Our Mission
“To promote the value of independent insurance agencies in Central New York and provide quality programs, education and networking for our members.”
Save the Dates
August 14th • Speed Networking
October 9th • CE Trivia
December 8th • NextGen CNY Shop 'Til You Drop
Latest Big I CNY News
Big I CNY Golf Tournament
Hot, hot, hot & a whole lot of fun
Monday, June 23rd | Timber Banks
Get ready for an awesome day of golf, networking, and some friendly Our annual day on the course wrapped up this past Monday with sunshine, camaraderie, and a dash of friendly rivalry. Players chose between a relaxed 9-Hole Golf Social to ease into the week or the full-tilt 18-Hole Tournament packed with on-course contests and plenty of bragging rights.
Winners included:
Morning Shotgun – Longest Drive Hole #6: AJ Trendell
Afternoon Shotgun – Longest Drive Hole #14 (Men): Zachary Ottman
Afternoon Shotgun – Longest Drive Hole #14 (Women): Jenn Howse
Afternoon Shotgun – Closest to the Pin Hole #16: Jeff Mirabito
1st Place Team (-15): Matt Briggs, Brett Bushinger, Zach Ottman, and Todd Smith
2nd Place Team (-14): Robert Murrer, Jeff Newton, Trevor Wakefield, and Jeff Miller
Before the afternoon tournament began, we gathered to formally install the Big I CNY officers and directors for the 2025–2026 term. Off the fairways, everyone caught up over lunch, cold drinks, and a deck-side reception, followed by dinner and awards.
By teeing it up, participants once again supported local charities and the Project InVEST Robert Maher Memorial Scholarship Fund, helping Central New York students pursue insurance-industry studies.
Thank you to all the golfers and attendees who made Monday’s event a success both on the scorecard and in the community!
NextGen Shot Clock Social
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.
Winter 2025 Newsletter
Big I CNY’s Winter 2025 Newsletter is packed with exciting updates, from upcoming events like the NextGen Shot Clock Social and Big I CNY Golf Tournament to major advocacy efforts in Albany and Washington, D.C. Members now have access to exclusive tech resources, legislative scholarships, and new ways to get involved.
Don’t miss out—click the link to explore all the latest news and opportunities!
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.