Mr. Houldin Goes to Washington

Big “I” Chairman Spencer Houldin was in Washington, D.C., this week to meet with members of Congress and set the groundwork for the upcoming Big “I” Legislative Conference, to take place May 3-5. Houldin was busy on Capitol Hill, proudly representing the quarter of a million independent insurance agents and brokers across the country who count on his leadership.

Houldin, who’s no stranger to advocating on behalf of the industry, is president of Ericson Insurance Advisors, a second generation independent insurance agency with offices in Washington Depot, Connecticut; Boston; and New York City. The Roxbury, Connecticut, native met with members of the Constitution state’s delegation, including Sen. Christopher Murphy (D-Connecticut), and Reps. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut), Jim Himes (D-Connecticut) and John Larson (D-Connecticut).

The Big “I” chairman also met with top leaders in the House and others on key committees including Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina); Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wisconsin) who serves as the Insurance Subcommittee Chairman on the House Financial Services Committee; Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Michigan), another senior member of that committee; and Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois) who serves on the House Agriculture Committee.

During the meetings, Houldin reminded the members of the Senate and House—and their staff—of the critical role the independent insurance agency system plays in protecting America’s families and businesses. He also discussed important issues such as the reauthorization of the NFIP, repeal of the “Cadillac” tax and insurance regulation.

While the annual Big “I” chairman’s visit is important—and the Big “I” government affairs team works the halls of Congress every day—it is also imperative that a strong contingent of Big “I” members come to Washington, D.C. in May for the 2017 Big “I” Legislative Conference. Agents who register before March 1 receive an early bird discount.

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

From left to right: Spencer Houldin, Big “I” chairman; Jen McPhillips, Big “I” vice president of federal government affairs; Sen. Christopher Murphy (D-Connecticut); Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO; and Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external and government affairs.