Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: extreme weather climbs to the top of business risk concerns, and Gen Z workers see AI as a career co-pilot.

Extreme Weather Emerges as Top Business Risk

Extreme weather has quickly risen to the forefront of business risk. The number of U.S. disasters costing over $1 billion has more than tripled—from an annual average of 7.2 (1980–2019) to about 23 per year between 2020 and 2024, according to Gartner.

Organizations are being pushed to rethink risk management strategies. It’s no longer enough to focus solely on physical damages such as flooding, storms, and wildfires. Businesses must also address transitional risks like changing regulations, evolving consumer expectations, and long-term climate exposure.

Enterprise Risk Management leaders are now tasked with building greater visibility into vulnerabilities, strengthening organizational agility, and embedding resilience throughout operations and supply chains. With insurance costs rising and coverage becoming more limited in high-risk regions, defining clear risk ownership within companies is becoming essential for sustaining business continuity. Read more here.

Gen Z Insurance Workers Want AI on the Job

A recent survey by Counterpart and Young Risk Professionals shows that Gen Z insurance workers largely welcome AI as a tool for career growth rather than a threat. Over half say AI poses no risk to their jobs, and 69% believe it will improve their workflow. At the same time, 45% point to slow technology adoption as a major challenge within the industry.

While AI is reshaping industries across the economy, the insurance sector has lagged in keeping pace. As the industry works to catch up, young professionals have an opportunity to position themselves as future leaders by leveraging AI expertise—an advantage that may outweigh traditional tenure. Looking ahead, companies that embrace innovation are likely to attract both top talent and future clients, while those that delay risk falling behind. Read more here.

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.

Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz: the Independent BROKERS TIME Act is introduced in the Senate, and the DOJ ends defense of the federal ban on noncompete agreements.

Independent BROKERS TIME Act Introduced in Senate

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) have introduced the Independent Broker Relief and Oversight of Knowingly Egregious and Repetitive Sales Tactics in Medicare Enrollment Act of 2025, better known as the Independent BROKERS TIME Act.

The bipartisan bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to update regulations for independent agents, brokers, and third-party marketing organizations under Medicare Parts C and D. The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Read more here.

DOJ Drops Defense of Ban on Employee ‘Noncompete’ Agreements

The U.S. Department of Justice has dropped its legal defense of the 2024 Federal Trade Commission rule that banned employee noncompete agreements, which typically prevent workers from joining competitors or starting competing businesses.

The decision follows rulings from two federal judges striking down the rule, and the DOJ has now filed motions to dismiss related appeals in New Orleans and Atlanta. The rule had faced strong opposition from Republicans and business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson had signaled in February that the agency was reviewing the rule, making this move widely expected. Read more here.

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.

Something big is coming to the independent insurance world this September, and you’re going to want in on it.

On September 4, we’re launching Agency Compensation 360, the first-ever, multi-state compensation survey built specifically for independent insurance agencies and powered by Big “I” associations. This isn’t just another generic industry report – it’s your chance to get real, independent agency-specific salary, benefits, and commission data that you can actually use.

Why this is a game changer for independent agents

Let’s be honest, up until now, getting accurate compensation data for independent agencies has been tough. Most of what’s out there mashes all kinds of insurance data together, making it hard to figure out how you really stack up.

With Agency Compensation 360, that changes. You’ll be able to compare your agency’s numbers with others of similar size and location, giving you a clear, accurate view of where you stand. Want to know how agencies your size in your region are paying producers? Or how benefits and PTO compare? You’ll finally have answers.

And the best part? If you take the survey, you get free access to the interactive dashboard when results go live in early November – a $2,500 value. You can filter the data by state, region, agency size, role, and more to get exactly the insights you need.

What’s in it for you

By participating, you’ll get:

• Salary & commission ranges that are actually relevant to independent agencies
• Benefits & PTO trends that show what’s competitive right now
• Insights into remote work adoption
• A peek at 2026 staffing forecasts so you can plan ahead

We can’t do it without you!

Here’s the thing – the more agents who take the survey, the more powerful and accurate the results will be. Your input will help create a more robust, insightful Agency Compensation 360 dashboard that benefits you and the entire independent agency community.

September 4 is compensation survey day. Look for more details in your inbox from the IIAW on how to complete the Agency Compensation 360 survey to access the results dashboard in November.

This is your opportunity to shape the data, see where see where your agency stands, and make smarter decisions for your business. Don’t miss it.

Launch Date: September 4

Results Available: Early November

The IIAW is pleased to announce that Janel Bazan has joined the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin as our new Vice President. Janel has been a dedicated member of the IIAW Board of Directors for several years, providing valuable leadership and insight to our association. Now, she will take on the role of Vice President, bringing her talents, experience, and strategic mindset to help guide the IIAW and our members as we continue to grow and elevate the association.

To help members get to know Janel better, we asked her a few questions about her background, interests, and vision for the future:

Can you share a little about your professional journey and what brought you to this role with the IIAW?

My insurance career began nearly 30 years ago at Mortenson, Matzelle & Meldrum (now M3), where I learned the fundamentals of running an agency from my first mentor, Diane Wilkinson. After a move to Florida and time off to start a family, I returned to Madison and joined Johnson Insurance, eventually working on the management team under Linda Steiner—an incredible mentor who introduced me to the Big “I.”

Through that connection, I served on several committees and later joined the IIAW Board of Directors. During this time, I joined AVID Risk Solutions, and it was there working with Brock Ryan and Ben Shortreed that I realized work is not work when you are having fun every day.

I believe everything happens for a reason, and with a change in staff at the IIAW and the pending second acquisition of the agency I was at, the timing was aligned for me to truly give back to the insurance industry by joining the IIAW as a full-time staff member!

What excites you most about joining the IIAW team?

I’m excited about helping others navigate questions like, “What do you know about…?”, “Have you ever experienced this?”, or “Where can I find…?” especially when it comes to resources available to agents or agencies. Whether it’s outsourcing needs like accounting, audits, marketing, or HR, the IIAW provides these solutions for our members. Additionally, it’s crucial for independent agents to have a strong voice in legislative matters, and the guidance that Misha Lee and the IIAW offer ensures that changes happen with our input. This is where the IIAW can truly represent the independent agent over any other association, hands down.

How do you see the insurance industry evolving in Wisconsin, and how do you hope to contribute?

Like many other industries, the Wisconsin insurance industry will see increased use of AI in the future. I don’t believe the agent will be eliminated. The relationships built with agents are similar to those we value in the financial or healthcare fields—collaborative interaction will always be essential.

Outside of work, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

Outside of work, you’ll find me with friends and family enjoying the lakes or bike trails in the Madison or Minocqua area or sitting by the campfire with a nice glass of wine, taking in the night sky.

Do you have a favorite resource that inspires you professionally or personally?

Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: flood resources for Independent Agents, and a long-term win in the fight against insurance fraud.

Flooding Hits Wisconsin - Resources to Protect Your Clients & Agency

Severe storms swept through the Midwest this weekend, with the Milwaukee area experiencing some of the heaviest rainfall. West of the city saw 8 to 11 inches of rain, leading to significant flash flooding and the cancellation of the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday.

Here are several flood insurance resources to help you protect your clients and your agency:

• Avoiding Agency Errors & Omissions Claims by Offering Flood Insurance and Excess Flood Coverage
  Learn how to reduce your E&O exposure by ensuring clients are informed about both standard and excess flood insurance options.
• The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Selling Flood Insurance
  A practical guide covering the essentials of flood insurance and tips for getting started with sales.
• Big “I” Flood Insurance
  In partnership with Selective, Big “I” Flood offers members an industry-leading flood insurance program with unmatched service and support.

Fighting Insurance Fraud: A Long-Term Win for the Industry

The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud estimates that insurance fraud crimes cost the U.S. around $308.6 billion each year. From staged slips and falls to elaborate schemes involving lawyers, doctors, and claimants, bad actors have exploited the legal system for profit. However, momentum is shifting. Insurance carriers are ramping up efforts to root out fraud, and while the full results aren’t yet clear, the potential long-term impact could reshape the industry. Read more here.

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.