InsurPac, the Big “I” political action committee, raised nearly $1.2 million during the 2019 calendar year, which made it the largest fundraising year in its history.
InsurPac, the Big “I” political action committee (PAC), raised $1,196,822 during the 2019 calendar year making it the largest fundraising year in its history. A total of 3,789 total donors invested an average of $316 per person.
The year concluded with more than $225,000 being raised in the month of December alone, a record for the most money raised in a single month. That haul was largely driven by South Carolina and Massachusetts, who went down to the wire competing for the National Championship Award, given annually to the state that raises the most total money for InsurPac. When the dust settled, South Carolina stood victorious with $115,647, followed by Massachusetts with $111,293. They became the first two states to ever top six figures, a true testament to the culture of participation that has been developed and strengthened through each state’s respective leadership.
Rounding out the top five in total dollars raised were Texas ($73,490), Illinois ($55,510) and Georgia ($46,163). Overall, a total of 33 states achieved their InsurPac goal.
Also coming down to the wire was the race for the Big “I” Presidents Cup, given annually to the state whose past and current state presidents/chairs contribute the most money to InsurPac. In that race, Massachusetts came out on top, edging South Carolina $25,325 to $23,560.
During the fundraising campaign, a record 14 states became “InsurPac Eagle” states by contributing an average of $100 or more per agency member. Those states were Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota and Tennessee.
Young agents across the country also stepped up their game and contributed more than $175,000 with the average contribution being $237. South Carolina led the way with $25,560, which secured the Young Agent National Championship Award. Finishing second and third were perennial powerhouses Georgia and Massachusetts, with $15,468 and $14,599, respectively. Thirty-three states achieved their young agent InsurPac goal.
InsurPac remains one of the largest small business PACs in the country and is credited with making the Big “I” one of the most well-respected lobbying associations on Capitol Hill.
Relationships that are developed and strengthened with elected officials through InsurPac are critically important. While these relationships obviously don’t guarantee votes, they do provide opportunities to meet with key decision-makers at appropriate times and to provide the independent agent perspective.
Nathan Riedel is Big “I” vice president, political affairs.
