The Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Association's Political Action Committee (PAC) had a record-setting year in 2022, with 499 member individuals contributing $253,282.

Since its establishment in 2005, the WSIA PAC has played a crucial role in WSIA's overall advocacy strategy. The PAC's primary objective is to educate members of Congress about the importance and impact of the wholesale, specialty and surplus lines industry on the nation's economy. The PAC makes WSIA a prominent voice on the industry's complex insurance issues. Additionally, the PAC has the ability to provide financial support to candidates who align with the goals of WSIA and its members.

After a banner 2022, the WSIA PAC Committee set an aggressive goal of $300,000 for 2023.

"We are extremely grateful for WSIA members' continued support for the PAC in recent years, and we anticipate an increasing demand for contributions in coming years," said Cristi Carrington, WSIA PAC committee co-chair and chief distribution officer and principal, Brown & Riding. "Because of the constantly evolving political landscape and the potential challenges posed by upcoming state and federal initiatives, it's really important that we continue this momentum."

Of the 499 individuals who contributed to the PAC in 2022, 48 were U40 members, 199 were new contributors and 115 were committee members.

Committee Co-Chair Christa Nadler, area executive vice president, Risk Placement Services, said that broad support is important for the PAC.

"Being able to demonstrate to lawmakers that PAC contributions come from a wide variety and number of WSIA member individuals helps WSIA's message resonate," she said. "If every Marketplace attendee contributed just $50, we would easily surpass our $300,000 goal in 2023."

The WSIA annual Legislative Fly-In in Washington D.C. allows members to directly engage with lawmakers and contribute to the shaping of insurance-related policies and regulations. It is an essential element of WSIA's advocacy efforts and helps to ensure that the voice of the insurance industry is heard at the federal level. Members of the WSIA Legislative Committee and Board of Directors make the trip each year.

"The Legislative Fly-In is always a productive and rewarding meeting," said John Meetz, WSIA director of government relations. "It is invaluable for us to be together, in Washington D.C. to discuss key issues that affect our industry and how to best navigate future challenges and opportunities."

During Annual Marketplace, members can easily contribute to the PAC with QR codes on signage that link directly to the contribution site, or they can seek assistance from a WSIA team member at the WSIA Information & Courtesy Desks. As an incentive, individuals who make contributions during Annual Marketplace will be entered into a drawing to win a bottle of Caymus Special Selection or Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, the PAC firm competition recognizes two wholesale broker member firms and two insurance market member firms for employee participation.

"By contributing to the WSIA PAC, members are actively protecting the future of the industry and ensuring that their interests are effectively represented," said Carrington.

"Your support will enable the PAC to navigate and address emerging initiatives," she added. "Any and every contribution matters and participating is an investment in the future of our industry."

You can contribute online at www.wsiapac.org.

See also:

• WSIA Legislative Committee pinpoints key insurance issues to watch
• How 2023 fiscal trends impact surplus-lines insurance businesses
• U.S. surplus lines see 5th year of double-digit premium growth