Big I Illinois Awards
In an effort to fully recognize the talent, professionalism and dedication displayed by our member agents and agencies, Big I Illinois has several awards to recognize you, our valued members. These awards are presented during CONVO, the premiere annual event of Big I Illinois.
2024 Award Recipients
Congratulations to our award recipients!
Available Awards
We encourage ALL Big I Illinois members to apply.
Agent of the Year
The Agent of the Year Award is presented for the outstanding performance and achievement of an individual who is a retail agent member of Big I Illinois. The nominee must be a licensed agent and contribute to their agency's performance through production, use of technology, professional development and civic responsibility. Nominate someone from your office (or yourself).
Agency of the Year
The Agency of the Year Award is presented to a Big I Illinois member agency that exemplifies leadership and innovation within the industry. The ideal agency would demonstrate strong growth, innovative marketing strategies, creative utilization of evolving technology, top-level customer service and dedication to their community.
Young Agent of the Year
This annual award recognizes the achievements of Young Agents in Illinois. A Young Agent is categorized as someone under the age of 41, or who has been in the industry less than five years. The nominee must have demonstrated service to the insurance industry, professional trade associations, and community in a manner that would be considered exceptional for a person of his or her age. The award is given for career service and is not limited to activities during this past year.
CSR of the Year
This annual award, is the highest honor for insurance customer service representatives who have distinguished themselves through contributions to their industry and profession. The nominee must be an insurance customer service representative, or have primary responsibilities for customer service duties. Nominate a CSR you know. Self nominations are also encouraged.
Hear from the 2024 Large and Small Agencies of the Year
Cartwright Merit Award
The Charles M. Cartwright Merit Award is considered the most prestigious award Big I Illinois presents. Named for Charles Cartwright, editor of the National Underwriter for more than 50 years, and champion of associations and the insurance industry, the award is presented at discretion of the Big I Illinois Executive committee to the “Person who has performed the most meritorious service to the insurance industry in Illinois.”
Since the award’s inception in 1944, there have been 19 years in which no Cartwright Award was presented. The tradition of the award dictates that it only be awarded when a truly deserving candidate is identified.
View Past RecipientsPast Big I Illinois Award Recipients
Loman-Ray Insurance Group, LLC, Urbana - 2024 (20+ employees)
Rivian Insurance Services, LLC, Normal - 2024 (Less than 20 employees)
Connor & Gallagher OneSource, Lisle – 2023 (10+ employees)
Held Insurance Agency, Mt. Prospect – 2023 (Less than 10 employees)
J. Krug, Itasca – 2022 (10+ employees)
Heneghan, White, Cutting & Roentz, Jerseyville – 2022 (Less than 10 employees)
Unland Companies, Pekin – 2021 (10+ employees)
Bailey Family Insurance, Springfield – 2021 (Less than 10 employees)
MH Insurance Centre – 2020
Eclipse Insurance Agency – 2019
Compass Insurance Partners, Fairbury – 2018 (10+ employees)
Town & Country Insurance Agency, Ltd., Canton – 2018 (Less than 10 employees)
Robert White - 2024
Marc Espinoza - 2023
Ray Roentz - 2022
Daniel McNeely - 2021
Brooke Miano – 2020
Keenan Rice – 2019
Christy Carpenter - 2018
Luke Sandrock - 2018
Ray Roentz - 2017
Ryan Hite - 2016
Kevin Lesch - 2015
Thomas D. Evans Jr. - 2014
Keith Verisario - 2013
Bill Rademacher - 2012
Michael-Charles Hilson - 2011
Mark E. Donaldson, CIC, CRM - 2010
Adam Hackman, CLCS - 2009
Dave Marker - 2008
Lindsey Polzin - 2007
Jason Cass - 2006
Elaine Wagener - 2005
Doug Whitworth - 2004
Tom Mollenhauer - 2003
Brian Konen - 2002
Ken Samson - 2001
Mary Walsh - 2000
2024 Bennie Jones, Chicago
2023 Greg Sandrock, Tampico
2022 Rick Sutton, Petersburg
2019 Kenneth M. Samson, CIC, Northbrook
2018 Luke F. Praxmarer, CPCU, AAI, Elk Grove Village
2017 Cynthia K. Jackman, CIC, Carbondale
2015 Dennis Garrett, CIC, Taylorville
2014 Chuck Schramm, CIC, Deerfield
2013 Brian M. McSherry, CIC, Flanagan
2012 Julie Hearring, CIC, Olney
2011 Gene Sberna, CIC, Lake Forest
2010 Paul Verisario, CPIA, Des Plaines
2008 Dino Gavanes, CIC, Itasca
2007 Gary Semmer, CIC, Glen Ellyn
2006 Daniel Pancake, Chicago
2005 Kenneth E. Wagler, LUTCF, Peoria
2003 David Lacine, CPCU, Elmhurst
2001 John Alexander, CIC, Danville
1999 Dale W. McNeely, Taylorville
1998 Ronald M. Whitaker, CIC, New Lenox
1997 Sharon Heaton, CIC, Pontiac
1995 Don Blank, Olney
1993 Edward W. Bowman, Burr Ridge
1993 David H. Nixon, CIC, Peoria
1991 Roy E. Robinson, CPCU, CAE, Springfield
1989 Marvin Marsh, Champaign
1988 James M. Hardesty, Peoria
1987 Arthur L. Tyler, Champaign
1986 Richard B. Baker, CPCU, Chicago
1985 L. Dwayne Query, Rochelle
1983 William L. Laird, CPCU, Batavia
1982 Gerald L. Butts, CPCU, Moline
1981 Jack E. Deveau, CPCU, Rockford
1978 Jack Payan, CPCU, Palos Heights
1977 Warren Osenberg, DeKalb
1976 Jack W. Gift, Peoria
1975 Peter M. Wolff, Chicago
1974 Eugene F. Gallagher, Chicago
1973 Calvin W. Schuneman, CPCU, Prophetstown
1972 Robert B. Stitt, Palos Heights
1971 George J. Nicoud, Springfield
1970 Robert L. Shade, Decatur
1969 Thomas K. Spraque, Jr., Joliet
1968 Sanford H. Lederer, CPCU, Chicago
1966 James S. Woodworth, Jr., CPCU, Robinson
1965 N. McCullough Winters, Quincy
1964 Harry C. Parrish, Paris
1963 Robert L. Newell, CPCU, Ashland
1962 Frank R. Miley, CPCU, Chicago
1959 Joseph F. Prola, Springfield
1958 W. H. “Red” Redeker, Centralia
1957 H. W. Mullins, CPCU, Rockford
1956 Lyman M. Drake, Jr., Chicago
1955 Frank H. Hawk, Peoria
1954 Alan I. Wolff, Chicago
1953 Alvin S. Keys, Springfield
1952 Emil L. Lederer, Chicago
1951 Merle A. Read, Joliet
1949 Walter M. Sheldon, Chicago
1946 Lyle H. Gift, Peoria
1944 Herbert L. Regan, Joliet