InsurPac, the Big "I" political action committee (PAC), raised $1,070,290 during the 2016 calendar year—marking the most successful fundraising year in its 40-year history.
Texas led the charge for InsurPac, setting a new state fundraising record with $74,125 in contributions. Massachusetts contributed nearly $63,000 and Florida was close behind at $59,000. Illinois and Louisiana also surpassed the $50,000 mark, rounding out the top five states.
Young agents across the country contributed more than $132,000, led by Florida's $16,060 and Georgia's $11,556. During the fundraising campaign, eight states became InsurPac Eagle states by contributing an average of $100 or more per agency member: AR, ID, LA, MT, NE, NH, ND and SC.
InsurPac remains one of the largest small business PACs in the country. However, it must continue to grow and keep pace with other business PACs, as many of them also increase receipts each year. InsurPac finished the 2015-2016 two-year election cycle with $2,131,590—a $100,000 increase over the last election cycle. In the most recent election, InsurPac disbursed more than $2.1 million in support of 280 federal races and won 266 for a 95% victory rate.
InsurPac is part of the reason the Big "I" is one of the most well-respected business associations in Washington, D.C. In disbursing contributions, the PAC does not consider party affiliation but rather supports representatives, senators and candidates for federal office who are advocates for the independent agency system.
Although the Election Day victories and fundraising numbers are impressive, the relationships developed via InsurPac are even more important. Hundreds of fundraising events happen each week for members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The Big "I" federal government affairs team attends many of these events, establishing important relationships with legislators and their staff.
Agents value their clients and work with them to develop relationships, and the Big "I" team does the same with elected officials. Although these relationships don't guarantee votes, they provide opportunities to meet with key decision makers and share the independent agent perspective.