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An economic development official told lawmakers that the Morrisey administration is trying for a high success rate, rather than swinging at every pitch.
Lawmakers, in turn, wanted to know about timely approvals for investments and the need for better communication with local economic development authorities.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced several recent appointments to his administration.
His newly announced appointments to the Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission will play a part in determining the next state Supreme Court justice appointed by the governor.
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Yuliya Karpov
Commercial Sales Executive
Utica, New York
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This week, Charles Symington, Big “I” president & CEO, participated in a panel, “Public Policy and the Future of Risk,” at the 2025 Insurance Information Institute’s Joint Industry Forum in Chicago.
Last week, the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions held a hearing, “Framework for the Future: Reviewing Data Privacy in Today’s Financial System.”
The subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), explored the developing landscape of consumer data privacy laws across both state and federal jurisdictions and examined consumer financial data privacy law under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA).
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Together, the Big "I" Flood and Selective relationship helps deliver members an unparalleled flood program.
Floods are the most common natural disaster, and they can happen even in low-risk zones. The cost of flood damage to homes, commercial buildings and the contents inside those structures can quickly add up and is typically not covered by personal or commercial insurance policies.
To find out more about Selective's commitment to providing the best flood insurance experience, click here.
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While most homeowners are familiar with common risk areas and the technologies designed to mitigate them, relatively few have implemented these solutions in their own homes, according to a report from The Hanover.
When the 2025 InsurTech Insights conference convened in New York City last week, the big question was: Can a single year bring a noticeable difference in InsurTech? The answer, it turns out, is yes.
Last week, the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions held a hearing, “Framework for the Future: Reviewing Data Privacy in Today’s Financial System.”
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Brown & Brown Inc., the Florida-based insurance broker, has entered into an agreement to buy rival Accession Risk Management, the parent company of the specialty brokerage firm Risk Strategies and insurance wholesaler One80 Intermediaries, in a $9.8 billion cash-and-stock deal. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.
Independent agents wear a lot of hats. One moment, you’re updating a long-time client’s policy; the next, you’re onboarding a new customer, managing carrier relationships or following up on renewal deadlines. The demands are constant, but there are tools designed to ease your manual workload, boost efficiency and relieve pressure on your agency.
If I wanted to hack your business, I’d start with phishing your employees. The odds would be in my favor because it is one of the easiest and most effective ways to attack someone’s business. And I only need to be right once. Meanwhile, you and your team can’t afford a single mistake.
The January 2025 wildfires in California consumed an estimated 40,000 acres of homes, businesses and landmarks, with insured property losses estimated at up to $45 billion, according to Claims Journal. With these losses—in addition to other property losses due to hurricanes, flooding and wildfires throughout the U.S.—carriers within the standard insurance market are more risk-averse in certain geographical areas and product lines than ever before.
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Westbrook, Maine Age: 31
Go-to drink order: Cold brew with a touch of cream
Favorite movie or TV show: “Severance,” “The Big Lebowski” or “Forrest Gump”
No. 1 item on bucket list: Learn another language
After college I started my career in advertising, working in Washington, D.C., for about four years until the pandemic struck. I came home to Maine and reevaluated what was important to me. The decision to join the hundred-year-old family business was clear. I wanted to perpetuate the family tradition. I’ve seen the impact that it’s had on my community all my life. It was challenging starting over, and if I had started earlier, I’d be so much farther along. It offers a lot of opportunities, challenges and endless learning. our Tribe
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Big "I" Alliance is an exclusive benefit for all Big "I" members.
Powerful market access. Deep vendor discounts. An alliance aggregation opportunity.
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Big “I” Alliance Blue provides a competitive market access solution for Big “I” member agencies. To register your agency for Alliance Blue, click here.
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The June issue is out!
Look inside!!
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On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Will Jones, Big “I” director of communications and editor-in-chief of Independent Agent magazine, is joined by Nancy Germond, Big “I” executive director of risk management and education, and Amanda Juratovic, Big “I” vice president of E&O operations, to discuss one of the independent agency channel’s most-pressing issues: rising errors & omissions claims.
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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
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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
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From the President
This season always reminds me of the balancing act we do so well—being there for our clients while making space for ourselves. Whether you're helping families protect their homes before they head to the beach or reviewing coverage with business clients preparing for their busy season, your commitment doesn’t go unnoticed. The work you do matters, and I’m proud to be part of a community of professionals who continue to show up—especially when it’s not easy.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to invite you to our Women’s Retreat on July 17th in Charleston. This is going to be a wonderful event! We’ll spend the day connecting, learning, and recharging together—something I think we all need mid-year. This isn’t just an event for women in leadership—it’s for any woman in our industry who wants to grow, be inspired, and leave with renewed energy. We’ll have fantastic speakers, networking opportunities, and a few surprises too.
So, as we head into July, remember this: it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to rest. And it’s always okay to invest in yourself.
Looking forward to seeing you at the Retreat—and thank you for all that you continue to do for our clients, communities, and each other.
Sincerely,
Suzette Raines Ashley
President
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