NAIFA – New York State (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors – New York State) was formally organized in 1919 as NYSALU, the New York State Association of Life Underwriters, after a dozen years as an informal association of six local associations acting as a legislative watchdog on behalf of insurance professionals.   The NAIFA – New York State was one of the first insurance associations in the nation to represent the consumer as “friends of the court” in a number of cases which secured the exemption of cash values, dividends and annuity payments from the claims of creditors, and protected policy proceeds for named beneficiaries.   We are dedicated to insuring that only the most competent, qualified and ethical insurance and financial service practitioners serve the public interest by providing guidance, information and advice to the consumer on issues that affect their financial security and protection. This includes a role in both actively promoting the principles of sound insurance, financial and estate planning, and in also promoting legislation and regulation that is in the best interests of the consuming public and the professional practitioners who serve those interests.   Our members are continuing a 91 year tradition of upholding the highest ethics of their profession, and take pride in assisting their clients in making important financial decisions on issues ranging from asset management, growth of net worth, employee benefits, retirement and elder planning, life, health, long term care and disability insurance planning, Medicare, Medicaid, college funding, and business, succession and legacy planning.   The organization is a progressive and innovative provider of legislative advocacy, professional development and training, and state mandated pre-licensing and continuing education programs that are offered in cooperation with The Alliance of Insurance & Financial Professionals, Inc. and the Center For Financial Studies. It also actively supports and promotes the conferment of all industry designations through its various national affiliates.    The NAIFA – New York State also provides marketing, promotion and public relations support for industry professionals, and, in cooperation with The Alliance of Insurance & Financial Professionals, Inc., is actively involved in outreach programs with consumer groups, colleges and universities, the media, legislators and regulators.   Successful professionals in the financial services industry are disciplined, ambitious and highly motivated individuals, who are providing financial services and security to their clients. Generally, individuals who succeed in this industry have demonstrated a successful pattern in academics, sports, community involvement, charitable volunteer groups or other previous career pursuits.

February 2010 Stephen Covey and NAIFA 2010: Getting Down to Business World-renowned author is the featured presenter at two NAIFA 2010 sessions.   Free "Social Security: What You Need to Know!" Webinar Friday, January 29 The webinar will walk you through Social Security’s programs and online financial and retirement planning tools. Insurance Industry Helps Haiti Relief Effort Foundation will match up to $100,000 of all contributions made through March 1. Need Career Support? Get Help From a NAIFA Coach Programs in sales, marketing and practice development will help you achieve success and results.       Membership Member Benefits News YAT Governance Conference Leadership Advisor Today LIFE MDRT   Four Under Forty Award Nominations Closing Forms must be submitted for the Advisor Today award by Friday, January 29. Read more It’s Time to Get Ready for National Membership Month Your participation is critical to the success of our federation. Read more Leadership in Life Institute Launches Online Book Discussion LILI Alumni Online site focuses on Lance Secretan’s book Inspire! What Great Leaders Do. Read more Industry Awards Applications Now Available Awards recognize professionals who maintain high standards in the insurance-based financial services industry. Read more YAT Recruitment Initiative Brings in New Members YATs Can Win Free Registration to 2010 NAIFA Conference Read more MDRT Minute: Breathing New Life Into Businesses With Life Insurance The death benefits we sell are extremely important. However, we sometimes forget about the living benefits life insurance provides. Read more Three New Videos Showcase NAIFA 2010 Priorities President Tom Currey, Acting CEO Susan Waters and members of the Executive Committee outline the priorities for NAIFA in 2010. Read more       Do You Have realLIFEstories to Share? Your story could win you a client a trip to Seattle. But hurry—entries are due March 31. Read more NAIFA 2009 Audit Report Now Available NAIFA’s Audit Committee has received and approved the annual report of the independent auditors Raffa, P.C. Read more "Best Financial Advisers for Doctors" Looking for Participants Nominations due February 1 for Medical Economics' annual list. Read more Highlights from GovTalk Visit GovTalk page NAIFA Connections is emailed to all NAIFA members on the last Wednesday of each month. National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors 2901 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042 877-TO-NAIFA • www.naifa.org

The Gathering Storm - Why Now?  The Challenges We Face  NAIFA supports and maintains a proactive, vibrant, relevant and successful advocacy team in Washington, D.C. and in all 50 states through its in-house lobbyists, hired counsel and administrative staff.   Unfortunately, in today’s environment, the costs associated with legislative, regulatory and community focused advocacy are skyrocketing…with the advent of technology, it has become a 24/7 full time contact sport.   These are some of the daunting challenges we currently face on a daily basis in both Washington D.C. and in states around the country:   • Suitability Standards for the Sale of Life Insurance; • Commission Disclosure; • Federal Healthcare Initiatives; • New York State Healthcare Initiatives; • Federal vs. State Regulation of Insurance; • Fiduciary Standards for Insurance Producers; • Taxation of Inside Build Up; • Taxation of Death Benefit; • Stranger Owned Life Insurance; • NAIC Model Producer Act; and • Advocacy to the Consumer to Change the Public Perception of Insurance        Professionals   If all licensed producers who make a living in this profession were members, then the per capita advocacy costs would be far less.   Recruit a new member today, and allow your trade association to continue to fight the daily battles that keep you in business, enable you to keep making a living, and that support the best interests of your clients.   Remember…EVERYONE is a member of NAIFA and benefits from its advocacy efforts…only some, however, choose to join and take responsibility.

(Left) NYID  - OID Public hearings in mid 2009.   (Right) Robert Miller, local NAIFA NYS Member and current NAIFA National Secretary (L) and J. Sadler Hayes, Immediate Past President, NAIFA NYS, testifying at NYID - OID Public Hearings