WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 27, 2014 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), U.S. House of Representatives Majority Whip, will address the association’s membership on Thursday, April 10, 2014.

 

Rep. McCarthy will be a keynote speaker at the legislative conference breakfast which occurs just prior to the association’s annual Big “I” Day on Capitol Hill. Every year, agents and brokers visit Capitol Hill offices to educate members of the Senate, House and their staff on issues that directly impact independent insurance agents, brokers and consumers.
 
“The Big ‘I’ is honored that Majority Whip McCarthy will be addressing our members the morning of our annual pilgrimage to Capitol Hill,” says Robert A. Rusbuldt, Big “I” president and CEO. “In his leadership role as Majority Whip and as a member of the powerful House Financial Services Committee, Rep. McCarthy is on the frontline of many issues that directly impact the insurance markets. We look forward to his perspective as our agents prepare to meet with their elected representatives.”

 

In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Rep. McCarthy serves on the important House Financial Services Committee, which oversees the insurance industry. Prior to his election to Congress in 2006, he was a small business owner and served as the top Republican in the California Assembly. Rep. McCarthy is in his fourth term and represents the Golden State’s 23rd district which includes most of Kern and Tulare Counties, and northeastern Los Angeles County.  

 

“Majority Whip McCarthy’s role in the House is one of the most powerful and influential in Congress,” says Charles E. Symington, Jr., Big “I” senior vice president for external and government affairs. “His commitment to small business has been a cornerstone of his service in the House. We look forward to his perspective on what’s next and how our legislative priorities will be addressed.”       
 
The Big “I” Legislative Conference is the insurance industry’s best-attended, most effective legislative meeting. This year’s event will take place April 9-11 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.

 

The legislative conference is an opportunity for Big “I” agents and brokers to discuss important issues with their congressional representatives. Top issues this year include: terrorism risk insurance, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), agent licensing reform, health insurance, insurance regulatory reform, the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP), tax reform and other economic challenges facing independent insurance agents and the industry. 

 

Other highlights of the Big “I” Legislative Conference include in-depth issues briefing sessions; appearances by numerous high-profile speakers discussing important insurance and national issues confronting lawmakers as well as agents and brokers and hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between Big “I” agents and brokers and their elected representatives in the Congress.

 

Journalists interested in attending, please send an email to margarita.tapia@iiaba.net or call (703) 706-5473 for media registration.

 

 

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