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.

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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

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 thrilled 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.”

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.

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.

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, which recognizes an individual who exemplifies dedication and steadfast support of independent agencies. Makey was selected for his leadership and advocacy efforts, including his trailblazing work surrounding RICO filings aimed at combating insurance fraud in New York State.

This distinction highlights Merchants Insurance Group’s ongoing commitment to protecting policyholders, supporting agency partners, and strengthening the insurance marketplace under Makey’s leadership. In particular, the company’s recent legal action sought to address widespread fraudulent activity that has impacted consumers and insurers throughout New York.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award from Big I New York,” Makey said. “Supporting independent agents and standing up for the integrity of our industry are priorities that matter tremendously to all of us at Merchants.”

Makey expressed that both the Thom McDaniel Exemplar Award and the company’s 2026 Outstanding Company Partner – Commercial Lines Carrier Award reflect the collective work of the entire Merchants organization and the strength of its agency relationships.

“Our relationships with independent agents are at the center of everything we do,” Makey said. “Big I New York plays an important role in supporting independent agents and fostering strong carrier relationships across the state. We’re grateful for the trust agents place in Merchants and proud to continue building on those connections.”

About Merchants Insurance Group

Founded in downtown Buffalo, New York in 1918, Merchants Insurance Group is a leading regional property and casualty insurance carrier specializing in commercial lines. Merchants partners exclusively with independent insurance agents because they have the expertise to match the company’s portfolio of quality products, and to ensure customers’ assets are properly protected. The large network of Merchants’ independent agent partners spans across Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

Visit www.merchantsgroup.com to learn more, and follow Merchants Insurance Group on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

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“We are incredibly honored to receive this distinction from Big I New York and all its members," said Charles Makey III, Merchants Insurance Group President & CEO. "Our relationships with independent agents are at the center of everything we do."