Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
None

2017 Press Releases

 

 
ALEXANDRIA, Va. Nov. 15, 2017 – InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, is now partnering with Junior Achievement (JA) to include InVEST's insurance program as part of a new JA high school financial literacy curriculum. Launched last month, this new hybrid curriculum is being piloted in Atlanta and will be rolled out nationwide at a later date. InVEST and JA believe that insurance is an important part of a high school student’s introduction to the world of financial literacy.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 14, 2017—Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2874, “The 21st Century Flood Reform Act,” introduced by Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wisconsin). This legislation reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for five years and makes several reforms to the program. The bill now heads to the Senate where lawmakers in that chamber will decide whether to take up the House version of the flood bill or craft their own reauthorization legislation.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 2, 2017—The Hill, a leading political newspaper, has named Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO, and Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external, industry, and government affairs, among the top trade association lobbyists in Washington, D.C.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Oct. 12, 2017 – InVEST has awarded John Mayo, business management instructor at Lake Region Vocational Center in Naples, Maine, the 2017 InVEST Teacher of the Year Award and Dottie Chalmers-Cutter, vice president of operations for the Chalmers Insurance Group in Bridgton, Maine, the 2017 InVEST Volunteer of the Year Award.
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 27, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today released a statement by Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external, industry, and government affairs.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 8, 2017 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today released the following statement by Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external, industry & government affairs.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 1, 2017 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today released the following statement by Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external, industry & government affairs:
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 31, 2017— As families and businesses begin to recover from the devastating effects of the flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Harvey, members of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) stand ready to help those affected by the disaster through the Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 11, 2017–Emily Hawkins of Lexington, North Carolina and Blake Tomlinson of Salt Lake City won the girls and boys divisions, respectively, at the 49th annual Trusted Choice® Big 'I' National Championship in Madison, Mississippi.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 2, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT) has released the ‘Agency Cyber Guide 1.0’ which addresses cybersecurity regulations and provides corresponding compliance resources.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 1, 2017–Trusted Choice®, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers, is proud to announce its seventh annual summer social media campaign to raise money for Make-A-Wish®. During the month of August, Trusted Choice® will donate $10 to the wish granting organization for each post “shared” from the Trusted Choice® Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TrustedChoice).
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 28, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded four scholarships to students from Northeast High School Academy of Finance in St. Petersburg, Florida.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 28, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Krystianna Clouse, a student at Cooper City High School in Cooper City, Florida.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 28, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Catherine Lang, a student at Morningstar School, in Pinellas Park, Florida.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 28, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Tania Romero, a student at Palmetto High School in Palmetto, Florida.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 27, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Christian Valencia, a student at Cypress Bay High School in Weston, Florida.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 27, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded five scholarships to students from Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 27, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded two scholarships to students from Manatee High School in Bradenton, Florida.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 26, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded 19 scholarships to students from two Orlando high schools: William R. Boone High School and Dr. Phillips High School.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 25, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded 14 scholarships to students at Hamburg High School in Hamburg, New York. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 25, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded the $3,000 Bob Baxter Honorary Scholarship to Michelle Dajczak, a student at East Hartford High School in East Hartford, Connecticut. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 25, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Reid Davis, a student at Coventry High School in Coventry, Connecticut. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 25, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Cassie Moree, a student at Newington High School in Newington, Connecticut.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 25, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded 9 scholarships to students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 24, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded the Second Round Scholarship to Jeffrey Steinhoff, a student at State University of New York at Oswego. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 21, 2017– InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded $1000 scholarships to Brenna Batzer and Brianna Miller, students at Groton High School in Groton, New York. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 21, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Josh Ramsay, a student at Dryden High School in Dryden, New York. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 20, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Hanna Bordwell, a student at McGraw Central High School in McGraw, New York. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 19, 2017– InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to three students from Capital Area Career Center in Mason, Michigan. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 19, 2017– InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Melanie Keusch, a student at Olivet College in Olivet, Michigan. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 18, 2017– InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded scholarships to two students from Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire. Christopher Ouwerkerk received $1000 and Taylor Sheley received $500. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 17, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to Braylon Stroud, a student at B.E.S.T. Academy High School in Atlanta. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 17, 2017– InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Rebecca Roy, a student at River Oaks High School in Monroe, Louisiana. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 14, 2017– InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded a $500 scholarship to John Rattan, a student at Grossmont Community College in El Cajon, California. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry which will have an estimated 400,000 open positions by 2020 and faces a critical workforce gap.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 13, 2017–The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) announces that Charles E. Symington Jr. will now serve as the association’s senior vice president for external, industry and government affairs.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 12, 2017–Trusted Choice®, the consumer branding program for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”), has promoted Kevin Brandt as its next executive director.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 11, 2017– InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program, has awarded $75,500 in scholarships to 76 students pursuing insurance-related degrees. The program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, June 22, 2017–InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom-to-career education program, recently announced that Bill Post has joined its national board. Post is State Auto vice president, people strategies and services business partners and talent acquisition.
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 21, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today released the following statement by Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external and government affairs:
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, June 20, 2017–Kingstone Insurance Company is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. Kingstone Insurance Company, headquartered in Kingston, New York, has joined 71 other leading companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, June 19, 2017—Big “I” Markets (BIM), a division of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”), has expanded its small commercial offerings to include a new cyber coverage product for small business clients.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, June 1, 2017 – Hurricane season officially starts today and as meteorologists rev up for what could be a busy few months, Trusted Choice® independent agents are also on standby to help their clients prepare for and recover from disasters.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 30, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) released the following statement regarding Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Kentucky) from Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO:
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has bestowed the Sidney O. Smith Award to Lee Schilling, president of Schilling & Reid Insurance in Amite, Louisiana.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 23, 2017 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) bestowed an inaugural award to the Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska (IIAN) for membership development at the association’s largest annual gathering.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 23, 2017—Spencer Houldin, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) chairman, recently honored J. Ralph Murray of Stamford, Connecticut, for his long-standing commitment to the independent insurance agency community.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 19, 2017 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) recently bestowed the award for membership growth to the Independent Insurance Agents of North Dakota (IIAND) at the association’s largest annual gathering.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, May 17, 2017–Trusted Choice® has awarded the annual Dan Fulwider Award for Community Involvement to Harry Swimmer, founder of the Swimmer Insurance Agency in Charlotte, North Carolina. 
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 11, 2017—Rep. Greg Walden, chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, delivered a keynote address to the annual Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Large Agent/Broker & CEO Dinner.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, May 10, 2017—Christopher “Chris” J. Boggs, CPCU, ARM, ALCM, LPCS, AAI, APA, CWCA, CRIS, AINS, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Virtual University director, receives the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) Brian Hey Prize as part of a diverse worldwide group of professionals.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, May 10, 2017 – The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Young Agents Committee (YAC) raised more than $26,000—including $17,599 in a silent auction—this year for InVEST, a one-of-a-kind financial literacy program that educates high school and college students about insurance, risk management and financial services.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, May 9, 2017—Duck Creek Technologies is the newest company partner of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT).
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 9, 2017—Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Massachusetts) addressed the Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon during the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 9, 2017—Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) delivered a keynote address to the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) membership at its annual Legislative Conference.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 8, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (IIABA or the Big “I”) has awarded Charles “Cappy” Stults with the Woodworth Memorial Award, the highest honor the association bestows on one of its members, during the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 8, 2017—Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) delivered a keynote address to the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) membership at its annual Legislative Conference.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 7, 2017 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) bestowed two inaugural awards for membership development at the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today presented Applied Systems, Central Insurance Companies, EMC Insurance Companies and Travelers Insurance Companies with the prestigious Best Practices Award of Excellence at the Big “I” Legislative Conference.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 4, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America National Young Agents Committee (YAC) welcomes Nevada young agent Jana Schellin Foster, recipient of the 2017 Maurice Herndon Scholarship award, to Washington, D.C., this week for the Big “I” Legislative Conference. Schellin Foster is part owner and agency manager at the Nevada Insurance Agency company in Carson City, Nevada.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 3, 2016—Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nevada) is the Gerald Solomon-Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Legislator of the Year for 2016.
WASHINGTON--The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) to host its Annual Legislative Conference, May 3-5, 2017.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 26, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) will address the association’s membership on Thursday, May 4, 2017.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 26, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today thanks the White House for releasing details on President Trump’s comprehensive tax plan. Among its numerous provisions, the plan would significantly cut both the corporate tax rate and the tax rate for pass through businesses to 15%.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 25, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Kim Lancer, TeleTech Consulting senior facilitator and executive coach, will address the association’s Diversity Task Force, leadership and members at a special event during the annual Legislative Conference on Friday, May 5, at 12:00 p.m. EDT.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, April 18, 2017— The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Big I Advantage® unit has promoted Virginia “Ginny” Blake Pierson, CPCU, ARM, AU to assistant vice president. Pierson will lead the department’s marketing initiative with emphasis on Big 'I' state association relationships and the Big 'I' Flood program with endorsed WYO carrier Selective.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, April 6, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced the participants for a top insurance carrier CEO panel discussion that will occur on Friday, May 5, during its annual Legislative Conference.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, April 3, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Big “I” Professional Liability Program has hired Marianna Wilson CPCU, RPLU, CPHRM, CIC, CRM, ARM, AIC, to serve as professional liability director for national accounts. The new role has been added to service and expand the popular program.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, March 30, 2017—Ron Berg, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT) executive director, is the recipient of the NetVU’s 2017 ‘Wade S. Dunbar Jr. Award for Insurance Technology Advocacy’.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 22, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expresses concern over the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of H.R. 372, the “Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act of 2017,” by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Arizona). H.R. 372 would repeal the limited antitrust exemption for health insurers established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, March 9, 2017—Insurance Agent Mobile Application is the newest company partner of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT).
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 8, 2017 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today applauded Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nevada) and Jon Tester (D-Montana) and Reps. Dennis Ross (R-Florida) and Kathy Castor (D-Florida) for introducing the “Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act.” This legislation allows for private flood insurance to satisfy National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) continuous coverage requirements; meaning that policyholders can obtain NFIP coverage without losing their grandfathered status if they leave the program, obtain coverage in the private market, and later find that this new coverage no longer meets their needs.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 28, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced at Rep. Joe Kennedy, III (D-Massachusetts) will address the Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon at the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 9, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced that Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) will address the association’s membership on Thursday, May 4, 2017.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 3, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) praises action taken today by the Trump Administration calling for the Department of Labor (DOL) to halt implementation of the Obama Administration’s controversial fiduciary rule and undergo a complete re-review of the measure.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Jan. 31, 2017—AssureSign, LLC, is the newest company partner of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT).
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 11, 2017 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today congratulates Quincy L. Branch, president & CEO of Branch Benefits Consultants in Las Vegas, on his appointment to the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance (FACI). FACI is a committee composed of various state government officials, insurance professionals and consumer advocates that advises the Federal Insurance Office (FIO).
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 10, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today expresses its support for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives legislation which would repeal the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) 40% excise tax or “Cadillac tax.” Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nevada) and Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico) are the lead sponsors of S. 58 in the Senate while Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania) and Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) are the lead House sponsors of H.R. 173.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Jan. 5, 2017—Merchants Insurance Group is the newest company partner of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT).
image 
 
​127 South Peyton Street
Alexandria VA 22314
​phone: 800.221.7917
fax: 703.683.7556
email: info@iiaba.net

Follow Us!


​Empowering Trusted Choice®
Independent Insurance Agents.