Big I CNY Membership Summer 2019 Newsletter
President’s Message
Your Big I CNY Board of Directors is an active group working to promote the value of independent agencies and provide programs and events for our CNY members. Our annual June golf tournament was a success with 100 + golfers enjoying Drumlin’s East and a delicious dinner with the installation of the Big I CNY Board. Our generous sponsors make the tournament possible; the proceeds will benefit the following local charities:
• Brady Faith Center • Sleep In Heavenly Peace • Greater YMCA Partnership • MS of CNY • Meals on Wheels • In My Father’s Kitchen • Road to Emmaus Ministry • Huntington Family Center • Syracuse Ride for Missing Children • David’s Refuge • Honor Flight • Erin’s Angels
Throughout the year, we plan a variety of events and programs including our Legislative Breakfast and Holiday Party and at least one education program. In September of 2018, over 85 CSRs, account managers, executive assistants, office managers and company reps attended the first Big I CNY Agency Employee appreciation dinner. This was the perfect opportunity for agency owners to thank their staff for the critical role they play in their agency’s success. Company reps also purchased tickets for their agents and a great time was had by all with a competitive game of trivia following dinner! Please join us on September 26 at Sky Armory for our second annual Agency Employee Appreciation Dinner. You can register at bigicny.com.
Our Legislative Chair, Nick Masterpole, also serves on the Big I NY Board of Directors and stays informed on regulations and legislation that affect independent insurance agents. The Big I NY government relations team spent many long days in the capitol in Albany, speaking with lawmakers and coordinating with allies in the insurance industry, working to keep our message at the forefront to block the passage of a number of dangerous bills. These included Unfair Business Practices, Lead Paint Exclusion, Bad Faith and Non-Compete Ban. Beneficial legislation to protect homeowners from unscrupulous roofing contracts passed both the Senate and Assembly and we made strong progress advancing bills to repeal the anti-arson application and eliminate the “diligent effort” requirement for placing many excess lines policies. If you would like more information, please contact Nick Masterpole at nick@masterpolemurphy.com.
As we can all agree, attracting (and keeping) young people in our industry is the key to our future success. NextGen is a group of under 40(ish) insurance pros who come together to network, grow skills and give back to the community. As a board, we decided we needed to put more resources towards this group of people. So, we developed a spot on our board for a NextGen Committee Member and nominated Tiffany Larkin. Tiffany and her NextGen Committee’s next event is on October 10, where they will host a CE Trivia night at Coleman’s. Please contact Tiffany at tlarkin@delmonicoinsurance.com for more information.
Big I CNY welcomes new members to join us! Please have anyone who is interested contact me at mike@crowleyinsurance.com. We hope to see you at an upcoming Big I CNY event!
Mike Crowley
President, Big I CNY