During the General Session Breakfast at the Big “I" Legislative Conference, Mike McBride, Big “I" chairman, announced that the state of the association is strong and—despite the challenges posed by the hard market—is getting stronger. 

On the third day of the 2024 Big “I" Legislative Conference—after hundreds of Big “I" member agents and brokers met with lawmakers to convey the challenges posed by the hard market on their communities and clients—McBride underscored the significance of grassroots efforts in garnering attention from policymakers to address these issues. 

“We appreciate you making the effort to come to D.C. and bringing your voice to Capitol Hill these past two days. It makes such a difference, particularly in the challenging market we are in right now," he said. “It's this type of grassroots effort that makes us unique, makes lawmakers take notice and gives the Big 'I' our strength." 

McBride noted that the hard market presents an intertwined threat to both the Big “I" and its members. However, the association's financial footing is secure and, in the last year alone, the Big “I" has produced an array of resources to respond to member needs amid unprecedented market conditions. From the Trusted Choice® Hard Market Toolkit to research on agency strategies, webinars to media resources, and advocacy to market access, “the Big 'I' has your back in the hard market," he said. 

He highlighted how the adverse market conditions have not prevented new leadership from ushering in a “new spirit" within the association to ensure that members emerge from the hard market stronger than ever before. 

“New leadership in the last year is laser-focused on breaking down silos. We're collaborating more with our states, cooperating across programs on many joint initiatives, and sharing data across channels to help us serve our members better," McBride said. “All of this is making us more efficient, more responsive, more effective and stronger." 

Major improvements at the Big “I" include an ambitious technological upgrade aimed at improving communication and member experiences. These enhancements include a modernized association management system and a revamped website that allow the Big “I" to offer members more tailored content and streamlined navigation. 

“These changes underway will provide more robust, current data that will inform our strategic decisions and guide us into the future," he said. 

In addition to ongoing efforts to review and optimize national programs to ensure alignment with members' needs, the chairman introduced Big "I" Alliance. Designed to provide expanded carrier and coverage options, the Alliance is a gamechanger for the association and embodies the association's commitment to empowering its members in the marketplace. 

“Our new Alliance gives us the chance to redefine what association membership means by providing you with these exclusive market access opportunities, simply for being part of the Big 'I,'" he said. “We can make your business stronger—even in this market." 

Another example of the Big “I" adapting to the needs of its members and the industry environment is a “re-envisioning" of the Big “I" Agents Council for Technology, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. 

“Through ACT, we want to shape the tech trends of the industry," McBride said. “We want to leverage our strength as advocates with our InsurTech partners and have a seat at the table as we consider technology issues more cohesively." 

In closing, McBride called upon members to actively engage in shaping the future of the association. As the industry grapples with uncertainty, he emphasized the collective strength derived from member involvement and expressed confidence in emerging from the hard market with renewed strength. 

“I urge you to help shape your future. This is not a spectator sport. As we face uncertainty and tough decisions in this market, we need everyone on the field," McBride said. “With the collective work of engaged members—no matter the market, no matter the challenge—the Big “I" will only continue to grow stronger." 

Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.