July 2025 Edition of The Insuror

July 2025 Newsletter

West Virginia State Capitol Building - Charleston_ WV

West Virginia News

Governor Morrisey launches new economic initiative to help grow jobs

A new economic initiative, Grow West Virginia, was launched by Governor Patrick Morrisey Thursday.

The initiative is aimed at creating jobs and expanding opportunities for West Virginians.

Morrisey, in a news conference Thursday morning, said this is one step in growing an economy that outshines other states, like what legislators accomplished last session.

WV Food and Farm Coalition celebrate state funding received for the SNAP Stretch program

WV, and the state Department of Agriculture gathered Thursday afternoon at Capitol Market in Charleston to celebrate the $360,000 dollars they were allocated from the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget, signed by Governor Patrick Morrisey in April. The funding will allow the program to continue its mission of improving public health across the state.

License to Lead: Meet Young Agent Audriana Misic

Audriana Misic

Lead commercial account manager

BridgeMark Insurance Solutions

Bismark, North Dakota

Big I On the Hill

Big ‘I’ Secures Important Wins with Passage of Trump Tax Package

Congress passed an amended version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking a 50-50 tie in the U.S. Senate to send the measure back to the U.S. House of Representatives, where they produced final passage with 218-214 vote.

President Trump signed the bill into law on the Fourth of July.

FEMA Role in Disaster Response Examined in Congressional Hearing

On Wednesday, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing titled “Fixing Emergency Management: Examining Improvements to FEMA’s Disaster Response.” The only witness for the hearing was Mr. David Richardson, a senior White House official who is performing the duties of Administrator of FEMA.

Federal Tax Reform: The Big ‘I’ Shares Takeaways from New Tax Law

Now that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) has been signed into law, independent insurance agents may be wondering what tax provisions were included as part of the expansive package. While not comprehensive, this summary from the Big “I” provides a brief overview of the federal tax reform. The OBBB represents a sweeping overhaul of U.S. tax policy and makes permanent much of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) while enacting new tax policy.

Please register for event as soon as possible here.

Rooms are available at the Corduroy Inn & LODGE. Rooms will Sell out quickly. Reservations can be made here,

and by calling (681) 202-7111

*We are unable to make reservations for water activities. You will be responsible for handling upon your arrival. We will provide a lift ticket.

Be Seen Giving Back: How Agencies Can Build Trust Through Community Service

The days are long, school is out and summer’s here, which means now is an ideal time for independent insurance agencies to roll up their sleeves and give back with community service.

Independent insurance agencies are fixtures at community events every summer—from sponsoring festivals and charity walks to serving at food banks and hosting charity golf tournaments.

Homeowners Rates Increased 40% in 6 Years, according to LendingTree

Homeowners insurance rates have spiked 40.4% in the past six years, with double-digit increases reported in the last two years, according to LendingTree’s “2025 State of Home Insurance Report.”

4 Reminders for Agents When Offering Umbrella Coverage

Due to the nature of the claims that reach this level of coverage, errors & omissions claims involving personal umbrella coverage have always been severe. But in recent years, these claims have also become more frequent.

Umbrella policies are designed to provide an extra layer of liability protection. However, agents must take extra care to make sure coverage has been offered, is properly in place and the process—whether coverage was accepted or declined—was documented.

How Technology Cultivates Commercial Lines Growth

We’re in the height of summer and, much like our thermometers, the commercial lines sector is experiencing a continued period of warm growth, presenting a compelling opportunity for insurance agencies of all sizes looking to expand and diversify their portfolios.

How Agents Can Help Small Businesses in a CAT-Exposed Hard Market

As an independent insurance agent, you play a critical role in helping small business owners manage risk. As catastrophe risks increase, that job is only getting more important. Less than half of small business owners feel fully prepared to manage the risks to their business, according to a recent survey from NEXT Insurance. Notably, 1 in 4 respondents cite natural disasters, from hurricanes to wildfires, among their top concerns.

Big ‘I’ Releases Trusted Choice® Legal System Abuse Toolkit

This week, the Big “I” released the Trusted Choice® Legal System Abuse Toolkit to help independent insurance agents educate customers about how legal system abuse can drive up insurance costs. Frivolous lawsuits and inflated claims—fueled by third-party litigation funding, which allows an investor to provide funding in exchange for a large portion of any settlement—are adding billions to insurance costs. But most consumers don’t know that. Nearly 3 in 5 agents say their customers are unaware of how legal system abuse affects their premiums, deductibles and coverage options, according to a recent Trusted Choice survey. The Legal System Abuse Toolkit provides simple ways for agents to educate their clients, explain rising costs and advocate for common-sense legal reforms.

From the Front Lines: Life-Health

Andy Clark

Vice President of Commercial Lines

Mason-McBride Insurance and Financial Services

Troy, Michigan

How did you get started at your agency?

I was previously working with an agency based in Illinois when a recruiter contacted me about an opportunity in the Detroit market. I had been considering moving to the area to be closer to family and, as I progressed through the interview process, I quickly developed a strong connection with the Mason-McBride agency. The company’s culture, values and vision aligned perfectly with what I was seeking, and I knew it was the right fit. Trib

2025 Big I WV Women's retreat was a huge success!

Big I WV’s first Women’s Retreat was a great success! Women gathered in Charleston to reflect, recharge, and radiate. The event sparked meaningful connections and lasting friendships—and everyone is already looking forward to the next one. Special thanks to sponsors McGriff Insurance, Bill Bailey Insurance, Insurance Centers, Encova Insurance, and IPFS.

The July issue is out!

Look inside!!

AN Radio: Young Agents on the Rise

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Ashley Engl, chair of Big I New York’s NextGen young agent committee, hosts a conversation with two Generation Z agents: Jackson Doyle, commercial risk adviser at J. Krug in Itasca, Illinois; and Brooke Stout, receptionist and assistant account manager at Chalk & Gibbs Insurance & Real Estate in Morehead City, North Carolina. Together, they discuss how they got their start in the industry, what excites them about its evolution and the valuable lessons they’ve learned from the mentors who have guided their growth along the way.

BIG I WV LEADERSHIP

Suzette Raines Ashley, President

Ashley Insurance Agency, LLC

Chris Parker, Vice President

Ferrell & Hill Insurance Agency

Anthony Deal, Treasurer

Insurance Centers

Chad Nuzum, Immediate Past President

Hood Insurance Group, LLC

Terri Dodrill, State National Director

McGriff Insurance Services

Brady Campbell, Young Agents Chair

Mountain State Insurance Agency

Traci Nelson, Chief Executive Officer

DIRECTORS

Michael Winter

Bray & Oakley Insurance Agency

Beth Bailey

Bill Bailey Insurance Agency

Mike Cvechko

Cvechko Insurance Services

Charlie Robinson

Assured Partners dba Insurance Systems

Nick Dyer

Blueridge Risk Partners

From the President

As we move through the heart of summer, many of us are busy helping our clients navigate seasonal changes—from insuring vacations and special events to managing storm-related claims and keeping up with commercial renewals. It’s a fast-paced time of year, and it’s also a great reminder of the critical role independent agents play in the lives of our customers and communities.

With that spirit in mind, I want to take a moment to highlight a few exciting things coming up for Big I West Virginia!

First up: our Young Insurance Professionals Summer Retreat is just around the corner on August 21st–22nd at Snowshoe. This is one of our favorite events of the year and offers a great chance for networking, learning, and fun in a relaxed mountain setting. Whether you're a young professional—or just young at heart—you won't want to miss it!

And speaking of events, we’re counting down to our 2025 Annual Convention at the beautiful Stonewall Resort, October 6th–8th. We’re still finalizing the agenda, but I’m thrilled to share that Kat Ternes will be back by popular demand to speak about Growing a Fiercely Independent Agency and How to Use AI in Your Agency. Kat’s energy and insight are always a hit.

We are also honored to welcome Charles Symington, President & CEO of the Big I National, who will be joining us to share updates from the national level and key insights that impact all of us in West Virginia.

We will also have special guest speakers to give us tips on managing our agency’s social media, to teach us about Brain Optimization for Life & Workplace and give us tips on living a healthy life!

Of course, no Big I WV Convention would be complete without a little fun—so get ready for live music from the Fort Hillbillies and a Pitchin’ for the PAC Cornhole Tournament that’s sure to be a hit!

We’ll be sharing more details in the weeks ahead, but for now, mark your calendars and plan to join us. I can’t wait to see you there!

Wishing you a successful and safe rest of your summer,

Suzette Raines Ashley

President