Association News

Leaders and staff from Big I New York yesterday warned the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) that the New York personal insurance market is tipping into crisis.The meeting on late Thursday, July 26, 2024 included:Agent leaders David Bodenstein, Chair of the Board; Kelly Gonyo, Vice Chair & Secretary/Treasurer; Ron Brunell, National Director.Association staff Lisa Lounsbury and Tim Dodge.DFS representatives including Executive Deputy Superintendent of Insurance, Bhava Agnihotri.Big I New York shared current market data on the profitability of personal lines business and per capita costs of insurance in New York versus those in neighboring states. We also presented data on the increase…

Big I New York's members elected David Bodenstein as Chair of the board for the 2024-2025 term. Bodenstein was sworn in during a ceremony at our Annual Business Meeting during Go Big, held at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, on May 13th. Bodenstein is the President of Mike Preis Inc. Insurance Agency, in Jeffersonville, NY.Bodenstein was elected to the Big I NY Board in 2017 and previously held the Vice-Chair and Secretary/Treasurer position, and has also chaired the group's finance committee. He is Vice-President/Director of Calicoon Co-Op Insurance Company and Chairman of the Jeffersonville Planning Board. Bodenstein says he is honored to assume the leadership role at Big I NY.​David Bodenstein shared:"Over…

​(Dewitt, New York, May 16, 2024) - Top member agents and company partners of Big I NY, an insurance agency trade organization, were recognized this week for their achievements. Seven awards were announced at the association's Annual Business Meeting on May 13 and Go Big event on May 14 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY.The awards are decided by the Chair of the Board and the Executive Committee based on specific criteria for each honored.​The following recipients were honored at the Annual Business Meeting:Big I Western NY was named the Local Association of the Year. The association was recognized for its member and community engagement, providing outstanding programs for…