As Big I Maryland begins a new association year, Chairman Christopher Weller reflects on the connections that strengthen our independent agency community, the value agents continue to bring to their clients, and his priorities for the year ahead.
Read his full September Chairman’s Message below.
Dear Members,
I want to start by thanking Matthew Hogans for his steady, thoughtful leadership this past year, and for leaving this association in such strong shape.
I’m writing this just as we wrap up our Annual Conference & Showcase on Kent Island. Beyond the Horizon felt like more than a theme this year. Between the Cruise & Connect vendor showcase, the sessions on AI and innovation, and just the sheer energy of getting our independent agency community together in one room, it was a great reminder of why this association works: we succeed because we connect. If you were there, thank you for making it such a strong event. If you couldn’t join us, we missed you, and I hope to see you at one of our upcoming programs this fall.
As we move into September, independent agents are still very much in the thick of it. Hurricane season isn’t over, clients are leaning on us for guidance, and the pace rarely slows down heading into Q4. That’s exactly where our profession earns its keep.
Trusted advice, local knowledge and personalized coverage aren’t just talking points; they’re what separates us from a commodity transaction, and it’s worth reminding our clients of that as often as we can.
My priorities as Chairman are simple, and they build directly on the foundation this association has already laid: keep our advocacy voice strong in Annapolis, keep giving members practical tools to navigate AI and technology without losing the relationships at the center of our business, and keep strengthening the pipeline of young and emerging talent who will carry this industry forward.
None of that happens without members showing up, to committees, to CE sessions, to conversations with your Big I colleagues. If you’ve been on the fence about getting more involved, this is your sign. Reach out to us at info@bigimd.com.
Thank you for the confidence you’ve shown in me, and for everything you do to keep Maryland’s independent agency system strong. I’m looking forward to a great year together.
Sincerely,
Christopher Weller, CLCS, CBIA
Chairman, Big I Maryland
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