Merchants Insurance Group Named 2026 Commercial Lines Carrier of the Year by Big I New York
Photo courtesy of Big I New York. Pictured from left: David Lavoie, Sr. Territory Manager; Frank Simpson, Regional Vice President; Kelly Gonyo, Chair of Big I New York; Charles Makey III, President & CEO
Merchants Insurance Group was honored as the 2026 Outstanding Company Partner – Commercial Lines Carrier of the Year by Big I New York at the GO BIG Event, held May 4-5, 2026 at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
The award, voted on by independent insurance agents across New York State, recognizes insurance carriers that demonstrate exceptional partnership, service, and commitment to the independent agency system. Merchants was selected based on the strength of its agency partnerships, responsiveness, ongoing efforts to support growth, and its dedication to helping agents win accounts.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this distinction from Big I New York and all its members,” said Merchants Insurance Group President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Makey III. “This award reflects the dedication of our entire team and the strong partnerships we’ve built with agents throughout the state.”
From left: Charles Makey, David H. Borg, & David Borg
The annual GO BIG Event brings together insurance professionals from across New York for educational opportunities, networking, and celebration. During the two-day conference, Merchants representatives in attendance connected with agency partners from around the state and supported the installation of David H. Borg of Borg Insurance Agency as Big I New York’s new Chair of the Board.
“Receiving the Commercial Lines Carrier award is especially meaningful because it is determined directly by agents who work with carriers every day,” said Makey.
From left: Lauren Czora, Weed Ross; Charles Makey, Merchants Insurance Group; Kelly Gonyo, Blue Line Insurance; Fraser McIntyre, Stahlka Agency; Frank Simpson, Merchants Insurance Group; Courtney Lynn, Weed Ross
Merchants has continued to focus on providing responsive service, underwriting expertise, and collaborative support to help agency partners grow their businesses in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Merchants’ GO BIG Booth
In addition to recognition for organizational achievements, Merchants Insurance Group received another notable milestone at the GO BIG Event. Merchants President & CEO Charles Makey III was honored with the prestigious Thom McDaniel Exemplar Award, highlighting his “dedication and unwavering support of the Independent Agency system by his words, deeds, and actions,” according to Big I New York.
Lisa Lounsbury (Big I NY) and Charles Makey (Merchants Insurance Group President & CEO; 2026 Thom McDaniel Exemplar Award recipient)
Makey was recognized in part for his leadership surrounding Merchants’ efforts to combat insurance fraud in New York, including the company’s recent RICO filings targeting widespread fraudulent activity impacting policyholders and the insurance industry.
Read Merchants’ full announcement of Charles Makey III’s Thom McDaniel Exemplar Award here.
Photo courtesy of Big I New York
“Big I New York plays an important role in supporting independent agents and fostering strong carrier relationships across the state,” Makey said. “We’re grateful for the trust agents place in Merchants and proud to continue building on those connections.”
