Keeping the Independent Agency System Strong
By: Brett Nilsson
One of the real joys in serving as chairman of the Big “I” is the constant interaction I have with agents throughout the country. From the west coast to the heartland, into the industrial states and down south, I feel I have touched every nook and cranny of our great country. Along the way, I have met amazing agents, many of whom I remain in touch with on a regular basis.
In response to my March editorial about the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention, I received a wonderful e-mail from one of these agents who wrote of his yearly attendance. The agent writes:
“I distinctly remember my first trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the Big ‘I’ Legislative Conference & Convention nearly 20 years ago. I remember walking the halls of congress, listening to powerful legislative speakers and meeting with my own representative and senators. But perhaps most distinctly, I remember the respect that was given to our D.C. lobbyists as they greeted various legislators at one of the receptions. Congressmen and senators from across the country were showing up and glad-handing each of our federal lobbyists, calling them by their first names and inquiring about each other’s families. I remember feeling a sense of pride, and frankly was in awe. I knew the U.S. Congress consisted of 535 individuals from each of the 50 states, and it seemed as though every one of them was walking into our reception that year, showing their respect to agents and our D.C. lobbying team.”
We know the Big “I” carries significant clout in Washington, D.C. Our federal lobbyists have been touted as being the best of the best in Fortune magazine, Capitol Hill newspapers and the trade press. While they are excellent at what they do, how exactly do they maintain such a strong presence year in and year out? One of the primary reasons is InsurPac, the Big “I” federal political action committee. In existence since 1974, it has worked to develop necessary relationships between our lobbying staff and the U.S. Congress.
InsurPac is the lifeblood that feeds our federal lobbying efforts. It collects voluntary contributions from agents across the country and disburses 100% of the money to campaigns of U.S. representatives, senators and candidates for federal office who support independent insurance agents and our industry. Most of these InsurPac funds are collected by our lobbyists during fundraising events in D.C., where they interact with federal legislators and their staff. In addition to attending events, the federal lobbying team organizes fundraising events for specific members of Congress. Many of these events happen in the Big “I” conference room, a stone’s throw from Capitol Hill. InsurPac checks are also delivered by agents in congressional districts and states, cementing the bond between the national association and local agents in the minds of legislators.
It’s extremely important to maintain ties with legislators who understand our issues, problems and the independent agency system, but we can only do that if they have the necessary resources to run their campaigns and win elections. Fortunately, InsurPac has been successful in picking election winners. In the last three election cycles, it has disbursed millions of dollars to hundreds of federal campaigns, and boasts a 92% victory rate. We can be proud that we have played a significant role in our government, and that we have stood by solid legislators who understand main street businesses and independent agents.
The personal relationships between our lobbyists and federal legislators remind me of the ones I have with my customers back home. You see, at the end of the day our business is all about relationships. And just as we maintain our books of business, our Big “I” lobbyists maintain their “books” by spending time with members of Congress. Such strong relationships would not be possible without InsurPac, and the thousands of agents who support it.
We are just a couple short weeks away from the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention, and I hope to see many of you on Capitol Hill. For those unable to attend, please take the time to contact your state leadership and join with agents and brokers across America in making a contribution to InsurPac. Even a check for $100 goes a long way. I thank you in advance for your contribution, and the Big “I” executive committee extends its appreciation for your membership and support. We look forward to a great year as we all do our best to protect the lives and assets of America’s businesses and families.
In response to my March editorial about the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention, I received a wonderful e-mail from one of these agents who wrote of his yearly attendance. The agent writes:
“I distinctly remember my first trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the Big ‘I’ Legislative Conference & Convention nearly 20 years ago. I remember walking the halls of congress, listening to powerful legislative speakers and meeting with my own representative and senators. But perhaps most distinctly, I remember the respect that was given to our D.C. lobbyists as they greeted various legislators at one of the receptions. Congressmen and senators from across the country were showing up and glad-handing each of our federal lobbyists, calling them by their first names and inquiring about each other’s families. I remember feeling a sense of pride, and frankly was in awe. I knew the U.S. Congress consisted of 535 individuals from each of the 50 states, and it seemed as though every one of them was walking into our reception that year, showing their respect to agents and our D.C. lobbying team.”
We know the Big “I” carries significant clout in Washington, D.C. Our federal lobbyists have been touted as being the best of the best in Fortune magazine, Capitol Hill newspapers and the trade press. While they are excellent at what they do, how exactly do they maintain such a strong presence year in and year out? One of the primary reasons is InsurPac, the Big “I” federal political action committee. In existence since 1974, it has worked to develop necessary relationships between our lobbying staff and the U.S. Congress.
InsurPac is the lifeblood that feeds our federal lobbying efforts. It collects voluntary contributions from agents across the country and disburses 100% of the money to campaigns of U.S. representatives, senators and candidates for federal office who support independent insurance agents and our industry. Most of these InsurPac funds are collected by our lobbyists during fundraising events in D.C., where they interact with federal legislators and their staff. In addition to attending events, the federal lobbying team organizes fundraising events for specific members of Congress. Many of these events happen in the Big “I” conference room, a stone’s throw from Capitol Hill. InsurPac checks are also delivered by agents in congressional districts and states, cementing the bond between the national association and local agents in the minds of legislators.
It’s extremely important to maintain ties with legislators who understand our issues, problems and the independent agency system, but we can only do that if they have the necessary resources to run their campaigns and win elections. Fortunately, InsurPac has been successful in picking election winners. In the last three election cycles, it has disbursed millions of dollars to hundreds of federal campaigns, and boasts a 92% victory rate. We can be proud that we have played a significant role in our government, and that we have stood by solid legislators who understand main street businesses and independent agents.
The personal relationships between our lobbyists and federal legislators remind me of the ones I have with my customers back home. You see, at the end of the day our business is all about relationships. And just as we maintain our books of business, our Big “I” lobbyists maintain their “books” by spending time with members of Congress. Such strong relationships would not be possible without InsurPac, and the thousands of agents who support it.
We are just a couple short weeks away from the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention, and I hope to see many of you on Capitol Hill. For those unable to attend, please take the time to contact your state leadership and join with agents and brokers across America in making a contribution to InsurPac. Even a check for $100 goes a long way. I thank you in advance for your contribution, and the Big “I” executive committee extends its appreciation for your membership and support. We look forward to a great year as we all do our best to protect the lives and assets of America’s businesses and families.
—Brett Nilsson, Chairman
This month’s issue
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