Kevin Mayeux, CEO of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), issued the following statement on the Department of Labor’s beginning of the regulatory process to propose a fiduciary-only rule:
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Kevin Mayeux, CEO of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), issued the following statement on the Department of Labor’s beginning of the regulatory process to propose a fiduciary-only rule:
Three best-in-class associations will integrate operations to amplify their impact on advocacy and education for financial service professionals and promote financial wellness for American consumers.
The National Association of Insurance and FinancialAdvisors(NAIFA), the Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP), and Life Happens announced plans to come together as one organization, pending membership approval. The expanded organization will retain all three brands under the NAIFA umbrella and leverage each organization’s strengths to create a greater impact on the industry, financial service professionals, and consumers. The integrated organization aims to empower financial professionals and consumers through world-class advocacy and education. The merger will take place following a vote of the membership of each organization, expected to be early this fall.
“NAIFA is excited to formally welcome FSP and Life Happens into our family where we collectively can better leverage our unique talents and resources and do more together. FSP will now be able to provide its top-notch education and training to an even broader base of professionals and Life Happens will continue to be the leader in consumer awareness for the importance of life insurance and other risk protection products,” stated Kevin Mayeux, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of NAIFA. “Being able to work together as one organization will expand our reach in the industry, help us better serve financial professionals, and increase the impact we have on helping all Americans have a secure financial future.”
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and NAIFA-Oklahoma President Whitney Jessee issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity rule adopted recently by the Oklahoma Insurance Department:
NAIFA is proud to announce Joseph W. Jordan, inspirational speaker, behavioral finance expert, best-selling author, and one of the founders of the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI), is the recipient of the 82nd annual John Newton Russell Memorial Award. The award is the highest honor accorded by the insurance industry to a living individual who has rendered outstanding services to the institution of life insurance. The selection committee consists of representatives of the nine leading organizations in the life insurance and financial services industry. Jordan will be celebrated and formally presented the award at NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference and Belong event in Washington, D.C., on December 4.
NAIFA's Apex East conference is a pure-play sales summit that brings together high-performing producers and their colleagues in the financial services industry, including professionals in the fields of estate planning law, accounting, financial technology, performance coaching, wellness, and others.
August is In-District Meetings month at NAIFA.
Every August, Congress recesses, allowing Senators and Representatives to spend a few weeks working from their home states and districts. Things slow to a crawl in our nation’s capital but they really heat up in Congressional districts across the country. It’s an opportunity NAIFA does not pass up.
Congress has begun its August recess, and members of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) are capitalizing on lawmakers’ annual working session in their home districts by meeting with their Representatives and Senators to strengthen grassroots relationships and discuss issues important to financial professionals and their clients.
NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, is one of eight newly named association executives named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Association Committee of 100, also known as the C100. Mayeux will represent the interests of NAIFA members within the C100 by building partnerships and seeking common ground with other associations facing similar public policy issues. The C100 works together to "enhance the U.S. Chamber's pro-business advocacy and coalition work and strengthen Chamber efforts to fight for American business," according to a press release issued by the organization.
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors NAIFA-Oregon President Kym Housley issued the following joint statement on legislation signed into law in Oregon that strengthens safeguards for annuity consumers:
ACLI President and CEO Susan Neely and NAIFA-Florida President Jeff Chernoff issued the following joint statement on legislation signed into law in Florida that strengthens protections for annuity consumers:
NAIFA recognizes Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina on the announcement of his campaign to run for President of the United States. Scott is a former NAIFA member and prior to serving in Congress was an insurance and financial services professional who built one of the most successful Allstate agencies in South Carolina.
NAIFA will host the 10th annual Congressional Conference May 22-23 in Washington, D.C. The event will feature targeted advocacy training with briefings on legislative issues that affect members’ businesses and the clients they serve. Expert presenters will offer best practices for conducting Congressional meetings and tips for developing impactful long-term relationships with legislators.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to announce its move to a new headquarters location in Arlington, Virginia. The new headquarters will be located at 1000 Wilson Boulevard in Suite 1890 aptly named for the year that NAIFA was founded.
The move is another milestone in NAIFA’s transformation that began in 2019 with the membership’s vote to restructure the association. The new headquarters’ proximity to Capitol Hill will facilitate more interaction between members and legislators while also providing ample space for training events and conferences.
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and NAIFA-Washington President Karl Kuntz issued the following joint statement on legislation signed into law in Washington that strengthens protections for annuity consumers:
“The new law sponsored by Representative Kristine Reeves, approved by the legislature, and signed by Governor Jay Inslee strengthens protections for consumers in Washington state seeking lifetime income through annuities.
The leading association and most influential advocacy association in the financial services industry undertakes a multitude of events in celebration of Women’s History Month
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) has undertaken a series of events this month to raise awareness of the importance of women’s economic security in our country, as well as to highlight the importance of the voice of women financial advisors in their voting districts. The series of events was created as part of NAIFA’s participation in Women’s History Month and to deliver on several aspects of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative that is part of its 2025 Strategic Plan.
Tuesday, April 4, 2022 | 12 noon eastern
The Q2 State of NAIFA will feature association President Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, and CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, updating all interested stakeholders on how NAIFA is serving members and the insurance and financial services industry. They will also outline the association’s progress toward meeting goals established by the NAIFA 2025 Strategic Plan. The program will feature a legislative and regulatory update by NAIFA Senior Vice President for Government Relations Diane Boyle.
"It is with deeply saddened hearts that we say goodbye to our Father and Husband, Terry K. Headley in Melbourne Beach, Florida on March 18, 2023. Terry's passion was IFAPAC, and Terry would want any memorials directed to IFAPAC. Terry and I treasured all the support and friendships over the years. Thank You. There will be a Private Family Remembrance of Terry in Florida."
-- Wynetta Headley and Family
NAIFA is sad to inform our members, partners, and friends that NAIFA Past President Terry K. Headley, LUTCF, FSS, LIC, passed away March 18, in Melbourne Beach, Florida. A loyal NAIFA member since 1974, Terry was a legend in the insurance and financial services industry. He was the Founder and President of Headley Financial Group in LaVista, Nebraska.
NAIFA's California chapter is holding its annual Legislative Day in Sacramento on March 29. The event will feature visits with lawmakers by NAIFA-CA members, during which they will discuss SB 263, a legislative proposal that in its current form would harm the ability of insurance agents and brokers to serve the public.
NAIFA is proud to announce that Advisorist has joined NAIFA in supporting the Talent Development Center to raise awareness of their respective brands and promote membership and participation in their respective organizations.
Led by CEO Jeremiah Desmarais, Advisorist is a group dedicated to helping insurance and financial advisors generate qualified leads and appointments to help their businesses grow. Under the partnership, Advisorist will feature six NAIFA members in their live weekly Virtual Advisor Power Hour (VAPH) workshops in 2023. NAIFA will promote the VAPH and Advisorist through social media and marketing efforts.
Taking place every Wednesday at 12 pm eastern, the Virtual Advisor Power Hour is a free weekly masterclass dedicated to helping industry-leading insurance and financial advisors grow their practices with modern sales and marketing tips, systems, and processes. Advisors can register for the VAPH on the Advisorist website.
The premier association for agents and advisors in the United States encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion in the insurance and financial services industry and promotes financial security for all Americans.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to announce NAIFA’s 8th Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Symposium on May 22, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Presented by NAIFA’s Talent Development Center, the Symposium will focus on the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the insurance and financial services industry to provide opportunities for financial security to all Americans.
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)-Georgia President Joe Schreck issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity rule adopted recently by Georgia’s Insurance Department:
“A new rule adopted by Georgia’s Insurance Department and Commissioner John King strengthens protections for Peach State consumers seeking lifetime income from annuities.
A new rule adopted recently by the Illinois Department of Insurance provides greater safeguards for consumers seeking lifetime income from annuities. Illinois is the 32nd state to adopt a measure that implements the “best interest of consumer enhancements” in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation. The new laws and regulations also align with the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest.
A NAIFA comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) submitted comments suggesting changes to the CMS proposed rule titled ”2024 Notice of Benefits and Payment Parameters,” published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2022.
This proposed rule includes proposed payment parameters and provisions related to the HHS-operated risk adjustment and risk adjustment data validation programs, as well as proposed 2024 user fee rates for issuers offering qualified health plans (QHPs) through Federally-facilitated Exchanges (FFEs) and State-based Exchanges on the Federal platform (SBE-FPs).
The firms' advisors join the #1 professional association for financial security professionals and prepare to participate in NAIFA’s unmatched state and federal advocacy success under an agency-wide membership program.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to announce that Bryon Holz & Associates in Brandon, FL, has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, all advisors within Bryon Holz & Associates became NAIFA members and active participants in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs at the state and federal levels.
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and NAIFA-TN President Scott Flowers issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity rule adopted recently by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance:
“The new rule adopted by Director Carter Lawrence and the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance advances important consumer safeguards and adds to the nationwide push for enhanced protections for annuity consumers.
“Tennessee becomes the 31st state to adopt the ‘best interest of consumer enhancements’ in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation. These new laws and regulations also harmonize with the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest. They enhance the standards financial professionals must follow while safeguarding retirement savers’ access to, and information about, annuities, the only financial product in the marketplace that can provide guaranteed income for life.
“Unlike a fiduciary-only approach, these measures ensure that all savers, particularly financially vulnerable middle-income Americans, can get information about different choices for long-term security in retirement. A recent survey finds that middle-income retirement savers would be very concerned about a regulation keeping them from accessing the professional financial guidance they want and need.
“The U.S. Congress reaffirmed the importance of lifetime income when it passed legislation in 2019 and 2022 that made it easier for employers to include annuities in workplace retirement plans. These protections safeguard consumers while also ensuring that middle- and working-class families will retain access to easy-to-understand financial information.
“We hope that other states will follow Tennessee and implement these sensible protections so that more consumers can benefit from a best interest standard of care, no matter where they live.”
The NAIFA Foundation for Financial Security is pleased to announce that Gregory Jean Baptiste and Brooke Bastiaans-Brooks are recipients of the inaugural NAIFA Foundation Diversity Scholarship.
Jean Baptiste holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with an emphasis in finance from Brigham Young University-Idaho and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in financial planning and analytics at Utah Valley University. A first-generation Haitian immigrant, Jean Baptiste knows the value of a solid financial plan and is motivated to help all Americans achieve financial security. He is currently employed at a Wells Fargo branch in Lindon, UT.
NAIFA and Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) have agreed to continue to work closely together and support their mutual goals in the areas of professional development; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and political advocacy. The two associations have signed an expanded partnership agreement. Under the agreement, NAIFA and WIFS share resources and NAIFA represents WIFS’s political advocacy interests.
Passage of the Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILA) Act and the SECURE Act 2.0 as part of the 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill greatly benefits consumers as well as the insurance financial professionals who help them prepare for retirement and achieve financial security. The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) has strongly advocated on behalf of both pieces of legislation.
“With this bipartisan legislation, Congress makes it easier for Americans to prepare for retirement and gives them greater access to innovative annuity products that guarantee lifetime income while offering some protections from market volatility,” said NAIFA President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP. “SECURE 2.0 will also make it easier for more companies to offer retirement plans for their employees. Preparing for a secure retirement is a vital part of any financial plan and receiving a guaranteed lifetime income can be an important part of that plan for many consumers. It’s great to see strong advocacy efforts by NAIFA, our members, and our advocacy partners pay off with a great win for consumers.”
NAIFA would like to congratulate newly elected National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) elect officers for 2023:
A comment letter submitted by NAIFA President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, on behalf of the association to the U.S. Department of Labor urges the department to provide an exemption or carve-out for financial professionals in a proposed rule on employee or independent contractor classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and NAIFA-MA President Josh O’Gara issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity rule adopted recently by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance:
“The new rule adopted by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance adds to the nationwide drive for enhanced protections for consumers seeking lifetime income through annuities.
Dennis Cuccinelli, LACP, an Independent Advisor associated with Certified Financial Services from Paramus, NJ, has received NAIFA's inaugural Annual Membership Hard Hat Award. He was presented the award by current NAIFA President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, and incoming 2023 President Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, November 14 in Washington, D.C., at NAIFA’s Belong awards celebration that was part of the National Leadership Conference.
NAIFA President Lawrence Holzberg, LACP, LUTCF, is pleased to announce that Adam Sachs, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC, AIF®, a Financial Advisor with Centinel Financial Group, LLC, in Needham, MA, is the recipient of the inaugural 2023 NAIFA President’s Citation.
Holzberg presented the citation to Sachs on November 14 at NAIFA’s Belong awards celebration at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C. in front of over 300 NAIFA members.
NAIFA members, in Washington, D.C., for NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference, went to Capitol Hill to participate in more than 150 in-person meetings with members of Congress and their staff.
NAIFA is proud to share that long-time partner and champion Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation was named #1 in the 2022 Top Workplaces USA, in an award issued by Energage. Fairway also took the top spot in 2021 as the top-ranked winner for a company with over 2,500 employees.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that Charmell Davis, CMP, is NAIFA’s new Vice President of Member Advancement. In this role, she leads NAIFA’s newly created Member Advancement team and reports to CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. The Member Advancement team combines many of the functions of NAIFA’s former Professional Development and Professional Credentials Departments under Davis’s direction.
Christopher Gandy, LACP, Founder of Midwest Legacy Group in Lisle, IL, and the top-ranked producer for OneAmerica, has been recognized as the NAIFA Diversity Champion for 2022.
Gandy, a loyal NAIFA member since 2003, serves on NAIFA’s Board of Trustees, is a Past President of NAIFA-Chicagoland, and is a Co-Chair of NAIFA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council. He was also a member of the NAIFA 2025 Strategic Planning Committee, which developed the NAIFA 2025 strategic plan with a goal of increasing DEI in the association and industry. After four years as a student-athlete at the University of Illinois and playing several seasons of professional basketball for the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs as well as in L’Hermaine, France, Gandy entered the insurance and financial services profession in 1999.
Members of NAIFA’s New York chapter (NAIFA-NY) held a virtual meeting with officials from the state Department of Financial Services (DFS). State President Gary Cappon, CLU, LUTCF, RICP, FSCP, CLTC, provided introductions and a brief rundown of NAIFA’s advocacy work and support for the agent and advisor community and the consumers they serve. He also discussed challenges with financial product availability in the state. President-Elect Vinny Dallo, ChFC, CLU, CLTC, LUTCF, and Vice President of Advocacy Paul Sciacca presented “A Day in the Life of a Financial Professional,” highlighting how NAIFA members serve families and businesses in the state.
Jeff Chernoff, M.S., LUTCF, LACP, Vice President of Insurance and Trust in Tampa, FL, is the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year for 2022.
Chernoff is the President-Elect of NAIFA-FL and has been a loyal NAIFA member since 2011. He is a graduate of NAIFA’s Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) and has remained active in the program, serving as a moderator of classes in Florida. He is a Past President of NAIFA-Tampa Bay and received that chapter’s Dick Cimino Distinguished Service Award in 2018 for his strong support of the chapter’s membership endeavors and public service projects.
Advisor Today is pleased to announce the winners of its 2022 4 Under 40 awards: Scott Blake, MBA, of Blake Wealth Partners (Northwestern Mutual) in Columbus, OH, loyal member since 2018; Eric Bottolfsen, MBA, of GoldBook Financial (MassMutual) in Scottsdale, AZ, loyal member since 2017; Matthew Daley, MBA, FSCP, LACP, LUTCF, of the Daley Agency (American National) in Miller Place, NY, loyal member since 2018; and Brett Moore, CFP, of RBM Wealth Management Group (LPL Financial) in Newnan, GA, loyal member since 2015.
NAIFA is proud to announce that Robert A. Miller, M.S., M.A., Partner at Miller-Pomerantz Insurance and Financial Services in New York City, is the recipient of NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award.
Miller, a loyal member since 1983, was NAIFA’s national President for the 2011-2012 term. He had previously served as President of the NAIFA-New York state chapter and NAIFA-New York City. He was elected to the NAIFA Board of Trustees in 2005 and has served as trustee liaison to the CEO Outreach Program, the Young Advisor Team, and the Corporate Partnerships Program. He also served as chair of the NAIFA Governance Committee and was a member of the NAIFA Finance Committee.
NAIFA Senior Vice President for Government Relations Diane Boyle appeared with other industry thought leaders on the National & Federal Insurance Perspective Panel at the Life Insurance Council of New York (LICONY) Annual Meeting and Planning Conference in Albany. She discussed with other panelists the top issues facing the insurance and financial services industry, the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the insurance sector, issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and NAIFA’s work with the American Council of Life Insurance (ACLI) to remove unnecessary barriers to recruiting new insurance professionals.
NAIFA is proud to announce Harry P. Hoopis, CLU, CHFC, Chief Executive Officer of the Hoopis Performance Network and a renowned entrepreneur, leader, and speaker is the recipient of the 81st annual John Newton Russell Memorial Award. The award is the highest honor accorded by the insurance industry to a living individual who has rendered outstanding services to the institution of life insurance. The selection committee consists of representatives of the nine leading organizations in the life insurance and financial services industry. NAIFA President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, announced Hoopis’s selection during the 2022 Q4 State of NAIFA webinar. Hoopis will be celebrated and formally receive the award at NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on November 14.
NAIFA congratulates Lisa Gomez on her confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA).
The NAIFA Family Response Fund is open to assist members of the association who suffer losses due to Hurricane Ian, which is expected to impact much of Florida as a potentially catastrophic storm. The Fund is also open to assist NAIFA members who suffered losses due to Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and the federally declared Mississippi Water Crisis.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and iLife Technologies have completed an educational partnership agreement to advance thought leadership and consumer education, and promote professional cooperation between the two organizations.
Under the partnership, iLife will provide exclusive benefits for NAIFA members through their all-in-one sales platform, content for NAIFA blog posts and social media platforms, as well as articles focused on helping insurance agents navigate the ever-increasing trend of online-centered businesses.
NAIFA Trustee Christopher Gandy, LACP, loyal member since 2003 and Founder of Midwest Legacy Group, is participating in a panel discussion at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) 2022 Insurance Summit. The session, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Producer Licensing,” is exploring how regulators and the insurance industry are addressing DEI issues in the distribution of insurance through pre-licensing and licensing exam procedures.
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance announced earlier this year that the state insurance licensing exam will now be offered in Spanish. NAIFA's Massachusetts chapter has been working with the Division of Insurance on this initiative and advocated for its adoption.
NAIFA is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15.
NAIFA’s Committee on Governance has nominated Douglas B. Massey, LUTCF, FSS, Owner of Doug Massey Financial Services in San Angelo, TX, to be the 2023 NAIFA Secretary. A current member of NAIFA’s Board of Trustees, Massey has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1987. As incoming Secretary, Massey will be in line to serve as President-Elect in 2024 and President in 2025.
NAIFA announces the launch of the Employee and Executive Benefits Center (EBC), the newest of NAIFA’s Centers for Excellence, at NAIFA’s Apex sales summit. The EBC is a community of agents, firms, carriers, and vendors that offers top-notch resources, innovative research, access to industry thought leaders, and opportunities for collaboration in the benefits space.
NAIFA’s Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) has received a 2022 Power of Associations Gold Award from ASAE, the Center for Association Leadership. The Power of Associations Awards honor “associations that go above and beyond their everyday mission to undertake initiatives that have far-reaching benefits important to their profession or industry.”
NAIFA’s Advisor Today magazine has launched a new Podcast series featuring outstanding NAIFA members and partners sharing their stories and answering questions about their own professional success. Their insights will offer practical ideas and inspire agents and advisors to reach their own levels of peak performance. Industry thought leaders featured on Advisor Today podcasts have a deep understanding of the insurance and financial services industry and what it takes to thrive in the profession.
NAIFA has opened access to the NAIFA Family Response Fund to assist members of the association impacted by devastating flooding in Kentucky that resulted in a federal disaster declaration covering many of the state’s counties. In addition to widespread flooding, severe storms, mudslides, and wind and tornado damage have resulted in significant property losses and fatalities.
Lifetime Financial Group Owner Jay Meneely has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1983. Now, his whole team benefits from NAIFA membership.
Lifetime was founded on giving financial education workshops. As Meneely says, “We're an educational firm that specializes in the delivery of financial products.” Meneely and his team work with employers to educate employees about their group benefits.
The NAIFA Foundation for Financial Security, created by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), aims to grow the number of ethical financial services professionals to better serve American households and small businesses. By increasing the pool of practicing advisors, the Foundation will advance financial literacy and promote financial security among all Americans with an emphasis on traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to return in-person for our NAIFA’s 7th Annual Diversity Symposium on May 23, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Presented by NAIFA’s Talent Development Center, NAIFA’s 7th Annual Diversity Symposium will focus on the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the insurance and financial services industry to provide opportunities for financial security to all Americans.
Increased demand for insurance products driven by raised awareness due to COVID-19 and a tight labor market.
New annualized premium for workplace life insurance, disability insurance and supplemental health products rose in 2021, according to LIMRA’s workplace benefits sales surveys.
“The year ended strong for workplace benefits sales, particularly life insurance, which recorded double-digit growth in the fourth quarter and the year,” said Patrick Leary, corporate vice president and director of LIMRA’s workplace benefits research program. “Insurance benefits remain a high priority for employees. New LIMRA research shows more than a quarter of workers list non-medical insurance benefits as one of the top five factors they consider when evaluating potential employers. As a result, employers have focused on benefits as a critical element of their recruiting and retention strategies. This played out with strong benefit sales in 2021.”
Increased demand for insurance products driven by raised awareness due to COVID-19 and a tight labor market.
New annualized premium for workplace life insurance, disability insurance and supplemental health products rose in 2021, according to LIMRA’s workplace benefits sales surveys.
“The year ended strong for workplace benefits sales, particularly life insurance, which recorded double-digit growth in the fourth quarter and the year,” said Patrick Leary, corporate vice president and director of LIMRA’s workplace benefits research program. “Insurance benefits remain a high priority for employees. New LIMRA research shows more than a quarter of workers list non-medical insurance benefits as one of the top five factors they consider when evaluating potential employers. As a result, employers have focused on benefits as a critical element of their recruiting and retention strategies. This played out with strong benefit sales in 2021.”
Apex is NAIFA’s new professional development signature event focused on providing top leadership, sales, and marketing ideas to financial services professionals. The new brand reflects the concept of a “race to the top” where only the top percent of advisors, and the aspiring top percent of advisors, gather to share and compare success stories. The inaugural Apex event will be August 17-18 at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix.
Apex is a completely redesigned pure-play professional development meeting. It features nationally known and highly regarded keynote speakers and educational sessions by top professionals and respected thought leaders in the insurance and financial services industry. Apex is also a premier networking event providing ample opportunities for top advisors to mingle, compare notes, and make valuable connections.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that Karla Kirk is NAIFA’s new Vice President of Growth and Revenue. In this role, she will be in charge of NAIFA’s business development, membership sales, and Centers of Excellence operations and will report to CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. She will lead a business development and sales team focused on advancing NAIFA initiatives to grow membership and corporate non-dues revenue.
NAIFA and the Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP) have entered into a new agreement to support the Advanced Practice Center (APC) as a resource for financial professionals and professionals from associated fields. The APC’s webinars, articles, special events, thought leadership content, and networking opportunities will focus on advanced markets topics and concepts, providing insights into complex cases.
NAIFA is now accepting nominations and applications for its 2022 awards, recognizing outstanding leadership, performance, and achievement that differentiates NAIFA members from their colleagues in the insurance and financial services industry. NAIFA bestows these annual awards as programs of the Talent Development Center, which recognizes exemplary NAIFA members, promotes professional growth, and encourages a new generation of agents and advisors to join the business.
The Intercompany Long-Term Care Insurance Conference (ILTCI 2022) is taking place March 21-23 in Raleigh, NC, with sessions featuring NAIFA thought leaders and a special NAIFA networking event. The ILTCI’s annual educational conference is for representatives of the long-term and extended care insurance community and other strategic allies, including providers, public policy institutions, professional organizations, federal, state, and local government agencies, and the public. Online registration for the event is open.
The Intercompany Long-Term Care Insurance Conference (ILTCI 2022) is taking place March 21-23 in Raleigh, NC, with sessions featuring NAIFA thought leaders and a special NAIFA networking event. The ILTCI’s annual educational conference is for representatives of the long-term and extended care insurance community and other strategic allies, including providers, public policy institutions, professional organizations, federal, state, and local government agencies, and the public. Online registration for the event is open.
Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) will be a featured speaker on Thursday, March 1, in St. Louis at the 2022 NAIFA-Missouri State Meeting. His remarks at the event will review the State of NAIFA and challenge insurance and financial professionals to be the best they can be as producers and as advocates for their businesses, association, and Main Street clients.
Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) was a featured speaker Thursday, February 24, in Houston at the 2022 Annual State Conference of NAIFA’s Texas chapter. His remarks at the event reviewed the State of NAIFA and challenged insurance and financial professionals to be the best they can be as producers and as advocates for their businesses, association, and Main Street clients.
The Q1 State of NAIFA webinar featured NAIFA President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, and CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, who updated the association’s stakeholders on how NAIFA is serving members and the insurance and financial services industry. They also outlined NAIFA’s progress towards meeting goals established by the NAIFA 2025 Strategic Plan. The program featured a legislative and regulatory update by NAIFA Senior Vice President for Government Relations Diane Boyle.
NAIFA has recognized more than 1,000 recipients of the 2021 NAIFA Quality Awards (NQA). NAIFA Quality Awards recognize the best of our membership, the hallmark of outstanding client care for advisors. Originally created in 1945 as the National Quality Award, the award focused on recognizing outstanding performance for life insurance agents. While the award has been updated and modernized, the NQA still adheres to its core foundation, to focus on quality of care and not only on production numbers.
Apex is NAIFA’s new signature event focused on providing innovative sales and marketing ideas to financial services professionals who serve individuals, families, and small businesses across the United States. The new brand reflects the concept of a “race to the top” to target those advisors who seek continuous improvement in increasing production and providing financial security to more Americans. The inaugural Apex event will be August 16-18 at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix.
NAIFA and Chalice Network™ have completed an educational and affinity partnership agreement, under which Chalice Network will provide the Marketplace and Succession Link to NAIFA members. Additionally, Chalice Network and NAIFA will collaborate on blog posts, webinars, and other content within NAIFA’s Business Performance Center that focuses on agency and firm-level practice management.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that Wall Street Financial, Inc. in Carlinville, Marion, and Bloomington IL, and a location in Memphis, TN, has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, Wall Street Financial, Inc has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.
NAIFA has announced that it will hold its 2022 Congressional Congress in-person May 23-24 in Washington, D.C. The event will feature targeted advocacy training with briefings on legislative issues that affect members’ businesses and the clients they serve. Expert presenters will offer best practices for conducting Congressional meetings and tips for developing impactful long-term relationships with legislators.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that its 2022 State Chapter Presidents have taken office as of January 1. State Presidents provide leadership for their states’ advocacy team, drive their states’ grassroots influence, build participation in NAIFA state legislative days and send state representatives to NAIFA’s annual Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C.
Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, Managing Director and Director of Insurance and Advance Sales, at Fortis Lux Financial, in Melville, NY, (loyal member since 1990) is the 2022 President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, President of Bryon Holz & Associates in Brandon, FL, (loyal member since 1987) is President-Elect, Thomas M. Cothron, LUTCF, Agency Manager with Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company in Ocala, FL, (loyal member since 1981) is Secretary, and Brock Jolly, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CLTC, CASL, CFBS, of Veritas Financial LLC/MassMutual Financial Group in McLean, VA, (loyal member since 2001) is Treasurer. Thomas O. Michel, LACP, Managing Director of Michel Financial Group in Los Angeles (loyal member since 1986) will continue his service as Immediate Past President.
NAIFA has announced the completion of its 2021 Business Implementation Plan that is phase one of its 2025 Strategic Plan, and the release of its new Business Implementation Plan for 2022. The 2025 Strategic Plan builds on the NAIFA 20/20 plan penned in 2016 that navigated the organization through a complete restructure of its chapters and overhaul of its bylaws.
The winner of NAIFA-CA's Norman G. Levine Distinguished Service Award is Jill M. Judd, LUTCF, FSS, RICP. Judd is a Past President of NAIFA-CA and NAIFA-National. She has been a State Farm Agent serving her community in Capitola, California, for the past 20 years.
On December 6, 2021, NAIFA partner OneAmerica announced strategic leadership changes in its Individual Life and Financial Services (ILFS) line of business aimed at strengthening distribution, recruiting, and business development operations. By building upon its leadership core, the ILFS business is well-positioned to effectively execute on its distribution vision focused on accelerated growth and operational excellence.
New ILFS appointments include:
Jeff Levin, vice president, Care Solutions Distribution
On December 6, 2021, OneAmerica announced strategic leadership changes in its Individual Life and Financial Services (ILFS) line of business aimed at strengthening distribution, recruiting, and business development operations. New ILFS appointments include:
NAIFA is proud to announce Robelynn H. Abadie, CAP™, CHRS, LUTCF, CSA, RFC, RDA™, Founder and Owner of Abadie Financial Services (AFS), LLC, an insurance and financial services agency in Baton Rouge, LA, is the recipient of the 80th annual John Newton Russell Memorial Award. The award is the highest honor accorded by the insurance industry to a living individual who has rendered outstanding services to the institution of life insurance. The selection committee consists of representatives of the nine leading organizations in the life insurance and financial services industry. Abadie received the award at NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on December 6.
NAIFA is proud to announce that Robert M. Roach, CLU, ChFC, AEP, Partner at Roach McIntyre & Associates in Columbus, OH, and a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual since 1968, is the recipient of the inaugural Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award.
Chad Cooper, MBA, a Financial Advisor with Gateway Insurance & Financial Services in Albuquerque, NM, has been recognized as NAIFA’s 2021 Diversity Champion.
Cooper, a loyal NAIFA member since 2018, began his career in financial services in Albuquerque in 2003, focusing his outreach and prospecting in the city’s small African American community. He saw a need for financial literacy training and worked with his firm to develop a program of monthly seminars on the financial concerns of African Americans. Today, his clients include all segments of Albuquerque’s diverse population, including members of its large Hispanic and Native American populations. He continues to offer a financial literacy program to lower-income residents through the African American Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (AAGACC) and a grant from the Kellogg Foundation.
Brian Haney, CLTC, CFBS, CIS, CFS, CAE, LACP, Founder and Vice President of the Haney Company in Silver Spring, MD, is the NAIFA Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year for 2021.
Haney is a member of NAIFA-Greater Washington, D.C., and has served on the chapter’s Board for more than seven years. He is the current NAIFA-GWDC Young Advisor Team (YAT) Chair and a Past President of the chapter. He has chaired several other NAIFA-GWDC committees and served on the Board of NAIFA-MD. He is a 2015 graduate of NAIFA’s Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) and serves as a LILI Moderator.
Advisor Today, the official publication of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), is pleased to announce that Steven Walker of Gate City Insurance in Fargo, ND, loyal member since 2009, is a winner of a 2021 Four Under Forty award. Additional winners this year are J. Cal Anderson, CFP, CLU, of Ameriprise Financial in Alpharetta, GA, loyal member since 2008; Joanna Dellosa, LUTCF, FSS, RICP, LACP, CLU, of Wilshire Group Financial Services in Los Angeles, loyal member since 2012; and Rebecca Schulter, LUTCF, of UCL Financial Group in Memphis, TN, loyal member since 2015.
Advisor Today, the official publication of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), is pleased to announce that Rebecca Schulter of UCL Financial Group in Memphis, TN, loyal member since 2015, is a winner of a 2021 Four Under Forty award. Additional winners this year are J. Cal Anderson, CFP, CLU, of Ameriprise Financial in Alpharetta, GA, loyal member since 2008; Joanna Dellosa, LUTCF, FSS, RICP, LACP, CLU, of Wilshire Group Financial Services in Los Angeles, loyal member since 2012; and Steven Walker, LUTCF, of Gate City Insurance in Fargo, ND, loyal member since 2009.
Advisor Today, the official publication of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), is pleased to announce that Joanna Dellosa, LUTCF, FSS, RICP, LACP, CLU, of Wilshire Group Financial Services in Los Angeles, loyal member since 2012, is a winner of a 2021 Four Under Forty award. Additional winners this year are J. Cal Anderson, CFP, CLU, of Ameriprise Financial in Alpharetta, GA, loyal member since 2008; Rebecca Schulter of UCL Financial Group in Memphis, TN, loyal member since 2015; and Steven Walker, LUTCF, of Gate City Insurance in Fargo, ND, loyal member since 2009.
Advisor Today, the official publication of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), is pleased to announce that J. Cal Anderson, CFP, CLU, of Ameriprise Financial in Alpharetta, GA, loyal member since 2008 is a winner of a 2021 Four Under Forty award. Additional winners this year are Joanna Dellosa, LUTCF, FSS, RICP, LACP, CLU, of Wilshire Group Financial Services in Los Angeles, loyal member since 2012; Rebecca Schulter of UCL Financial Group in Memphis, TN, loyal member since 2015; and Steven Walker, LUTCF, of Gate City Insurance in Fargo, ND, loyal member since 2009.
NAIFA and LifeSecure have completed an educational partnership agreement to advance thought leadership and consumer education and promote professional cooperation between the two organizations. Under the partnership, LifeSecure will provide content for NAIFA blog posts and social media platforms, as well as articles for NAIFA’s Advisor Today.
NAIFA and LifeSecure have completed an educational partnership agreement to advance thought leadership and consumer education and promote professional cooperation between the two organizations. Under the partnership, LifeSecure will provide content for NAIFA blog posts and social media platforms, as well as articles for NAIFA’s Advisor Today.
NAIFA is a proud member of the Coalition for Equity in Wholesaling, a group founded by Equitable to increase the number of diverse professionals in the role of insurance wholesaler. The initial focus of the coalition “is on the Black community, which will inform its work and serve as a blueprint as it scales a repeatable model that will ultimately be used to benefit all diverse communities.”
NAIFA congratulates the members who earned the Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP) certification during the July testing window:
Rodrigo Menendez, MBA, CRPC, LACP, has been a NAIFA member since 2011. He began his career with State Farm in 2011, taking over a book of business from a retiring 30-year veteran of the insurance industry. He was recruited by a family friend who was looking for Spanish-speaking agents.
Early on, Menendez could tell it was the right fit for him. The most important thing in Menendez’s work, he says, is helping people. He builds relationships with his clients and their families that last years. “Being able to provide them some sense of relief, financially, in a situation when they’re grieving - I think that's one of the reasons we focus on life insurance so much in my agency,” he explains.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that Retirement Council, Inc., in Coral Springs, FL, has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, Retirement Council, Inc., has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that NetWorth Asset Management in Lansdale, PA, has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, NetWorth Asset Management, Inc. has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.
NAIFA’s Limited and Extended Care Planning Center is hosting the second annual NAIFA LECP Impact Week, November 1 - 5.
The virtual event, with the theme Success Is a Collaboration of Problems Solved, has been revamped for 2021. Each of the five days of Impact Week programming will drill down on a specific topic and feature multiple presenters in a packed one-hour presentation, 12 - 1 pm eastern.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 | 2 pm eastern
The Q4 State of NAIFA will feature NAIFA President Thomas Michel, LACP, and CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, updating all interested stakeholders on how NAIFA is serving members and the insurance and financial services industry. They will also outline the association’s progress towards meeting goals established by the NAIFA 2025 Strategic Plan. The program will feature a legislative and regulatory update by NAIFA Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Judi Carsrud.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and Carefull have completed an educational partnership agreement to advance thought leadership and consumer education and promote professional cooperation between the two organizations. Under the partnership, Carefull will provide preferred access to the Carefull monitoring technology for NAIFA members, content for NAIFA blog posts and social media platforms, as well as articles around protecting and managing older adult's finances for NAIFA’s Advisor Today.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and Carefull have completed an educational partnership agreement to advance thought leadership and consumer education and promote professional cooperation between the two organizations. Under the partnership, Carefull will provide preferred access to the Carefull monitoring technology for NAIFA members, content for NAIFA blog posts and social media platforms, as well as articles around protecting and managing older adult's finances for NAIFA’s Advisor Today.
NAIFA has issued a press release announcing the Governance Committee's nominees for candidates to run for the 2022 NAIFA Board of Trustees and Secretary. The new leadership will be elected in December and will serve along with incoming NAIFA President Lawrence Holzberg and President-Elect Bryon Holz.
NAIFA and the Society of FSP are bringing together thought leaders for three days of high-impact presentations by financial planning thought leaders for the first Advanced Practice Impact Week October 19th - 21st. Experts will provide valuable takeaways focused on succession planning, life insurance strategies for business owners, employee stock ownership plans, and more.
NAIFA and White Glove have completed a marketing partnership agreement. The two organizations will work together to bring modern marketing practices to financial services professionals while raising awareness of the critical advocacy work that NAIFA undertakes at the state, interstate, and federal levels. White Glove is a founding partner of NAIFA’s Business Performance Center that provides thought leadership to agents and advisors on practice management.
NAIFA and White Glove have completed a marketing partnership agreement. The two organizations will work together to bring modern marketing practices to financial services professionals while raising awareness of the critical advocacy work that NAIFA undertakes at the state, interstate, and federal levels. White Glove is a founding partner of NAIFA’s Business Performance Center that provides thought leadership to agents and advisors on practice management.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that Flagship Financial, with offices in Sanatoga and Trappe, PA, has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, Flagship Financial has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.
NAIFA has reopened access to the NAIFA Family Response Fund to benefit members of the association impacted by Hurricane Ida and its remnants, which hit New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities, as well as Northern states including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. High winds, extreme rainfall, flooding, tornadoes, and utility outages have resulted in significant property losses and fatalities.
NAIFA congratulates the members who earned the Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP) certification during the July testing window:
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and WebCE have completed an educational partnership agreement to supply NAIFA members with online CE-based education for insurance and financial advisors. The offering is comprehensive and spans pre-licensing exam preparation for insurance and securities exams through company-mandated training for workplace training and firm element. NAIFA will enable its members to attain continuing education for licensure, certifications, and designations through the partnership.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to announce that Weigner Insurance & Financial Services in Pottstown, PA, has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, Weigner Insurance has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that Randy Clark has joined the NAIFA team as Senior Director of Membership Outreach and Engagement.
For the past 11 years, Clark worked for the National Rifle Association and led teams responsible for growing membership programs, contractor sales, events and conferences, and industry partnerships. He also held leadership sales positions with Nauticon Imaging Solutions, AirTran Airways, and Coca-Cola. He holds a BS in Marketing from the University of Maryland.
NAIFA Policy Director Maeghan Gale will represent insurance and financial advisors and NAIFA on the Board of Directors of the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR).
NIPR is a not-for-profit technology company with the goal of streamlining the producer licensing process. Governed by a Board of Directors representing state insurance regulators and members of the insurance industry, NIPR is an affiliate of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Gale joins the board immediately.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that Michelle Harris has joined the NAIFA team as Vice President of Business Development and External Relations.
NAIFA and Real Wealth® Marketing have entered a marketing partnership to promote professional cooperation between the two organizations. Under the partnership, Real Wealth® Marketing will offer NAIFA members free and discounted memberships that include access to educational webinars on technology, relationship building, and marketing solutions.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that Primary Financial in Edison, NJ, has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, Primary Financial has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.
Registration is open for NAIFA’s Performance + Purpose (P+P) conference, NAIFA’s signature professional development event, August 17-19. This year’s P+P will remain in an all-virtual format with the expectation of returning to an in-person conference in 2022 in Phoenix.
NAIFA and Customers Bank have completed an educational partnership agreement to advance thought leadership and consumer education and promote professional cooperation between the two associations. Under the partnership, Customers Bank will provide content for NAIFA blog posts as well as articles for NAIFA’s Advisor Today. NAIFA and Customers Bank will work together to give broader access for financial professionals and consumers to Customers Bank content in areas where the organizations’ interests overlap.
“NAIFA is excited to partner with Customers Bank to allow our members access to another great resource that they can extend to their clientele,” stated Suzanne Carawan, VP, Marketing & Communications. “NAIFA is always working to provide members with new ways to provide better service to their clients and build more innovative and lucrative practices. Partnering with Customers Bank and raising awareness of their offerings to our members provides additional opportunities to innovate their practice.”
NAIFA is pleased to announce that LPL Financial has accepted the use of the Life and Annuities Certified Professional (LACP) certification for use by agents and advisors who it works with. The LACP demonstrates a professional knowledge of life and annuity products and an ethical approach to sales.
NAIFA and OneAmerica® have completed an agreement on the Educational Partner Program, under which OneAmerica will provide educational content and thought leadership for NAIFA’s Advisor Today platform as well as its Centers for Excellence: The Business Performance Center, Limited and Extended Care Planning Center, and Talent Development Center. OneAmerica sponsored and participated within NAIFA’s 2021 Virtual Congressional Conference held May 25-26th that drew more than 1,350 advisors, and will be a key sponsor for the upcoming Performance+Purpose conference to be held virtually August 17-19, 2021.
NAIFA and ReminderMedia have completed a marketing partnership agreement to promote professional cooperation between the two organizations. Under the partnership, ReminderMedia is a founding member of the Business Performance Center. NAIFA and ReminderMedia will work together to give broader access for financial professionals and consumers in areas where the organizations’ interests overlap.
The National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA) is the exclusive trade association solely dedicated to fixed annuities. NAFA has brought together industry leaders to spread awareness via the Coalitions for Annuity Awareness in celebration of Annuity Awareness Month. The Coalition is comprised of industry associations that serve consumers by educating them about annuity products. NAIFA recognizes the importance of NAFA’s mission to spread awareness on annuities, making the partnership between our two organizations a natural fit. NAIFA, like NAFA, understands the role annuities play in today’s market. The significance these products have on Americans in an environment that has enabled people to live healthier, longer lives are invaluable. NAFA has worked tirelessly for more than a decade to have the month of June be well-recognized and respected as an Annuity Awareness month, a vision that is now materialized via the Coalition of Annuity Awareness.
NAIFA is proud to announce the general availability of its online version of the Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) program. The online version of LILI is a new extension of the product line that allows for participants to undertake the six-month program without the need to travel.
The NAIFA Board of Trustees has announced that CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, has agreed to a five-year contract extension and will continue in his role as the association’s chief executive.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that Centric Advisors in Houston has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, Centric has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.
NAIFA’s Congressional Congress, May 25-26, will be a virtual event featuring targeted advocacy training with briefings on legislative issues that affect members’ businesses, best practices for conducting congressional meetings, and tips for developing impactful long-term relationships with legislators.
(NAIFA) has launched NAIFAconnect.org, an online community and member portal providing NAIFA members with tools to better connect with peers and offer a more personalized profile to consumers.
NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux and President Tom Michel issued the following statement:
NAIFA’s 2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Week is a virtual event featuring three days of programming, April 6-8. Presentations and discussions will focus on increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the insurance and financial industry and providing needed products, services, and advice to traditionally underserved communities.
NAIFA and the Southern Medical Association (SMA) have completed an educational partnership agreement to advance thought leadership and consumer education and promote professional cooperation between the two associations. Under the partnership, SMA will provide content for NAIFA blog posts and social media platforms, as well as articles for NAIFA’s Advisor Today. NAIFA and SMA will work together to give broader access for financial professionals and consumers to SMA content in areas where the associations’ interests overlap.
Ameritas and NAIFA are teaming up to advance the careers of rising stars in the financial services industry. This initiative will engage Ameritas qualifying financial professionals in financial services advocacy by helping to build broader networks and leverage new pathways to grow their careers.
“NAIFA is the nation’s leading governmental advocacy group for the financial services industry. This program engages the next generation of industry leaders and supports their development as a voice for our clients at the state and national levels” said Kevin Mayeux, NAIFA Chief Executive Officer. “Engaging in the conversation is key to understanding and responding to the forces that shape our business. Elevating financial professional careers – that’s what this initiative is all about.”
Ameritas Growth Leaders (AGL) will be the focus of this project. AGL is an exclusive study group for the next generation of financial service industry leaders. Qualifying financial professionals for this opportunity are in their first ten years in the financial services industry.
Qualifying agents will receive:
“Strengthening the next generation of leaders in financial services is mission critical for our industry,” said Shannon Berry, Ameritas Second Vice President – Practice Management. “We take pride and inspiration from our relationships with industry trade organizations. Ameritas and NAIFA are thrilled to be bringing this valuable new program to our industry’s emerging leaders.”
Ameritas and NAIFA will hold a virtual information session with qualifying AGL members to outline the details of this career advancing opportunity.
Learn more about how wealth managers can represent Ameritas by visiting our website.
NAIFA has expanded access to the NAIFA Family Response Fund to benefit members of the association impacted by deadly winter storms in Texas. Officials in Texas and media reports indicate the extreme weather and associated utility outages have resulted in significant property losses and fatalities.
NAIFA has created a Speakers Bureau to provide high-quality presenters and thought leaders for events across NAIFA Nation. NAIFA will draw from the Bureau to offer industry-leading content at NAIFA’s annual Performance + Purpose conference; NAIFA Live – the association’s premier virtual monthly meeting open to members across the country; and other educational, motivational, and professional development events. NAIFA will encourage its state and local chapters to use talent from the Speakers Bureau for their events.
NAIFA is pleased to announce that Lincoln Financial has approved the Life and Annuities Certified Professional (LACP) certification for use by the agents and advisors who provide its products. The LACP demonstrates a professional knowledge of life and annuity products and an ethical approach to sales.
NAIFA has released its NAIFA 2025 Strategic Plan, which establishes a roadmap to lead the association to new heights of success over the next five years. NAIFA 2025 sets priority goals and desired outcomes for association years 2021 through 2025 in three categories: Membership Growth, Brand Amplification, and Member Experience.
(NAIFA) has announced the 2021 members of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council and scheduled its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Impact Week for April 6-8.
NAIFA has announced that its Business Performance Center Impact Week will offer an amazing slate of virtual programing led by industry experts, March 23-25. Presentations will be high-impact and provide valuable takeaways focused on practice management, growing your business, and reaching new markets.
ASAE recognizes NAIFA’s efforts to bolster insurance and financial professionals who are new to the industry.
Advisor Today, the official publication of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2020 Four Under Forty awards: Andrew Bartling, FIC, LACP, of Modern Woodmen of America in Rapid City, SD; Richard M. Demko II, LUTCF, LACP, of Guardian Group in The Woodlands, TX; Samuel G. Sones, LUTCF, of Lincoln County Farm Bureau in Brookhaven, MS; and Joyce J. Yoo, of Wisely Financial in San Francisco.
Carina Hatfield, LUTCF, LACP, CLCS, of Spring City, PA, is the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year for 2020.
Stephen Kagawa, LUTCF, FSS, of Monrovia, Calif., has been recognized as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ 2020 Diversity Champion. Kagawa is CEO and Chairman of the Board of The Pacific Bridge Companies.
The countless choices can be mind boggling while researching your retirement investing options. However, there are certain decisions that should not be either/or.
As many industries transition to alternative working arrangements in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, certain sectors and functions essential to the nation’s public health, safety, and community well-being must continue to operate. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently released an advisory initial list of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.”
NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux has written Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, asking the administration to include tax-exempt associations in any policies designed to provide businesses relief from impacts of the CONVID-19 outbreak.
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