YAC, Membership Award Winners Announced
Several awards were presented to state associations during the 2025 Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference last week in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado (PIIAC) received the Big “I” Membership Growth Award for its outstanding 12.4% growth from January 2024 to January 2025. This achievement reflects PIIAC’s commitment to strengthening the independent agency channel through professional development, advocacy and a comprehensive suite of services. Its member-first approach and continued outreach have helped independent agents across the state thrive.
The Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) received the Outstanding Membership Champion Award for its service-driven, relationship-focused approach to membership. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the IIANC team stepped up—making more than 300 direct relief calls, deploying a catastrophe response unit and ensuring members had access to critical recovery resources. IIANC also expanded outreach through agency visits, invested in future industry talent and welcomed non-members to their flagship event, highlighting the unmatched value of Big “I” membership.
Both PIIAC and IIANC exemplify the strength and heart of the Big “I” community. Congratulations to these outstanding teams.
Additionally, the Big “I” national Young Agents Committee (YAC) presented the 2025 Outstanding Young Agents Committee of the Year awards in the following categories:
YAC of the Year. In recognition of the outstanding efforts of a state YAC to foster association growth and secure the future of the independent agency system.
Winner: FAIA Young Agents Council
Political Involvement. For outstanding achievement in promoting Young Agent involvement in the legislative process.
Winner: Young Agents Committee of Big I South Carolina
Workforce Development. For outstanding achievement in educating, training and sustaining the current workforce and future of the industry.
Winners: Big I Michigan NextGen Leaders and the IIANC iLEAD
Membership Development. For excellent achievement in recruiting and maintaining Young Agent participation in association activities.
Winner: Big I Oklahoma Young Agents
Community Service. For outstanding achievement in a service project that benefits the community, the insurance industry, and/or the independent agency system.
Winner: Big I Michigan NextGen Leaders
Young Agents Meeting. For excellence in providing and promoting an annual Young Agents meeting.
Winner: Young Agents of Kansas and the Big I Oklahoma Young Agents
Breakthrough YAC. A special recognition of a state that is working hard to engage the next generation.
Winner: Big I New York NextGen
Innovator. In recognition of the outstanding efforts of a state young agents committee for their innovation and perseverance.
Winner: IIANC iLEAD
The Young Agents of Kansas and the IIANC iLEAD were inducted into the Hall of Achievement, an honor reserved for YACs that have won the five key young agent awards: political involvement, workforce development, membership development, community service and young agents meeting. Reaching this milestone requires consistent leadership, teamwork and commitment to excellence.
The Young Agents State Liaison of the Year award was presented to Jake Smith, Insurors of Tennessee.