Mr. Lanoix Goes to Washington

Big “I” Chairman Randy Lanoix was on Capitol Hill this week, where he met with members of Congress to advocate on behalf of the association and lay the groundwork for the upcoming Big “I” Legislative Conference, to take place April 13-15. Lanoix proudly represented the quarter-million independent insurance agents and brokers across the country who count on his leadership.

During his busy visit to Washington, D.C., the chairman met with Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), who is the third highest-ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a long-time friend of the association and last year’s keynote speaker at the Legislative Conference.

Lanoix, an independent insurance agent from Donaldsonville, Louisiana, met with his own representatives, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) and Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-Louisiana), along with other members of the Louisiana delegation: Rep. Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) and Rep. Charles Boustany (R-Louisiana).

The Big “I” chairman also met with top leaders on key committees, including Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan), member of the Senate Commerce Committee and Small Business Committee; Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois), member of the House Agriculture Committee; and Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin), member of the House Financial Services Committee.

During the meetings, Lanoix reminded the members of the U.S. Senate and House—and their staff—just how critical independent insurance agencies are in protecting America’s families and businesses. He also discussed important issues such as the reauthorization of the NFIP, the “Cadillac” tax and crop insurance.

While Lanoix’s visit was invaluable and the Big “I” government affairs team works the halls of Congress every day, it is still imperative that a strong contingent of Big “I” members come to Washington, D.C. in April for the Legislative Conference to advocate for the independent agency system. Register before Feb. 26 to automatically receive the early-bird discount.

Margarita Tapia is Big “I” director of public affairs.

Photo (left to right): Randy Lanoix, Big “I” chairman; Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), House Majority Whip; Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO; and Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external and government affairs. Photo by Wyatt Stewart, Big “I” senior director of federal government affairs, who also participated in the meeting.