InsurPac, the Big “I" political action committee (PAC), raised $1,292,543.72 during the 2024 calendar year. This week, the Big “I" presented a large number of awards at the 2025 Big “I" Legislative Conference, including the presentation of the annual InsurPac National Championship and Eagle awards, as well as the 2024 Bernard J. Burns Award. 

This year's winners include: 

InsurPac National Championship Award (South Carolina): The award goes to the state whose agents contribute the most money for InsurPac in a calendar year. Collectively, this state's agents contributed $117,913 to InsurPac. 

InsurPac Eagle Awards (awarded to 22 states): The awards recognize states that surpass a fundraising average of $100 per member agency. The states and average per member agency amounts are as follows: 

• South Carolina ($406.60)
• Nevada ($279.10)
• Maryland ($172.62)
• Wyoming ($161.25)
• Connecticut ($154.48)
• Arkansas ($151.93)
• North Dakota ($150.33)
• New Hampshire ($137.83)
• South Dakota ($131.68)
• Tennessee ($128.76)
• Alaska ($128.13)
• Montana ($123.26)
• Indiana ($121.58)
• Alabama ($121.56)
• Maine ($113.86)
• Georgia ($113.25)
• Nebraska ($107.18)
• New Jersey ($103.57)
• Louisiana ($103.50)
• Rhode Island ($103.41)
• Kentucky ($101.21)
• Idaho ($100.63)

 
Also, the 2024 Bernard J. Burns Award was presented to Scott Gray, owner and agent of Insurance Solutions of Mississippi Inc. in Meridian, Mississippi (pictured above, left, with Jana Foster).

Gray has been an InsurPac supporter for more than 30 years and currently serves as a member of the Big “I" national government affairs committee. Since stepping in to the role of state chair of Big “I" Mississippi over a decade ago, he has consistently increased receipts within his state, proving that his passion and leadership inspire action.

“His ability to educate and engage others on the importance of political involvement isn't just a skill—it's a gift," said Jana Foster, chair of the InsurPac Board of Trustees and owner and producer at Nevada Insurance Agency Company in Carson City, Nevada. “He doesn't just explain the value of InsurPac—he helps people to truly understand why it matters."

“Whether he's rallying our members or simply having a conversation, he has a way of getting people excited and, more importantly, involved," Foster added. “Simply put, he talks the talk and walks the walk—wherever he goes."

The award is named after former Big “I" President Barney Burns, who founded InsurPac in 1975 and served as chairman of its Board of Trustees until 1983. During these years, Burns is credited with the rapid growth of InsurPac, working tirelessly to educate agents about the importance of being politically active and contributing to InsurPac.

AnneMarie McPherson Spears is IA news editor.