WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 18, 2018—The Hill, a leading political newspaper, has named Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I" president & CEO, and Charles Symington, Big “I" senior vice president of external, industry, and government affairs, among the top trade association lobbyists in Washington, D.C.

The Hill piece noted that “when the stakes are at their highest, these are the players at the top of their game, known for their ability to successfully navigate the byzantine and competitive world of federal policymaking." The Big “I" had notable legislative wins in the past year, including favorable treatment for C Corporations and pass-through entities in the new tax law, multiple extensions of the National Flood Insurance Program, and protection of the Federal Crop Insurance Program as part of Congressional action on the Farm Bill.

“Recognition from a leading publication on Capitol Hill points to the strength of our association in the government affairs arena," says Joe Leahy, Big “I" chairman and president of Leahy & Brown Insurance + Realty, Inc. in Springfield, Massachusetts. “Thanks to the hard work of president & CEO Bob Rusbuldt, Charles Symington and the entire government affairs staff, the Big 'I' is consistently named one of the most influential associations in the country."

Congressional leaders regularly tap the Big “I" federal government affairs team for its policy and political acumen including advising on insurance, financial services and economic issues, along with sitting on congressional steering committees, hosting political events, and strategizing to help members of Congress better serve their constituents and advance top issues. A vital component of the association advocacy efforts is InsurPac, the Big “I" political action committee.

 “The Big 'I' stood out as the only group listed that represents insurance agents and brokers," says Angela Ripley, Big “I" government affairs committee chairman and president of VW Brown Insurance Service in Columbia, Maryland. “We know the interests of independent insurance agents and brokers are well represented on Capitol Hill with the Big 'I' leading the charge."

Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I") is the nation's oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of approximately a quarter of a million agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products.

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