The Hill, a prominent political newspaper, has once again named Charles Symington, Big “I" president & CEO, among the top trade association lobbyists in Washington, D.C. this year. 

As in previous years, the Big “I" was the only property & casualty insurance agent or broker group to make the list. 

In its announcement yesterday morning, The Hill stated the criteria for the recognition. “The federal lobbying bench is deep, with more than 12,500 actively lobbying so far in 2023, and not everyone on this list is a registered lobbyist," the newspaper reported with its list. “These impactful advocates stand out for the results they've delivered for their clients, companies, trade associations and advocacy groups in the nation's capital." The publication noted that this year's legislative scene was a challenging one, with debt ceiling battles and a historic Speaker ouster. 

“The Big 'I' is proud to have our president & CEO recognized, once again, by one of the premier political newspapers in the country," says Mike McBride, Big “I" chairman and president of Mason-McBride in Troy, Michigan. “With Charles taking the helm of the association this September, Big 'I' members are in excellent hands as he and the Big 'I' government affairs team continue their longstanding dedication to advocacy for the independent agency channel." 

“I'm honored to have been named to The Hill's list, but this is truly a team recognition," Symington says. “Nathan Riedel, our new senior vice president of federal government affairs, leads a fantastic team that represents independent agents from across the country on Capitol Hill. Their hard work, dedication, and meaningful relationships result in our association being named among the most influential in the country time and again." 

Congressional leaders regularly tap the Big “I" federal government affairs team for its political acumen for sitting on congressional steering committees, raising campaign dollars, hosting political events and strategizing to help members of Congress better serve their constituents and advance top issues. A vital component of the association's advocacy efforts is InsurPac, the Big “I" political action committee, which continues to be one of the leading small business PACs in the country. 

Sue Nester is Big “I" vice president of communications.