From the Desk of Robert A. Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO Dear Big “I” Member: In just a few weeks, Big “I” agents and brokers will board trains, planes and automobiles headed to Washington, D.C. for the annual Big "I" Legislative Conference & Convention, March 3-5. If you have already registered, I want to thank you and let you know that I look forward to our gathering. If you have not registered, I write to personally invite you to join us for what may be one of the most important Big “I” legislative conferences yet. The theme, “Protect Your Industry,” couldn’t be more true today. On Thursday, March 4, we will march to Capitol Hill offices to lobby members of the House, Senate and their staffs for what has become the most effective insurance industry legislative event of its kind. This year, we will focus on several important matters including: health care reform, tax reform and the threat of federal regulation of insurance. Each of these issues is a top priority for the Obama Administration, and it is no exaggeration to say our businesses and livelihoods may be under greater threat than ever before. With an active and politically astute membership, and an experienced bipartisan government affairs team in the nation’s capital, the Big “I” is well-positioned to advocate for independent agents, but we need all hands on deck. This year, we want to send a powerful message to Congress by meeting with all 535 congressional offices. Big “I” members are the backbone of the insurance industry and in March we will deliver that message loud and clear. I look forward to seeing you in Washington in a few weeks. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Bob | 
