FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020
Amidst the Covid-19 crisis, KAIA and the Big “I” are off to a solid start
By: Cindy Hower
So much has been going on at the Big I headquarters, I
am not even sure where to begin with this article! I can
genuinely say I am so proud to be a member of KAIA and
the Big I for all they have done to support our agencies
through these past 12 weeks. Let’s look at some
highlights.
Big I Virtual Legislative Conference
The 2020 Big I Virtual Legislative Conference made its
mark in history. For the first time, our members did not
storm the Hill but met virtually. With swift and precision
planning, a week-long virtual conference featured
speakers such as:
Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-South Dakota),
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California),
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), and
Rep Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois)
They spoke on topics dealing with coronavirus legislation
and the essential role of agents and brokers. Daily
sessions, including Big I leadership, members, and the
“wicked smart” Big I Government Affairs team, updated us
on all the efforts that were going on. During the pandemic
and beyond, members from agencies with one owner or
employee to thousands benefited from the heavy lifting
done for us in Washington, D.C. The return on investment
on InsurPac dollars is well beyond measure.
Giving Back
Progressive, Foremost, and Bristol West made generous
contributions to establish the Trusted Choice COVID-19
Relief Fund. To date, over $600,000 in grants has been
distributed to over 400 agencies nationwide. The second
round of applications is being reviewed with more benefits
to be awarded to member agencies. Kansas, to date, has
received $21,000 in grants to 10 member agencies.
Big I’s Board of Directors
Due to the unusual circumstances of the pandemic, much
of Big I’s regular business was paused to deal with all the
members and legislative needs. To provide the Executive
Committee continuity on projects started but unfinished,
the following proposals were presented.
On May 18, the IIABA Board of Directors held a firstever
virtual special membership meeting to vote on an
amendment to the bylaws. This change, much like what
KAIA has done to accommodate our situation, added a
new section to the articles that will extend terms to the
IIABA Executive Committee in extenuating circumstances.
That proposal passed.
Following that vote, the Directors of the IIABA convened
virtually. They approved a motion to extend the terms of
the Executive Committee officers and At-Large members
(excluding the Immediate Past Chair) by one year. The
election of the member-at-large to be held at the Fall
2020 Conference will be held as scheduled. That newly
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