Provided by Phil Lackman, this timeline begins in 1849 when the Chicago Board of Underwriters (CBU) was organized. Take a look back at all the significant dates in our history.

In the fall of 2011, Jennifer Jacobs, Big I Illinois HR Director, worked closely with Jack Payan, past president, as he wrote "March of the Acronyms - The Rise of Independent Insurance Agents in Illinois."

Over the years, Big I Illinois has honored the legacy of those who served this industry with several scholarships to assist individuals interested in a career in the industry and those currently working in the industry looking to enhance their knowledge through a designation program.

As we commemorate 125 years of our association’s rich history, we are honored to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of our Association Trailblazers. From the first Black president to the inspiring strides made by female leaders and our youngest president, these trailblazers serve as a reminder of the significance of representation and diversity in leadership.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Illinois politics, Big I Illinois has played a critical role in advocating for the independent insurance agent since our inception in 1899. In this series, we've reached out to past Big I Illinois Government Relations Committee Chairs to hear from them on the hot topics, challenges and triumphs the state association has experienced.

Just like independent agents all over the state, big I Illinois has always been deeply committed to giving back to the communities we serve. Beyond offering exceptional products, services and resources for 125 years, the state association has supported the community in many ways. In this series, we revisit our legacy of involvement.