Vol. 78 ? No. 7 ? March 2008
1 Mar 2008
Vicky Dobbin, Director of Communications, NAIFA
Have you visited the NAIFA website (www.naifa.org) lately? We've added new content and several new features to make the site more useful for members and potential members.
· Information on Advisor Today is now more prominent on the bottom of the home page and includes links to three featured articles as well as the magazine cover.
· More content has been added to the “What’s New” section. It now features only headlines, linking to stories. This allows more news in this section.
· A searchable staff directory has been added to the site. Searches for staff may be conducted by key word, department, first and last name. Results provide name, title, department, email address and phone and fax number.
· Contact information has been added for the NAIFA Board of Trustees. (Members must log-in to view the contact information.)
· The search engine has been expanded to include contact information for relevant staff members based on key words.
· A new section for the NAIFA Code of Ethics has been added just below the "What's New" section. Also, members may now purchase ready-to-frame copies of the Code of Ethics from the NAIFA Marketplace.
· The 2008 Convention and Career Conference website is now live at www.naifa.org/convention. Online registration opened March 1.
If you need help finding your way around the NAIFA website, download the "Quick Guide to the NAIFA Website" flyer at www.naifa.org/guide.pdf. The two-page guide gives you an overview of the home page and a list of shortcuts to the most popular pages.
For more information on the NAIFA website, please contact Vicky Dobbin at vdobbin@naifa.org or 703-770-8113.
Seth Ewing, Director of Membership Marketing, NAIFA
Renew your membership investment in NAIFA with our fast and easy online renewal process. Simply go to www.naifa.org and click “Renew” at the top of the page.
Would you rather pay your membership dues in 12 easy monthly installments? Renew online through our monthly bank draft program. If you elect to have your dues deducted on a monthly basis, dues are debited from your account on the 5th day of each month. If the 5th falls on a weekend, the debit will occur on the next business day.
Your support has made NAIFA the leading financial services association in the United States. NAIFA is your career insurance. I hope you will make the right choice for your career and our industry. Don’t wait any longer – renew today!
You can renew your NAIFA membership online at www.naifa.org/renew, or contact the Member Service Center at (877) TO-NAIFA (866-2432) or membersupport@naifa.org.
Registration opened March 1 for the 2008 NAIFA Convention and Career Conference, to be held September 6-10 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego.
The 2008 convention will feature more education opportunities, new networking opportunities and a great destination. “San Diego is one of America’s most wonderful cities with so much to see and do. And it’s always a beautiful day in San Diego,” boasts Cliff Wilson, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, NAIFA president-elect and chair of the 2008 Convention Committee.
San Diego is renowned for its idyllic climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches and a dazzling array of world-class family attractions. Popular sites include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Sea World San Diego and LEGOLAND California. San Diego offers an expansive variety of things to see and do, appealing to guests of all ages from around the world.
The keynote speakers are always a highlight of the NAIFA Convention and Career Conference. “We are very excited about all of the presenters scheduled to appear in San Diego,” Wilson said. “Taking our cue from NAIFA 21, particular attention was made to find keynote speakers who can provide valuable insight into our future.”
This includes "Generation Y" expert Peter Sheahan, Sunday's General Session keynote. Sheahan is a globally recognized authority on generational change and the shifting expectations of customers and staff. Sheahan’s insight into the most influential consumer and employee group in the world today, "Generation Y" -- the upwardly mobile generation born between 1978 and 1994, allows him to keep ahead of trends as they begin with Gen Y and move upwards into the broader market.
The Tuesday General Session keynote is economic futurist Jeff Thredgold. In a world of constant change and as our nation faces an approaching election, Thredgold will lead you on a slightly irreverent, up-to-the-minute "tour" of the economy, financial markets, education, government and a sneak preview of the future. Thredgold’s insight will give you a glimpse at the issues that will shape our lives and careers.
Registration for the 2008 NAIFA Convention and Career Conference opened online March 1. Visit www.naifa.org/convention for more information about programming, making hotel reservations and more. Early registration discounts are available, so don’t delay.
Caitlin Kubler, Marketing Coordinator, AHIA
Advisors and agents know that what happens in Washington, DC, and in state capitals around the country directly affects their business. AHIA presents a strong advocacy voice for agents with government officials and the public.
That voice advocates a simple message. Choice, quality, competition and professional service must be a part of any health care reform effort. Licensed, regulated, fairly compensated insurance agents offer a cost-effective means of achieving personal and professional assistance in the selection of insurance coverage for individuals and employers of all sizes in all markets.
Working alone or in concert with like-minded industry groups, AHIA provides an influential voice on health and employee benefits issues. AHIA is currently monitoring more than 170 bills in the 110th Congress to ensure the role of the agent is preserved.
Established in 1992, the AHIA War Chest has raised $1.8 million to sustain the role of the agent. In addition to national efforts, financial assistance has been provided to several states.
AHIA is leading the fight to preserve the role of the agent. Agents and advisors can help us better serve and advocate by contributing generously to the AHIA War Chest, online at https://secure.naifa.org/warchest.
Perhaps more importantly, share this information with colleagues. Ask them to join with other professionals in having their voices heard. They can do so by joining AHIA (www.ahia.net/join/join.cfm) or contributing to the AHIA War Chest. AHIA welcomes your counsel regarding positions on vital issues and encourages your support to increase the strength and influence of this important part of NAIFA.
For more information about AHIA’s work in Congress or membership, visit the AHIA website at www.ahia.net.
Ian McCommons, Special Projects Manager
The Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) is holding programs in 37 states this year, and while many classes started in January, there may still be enrollment opportunities in Alabama, Connecticut-New England Forum, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
To check on the status of a state’s institute, please email lili@naifa.org with inquiries. Class size is limited and now is the right time to inquire about attending.
A list of all the 2008 institutes is available online at www.naifa.org/benefits/lili/lili_moderator_list.cfm.
LILI is a six-month leadership development course offered exclusively to NAIFA members. LILI increases the participant’s ability to achieve personal growth, enhances business practices, and teaches skills necessary for effective leadership. LILI offers:
· The best in leadership and personal-development thinking
· Tools to grow your business and create a business plan
· Increased understanding of self and improved interpersonal relationships
· Expanded professional network
· Continued opportunities for growth through LILI alumni programs
· Skills graduates will use to strengthen their local associations
LILI benefits all levels of the NAIFA federation. Associations who invest in LILI ensure their future success and find that LILI brings new life through renewed enthusiasm for local association service. Each local association may recommend two candidates per class to attend LILI.
To participate in LILI you must be an active NAIFA member for a least one year. To apply, contact your state association. LILI candidates commit to attending all six one-day sessions and completing all required assignments. LILI candidates also commit to two years of service in their local association. Are you open to self-exploration, personal growth and have the desire to make a positive difference in your life, association and industry?
If you want to learn more about LILI, visit www.naifa.org/lili and click on the three-minute testimonial video to hear what LILI graduates have to say about the course.
If you've had trouble getting email from NAIFA, go to the NAIFA Email Preference Center at www.naifa.org/about/email.cfm for instructions on how to keep important email out of your spam folder.
Does NAIFA have your current contact information? Check can review your member information, including email and address, online at https://secure.naifa.org/imisw, or contact the Member Service Center at (877) TO-NAIFA (866-2432) or membersupport@naifa.org.
NAIFA informs our members of many tools and resources through email updates, and you may miss out on this information if NAIFA-National doesn't have a working email address from you or if NAIFA email gets lost in your spam filter. In addition, we want to be sure that all NAIFA members receive our e-newsletters, including GovTalk and The NAIFA Advantage, as well as GovAlerts that inform you of urgent legislation that could have an impact on your business and our industry.
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