Over his long history with the association, Steve Zogby of New York has served on the Government Affairs Committee and chaired the Big “I” State Government Affairs Committee.
During this morning's Big “I" Legislative Conference breakfast, Ashley Brady, Big “I" government affairs chairman and vice president of First Charter Insurance in Marion, South Carolina, presented Steve Zogby, executive vice president of Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig Inc. in Utica, New York, with the 2022 Sidney O. Smith award.
The Sidney O. Smith Award goes to a Big “I" member who has shown outstanding legislative involvement and advocacy on behalf of independent agents. It's a way of honoring someone who has displayed true leadership, who rolls up their sleeves and goes to bat for the community and businesses in the area of government affairs.
Over his long history with the association, Zogby has served on the Government Affairs Committee and chaired the Big “I" State Government Affairs Committee.
“Through those roles, he has developed relationships with federally elected officials and advocated before them on countless issues important to the independent agency channel, our businesses, and our clients," Brady said. “He has also worked tirelessly for our industry on our priorities in his home state of New York and developed relationships with elected officials at the state level."
Big I New York has achieved several legislative wins in the last year. Most recently, the New York State Senate passed A.3172-A, which is a Big I New York-supported bill that allowed insurance carriers to waive CARCO inspections for the next four years. The bill now awaits the governor's signature.
Also, the New York State Assembly unanimously passed Big I NY priority legislation to require insurers to verify an applicant's driving history before binding coverage. Currently, certain insurance carriers will bind auto coverage based on an initial quote and questionnaire. The insurer later runs the insured's motor vehicle record (MVR), typically resulting in a higher premium. This bill now heads to the New York State Senate for a committee vote.
Zogby is also among the top 20 all-time donors to InsurPac, which speaks to his dedication to legislative advocacy.
“On a personal level, I am happy to call him a friend—and can also tell you that his golf game is as sharp as his legislative advocacy skills," Brady said. “I learned that the hard way in Palm Springs not too long ago."
Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.
