The 125th Anniversary Gallery at CONNECT was a moving celebration of Big I Connecticut's extraordinary legacy. For 125 years, we have championed the independent agency system, and this exhibit brought our story to life. Guests were transported through time, from the handwritten minutes of our founders’ first meeting to vibrant photos of today’s visionary board members. Each artifact told a tale of resilience, progress, and the unwavering commitment to excellence that defines our community. The gallery wasn’t just a tribute to our past—it was an inspiration for the future, leaving all who experienced it with a profound sense of pride and purpose.
Scroll down to view highlights from our commemorative displays and relive the moments that continue to define our mission and vision for the future.
Special thanks to our gallery sponsors
NextGen & Young Agents
Our NextGen group was created to bring together young insurance professionals dedicated to networking, skill development, and giving back to the community. Our dynamic 40(ish) and under group are rising leaders in the insurance industry, ready to expand business connections, grow friendships with like-minded individuals, and make a difference in their community.
Women in Insurance
Women in the insurance industry are no longer the exception; they are leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are transforming the sector. Their ability to balance risk management with customer care is driving companies forward in an increasingly competitive market. With more women taking the lead, the future of insurance is poised for even greater growth and inclusivity.
Awards
FIRST IMAGE (left) | This table features the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut member plaque, Stanford Association Highway Safety Award, and the InsurPAC Eagle (left to right).
SECOND IMAGE | Hartford Association Fire Safety Award (left) to Ben Hendricks and Stanford Association Highway Safety Award (right) to Don Crosscup.
THIRD IMAGE | This table features The John C. North Memorial Award with pictures of past recepients.
FOURTH IMAGE (top) | The John C. North Memorial Award given to Joe O'Neil (right) by then president, Harold Polis (left).
FIFTH IMAGE (bottom) | The John C. North Memorial Award given to Paul Troy (right) by then president, Abbott Abercrombi (left).
FIRST IMAGE (left) | This table features the 1967 Tennessee Big "I" Advertising Award plaque (left) given to CAIA and the Agent of the Year Award (right), accompanied by a few photos of previous recepients.
SECOND IMAGE | CAIA logo plaque (left) and The Big "I" Advertising Award (right) to the State of Connecticut for outstanding performance in supporting the 1960 Advertising Program.
THIRD IMAGE | Eben "Buzzed" Learned Memorial Award for Outstanding Public Relations (left), and Bowe Award won by CAIA (right).
Conventions
Conventions in the insurance industry offer a chance to learn from experts, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore solutions to emerging challenges. They provide attendees with insights on regulatory changes, customer trends, and new products. Coming together to engage with peers, solution providers, and industry experts has always been, and will always be, the focus of our CONNECT convention.
Past Presidents
A collection of photos featuring our past presidents and the official copy of the first minutes from the association's first board meeting in 1899.
FIRST IMAGE (left) | Connecticut State Association of Local Fire Insurance Agents second ever executive board (1901-1902), featuring Edward W. Beardsley (President), Orange Mervin (First Vice President), John C. North (Chief Executive Committee), George E. Boyd (Second Vice-President), Jacob M. Layton (Third Vice-President), Wilbur H. Square (Treasurer), and M. L. Hatch (Secretary).
SECOND IMAGE | Collection of images featuring past presidents and board members.
THIRD IMAGE (top) | Past presidents group photo at '72 Convention featuring Charles Mahon ('73-'74), John Boynton ('72-73), Albert Ridinger ('74-'75), Anthony Erdman ('75-'76), and Robert Zenke ('69-'70).
FOURTH IMAGE (bottom) | Past presidents group photo at '73 Convention, featuring Charles Mahon (President, Farmington), Albert Ridinger (President Elect., New Haven), Anthony Erdman (Treasurer, West Hartford), Walter Shannon (Secretary, Lakeview), and Robert Zenke (State National Director, Hartford).
FIRST IMAGE (left) | Official trademark seal for the Connecticut Association of Insurance Agents, Inc.
SECOND IMAGE | Wooden gavels featuring The Connecticut Association of Local Fire Insurance Agents ('13-'48) (left), The Northern Connecticut Association of Insurance Agents ('55-'57) (middle), and Connecticut Association of Insurance Agents Presidents' Gavel ('56-'63) (right).
Education
Education played an integral role in Big I Connecticut's history, including the launch of our groundbreaking Agency Development Program in 1974. This innovative initiative, which ran through the mid-1990s, empowered independent agents with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in agency management. On display was one of the physical educational films used in the program, a tangible reminder of our commitment to professional growth and excellence. This section celebrated our legacy of investing in the success of independent agents and underscored the enduring value of education in shaping the future of our industry.
Advocacy
For 125 years, Big I Connecticut has championed independent insurance agents, advocating in Hartford and Washington, D.C., to protect and advance our industry. From securing supportive legislation to blocking harmful measures, our advocacy has been unwavering. We continue this legacy today, ensuring our members’ voices are heard and they’re able to best support their communities.
Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish® Connecticut grants wishes to children with critical illnesses, helping them find joy and strength when they need it the most. Big I Connecticut has been supporting the incredible work Make-A-Wish does for more than a decade because of the profound impact it has on the children, their families, and the entire community.
For more than 30 years, Big I Connecticut golf tournaments have brought our community together, fostering relationships that last well beyond the greens. From Blackledge to Tunxis, win or lose, this tradition of friendship and networking continues to be a cornerstone of our legacy.
... and here's to many more years supporting our Connecticut community!