NextGen, Events
Jennifer Lindacher
NextGen Shot Clock Social
NextGen Shot Clock Social
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NextGen Shot Clock Social

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Hoops, Hospitality & High-Impact Training!

Thursday, March 25, 2025 | Seventy young insurance agents and company representatives came together for an unforgettable evening of professional growth, networking, and basketball excitement. The night kicked off with an engaging training session led by Jody Frawley of Dale Carnegie, where attendees learned how to turn customers into true champions for their businesses.

From there, the energy shifted courtside as everyone participated in the March Madness action, grabbed some classic bar-favorite foods, and took advantage of plenty of opportunities to connect with industry peers. Adding to the excitement, attendees filled out tournament brackets, with the winner scoring a $250 prize and an additional $250 donation made in their name to Eric Devendorf’s foundation (The ED23 Foundation)—a win-win both on and off the court!

It was a slam-dunk event that combined learning, leadership, and a little friendly competition, proving that success in business, much like basketball, is all about strategy, teamwork, and making the right plays.

Big I CNY Holiday Party 2025

Pacifier donations to Birthright of Syracuse being dropped off by board director, Jacquie Kaden, and executive director, Kathy Lawler.

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

  • Honor Flight

  • Hugs for Hope

  • In My Father's Kitchen

  • Joseph's House

  • Meals on Wheels

  • Noah's Bags

  • On Point for College

  • Road to Emmaus Ministry

  • Sleep in Heavenly Peace

  • YMCA

Big I CNY Legislative Breakfast 2024

Legislative Breakfast Brings Industry Challenges to the Table

Big I CNY recently hosted a Legislative Breakfast that brought together Central New York board members, local lawmakers, and our very own AVP of Government Relations, Travis Wattie. Over coffee and conversation, the group tackled some pressing topics facing the insurance industry today.

Travis set the stage by discussing:

  • The increasingly tricky terrain of New York’s insurance market.

  • The harmful impacts of fraud and legal system abuse.

  • Opportunities for modernizing the industry to better serve agents and consumers.

He also thanked lawmakers for their quick action on Supplemental Spousal Liability reforms and highlighted the need to revisit the sunset of the photo inspection victory in 2027. Most importantly, Travis reminded everyone that in today’s volatile market, any new legislation must be carefully crafted to avoid further disruption.

Lawmakers chimed in with their perspectives, sharing:

  • Appreciation for the invaluable work independent agents do daily and Big I New York's efforts to educate legislators.

  • Personal stories about rising premiums and limited access to vital insurance products.

  • A clear message: they need to hear from us to understand and address the challenges facing the marketplace.

This breakfast was more than just a meal—it was a chance to build connections, share insights, and ensure our voices are heard at the Capitol. Here's to keeping the conversation going!

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NextGen CNY Shop 'Til You Drop for Charity

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‘tis the season of giving: a fun evening of networking and shopping for charity

The holiday season kicked off with a bang as NextGen CNY hosted its annual Shop ‘Til You Drop charity event! Over 30 independent insurance agents and company representatives donned their comfiest shopping shoes and biggest holiday smiles to support not one, not two, but THREE amazing causes.

Armed with shopping carts and holiday cheer, participants shopped for items benefiting Birthright of Syracuse, Golisano Children’s Hospital, and the Rescue Mission’s Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter. From toys and clothes to much-needed essentials, the generosity on display was enough to make even Santa jealous.

It wasn’t just about giving back, though—the event buzzed with festive fun, from friendly chatter to spreading holiday magic together. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us to make this season brighter for those in need. Our hearts (and shopping bags) are full! 🎁🎄

NextGen CE Trivia & Karaoke

A Fun Night of CE Trivia & Karaoke

Twelve teams of insurance agents, company representatives, industry friends, and Le Moyne College insurance students battled it out for bragging rights at NextGen CNY's annual CE Trivia & Karaoke event.

After ten rounds– hosted by Big I NY's Tim Dodge– three teams were tied. No one answered the tie-breaker correctly, so of course NextGen CNY determined a sing-off was needed. Three amazing performances but in the end Holly Martin, Ali Lalonde, Melissa Frawley, Robyn Barrette, and John DeNicola were crowned champs by roaring applause. They took home the coveted trophies and have bragging rights... until next year's event.

Everyone enjoyed networking, food, and earning 1 CE. Many also donated non-perishable items to support NextGen NY's statewide food drive. The donated items will benefit the Food Bank of CNY.

Meet Other Young Insurance Pros & Smile for the Camera

A total of 55 agents brought great energy to another fabulous networking event, leaving with three new headshots and plenty of new connections. Dozens of school supplies were donated to be given to Mary Nelson Youth Center's annual back-to-school drive.

Special thank you to all our sponsors for this event! This wouldn’t be possible without you all.

Rain or Shine, A Great Day on the Greens

Golfers teed off at Timber Banks in Baldwinsville on June 24th to raise money for local charities

For the first time ever, Big I CNY held a 9-Hole Golf Social for new-to-the sport and recreational golfers. Six teams braved the sideways rain to play golf, help each other learn the game, and have fun.

More than 120 golfers participated in the 18-hole tournament. The rain dried up and the sun came out for a warm day of play. Golfers enjoyed several contests to show off their skills:

Mike Woodham won Closest to the Pin at 4' 1 1/4"

Kasey Vaughan had the Longest Drive for the women

Zak Ottman took the Longest Drive for men

David Wicker won the 50/50 Tee Shot

Paul Staring, Bill Gallagher, Josh Watkins, and Dan Connors placed second with a score of 61 (11 under par).

The first place team is Matt Briggs, Zak Ottman, Brett Bushinger, and Annalaura Werner with a score of 56 (16 under par).

Golfers enjoyed lunch, a social reception, and a chicken and steak dinner. Proceeds from the tournament and the raffles benefit local charities. Big I CNY wants to support your favorite charities.

Please email Allison Just at ajust@biginy.org with the name of your favorite local charity to be considered.

NextGen Shot Clock Social 2024

Talk about team spirit!

More than 60 agents and company representatives enjoyed the second annual Shot Clock Social at Press Room Pub on March 21st. They enjoyed cheering on their favorite basketball team, comparing brackets, and making new business relationships. Herb Escher from Dale Carnegie Training led the group in an interactive training exercise on networking and building connections. Everyone had a chance to fill out a bracket to win $250 cash and have a $250 donation made in their name to ED23HOOPS, a foundation started by former SU basketball star Eric Devendorf.

Celebrating the New Year With Friends

More than 100 agents and company reps celebrated the new year at Coleman’s on Thursday, January 11th. Everyone enjoyed great conversations, meeting new business partners, food, and drink. As is tradition, attendees donated bags of new winter hats, gloves, scarves, and other apparel to St. Lucy’s Church. The church then distributes the clothing to families in need. More than $160 in financial donations were also also collected.

Thank you to the Syracuse CPCU Society Chapter for co-sponsoring this fun event!

Agent Advocacy Works

Agents, company representatives, and state lawmakers came together on Friday, December 1st to discuss the important issues facing our industry. At this year’s annual Big I CNY Legislative Breakfast, Big I NY’s Scott Hobson, AVP of Government Relations, recapped our legislative victories (the photo inspection bill!) and prepped agents on the priority issues for 2024, including the unfair underwriting practices bill, excess lines modernization, and state of the NY insurance market.

The breakfast wrapped up with a champagne toast to celebrate the hard work everyone put into getting the photo inspection bill signed into law.

Advocacy is critical to our industry, and every voice matters. Find out how you can get involved.

Thank you to Syracuse CPCU for co-sponsoring!

Big I CNY Golf Tournament 2022 Recap

It was a wonderful day for our sold-out 2022 Big I CNY Golf Tournament! We enjoyed picture-perfect weather and time to connect with friends, enjoy the course, and have fun. Thank you to our tournament sponsors who helped make this event possible!

Winners

First Place team with a score of 59: George Busch, Anto Almasian, Tom Lynch, Rich MacDonald

Second place team with a score of 60: Jen Winter, Joe Headd, Jeff Mirabito, Matt McGraw

50/50 Tee Shot winner: Joe Headd from Liberty Mutual. Donated his $290 winnings to the charity pool.

Longest Drive Men: Nick Masterpole

Longest Drive Women: Lindsay Richards

Closest to the Pin: Sean Sullivan

AirPod Pros and SU football tickets were also also awarded.

What’s Your Favorite Charity?

The Big I CNY Golf Tournament is a lot of fun, but we are serious about giving back to our community. After every golf tournament, we donate to local charities picked by YOU.

Email Allison Just at ajust@biginy.org the name of your favorite charity. We want to learn about all the great work they're doing and help them in their mission.

Survey

We want to hear about what you loved and what we can improve for next year’s tournament. Please take a moment and fill out our survey!