As I think back over the past year, although many of the days were long, my time as President of the Big I Minnesota has gone quickly. As we are all very aware, the past year was a very challenging time for the insurance industry, which put a lot of pressure on carriers and agents to find solutions for the insurance needs of insureds, while continuing to operate profitably. But as we worked through all the challenges facing the industry, it became evident to me how it was more important than ever to have an association like the Big I MN available to agents to provide education programs, guidance, and to advocate on the behalf of agents and carriers.

I am continually impressed by the talented and dedicated staff at the Big I MN and the board members of the association. This combined team of professionals is truly dedicated to the success of the insurance industry and, more importantly, to the success of the individual agents and insurance carriers that operate in this space. The combined wealth of knowledge and collaborative spirit available through the Big I MN has been invaluable during the current hard market, and I am grateful to be associated with this group of individuals.

We are thankful for all the years that Dan Riley contributed to building the association to where it is today and April Goodin has done a wonderful job in building on that success and working tirelessly to manage the association in an efficient and professional manner. Michelle, Keith, Lisa, Amy, Alina and Cliff make a great team and work well together to assist independent insurance agents across the state of Minnesota.

I also enjoyed the opportunity to meet with many of the insurance companies and other businesses involved in the Power in Partners program. I found each meeting to be beneficial as it allowed everyone to share information, ask questions to better understand the benefits available through their support of the Big I MN.

As I move into the final month of my term as President, I’m looking forward to finishing my term on a high note at the upcoming Big I Expo at Mystic Lake. I hope to have the chance to visit with fellow member agents and partners of the association during the event. We have a great lineup of programs and speakers for the Expo this year and I’m sure everyone in attendance will find the information valuable and entertaining. Be sure to get registered if you haven’t done so already!

Thanks again to everyone that has supported the Big I MN in some manner over the past year and I know the association is positioned to be even more successful in 2024 as Jake Olinger takes my place as the next President.