Latest Big I CNY News

Big I CNY Legislative Breakfast

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Bellevue Country Club

December 12, 2025

Join Big I CNY for an informative Legislative Breakfast. During this event, Big I CNY members, local legislators, and representatives from Big I NY's legislative team will come together to discuss the issues critical to our industry.

Travis Wattie, MPA, CPCU, AVP of Government Relations for Big I NY, will provide a brief legislative update and then lead a roundtable discussion. Some of the key issues to be discussed:

2025 Legislative Session: Key Outcomes & Industry Impact
Tackling Marketplace Pressures: Availability & Affordability in Focus
Industry Modernization: Legislative Proposals to Enhance Efficiency.

Sign up today to show our legislators that we matter!

AGENDA
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM  |  Registration & Hot Buffet Breakfast
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM  |  Legislative Briefing & Roundtable

PRICE
$20 for Big I CNY or CPCU member / $40 for non-members

To pay by check, please make payable to Big I CNY. Include your name and email with your payment. Mail to: Allison Just, Big I NY, 5784 Widewaters Pkwy, 1st Floor, Dewitt, NY 13214.

Contact Allison Just at ajust@biginy.org or 315-432-4249 (direct) with any questions. 

Free parking is available at the venue's parking lot.

BIG I CNY Holiday Party

Ringing in the new year with Big I CNY

Come out to Coleman’s on Wednesday, January 14th for delicious food, great drinks, and conversation with the best insurance agents in the state. This holiday party is also a way to give back to our community. Big I CNY will once again support St. Lucy's Church in Syracuse. There are three ways you can help:

• Pacifiers *urgently needed

• New winter hats, gloves, and scarves (men, women & children)

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)

• Non-perishable food

Bring these items with you to the holiday party. We are also collecting financial donations for St. Lucy's. Cash and check (made out to St. Lucy's Bread of Life) will be accepted.

Price: $25 for Big I CNY & CPCU* members, $40 for non-members, $40 for walk-ins
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub, 100 S Lowell Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204

Contact Allison Just at 315-432-4249 or ajust@biginy.org with any questions or if you need help registering.
*CPCU members, please contact Allison to ensure you receive the member price.

NEXTGEN CNY CE TRIVIA

Have fun while earning CE credit!

Thursday, October 9th | Location TBD

NextGen CNY members and guests came together for a fun evening that mixed insurance trivia, great food, drinks, and karaoke. The event offered a chance to connect with peers, enjoy some friendly competition, and even earn 1 CE credit toward license renewal.

Tim Dodge served as the CE trivia host, guiding participants through insurance-themed questions that tested both knowledge and quick thinking. The top team took home a prize and bragging rights for the night.

After the trivia wrapped up, attendees kept the good vibes going with karaoke—some stepping up to the mic, others cheering from the crowd. It was an engaging, energetic evening that combined professional development with plenty of laughs.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for making it a night to remember!

NextGen CNY CE Speed Networking

Snapshot & Connect — NextGen Recap

On Thursday, August 14 at Harvey’s Garden, NextGen CNY turned speed networking into an evening of bright energy and real conversations. Young insurance pros, agents and carrier reps, cycled through quick, friendly rounds, swapped stories and business cards, and walked away with fresh leads and new collaborators.

Between laughter and firm handshakes, attendees headed to a mini pro photo session and each left with three polished headshots, lightly retouched and delivered soon after for LinkedIn and agency sites. The night felt equal parts fun and productive — new connections made, momentum built, and photos that show it.

Winter 2025 Newsletter

G100 Day on the Hill

My Experience with the Big I NY G100

by: Yuliya Karpov, Commercial Sales Executive at NBT Insurance Agency

On January 21, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Big I NY G100 advocacy event in Albany, and it was an experience I won't soon forget. As part of the Central New York cohort, I joined insurance professionals from across the state to meet with legislators and share how the current insurance market is impacting New Yorkers.

The day was an eye-opening learning experience, offering a firsthand look at the legislative process and an opportunity to advocate for the needs of our customers and communities. Alongside my colleagues—Jacquie Kelly Kaden of RLK General Insurance Agency, Ashley Franczak from USI, and Larissa Hanslmaier from NYCM—we had the privilege of meeting with representatives from State Senator Chris Ryan's and Senator Pam Helming's offices.

In these meetings, we shared stories of how consumers are grappling with challenges in the current insurance market. We emphasized the need for New York State to take steps to stabilize the market and preserve access to vital insurance solutions. Our goal was clear: to ensure legislators understood the real-life impact of public policies on the people we serve every day.

What stood out most was the responsiveness of the lawmakers. They listened intently as we described the challenges facing policyholders, as well as our commitment to advocating for our customers and the industry. I felt our presence and dedication resonated deeply with them, laying the groundwork for ongoing dialogue on key issues.

In addition to the advocacy work, I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the energy of an Albany session day. From the bustling halls of the Capitol to the sense of purpose shared by everyone present, the experience was inspiring. I also loved connecting with my assemblymember, Brian D. Miller, who represents the 122nd District. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and build stronger relationships with those shaping our state's policies.

One of the best parts of the day was learning from my colleagues in the industry. Each brought unique insights and perspectives that enriched our conversations with lawmakers. Together, we demonstrated how collaboration across agencies and roles can create a unified voice advocating for positive change.

As I reflect on the day, I'm proud to have been part of such important work. The Big I NY G100 experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of advocacy and the importance of staying engaged in public policy conversations. I look forward to continuing this work and contributing to a stable, accessible insurance market for all New Yorkers.

Big I CNY Newsletter