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.

Award Categories

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).

Nominate HerePast Winners

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.

Nominate HerePast Winners

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.

Nominate HerePast Winners

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.

2025 nominations are no longer being accepted.

2024 Award Recipients

Congratulations to our award recipients!

Cartwright Merit Award

Bennie Jones

Risk Management Solutions of America
Chicago, IL

Press Release
Bennie Jones - 2024 Cartwright Award Recipient

Agent of the Year

Robert White

Bob White Insurance Agency, LLC
Mt. Vernon, IL

Press Release
Robert White - 2024 Agent of the Year

Large Agency of the Year

Loman-Ray Insurance Group LLC

Urbana, IL

Press Release
Loman-Ray - 2024 Agency of the Year

Small Agency of the Year

Rivian Insurance Services, LLC

Normal, IL

Press Release
Rivian - 2024 Agency of the Year

Young Agent of the Year

Luke Hoerr

Summer & Associates, LLC: A Division of Troxell
Washington, IL

Press Release
Luke Hoerr - 2024 Young Agent of the Year

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 Recipients

Past Big I Illinois Award Recipients

  • 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