Latest Big I CNY News

NextGen CNY Legislative Conference Scholarship

Take Your Advocacy to D.C. – Apply for the NextGen CNY $1,000 Scholarship!

NextGen CNY is offering a $1,000 scholarship to help defray costs associated with attending the Big “I” National Legislative Conference. The scholarship is available to first-time attendees of the conference. All NextGen CNY agents and company representatives are eligible and encouraged to apply.

The Big “I” National Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. from April 30 to May 2, 2025. Attendees will learn about legislative issues impacting the industry and meet with their national lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Registration and additional information about the conference can be found here.

The selected NextGen CNY scholarship recipient will be reimbursed up to $1,000 for travel expenses (such as lodging, airfare, registration, and meals).  Receipts are required for all expenses.

Submit your completed application to craigvanepps@yahoo.com by Friday, March 3rd, 2025. The winner will be notified by March 14th, 2025. 

Please note: Candidates cannot combine the NextGen CNY scholarship with a scholarship from Big “I” National and/or Big I NY.

Winter 2025 Newsletter

G100 Day on the Hill

My Experience with the Big I NY G100

by: Yuliya Karpov, Commercial Sales Executive at NBT Insurance Agency

On January 21, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Big I NY G100 advocacy event in Albany, and it was an experience I won't soon forget. As part of the Central New York cohort, I joined insurance professionals from across the state to meet with legislators and share how the current insurance market is impacting New Yorkers.

The day was an eye-opening learning experience, offering a firsthand look at the legislative process and an opportunity to advocate for the needs of our customers and communities. Alongside my colleagues—Jacquie Kelly Kaden of RLK General Insurance Agency, Ashley Franczak from USI, and Larissa Hanslmaier from NYCM—we had the privilege of meeting with representatives from State Senator Chris Ryan's and Senator Pam Helming's offices.

In these meetings, we shared stories of how consumers are grappling with challenges in the current insurance market. We emphasized the need for New York State to take steps to stabilize the market and preserve access to vital insurance solutions. Our goal was clear: to ensure legislators understood the real-life impact of public policies on the people we serve every day.

What stood out most was the responsiveness of the lawmakers. They listened intently as we described the challenges facing policyholders, as well as our commitment to advocating for our customers and the industry. I felt our presence and dedication resonated deeply with them, laying the groundwork for ongoing dialogue on key issues.

In addition to the advocacy work, I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the energy of an Albany session day. From the bustling halls of the Capitol to the sense of purpose shared by everyone present, the experience was inspiring. I also loved connecting with my assemblymember, Brian D. Miller, who represents the 122nd District. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and build stronger relationships with those shaping our state's policies.

One of the best parts of the day was learning from my colleagues in the industry. Each brought unique insights and perspectives that enriched our conversations with lawmakers. Together, we demonstrated how collaboration across agencies and roles can create a unified voice advocating for positive change.

As I reflect on the day, I'm proud to have been part of such important work. The Big I NY G100 experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of advocacy and the importance of staying engaged in public policy conversations. I look forward to continuing this work and contributing to a stable, accessible insurance market for all New Yorkers.

NextGen Shot Clock Social

Networking. Professional Development. Basketball.

This year’s NextGen CNY Shot Clock Social is a slam dunk! Join us on Thursday, March 20th for a fun-filled day on a new court: The Press Room Pub in Syracuse. The Shot Clock Social lineup includes networking, 2 drink tickets, and bar-favorite snacks.

We love a good charity so we’re supporting ED23HOOPS, a local youth basketball program founded by former SU star Eric Devendorf. This is your chance to complete a tournament bracket and help aspiring young athletes. After the championship game, we’ll donate $250 to ED23HOOPS and the person with the best bracket will win $250 cash and bragging rights. 

Sport your favorite team’s jersey and join us on March 20th!

Time
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tap in when you can. We understand you may only be able to join us for part of the Shot Clock Social. See the Game Plan below for highlights.

Game Plan
Bar-favorite food available 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Ticket Price
$40 per person  |  $50 for walk-ins

Home Court
The Press Room Pub
220 Herald Place
Syracuse, NY 13202

Plenty of free parking!

Please contact Allison Just at ajust@biginy.org or 315-432-4249 with any questions. 

Big I CNY Golf Tournament

Big I CNY HOLIDAY PARTY 2025

Ringing in the new year with Big I CNY

On Wednesday, January 8th, Big I CNY members gathered at Coleman’s to celebrate the season and reconnect with peers. The event was filled with delicious food, great drinks, and lively conversation among some of the best insurance professionals in the state.

Beyond the festivities, attendees embraced the spirit of giving by supporting St. Lucy’s Church in Syracuse. Members brought much-needed donations, including pacifiers, winter hats, gloves, scarves, toiletries, and non-perishable food items. Financial contributions were also collected, with cash and checks made out to St. Lucy’s Bread of Life. In addition, attendees also donated 100+ pacifiers to Birthright of Syracuse. If you'd like to learn more about Birthright of Syracuse or donate new/gently used baby items, please click here.

This year’s holiday party was not only a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season with colleagues but also a meaningful way to give back to the local community. Big I CNY extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to this worthwhile cause.

Big I CNY Check Reception

Supporting CNY Local Charities

Big I CNY board members had the pleasure of awarding 20 local charities a check for $1,000 each at their annual check reception, as selected by the members. This is a record amount Big I CNY has handed out. Thank you to the golfers and sponsors for the 2024 golf tournament for this incredible act of generosity. The charities include:

• Brady Faith Center

• Building Men

• Central Association for Blind & Visually Impaired

• Clear Path for Veterans

• CNY Bear Team

• David's Refuge

• Erin's Angels

• First Tee Charity

• Food Bank of CNY

• Francis House

Big I CNY Newsletter