins.com

www.rockfordmutual.com rokstoneagriculture.com

www.mem-ins.com/previsor

Continued on next page.

Big I Illinois Company Members - Icon Key ||||||| - Diamond Member |||||| - Platinum Member ||||| - Gold Member |||| - Silver Member

||| - Bronze Member || - Copper Member | - Agency Member - Sponsored Program

CONVO Program | 23

EXHIBITOR LIST Alphabetically

520

Roush Insurance Services, Inc ||

205

Steadily Insurance |||

402

Safeco |||

609

Summit |||

306

SECURA Insurance ||||

400

Surplus Line Association of Illinois ||||||

700

ServiceMaster DSI |||

412

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions

310

Servpro

812

Sycamore Specialty Underwriters

106

Simply Business

512

TAPCO Underwriters, Inc. ||

218

Society Insurance |||

100

The Donegal Insurance Group |||

107

Sola Insurance

513/608

The Hanover Insurance Group |||||||

810

Southeast Personnel Leasing

804

Thimble Insurance

305

Spriska |||

820

Tokio Marine HCC - Surety Group

419

TRAVELERS |||

221

UFG Insurance |||

116

US Pro Insurance Services || www.usproins.com

600

W.A. Schickedanz Agency/ Interstate Risk Placement |||

www.roushins.com www.safeco.com www.secura.net

www.smdsi.com

www.servpro.com get.simplybusiness.com/for-agents www.societyinsurance.com www.solainsurance.com www.spli.com

www.spriska.com

www.steadily.com/agents www.summitholdings.com www.slai.org

www.swissre.com www.sycins.com

www.gotapco.com

www.donegalgroup.com www.hanover.com

www.thimble.com/broker www.tmhcc.com/surety www.travelers.com www.unitedfiregroup.com

www.was-irp.com

204

West Bend Insurance |||

303

Western National Insurance |||

716

Westfield |||

511

Worldwide Insurance Specialists, Inc

807/808

XPT Specialty |||

www.thesilverlining.com www.wnins.com

www.westfieldinsurance.com www.wwisinc.com

www.xptspecialty.com

Big I Illinois Company Members - Icon Key ||||||| - Diamond Member |||||| - Platinum Member ||||| - Gold Member |||| - Silver Member

24 | Big I Illinois

||| - Bronze Member || - Copper Member | - Agency Member - Sponsored Program

V

312 409

212 309

510

220 301

100

122 200

221 300

520 601

420 501

320 401

219 302

120 202

102

121 201

218 303

119 203

103

101

519 602

419 502

319 402

217 304

118 204

collhnn

321 400

421 500

521 600

720 801 721 800

621 700

719 802

718 803

717 804

716 805

620 701

619 702

This is the area exhibitors will be drawing and announcing booth prize winners at 1:30 pm. *See note on page 7

104

216 305

117 205

Hospitality Area

105

106

column

822

821

820

819

818

817

816

813 815

[ill

713 808 715 806

[ill

613 708

215 306

513 608

116 206

413 508

814

213 308

714 807

812

811

214 307

712 809

711 810

115 207

612 709

611 710

108

512 609

511 610

114 208

412 509

411

Drive-In Load-In Door #2

V)V''

109

313 408

311 410

211 310

Drive-In Food Truck Lunch Load-In Entrance/Exit Door #1

V

113 209

112 210

V

110

111

V

10'x10' Booths

2024 BIG I IL CONVO Tradeshow October 16, 2024 Peoria Civic Cen Peoria, Illinois Exhibit Hall D

liil-column

EXHIBIT HALL FLOOR PLAN

CONVO Program | 25

STATE PAC CONT ILLINOIS

Your Big I Illinois State Political Action C General Assembly who support the legis making significant contributions to both

State Political Action Committee

Thank you to our State PAC Co

$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

26 | Big I Illinois

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

TRIBUTIONS

Committee (State PAC) supports candidates for and members of the Illinois slative agenda of independent agents. State PAC is a bi-partisan committee, h Republican and Democratic candidates for state office.

ontributors & 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

CONVO Program | 27

INSURPAC 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

28 | Big I Illinois

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

IMPORTANT DATES 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

Upcoming Events

October 7-9 – CONVO – Peoria

CONVO Program | 29

THE LEADER IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE

Since our inception in 1985, the Illinois Public Risk Fund has invited public entities and government agencies to examine our outstanding record for cost-effective workers' compensation coverage.

www.IPRF.com (800) 289-IPRF

Today over 700 Risk Managers rely on IPRF for: 24/7/365 Claim Reporting In-house Nurse Case Management Aggressive subrogation program which will include members out of pocket expenses.

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.

Proudly Serving the Public Sector

BOARD OF DIRECTORS and STAFF Big I Illinois Staff

Executive Committee

(217) 793-6660 • info@ilbigi.org

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

Rebecca Buchanan

Lori Mahorney, CISR Elite

Shannon Churchill

Evan Manning

Brett Gerger, CIC

Kristi Osmond, CISR Elite

Insurance Products Administrator rbuchanan@ilbigi.org - Cyber Liability - Products and Services - Errors & Omissions Director of Information and Technology schurchill@ilbigi.org - Agency Analytics and Technology - CONVO - Farm Agents Council (FAC) 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

Director of Membership Services lmahorney@ilbigi.org - Agency Membership - Associate Membership - Pre-Licensing Director of Government Relations emanning@ilbigi.org - Current & Pending Legislation - Political Action Committees - Legislative Events 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.

About Us

Technology

Brian Ogden, CIC - Petersburg

Young Agents

Cody Imming - Carlyle

CONVO Program | 31

PAST PRESID IIAI R. W. Hosmer, Chicago

Joseph A. Naughten, Chicago

(1956-1957)

John Wachenheimer, Peoria

(1900-1901)

Charles A. Bryant, Peoria

(1957-1958)

Charles P. Whitney, Chicago

(1901-1902)

Frank R. Miley, CPCU, Peoria

(1958-1959)

Clarence S. Pellet, Chicago

(1902-1903)

Fred O. Waller, Galva

(1959-1960)

Frank Dooing, Springfield

(1903-1904)

Harry C. Parrish, Paris

(1960-1961)

R. F. Streuver, Peru

(1904-1905)

James S. Woodworth, Jr., CPCU, Robinson (1961-1962)

S. D. Section, East St. Louis

(1906-1907)

Thomas K. Sprague, Jr., Joliet

(1962-1963)

Adam Spitler, Mattoon

(1909-1910)

Robert L. Shade, Decatur

(1963-1964)

Henry F. Arnold, Galesburg

(1910-1911)

Robert B. Stitt, Chicago

(1964-1965)

John H. Wood, Bloomington

(1911-1912)

Cal W. Schuneman, CPCU, Prophetstown

(1965-1966)

Charles F. Hildreth, Freeport

(1912-1913)

Leland R. Crank, East St. Louis

(1966-1967)

Shirley E. Moisant, Kankakee

(1913-1914)

Peter M. Wolff, Chicago

(1967-1968)

N. W. Tomblin, Aurora

(1914-1915)

Robert L. Newell, CPCU, Ashland

(1968-1969)

E. R. Partlow, Danville

(1916-1917)

Jack E. Deveau, CPCU, Rockford

(1969-1970)

George North Taylor, Streator

(1917-1918)

H. Bernard Jacobs, Bloomington

(1970-1971)

A. A. Bartlett, Galesburg

(1918-1920)

Richard G. Jones, Mattoon

(1971-1972)

J. S. Giberson, Alton

(1920-1922)

Jack Payan, CPCU, Palos Heights

(1972-1973)

A. J. Anderson, Kewanee

(1922-1924)

Marvin R. Marsh, Champaign

(1973-1974)

Ross C. Sherman, Waukegan

(1924-1926)

Warren Osenberg, DeKalb

(1974-1975)

J. M. Newberger, Chicago

(1926-1928)

William L. Laird, CPCU, Batavia

(1975-1976)

Robert W. Troxell, Springfield

(1928-1932)

Harold E. Parr, Princeton

(1976-1977)

Rockwood Hosmer, Chicago

(1932-1933)

Gerald Butts, CPCU, Moline

(1977-1978)

Alvin S. Keys, Springfield

(1933-1935)

Arthur L. Tyler, Champaign

(1978-1979)

Frank J. Budelier, Rock Island

(1935-1937)

Edward D. Bowman, CPCU, Westmont

(1979-1980)

Herbert Stewart, Chicago

(1937-1938)

James M. Hardesty, Peoria

(1980-1981)

William H. Jennings, Jr., Rockford

(1938-1940)

L. Dwayne Query, Rochelle

(1981-1982)

Lyle H. Gift, Peoria

(1940-1941)

David B. Lowe, CPCU, Sterling

(1982-1983)

N. McCullogh Winters, Quincy

(1941-1943)

Richard B. Baker, CPCU, Arlington Heights (1983-1984)

James H. Beattie, Rockford

(1943-1945)

Larry Rollings, CIC, Arcola

(1984-1985)

Merle A. Read, Joliet

(1945-1946)

Roy E. Robinson, CPCU, CAE, Springfield

(1984-1985) Honorary

Russell L. Sprouse, Springfield

(1946-1948)

Ralph Swank, Jr., CPCU, Waukegan

(1985-1986)

Lymand D. Drake, Jr., Chicago

(1948-1949)

Bruce Osenberg, DeKalb

(1986-1987)

Frank H. Hawk, Peoria

(1949-1951)

Dale McNeely, Taylorville

(1987-1988)

W. H. Redeker, Centralia

(1951-1953)

Ronald M. Whitaker, CIC, New Lenox

(1988-1989)

William P. Morrisey, Alton

(1953-1954)

William S. Beam, Moline

(1989-1990)

H. W. Mullins, CPCU, Rockford

(1954-1955)

Edward W. Bowman, Burr Ridge

(1990-1991)

Joseph F. Prola, Springfield

(1955-1956)

Thomas J. Tropp, Chicago

(1991-1992)

32 | Big I Illinois

(1899-1900, 1905-1906)

DENTS PIA Ray Mead, Peoria

(1952-1955)

Dean Lyman, DeKalb

(1973-1974)

Walter A. Corcoran, Quincy

(1953-1954)

C. Keith Smith, Springfield

(1974-1975)

E. E. Bartlett, Moline

(1954-1955)

John R. Stone, CIC, Elgin

(1975-1976)

Don Amos, DeKalb

(1955-1956)

F. G. Brown, CIC, Decatur

(1976-1977)

John B. Read, Sr., Chicago

(1956-1958)

Harold G. Nixon, Peoria

(1977-1978)

George R. Dressler, Chicago

(1958-1959)

Walter K. Blake, Arlington Heights

(1978-1979)

Orville L. Varland, Rockford

(1959-1961)

Marvin F. Uecker, CIC, Lena

(1979-1980)

Ira C. Johnson, Aurora

(1961-1963)

Jacob P. Sommer, CIC, Oak Brook

(1980-1981)

Wayne E. Varland, Rockford

(1963-1964)

Willard W. Bockler, Metamora

(1981-1982)

J. E. Russell, Glen Ellyn

(1964-1965)

Charles C. Masching, Mattoon

(1982-1983)

Fred Moe, Springfield

(1965-1966)

Norris L. Beren, CIC, Des Plaines

(1983-1984)

Herbert Richter, Mt. Carroll

(1966-1967)

Richard Bybee, CIC, Quincy

(1984-1985)

Dale R. Bybee, Quincy

(1967-1968)

Keith Caywood, CIC, Plano

(1985-1986)

Frank E. Roth, Jr., New Windsor

(1968-1969)

David H. Nixon, CIC, Peoria

(1986-1987)

Gilbert J. Koenning, Beecher

(1969-1970)

Bob H. Smeltzer, CIC, Rock Falls

(1987-1988)

Ellsworth Windett, Yorkville

(1970-1971)

Sharon K. Heaton, Pontiac

(1988-1989)

Curt Mahaffey, El Paso

(1971-1972)

Dave Tebben, CIC, Pekin

(1989-1990)

R. E. Sechler, CIC, Rockford

(1972-1973)

R. J. Pohl, CIC, Belleville

(1990-1991)

Tom Franzen, CIC, Mt. Olive

(1991-1992)

IIA of IL John C. Alexander, CIC, Danville

(1993)

William L. Ryan, Maroa

(2009)

George W. Boehm, CIC, Libertyville

(1994)

Luke F. Praxmarer, CPCU, AAI, Palatine

(2010)

David C. Lacine, CPCU, Arlington Heights

(1995)

Todd C. Henricks, Cerro Gordo

(2011)

Don “Chip” Frank, CIC, Bloomington

(1996)

Thomas J. Walsh, Jr., Westmont

(2012)

Bryce Carey, Hinckley

(1997)

Philip “Mike” Beard, Mt. Vernon

(2013)

Gary Semmer, CIC, Glen Ellyn

(1998)

Charles E. Hilson, South Holland

(2014)

Julie M. Hearring, CIC, Olney

(1999)

Gregory A. Sandrock, CIC, AFIS, Tampico

(2015)

Gene Sberna, CIC, Lake Forest

(2000)

Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR, Carbondale

(2016)

Dino Gavanes, CIC, Itasca

(2001)

Rick Sutton, Petersburg

(2017)

Paul Verisario, CPIA, Inverness

(2002)

Ryan Hite, Peoria

(2018)

Ken Wagler, LUTCF, Peoria

(2003)

Patrick Muldowney, Chicago

(2019)

Brian M. McSherry, CIC, Flanagan

(2004)

Bill Wirth, Waterloo

(2020)

James W. Ander, Burr Ridge

(2005)

Don Blank, Olney

(2020) Honorary

Allen D. Karch, CIC, Champaign

(2006)

George Daly, Orland Park

(2021)

Brian Konen, CIC, Aurora

(2007)

Jay Peterson, Clinton

(2022)

Ken Samson, CIC, Deerfield

(2008)

Kevin Lesch, CBC, Bartlett

(2023)

Big I Illinois Allyson Padilla, AAI, Olney

(2024)

CONVO Program | 33

CARTWRIGHT MERIT AWARD RECIPIENTS 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 1946 1949 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1981 1982

Herbert L. Regan, Joliet Lyle H. Gift, Peoria Walter M. Sheldon, Chicago Merle A. Read, Joliet Emil L. Lederer, Chicago Alvin S. Keys, Springfield Alan I. Wolff, Chicago Frank H. Hawk, Peoria Lyman M. Drake, Jr., Chicago H. W. Mullins, CPCU, Rockford W. H. “Red” Redeker, Centralia Joseph F. Prola, Springfield Frank R. Miley, CPCU, Chicago Robert L. Newell, CPCU, Ashland Harry C. Parrish, Paris N. McCullough Winters, Quincy James S. Woodworth, Jr., CPCU, Robinson Sanford H. Lederer, CPCU, Chicago Thomas K. Spraque, Jr., Joliet Robert L. Shade, Decatur George J. Nicoud, Springfield Robert B. Stitt, Palos Heights Calvin W. Schuneman, CPCU, Prophetstown Eugene F. Gallagher, Chicago Peter M. Wolff, Chicago Jack W. Gift, Peoria Warren Osenberg, DeKalb Jack Payan, CPCU, Palos Heights Jack E. Deveau, CPCU, Rockford Gerald L. Butts, CPCU, Moline

1983 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1991 1993 1993 1995 1997 1998 1999 2001 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2022 2023

William L. Laird, CPCU, Batavia L. Dwayne Query, Rochelle Richard B. Baker, CPCU, Chicago Arthur L. Tyler, Champaign James M. Hardesty, Peoria Marvin Marsh, Champaign Roy E. Robinson, CPCU, CAE, Springfield Edward W. Bowman, Burr Ridge David H. Nixon, CIC, Peoria Don Blank, Olney Sharon Heaton, CIC, Pontiac Ronald M. Whitaker, CIC, New Lenox Dale W. McNeely, Taylorville John Alexander, CIC, Danville David Lacine, CPCU, Elmhurst Kenneth E. Wagler, LUTCF, Peoria Daniel Pancake, Chicago Gary Semmer, CIC, Glen Ellyn Dino Gavanes, CIC, Itasca Paul Verisario, CPIA, Des Plaines Gene Sberna, CIC, Lake Forest Julie Hearring, CIC, Olney Brian M. McSherry, CIC, Pontiac Charles F. Schramm, CIC, CPCU, AAI, ARM, CRM, Deerfield Dennis W. Garrett, CIC, Taylorville Cynthia K. Jackman, CIC, Carbondale Luke Praxmarer, CPCU, AAI, Elk Grove Village Ken Samson, CIC, Northbrook Rick Sutton, Petersburg 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.

34 | Big I Illinois

BIG I ILLINOIS AWARD RECIPIENTS Presented during the General Session on Wednesday, October 16, 8:00 to 11:00 am.

Agency of the Year The 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

2021

Daniel McNeely

2019

Keenan Rice

2022

Ray Roentz

2020

Brooke Miano

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

2008

Dave Marker

2016

Ryan Hite

2001

Ken Samson

2009

Adam Hackman

2017

Ray Roentz

2002

Brian Konen

2010

Mark E. Donaldson

2018

Luke Sandrock

2003

Tom Mollenhauer

2011

Michael-Charles Hilson

2019

Dustin Peterson

2004

Doug Whitworth

2012

Bill Rademacher

2020

Nick Gunn

2005

Elaine Wagener

2013

Keith Verisario

2021

Tyler Sandrock

2006

Jason Cass

2014

Thomas D. Evans Jr.

2022

Julie Campbell

2007

Lindsey Polzin

2015

Kevin Lesch

2023

Keely Cardwell

CONVO Program | 35

NOTES

PUTTING AGENTS FIRST

SINCE 1923.

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.

BUSINESS | BONDS

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36 | Big I Illinois

msainsurance.com

9/3/24 2:37 PM

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CONVO Program | 37

NOTES

38 | Big I Illinois

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