Customers
The Hanover stands ready to respond with agility. We deliver impactful insights and offer specialized capabilities that can help you power your growth and best serve your customers.
With you, every step
We’re with you every step of the way
Behind every Progressive agent is the support of more than 60,000 Progressive employees. It’s our mission to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to succeed.
From caring field sales reps to dedicated agent service teams, we’re ready to help you grow. Plus, we supplement your counsel and guidance with aroundthe-clock claims and customer service via our mobile app and online servicing.
Whether it’s sales, service, claims or anything in between, you’ve got a partner every step of the way.
TO LEARN MORE
Search for us online at Agents of Progressive, Progressive Connect, or Progressive Appointment.
Proud Platinum Sponsor of the Big I Illinois since 2005.
Welcome to CONVO 2025! On behalf of the Big I Illinois Board, volunteers, and staff, we are thankful you are here. Together, we will navigate the “storms” being faced in the insurance industry head-on. There is strength and power in numbers, and Big I Illinois is here for you! Over the next few days, we hope you make the most of the event by networking with your peers, developing relationships and friendships, learning, and most importantly, refocusing your mind, body, and passion for this industry we all love so much. Use the next few days to chart your course to a better and brighter future. Remember, the Association is here to help you along the way. We have built an incredible team comprising staff and volunteers who are dedicated to helping you and your agency succeed.
My challenge for all of you is to get out of your comfort zone and meet someone new. Watch for the “New Bee” buttons indicating first-time attendees. If you are a repeat CONVO attendee, help us welcome those who are experiencing this one-of-a-kind event for the first time. Remember what it was like to be new to this event. We will also spend time talking about the Big I Illinois State Political Action Committee (State PAC). It is more important than ever to empower our Government Relations team by donating to State PAC. All that money stays here in Illinois and helps us educate and form relationships with legislators. We are on the cusp of a storm, and Big I Illinois State PAC donations will help us see the shore on the other side.
Conversations don’t have to stop at CONVO. Big I Illinois’ online community, CONNECT, is available year-round. Check it out at https://connect.ilbigi.org/. For those who wish to enrich their careers through volunteering, we are always seeking individuals who want to give back by serving on one of our committees, boards, or groups. See a current volunteer, a Big I Staff member, or check out details at ilbigi.org/get-involved.
Shannon Churchill CONVO Coordinator
...
Thomas Evans, Jr. got his start in the insurance industry in 1995 with an internship at Franklin Life. He joined Insure One as a Sales Executive the following year. He has worked in Personal Lines in agencies including Esser Hayes and Associates, Arachas Group and Crum Halstead, prior to joining Biglow & Company, Inc. (Assured Partners).
Tom has served the Big I as a Regional Director three separate times. He has been active with the DuPage Big I for over 12 years and served as President of the DuPage Board. Tom was honored as Big I Illinois Young Agent of the Year in 2014.
Check out the October issue of Insight magazine for an interview with Tom outlining his goals for the year.
Admission to all meetings and entertainment events will be by name badge only. Please wear your name badge at all times. It is your ticket to education and social events.
QR codes are used to track CE credit. Three-hour sessions will have two scans and one-hour sessions will have one scan. After scanning the code provided during the session, you will be directed to a website to answer a few questions and complete your CE request. See the classroom volunteer immediately if you have any questions or issues.
NOTE: You must be on time to each class. Anyone that is late to class, or leaves early, will NOT receive CE credit.
The maximum number of Illinois CE hours a licensed individual may earn is 12 for the entire event.
If you should have questions or need anything throughout the event, visit the CONVO Registration Desk or see a Big I Illinois staff member.
Hotel: Network - MarriotBonvoy_Conference
Passcode: wrb (all lowercase)
Civic Center: Network - 2025 IIA
Passcode: insured25 (all lowercase)
If you have entered a prize drawing for one of the exhibitors, you will want to make sure you are on the tradeshow floor (hospitality area) at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Each exhibitor will be drawing and announcing their winners live. If your name is called and you are not present, exhibitors have the option to draw someone else. It is the responsibility of the exhibitors to get prizes to the winners.
If you are a first-time CONVO attendee, or are a young agent (under 41 years old or less than 5 years in the industry), stop by the Bee Hive on Wednesday at the Civic Center, 4th floor by the classes. Connect with other first-time attendees or chat with other young industry professionals. Stop by registration to pick up your NewBee or Young Agents button. Look for a special gathering area during the Welcome Reception Tuesday and reserved seating during Wednesday morning’s General Session.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7
8:00 - 11:00 pm
Cotillion Ballroom
Tuesday, October 7
10:00 am
Noon - 5:00 pm
1:00 - 4:00 pm
5:00 - 6:00 pm
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Concurrent Education Sessions (CE)
- Look for class details on page 13
Reception and Meet & Greet
Dinner Break
Dutch Dine Arounds
- Hotel Lobby - Meet at 5:50 pm
- Must sign up. See registration desk for details.
Past Presidents Dinner (Invitation Only)
- Hotel - Cheminee Ballroom 8:00 - 11:00
October 8
7:00 - 8:00
8:00 - 11:00 am
2:30 - 5:20 pm
6:30 - 11:00 pm
Navigating the Storm: How Catastrophe Models, Market Strategy, and Resilient Design Are Shaping the Future (CE)
- Look for session details on page 16
Education Sessions (CE) - Look for session details on page 17
Thursday, October 9
7:00 - 8:30
8:30 - 11:30
Ethics
Your customers have big dreams for their small businesses. Our Businessowners policies combine the property, liability, and business-interruption coverages they need to help them grow. Visit us at Booth 313 to see what we can do for you.
grinnellmutual.com
“Trust in Tomorrow.” and “Grinnell Mutual” are registered trademarks of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, SI. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, SI, 2025.
W EDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 - 2:30 - 5:20 p M
2:30 - 3:20 pm
Before the Breach: Strengthening Your Cyber Defenses Before the Storm Hits
- Ryan Smith
Over Promise and Over Deliver (Not for CE)
-Chris Hartsook and Robert Ferriell
Stump the Specialist, Master, Guru, and Oracle
-Brett Gerger, Sandy Falco, Brian Ogden, Luke Sandrock, and Tyler Sandrock
Rental Car Nightmares
- David Thompson
3:30 - 4:20 pm
Business Planning: Talent Acquisition and Agency Valuation Affects
-Brian Lawrence and Jarod Steed
The Easiest Way to Hack Your Agency
-Ryan Smith and Stephen Carlson
Get the Most Out of Your Big I Illinois Membership
-Lori Mahorney, Jennifer Jacobs, and Allyson Padilla
e-Bikes, Scooters, Time-Sharing, and More, Oh My!
-David Thompson
4:30 - 5:20 pm
Read the Personal Lines Form: ISO vs. Illinois
-Nicole Broch
Legislative Update
-Evan Manning and Brett Gerger
Shifting the Tide: Culture’s Role on Your Cybersecurity
- Ryan Smith
Rent Your What?
-David Thompson
Scan the codes below, or go to ilconvention.com to read more about the CONVO 2025 sessions and speakers.
10:00 am
CONVO Golf Outing
- Weaver Ridge Golf Club
Noon - 5:00 pm Convention Registration - Hotel
Afternoon Break Station Sponsored by:
Illinois Insurance Pre-Licensing Program
1:00 - 4:00 pm Concurrent Education Sessions (CE)
Fix the Foundation: Tech, Process & Prompts for a Smarter, More Automated Agency (CE)
Speaker: Casey Nelson
- Hotel, LaSalle Ballroom
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
Technology can’t fix broken processes - but it can supercharge great ones. This session blends strategy, hands-on practice, and real-world examples to help your agency strengthen its foundation. You’ll learn how to identify the essential tools your agency needs, create better alignment through documented workflows, and explore how automation and AI can be used to eliminate busywork and create consistency. From CRMs to ChatGPT, we’ll break down what matters - and what doesn’t.
Attendees Will Walk Away With:
• A framework to identify which tools are missing or underused in their tech stack
• A simple process template to begin creating standard operating procedures
• Real automation ideas they can implement right away
• Tips to build repeatable, effective prompts for AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT
• A mindset (and maintenance plan) for keeping it all running smoothly
Insurance Game of Games (includes Ethics CE)
Speakers: Nicole Broch and Luke Praxmarer
- Hotel, Marquette B Ballroom
Step into a fast-paced, competitive learning experience unlike any other. In this high-energy session, hosts Luke Praxmarer and Nicole Broch will lead you through games like “Pursuing Trivia” and “Insurance Jeopardy,” challenging your knowledge across a range of coverage topics: Personal Auto & Home, Commercial Property & Auto, Personal Umbrella, EPL, Business Income, Workers Comp, and more.
Expect laughter, teamwork, and a healthy dose of friendly competition as you battle for bragging rights and real prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned insurance pro or just love a good challenge, you’ll leave with sharpened skills, new insights - and maybe even some swag to show for it.
*Satisfies the IL Ethics credit requirement.
TAPCO has the ability to write more than 1,000 classes of business under binding authority through A-rated carriers for a wide range of risks including Property, General Liability, Inland Marine, Vacant and Builder’s Risk, Wind Deductible Buy Back and more. Our team at TAPCO is courteous and knowledgeable, and the underwriting process is fast and efficient.
◆ All phone calls are answered within 30 seconds.
◆ Phone quotes are provided within 5 minutes for all classes for which TAPCO has binding authority.
◆ Quotes and application emailed directly to your inbox.
◆ Changes can be made “on the spot,” before you hang up the phone.
◆ Policies are issued the same day that applications and money are received.
◆ Immediate electronic binder and invoice delivery.
◆ Endorsements are issued with a 1-2 day turnaround.
◆ Premium financing is offered with every eligible quote. Call today to see for yourself why TAPCO is the local choice from coast to coast!
Scan QR code to browse 1,000+ eligible class codes and search by keywords.
5:00 - 6:00 pm Welcome Reception and Meet & Greet
Sponsored by:
- Hotel, Marquette A Ballroom
Kick off CONVO at the Welcome Reception. Join us for a drink and hors d’ oeuvres before heading out to dinner at the Dutch Dine Arounds with your company partners, old friends or new acquaintances.
6:00 - 8:00 pm Dinner Break
Don’t have dinner plans? Here are some options:
Dutch Dine Arounds
(Sign up required - sign up early as space at each dinner is limited.)
- Hotel Lobby - Meet at 5:50 pm
- See registration area for sign up sheets.
Sign up to join a group dinner coordinated by Big I Illinois staff. We’ve made the reservations and travel arrangements, you bring your awesome self as we discuss life, the insurance industry and anything you want!
* Attendees are responsible for paying for their own dinner.
Past Presidents Dinner (Invitation Only)
- Hotel, Cheminee Ballroom
8:00 - 11:00 pm Casino Night
- All Attendees Welcome
- Hotel, Cotillion Ballroom
Sponsored by:
Feeling lucky? Spin the wheel at roulette, go all in at poker, show off your blackjack skills - or try your hand at one of the many other games waiting for you at Casino Night. This event is free and open to all CONVO attendees, with everyone starting off with “free” play money to get in on the fun. Run out? You can purchase additional chips, with proceeds supporting the Illinois State PAC.
Not a big gamer? No problem. You don’t have to play to win! Turn your chips (or even your unused play money) into raffle tickets for a chance at one of many great prizes.
Round out the night with music, drinks, and plenty of opportunities to connect with your peers in a relaxed, lively atmosphere.
Prizes sponsored by:
7:00 am Registration Opens - Civic Center, 1st Floor
7:00 am - 8:00 am Hot Breakfast - Civic Center, 4th Floor
7:00 am - 4:00 pm BeeHive for First-Timers and Young Agents Open - Civic Center, 4th Floor (See us at our booth in the Tradeshow, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm)
8:00 - 11:00 am General Session (CE) - Including Awards Ceremony & RIPP Graduation - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Navigating the Storm: How Catastrophe Models, Market Strategy, and Resilient Design Are Shaping the Future
Speakers Dan Ward, Jennifer Gardner, Jeff Wilson, Matt Reardon, Phil Lackman, Pat Taphorn, and Tom Evans
Sponsored by:
From convective storms and derechos to wildfires and hurricanes, the frequency and intensity of severe weather events are escalating - and so are the challenges for insurers, agents, and their clients. How is the insurance industry responding? How are catastrophe models influencing underwriting and pricing? And is it practical - or even possible - to build a more resilient future?
This opening General Session will explore these questions across three dynamic segments:
Inside the Models: A look at how catastrophe models are developed and how they’re being used by insurers to evaluate risk, determine rates, and prepare for claims after disaster strikes.
Market Response: A deep dive into how insurers are adapting - both in current practices and long-term strategies - to address climate volatility, capacity challenges, and future exposures.
Building for Resilience: An exploration of what’s possible in resilient construction, roofing, and design. We’ll examine whether updated building codes, zoning laws, and stronger materials are practical, enforceable, and affordable.
11:00 am - 2:00 pm Tradeshow - Civic Center, 1st Floor
11:30 am - 1:30 pm Food Truck Lunch - Back wall of Tradeshow
Sponsored by:
Pick up your food truck tickets at the tradeshow entrance.
Meet with more than 120 vendors and learn about the valuable industry products and services that will make your agency stand out. Lunch will be provided inside the tradeshow, allowing you to maximize your time visiting with exhibitors. (See exhibitor list on page 24.)
Food trucks will feature mexican, american, bbq, pizza, and desserts.
1:45 pm Tradeshow Prize Drawings
Concurrent Education Sessions (CE)
- Each class is filed for CE in one-hour segments.
2:30 - 3:20 pm Shifting the Tide: Culture’s Role on Your Cybersecurity Speaker: Ryan Smith - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
The biggest challenge a business often faces with cybersecurity is their culture. Whether you want to improve your own culture or are helping clients, this session will equip you with the knowledge needed to improve your odds of success. After helping businesses address cyber risk for nearly a decade, I’ve seen this play out time and time again. Join me in this session as we dig into the factors at play and how they can hinder security initiatives, as well as how to begin building a strong culture.
2:30 - 3:20 pm Over Promise and Over Deliver - This course does not qualify for CE Speakers: Chris Hartsook and Robert Ferriell - Civic Center, 4th Floor
The session will focus on unique actions insurance agencies can take to enhance the client experience and drive client retention and satisfaction. Key takeaways for attendees:
• Service over Selling Mindset
• Building a 10X Service Culture
• Be Unique by Your Actions
• KPIs to Track
• Be Obsessed with Service
Day two continued on next page.
Candy Station Sponsored by:
W EDNESDAY , O CTOBER 8 - CONTINUED
2:30 - 3:20 pm Stump the Specialist, Master, Guru, and Oracle
Speakers: Brett Gerger, Sandy Falco, Brian Ogden, Luke Sandrock, and Tyler Sandrock
- Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
No question is too hard. We have assembled a panel of industry leaders with a combined 130+ years of insurance experience and knowledge. If you can stump them with a scenario, your scenario may be unsolvable. The five individuals take education and learning to the next level by always seeking solutions to complex problems. Don’t miss an opportunity to stump the expert with complex insurance scenarios that you don’t see every day. Come out to try to stump your peers and prove to them that they still need to learn something every day as we all should.
2:30 - 3:20 pm Rental Car Nightmares
Speaker: David Thompson
- Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
What’s in the rental car contract you signed but didn’t read? Is the Loss Damage Waiver a rip-off? Is that credit card coverage legit? How does your personal auto respond? Learn the answers and discuss several “horror story” claim scenarios involving rental cars in this outstanding one hour program from instructor David Thompson.
Concurrent Education Sessions (CE)
- Each class is filed for CE in one-hour segments.
3:30 - 4:20 pm Business Planning: Talent Acquisition and Agency Valuation Affects
Speakers: Jarod Steed and Brian Lawrence - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
It is no secret that finding, developing, and retaining producer talent is foundational to agency growth and higher valuations. It is easy to say but hard to implement. The most successful agencies spend just as much time on hiring and development strategy as they do on their new business plan. The goals for this session are to:
• Help agency owners understand the business case for investing in young talent.
• Discuss with agency employers how to attract the next generations of talent to your agency.
• Discuss strategies for sourcing, hiring, and compensating new producers.
• Share best practices for hiring and developing producer talent among participants
3:30 - 4:20 pm
The Easiest Way to Hack Your Agency Speakers: Ryan Smith and Stephen Carlson - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
3:30 - 4:20 pm
W EDNESDAY , O CTOBER
Why hack your systems when you could just trick an employee? Join us for a non-technical look at the easiest way into most businesses. We’ll walk you through the most common cyber threats facing your office today: phishing and business email compromise (BEC). These aren’t just buzzwords - they’re real
risks that can lead to wire fraud, data breaches, and serious business disruption. Learn why email-based attacks are so effective (and so dangerous), how to recognize the signs of a phishing or BEC attempt, simple steps you can take to secure your email systems, and tips you can share with your team today. The most important asset requiring protection is the business’ income. In this session the four most important business income concepts are discussed. Upon these concepts business income is built. After this session, business income coverage will be far less mystifying.
Get the Most Out of Your Big I Illinois Membership Speakers: Lori Mahorney Jennifer Jacobs, and Allyson Padilla - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Are you getting the most bang for your buck when it comes to your membership? Join us for a rapid-fire challenge to provide an overview of our new association benefits…and some old favorites. Presenters will share info on valuable association benefits – and how to make the most of them! Topics include: Market Access, Advocacy, Marketing, Phishing Training, and other solutions for your agency. Time won’t be wasted on any one program – when the buzzer dings, it’s on to the next item. If presenters beat the buzzer, extra time will be added to the end of the session for Q&A. But don’t worry - we won’t leave you hanging! Big I staff members can take your questions at any time.
3:30 - 4:20 pm e-Bikes, Scooters, Time-Sharing, and More, Oh My!
Speaker: David Thompson - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Vehicles, houses, garage space, swimming pools, scooters, e-bikes and many other exposures stemming from the shared economy require special attention from an insurance standpoint. Insurance pros who take this course will better understand the breadth of sharing exposures, how they’re addressed in common insurance policies, and how to obtain adequate coverage. This session will cover e-Bikes, e-Scooters, TNC’s, Turo, Time Shares, and Boat Clubs.
4:30 - 5:20 pm Concurrent Education Sessions (CE) - Each class is filed for CE in one-hour segments.
4:30 - 5:20 pm Read the Personal Lines Form: ISO vs. Illinois
Sponsored by:
Speaker: Nicole Broch
- Civic Center, 4th Floor
ISO may be the base but not all forms read the same on some of the most common coverages. Knowing the differences between your forms could make claims go more smoothly and keep insurance professionals away from E&O.
4:30 - 5:20 pm Before the Breach: Strengthening Your Cyber Defenses Before the Storm Hits
Speaker: Ryan Smith
- Civic Center, 4th Floor
Sponsored by:
Cyber risk hits agencies on three fronts: as an advisor to their insureds, through a wide range of tightening regulations, and their own risk of attack or accidental breach. This non-technical session will change the way you look at cyber risk by providing a simple framework for how to look at risk-based cybersecurity and how to apply it. Use this information to be a better advisor to clients, meet requirements like the new Oklahoma Insurance Data Security Law, and to better understand how to tackle new risks like those that come with AI.
4:30 - 5:20 pm Legislative Update
Speakers: Evan Manning and Brett Gerger
- Civic Center, 4th Floor
Get a legislative and regulatory update.
4:30 - 5:20 pm Rent Your What?
Speaker: David Thompson - Civic Center, 4th Floor
Vehicles, houses, garage space, swimming pools, scooters, e-bikes and many other exposures stemming from the shared economy require special attention from an insurance standpoint. Insurance pros who take this course will better understand the breadth of sharing exposures, how they’re addressed in common insurance policies, and how to obtain adequate coverage. This session will cover Uber Eats and other delivery services, rent your pool, rent your dock, rent your garage, car condominiums, VRBO, etc., home swapping, rent your house for the Superbowl.
W EDNESDAY , O CTOBER 8 - CONTINUED
6:30 - 11:00 pm Big Party: Electric Afterglow!- Open to ALL attendees - Hotel, Marquette Ballroom
The 80s aren’t over till we say they are.” For a totally tubular, upbeat show you’ll never forget, join attendees at this year’s Big Party: Electric Afterglow!
The night is ours to glow in. Step into a neon wonderland where the colors pop, the music pumps, and the good vibes light the way. Think 80’s glam, glowing cocktails, blacklight fun, and a dance floor that won’t quit.
This is your last chance to grab 50/50 tickets, benefitting Big I Illinois State PAC! The winner we be pulled at this party. Need not be present to win.
THREE T HURSDAY , O CTOBER 9
7:00 - 8:30 am Hot Breakfast - Hotel, Marquette Prefunction
8:30 - 11:30 am E&O Mock Trial (includes Ethics CE)
Speakers: Nicole Broch - Hotel, Marquette Ballroom
This engaging and eye-opening session brings a fictional—but all-too-realistic - errors & omissions case to life in a courtroom setting. You’ll follow the twists and turns of a trial involving an insurance agent and serve as the jury after hearing the evidence.
Sponsored by:
Convelo Insurance Group conveloins.com
Cray, Kaiser, Ltd. ||| craykaiser.com
CRC Group ||||| crcgroup.com
CRDN of Chicago || crdn.com
Don R. Jensen & Company || donrjensen.com
Donald Gaddis Company ||| gaddiscompany.com
Donegal Insurance Group ||| donegalgroup.com
EBRM ebrm.com
EMC Insurance ||| emcins.com
Encova Insurance ||| encova.com
Engage PEO engagepeo.com
Enterprise || enterprise.com
ePayPolicy || epaypolicy.com 815 Erie Insurance ||| erieinsurance.com
Eventual eventualclimate.com
Farm Agents Council ilfarmagents.com
First Insurance Funding firstinsurancefunding.com
First Onsite || firstonsite.com
Foremost Insurance Group ||| foremostagent.com
Food Truck Lunch
Entrance/Exit
This is the area exhibitors will be drawing and announcing booth prize winners at 1:45 pm.
*See note on page 7
Big I Illinois Membership Benefits Extravaganza Stop by the Big I Illinois red carpet booths in the back left corner of the tradeshow. Pick up a bingo card from the Association booth, and stop by all booths in this area to get a stamp and be entered into a drawing to win a gift card every 30 minutes.
Big I Illinois has partnered with RLS Consulting to help protect your agency against email phishing scams.
Don’t get “Reeled” in by phishing scams. With a set it & forget approach, you can test your staff and prepare your agency against the bad actors. Learn in real-time through simulated phishing emails how to spot them and train your staff so they are on their guard.
This program works in conjunction with other phishing email training programs you may use. Or if you don’t have one this is a great place to start. Train your employees, test their knowledge and the end result will keep your employees, your agency and your clients safer.
Big I Illinois State Political Action Committee (State PAC) supports candidates for and members of the Illinois General Assembly who support the legislative agenda of independent insurance agents.
State PAC is a bi-partisan committee, making signi cant contributions to both Republican and Democratic candidates.
Big I Illinois State PAC - Your Association Fighting For You
Passed legislation to provide parity to total loss of auto claims.
Passed legislation to make several changes to the Surplus Lines Code.
Passed legislation to give agent notification for lapsing life insurance contracts.
Passed legislation to allow for virtual pre-licensing insurance courses.
Fought off retroactive business interruption efforts.
Joined efforts in beating back a harmful workers’ compensation rule.
Make changes to the Department of Insurance’s regulation on the Premium Fund Trust Account (PFTA).
Passed the public adjuster reform legislation.
Passed a bill requiring auto insurers to reimburse insureds for taxes, title, and transfer fees in third-party total loss vehicle claims.
Passed Farm Mutual reinsurance reform.
Continue to fightt off rate regulation in auto insurance.
Your nancial support will help elect and re-elect candidates who share our business philosophies.
In 2019, only 22% of association member agencies contributed to State PAC which amounted to $41,100 - far below the average of comparable industries.
Trusted Choice is designed to amplify your local marketing efforts and highlight the value independent insurance agents bring to consumers. Enhance Your Online Presence
Leverage a Nationally Recognized Brand Name Marketing Reimbursement Program(MRP) & Vendor Support Training Programs Access the Hard Market Toolkit
October 22 – Regional Event Park North Golf Club – Edwardsville, IL
January – Lake & DuPage County Legislative Events
February 5-6 – Farm Agents Council Mid-Winter Meeting – Embassy Suites, East Peoria
February 24-25 – RIPP Program – 1st Session – Springfield, IL
March 12 – Sales and Leadership Conference – Northern Illinois
March 19 – Chicagoland March Madness – Rivers Casino, DesPlaines
March 23 – Women in Insurance Networking Event – Central IL
April 15 – Legislative Day – Springfield
April 22-24 – Big I Legislative Conference – The Westin, Washington, D.C.
May TBD – 1752 Club/DuPage Spring Clinic – Woodridge, IL
May 7 – Sales and Leadership Conference – St. Louis, MO
June 5 – Southern IL Golf Outing – Carbondale
June 11-12 – Farm Agents Golf Outing & Summer Meeting – DoubleTree Hotel, Bloomington
June TBD – Chicagoland Tech Event – Northern, IL
September 17 – Southern IL Wine Tour & Ethics Class – TBD
September 29- October 3 – Big I Fall Leadership Conference – Baltimore, MD
October 14-16 – CONVO 2026 – Peoria, IL *Note day of the week change: Wednesday-Friday
View upcoming events at ilbigi.org/events or scan the code
Chairman of the Board
Pat Taphorn, CIC, CSRM - Pekin
President
Thomas Evans, Jr. - Fox Lake President-Elect
Chris Leming - Springfield
Vice President
Brian Ogden, CIC - Petersburg
Secretary/Treasurer
Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR, CPIA - Cobden IIABA National Director
George Daly - Orland Park
Mohammed Ali - Evanston
Brian Floyd - Jacksonville
Steve Foster - Virden
Tanner Frieburg - Quincy
Blake Knox - Greenville
Rebecca Kohn - Skokie
Luis Tayahua - Berwyn
Sharon Waldvogel - Roselle
Andrea Wallace - Glen Carbon
Brian Konen, CIC, CWCA, CRIS - Aurora
Kevin Lesch, CBC - Elgin
Patrick Muldowney - Chicago
Ken Samson, CIC - Northbrook
Luke Sandrock, CIC - Tampico
AIS Board President
Jeff McMillan, LUTCF - Gilman
Budget & Finance
Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR, CPIA - Cobden
Chicagoland
Charles Hruska, IV, CCI, AU, AINS - Mokena
Education
Joey Samuelson, CIC, LUTCF, CLU, REBC - Bloomington
Farm Agents Council
Trent Munson - Princeton
Government Relations
Dustin Peterson - Clinton
Planning & Coordination
Noele Tatlock - Pekin
Technology
Ray Roentz, CIC - Jerseyville
Young Agents
Cody Imming - Carlyle
(217) 793-6660 • info@ilbigi.org
Shannon Churchill Director of Information and Technology schurchill@ilbigi.org
- Agency Analytics and Technology
- CONVO
- Farm Agents Council (FAC)
Brett Gerger, CIC Director of Education and Agency Resources bgerger@ilbigi.org
- Education
- Pre-Licensing
- Statutory & Regulatory Compliance
Tami Hubbell, CIC
Accounting & Admin Services thubbell@ilbigi.org
- Accounts Payable & Receivable
- Advertising Sales
- Tradeshow Sales
- Event Registration
Jennifer Jacobs, SHRM-CP Director of Human Resources, Board Admin jjacobs@ilbigi.org
- Human Resource Best Practices
- Employee Benefits
- Hiring Resources
Mark Kuchar, CPA Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer mkuchar@ilbigi.org
- Accounting
- Tax Inquiries
- Agency Payment Solutions
Phil Lackman, IOM Chief Executive Officer plackman@ilbigi.org
- Big I Illinois/IIABA Management
- Strategic Planning
- Press Inquiries
Lori Mahorney, CISR Elite Director of Membership Services lmahorney@ilbigi.org
- Agency Membership
- Associate Membership
- Local Groups
Evan Manning Director of Government Relations emanning@ilbigi.org
- Current & Pending Legislation
- Political Action Committees
- Legislative Events
Kristi Osmond, CISR Elite Education Assistant kosmond@ilbigi.org
- Class & Event Registration
- Education/Pre-Licensing Requirements
Rachel Romines Director of Communications rromines@ilbigi.org
- Publications
- Trusted Choice
- Agency Marketing
- Young Agents
Carol Wilson, CPIA Director of Professional Liability and Insurance Products cwilson@ilbigi.org
- Errors & Omissions
- Cyber Liability Insurance
- E&O Premium Financing
- Coverage for Your Agency and Clients
Learn more about the Big I Illinois Board of Directors, Committees, and Staff at ilbigi.org/about-us or scan the code.
R. W. Hosmer, Chicago (1899-1900, 1905-1906)
John Wachenheimer, Peoria (1900-1901)
Charles P. Whitney, Chicago (1901-1902)
Clarence S. Pellet, Chicago (1902-1903)
Frank Dooing, Springfield (1903-1904)
R. F. Streuver, Peru (1904-1905)
S. D. Section, East St. Louis (1906-1907)
Adam Spitler, Mattoon (1909-1910)
Henry F. Arnold, Galesburg (1910-1911)
John H. Wood, Bloomington (1911-1912)
Charles F. Hildreth, Freeport (1912-1913)
Shirley E. Moisant, Kankakee (1913-1914)
N. W. Tomblin, Aurora (1914-1915)
E. R. Partlow, Danville (1916-1917)
George North Taylor, Streator (1917-1918)
A. A. Bartlett, Galesburg (1918-1920)
J. S. Giberson, Alton (1920-1922)
A. J. Anderson, Kewanee (1922-1924)
Ross C. Sherman, Waukegan (1924-1926)
J. M. Newberger, Chicago (1926-1928)
Robert W. Troxell, Springfield (1928-1932)
Rockwood Hosmer, Chicago (1932-1933)
Alvin S. Keys, Springfield (1933-1935)
Frank J. Budelier, Rock Island (1935-1937)
Herbert Stewart, Chicago (1937-1938)
William H. Jennings, Jr., Rockford (1938-1940)
Lyle H. Gift, Peoria (1940-1941)
N. McCullogh Winters, Quincy (1941-1943)
James H. Beattie, Rockford (1943-1945)
Merle A. Read, Joliet (1945-1946)
Russell L. Sprouse, Springfield (1946-1948)
Lymand D. Drake, Jr., Chicago (1948-1949)
Frank H. Hawk, Peoria (1949-1951)
W. H. Redeker, Centralia (1951-1953)
William P. Morrisey, Alton (1953-1954)
H. W. Mullins, CPCU, Rockford (1954-1955)
Joseph F. Prola, Springfield (1955-1956)
Joseph A. Naughten, Chicago (1956-1957)
Charles A. Bryant, Peoria (1957-1958)
Frank R. Miley, CPCU, Peoria (1958-1959)
Fred O. Waller, Galva (1959-1960)
Harry C. Parrish, Paris (1960-1961)
James S. Woodworth, Jr., CPCU, Robinson (1961-1962)
Thomas K. Sprague, Jr., Joliet (1962-1963)
Robert L. Shade, Decatur (1963-1964)
Robert B. Stitt, Chicago (1964-1965)
Cal W. Schuneman, CPCU, Prophetstown (1965-1966)
Leland R. Crank, East St. Louis (1966-1967)
Peter M. Wolff, Chicago (1967-1968)
Robert L. Newell, CPCU, Ashland (1968-1969)
Jack E. Deveau, CPCU, Rockford (1969-1970)
H. Bernard Jacobs, Bloomington (1970-1971)
Richard G. Jones, Mattoon (1971-1972)
Jack Payan, CPCU, Palos Heights (1972-1973)
Marvin R. Marsh, Champaign (1973-1974)
Warren Osenberg, DeKalb (1974-1975)
William L. Laird, CPCU, Batavia (1975-1976)
Harold E. Parr, Princeton (1976-1977)
Gerald Butts, CPCU, Moline (1977-1978)
Arthur L. Tyler, Champaign (1978-1979)
Edward D. Bowman, CPCU, Westmont (1979-1980)
James M. Hardesty, Peoria (1980-1981)
L. Dwayne Query, Rochelle (1981-1982)
David B. Lowe, CPCU, Sterling (1982-1983)
Richard B. Baker, CPCU, Arlington Heights (1983-1984)
Larry Rollings, CIC, Arcola (1984-1985)
Roy E. Robinson, CPCU, CAE, Springfield (1984-1985) Honorary
Ralph Swank, Jr., CPCU, Waukegan (1985-1986)
Bruce Osenberg, DeKalb (1986-1987)
Dale McNeely, Taylorville (1987-1988)
Ronald M. Whitaker, CIC, New Lenox (1988-1989)
William S. Beam, Moline (1989-1990)
Edward W. Bowman, Burr Ridge (1990-1991)
Thomas J. Tropp, Chicago (1991-1992)
Ray Mead, Peoria (1952-1955)
Walter A. Corcoran, Quincy (1953-1954)
E. E. Bartlett, Moline (1954-1955)
Don Amos, DeKalb (1955-1956)
John B. Read, Sr., Chicago (1956-1958)
George R. Dressler, Chicago (1958-1959)
Orville L. Varland, Rockford (1959-1961)
Ira C. Johnson, Aurora (1961-1963)
Wayne E. Varland, Rockford (1963-1964)
J. E. Russell, Glen Ellyn (1964-1965)
Fred Moe, Springfield (1965-1966)
Herbert Richter, Mt. Carroll (1966-1967)
Dale R. Bybee, Quincy (1967-1968)
Frank E. Roth, Jr., New Windsor (1968-1969)
Gilbert J. Koenning, Beecher (1969-1970)
Ellsworth Windett, Yorkville (1970-1971)
Curt Mahaffey, El Paso (1971-1972)
R. E. Sechler, CIC, Rockford (1972-1973)
John C. Alexander, CIC, Danville (1993)
George W. Boehm, CIC, Libertyville (1994)
David C. Lacine, CPCU, Arlington Heights (1995)
Don “Chip” Frank, CIC, Bloomington (1996)
Bryce Carey, Hinckley (1997)
Gary Semmer, CIC, Glen Ellyn (1998)
Julie M. Hearring, CIC, Olney (1999)
Gene Sberna, CIC, Lake Forest (2000)
Dino Gavanes, CIC, Itasca (2001)
Paul Verisario, CPIA, Inverness (2002)
Ken Wagler, LUTCF, Peoria (2003)
Brian M. McSherry, CIC, Flanagan (2004)
James W. Ander, Burr Ridge (2005)
Allen D. Karch, CIC, Champaign (2006)
Brian Konen, CIC, Aurora (2007)
Ken Samson, CIC, Deerfield (2008)
Allyson Padilla, AAI, Olney (2024)
Pat Taphorn, CIC, CSRM, Pekin (2025)
Dean Lyman, DeKalb (1973-1974)
C. Keith Smith, Springfield (1974-1975)
John R. Stone, CIC, Elgin (1975-1976)
F. G. Brown, CIC, Decatur (1976-1977)
Harold G. Nixon, Peoria (1977-1978)
Walter K. Blake, Arlington Heights (1978-1979)
Marvin F. Uecker, CIC, Lena (1979-1980)
Jacob P. Sommer, CIC, Oak Brook (1980-1981)
Willard W. Bockler, Metamora (1981-1982)
Charles C. Masching, Mattoon (1982-1983)
Norris L. Beren, CIC, Des Plaines (1983-1984)
Richard Bybee, CIC, Quincy (1984-1985)
Keith Caywood, CIC, Plano (1985-1986)
David H. Nixon, CIC, Peoria (1986-1987)
Bob H. Smeltzer, CIC, Rock Falls (1987-1988)
Sharon K. Heaton, Pontiac (1988-1989)
Dave Tebben, CIC, Pekin (1989-1990)
R. J. Pohl, CIC, Belleville (1990-1991)
Tom Franzen, CIC, Mt. Olive (1991-1992)
William L. Ryan, Maroa (2009)
Luke F. Praxmarer, CPCU, AAI, Palatine (2010)
Todd C. Henricks, Cerro Gordo (2011)
Thomas J. Walsh, Jr., Westmont (2012)
Philip “Mike” Beard, Mt. Vernon (2013)
Charles E. Hilson, South Holland (2014)
Gregory A. Sandrock, CIC, AFIS, Tampico (2015)
Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR, Carbondale (2016)
Rick Sutton, Petersburg (2017)
Ryan Hite, Peoria (2018)
Patrick Muldowney, Chicago (2019)
Bill Wirth, Waterloo (2020)
Don Blank, Olney (2020) Honorary
George Daly, Orland Park (2021)
Jay Peterson, Clinton (2022)
Kevin Lesch, CBC, Bartlett (2023)
The Charles M. Cartwright Merit Award is considered the most prestigious award the IIA of IL presents. Named for Charles Cartwright, editor of the National Underwriter for more than 50 years, and champion of associations and the insurance industry, the award is presented at discretion of the Big I Illinois Executive Committee to the “Person who has performed the most meritorious service for the good of the insurance agents of Illinois.”
1944 Herbert L. Regan, Joliet
1946 Lyle H. Gift, Peoria
1949 Walter M. Sheldon, Chicago
1951 Merle A. Read, Joliet
1952 Emil L. Lederer, Chicago
1953 Alvin S. Keys, Springfield
1954 Alan I. Wolff, Chicago
1955 Frank H. Hawk, Peoria
1956 Lyman M. Drake, Jr., Chicago
1957 H. W. Mullins, CPCU, Rockford
1958 W. H. “Red” Redeker, Centralia
1959 Joseph F. Prola, Springfield
1962 Frank R. Miley, CPCU, Chicago
1963 Robert L. Newell, CPCU, Ashland
1964 Harry C. Parrish, Paris
1965 N. McCullough Winters, Quincy
1966 James S. Woodworth, Jr., CPCU, Robinson
1968 Sanford H. Lederer, CPCU, Chicago
1969 Thomas K. Spraque, Jr., Joliet
1970 Robert L. Shade, Decatur
1971 George J. Nicoud, Springfield
1972 Robert B. Stitt, Palos Heights
1973 Calvin W. Schuneman, CPCU, Prophetstown
1974 Eugene F. Gallagher, Chicago
1975 Peter M. Wolff, Chicago
1976 Jack W. Gift, Peoria
1977 Warren Osenberg, DeKalb
1978 Jack Payan, CPCU, Palos Heights
1981 Jack E. Deveau, CPCU, Rockford
1982 Gerald L. Butts, CPCU, Moline
1983 William L. Laird, CPCU, Batavia
1985 L. Dwayne Query, Rochelle
1986 Richard B. Baker, CPCU, Chicago
1987 Arthur L. Tyler, Champaign
1988 James M. Hardesty, Peoria
1989 Marvin Marsh, Champaign
1991 Roy E. Robinson, CPCU, CAE, Springfield
1993 Edward W. Bowman, Burr Ridge
1993 David H. Nixon, CIC, Peoria
1995 Don Blank, Olney
1997 Sharon Heaton, CIC, Pontiac
1998 Ronald M. Whitaker, CIC, New Lenox
1999 Dale W. McNeely, Taylorville
2001 John Alexander, CIC, Danville
2003 David Lacine, CPCU, Elmhurst
2005 Kenneth E. Wagler, LUTCF, Peoria
2006 Daniel Pancake, Chicago
2007 Gary Semmer, CIC, Glen Ellyn
2008 Dino Gavanes, CIC, Itasca
2010 Paul Verisario, CPIA, Des Plaines
2011 Gene Sberna, CIC, Lake Forest
2012 Julie Hearring, CIC, Olney
2013 Brian M. McSherry, CIC, Pontiac
2014 Charles F. Schramm, CIC, CPCU, AAI, ARM, CRM, Deerfield
2015 Dennis W. Garrett, CIC, Taylorville
2017 Cynthia K. Jackman, CIC, Carbondale
2018 Luke Praxmarer, CPCU, AAI, Elk Grove Village
2019 Ken Samson, CIC, Northbrook
2022 Rick Sutton, Petersburg
2023 Greg Sandrock, CIC, AFIS, Tampico
2024 Bennie Jones, Chicago
Note: There were no recipients of the award for the following years: 1945, 1947, 1948, 1950, 1960, 1961, 1967, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2009, 2016, 2020 and 2021.
Presented during General Session on Wednesday, October 8 - 8:00 to 11:00 am
T
he Agency of the Year Award is presented to a Big I Illinois member agency that exemplifies leadership and innovation within the industry. The Agency of the Year demonstrates strong growth, innovative marketing strategies, creative utilization of evolving technology, top-level customer service and dedication to the community.
2018 Town & Country Insurance Agency, Ltd., Canton (Less than 10 employees)
2018 Compass Insurance Partners, Fairbury (10+ employees)
2019 Eclipse Insurance Agency
2020 MH Insurance Centre
2021 Bailey Family Insurance, Springfield (Less than 10 employees)
2021 Unland Insurance & Benefits, Pekin (10+ employees)
2022 Heneghan, White, Cutting & Roentz, Jerseyville (Less than 10 employees)
2022 J. Krug, Itasca (10+ employees)
2023 Held Insurance Agency, Mt. Prospect (Less than 10 employees)
2023 Connor & Gallagher OneSource (CGO), Lisle (10+ employees)
2024 Rivian Insurance Services, LLC, Normal (Less than 20 employees)
2024 Loman-Ray Insurance Group LLC, Urbana (20+ employees)
The Agent of the Year Award is given for the outstanding performance of an individual retail agent member of Big I Illinois in the categories of production, use of technology, professional development and civic responsibility.
2018 Christy Carpenter
2019 Keenan Rice
2020 Brooke Miano
2021 Daniel McNeely
2022 Ray Roentz
2023 Marco Espinoza
2024 Robert White
The Young Agent of the Year award recognizes the achievements of young agents in Illinois. The nominee must have demonstrated service to the insurance industry, professional trade associations, and community in a manner that would be considered exceptional for a person of their age. The award is given for career service and is not limited to activities during this past year.
2000 Mary Walsh
2001 Ken Samson
2002 Brian Konen
2003 Tom Mollenhauer
2004 Doug Whitworth
2005 Elaine Wagener
2006 Jason Cass
2007 Lindsey Polzin
2008 Dave Marker
2009 Adam Hackman
2010 Mark E. Donaldson
2011 Michael-Charles Hilson
2012 Bill Rademacher
2013 Keith Verisario
2014 Thomas D. Evans Jr.
2015 Kevin Lesch
2016 Ryan Hite
2017 Ray Roentz
2018 Luke Sandrock
2019 Dustin Peterson
2020 Nick Gunn
2021 Tyler Sandrock
2022 Julie Campbell
2023 Keely Cardwell
2024 Luke Hoerr
