2015 November/December NAIFA CEO

Dear NAIFA Members,

Does it sometimes feel like you’re in the crosshairs? Attacks on Financial Advisors and misrepresentations about the kinds of work you do for your clients seem to be coming at an ever quickening pace.

We have critics in many corners, whether it’s President Obama infamously railing against “snake oil salesmen,” a current series on National Public Radio questioning the value of Advisors, or the Department of Labor swatting a gnat with a sledgehammer in the form of its thousand-page fiduciary proposal (which, by the way, in printed form may weigh as much as a sledge hammer).

Fortunately, as always, NAIFA has your back! Our advocacy team and grassroots organization are hard at work, educating members of Congress and federal regulators about the good work you do for your clients. We have produced materials like our “Securing America’s Future” report that explain to regulators, lawmakers, the media and the public how NAIFA members provide undeniably valuable products and services to their clients.

2015 May/June President Elect

Why NAIFA?

The world is constantly changing.  These changes may be large or small, for better or worse.  Change can be good and change can be scary, however one thing I know is there will always be change.

NAIFA has undergone many changes since I became a member in 1998.  We have seen changes in our name (formerly NALU), local and national leadership, membership participation, dues increases, and various member benefits.  However, throughout those years of change there have been a few things that have remained constant.  First and foremost, the emphasis that we work in a noble profession, where we help millions of people every day.   We help families identify and protect against the risks and uncertainty that life can provide.  Second, our industry and the services that we provide are constantly under attack by government entities that are seemingly out of our control.  And lastly, NAIFA members like to have fun while giving back to their industry .

2015 March/April Past President's Message

I Learned It All In Kindergarten

Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but right there in the sandbox at nursery school.

These are the things I learned: Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Flush. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody… Learn some and think some, and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some…

When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together…

Think of what a better world it would be if we all – the whole world – had cookies and milk about 3 o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had a basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them, and cleaned up our own messes. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.”

                                              -Robert Fulghum

2014 November/December Past President's Message

Hero In Our Midst

 

Just a little more than a month ago the joint meeting of NAIFA South Puget Sound and Washington Association of Fraternal Insurance Counselors was held on the Tacoma Waterfront. The purpose of the meeting was to educate and inspire as well as foster comradery between the insurance and financial professionals in attendance.  First we heard from Hal Prucop, attorney at law of Issaquah on some basic estate planning documents and considerations including beneficiary designations that sometimes we take for granted and that may not be in alignment with the desires of our clients and prospects. Hal is a very energetic caring attorney that believes in what we do and supports us.  We then heard from the well respected Bob Pittman, attorney at law from Fircrest. Bob has been an estate planning attorney extraordinaire for many years and I’m sure already known by many of you. Bob also believes in what we do and works very well with us in accomplishing our client’s objectives. He is a strong proponent of life insurance for many reasons that we also believe and shared several sales ideas including at least one that many of us may not have known about. Inherited IRAs are not safe from creditors. Bob shared some real life stories relating to this issue and how we should consider alternatives to the inherited IRA, like life insurance.

2014 September/October Professional Development

NAIFA Prospecting Program

NAIFA Washington is constantly exploring ways to effectively and efficiently deliver value to its members.  In the past we have presented fantastic speakers, continuing education credits and learning experiences through our Financial Service Forum.  Unfortunately, many of our members were not able to take advantage of these great programs due to location and logistics.  This year we have an exciting new program that will take the place of the Financial Service Forum, and deliver a fantastic learning opportunity that is web based and will allow you to take advantage of this program at your own pace.  Chris Carlson will be moderating our first program:

Introducing NAIFA Washington’s Coaching Series:

 

Prospecting Through Positioning

Fill Your Pipeline With Great Opportunities

The challenge almost every agent and advisor has when it comes to prospecting is getting through the thousands of marketing messages your prospects receive each day.  In order for your prospecting methods to have a chance at success, it is critical that you establish credibility with your prospect.

2014 July/August LILI

2014 LILI Class Happens!

I’m so proud to announce that NAIFA Washington is joining NAIFA Oregon in a first joint class…6 students from Oregon and 2 students from Washington.  Joe Newman & Jim Scott are participating this year for NAIFA Washington.  Jeff Kyle, NAIFA WA Past President and Steve Forman, NAIFA OR, current Chair of the NAIFA – National Communications Committee are the Moderators!

The students’ expectations are high and the Leadership In Life Institute will deliver.  LILI is a six-month leadership development program devoted to advancing your personal growth and professional success. The course offers:

·         The best in leadership and personal-development thinking

·         Tools to improve your practice and create a business plan

·         Increased understanding of self and improved interpersonal relationships

·         Expanded professional network and opportunities for growth through LILI alumni programs

·         Leadership opportunities in NAIFA

2014 May/June NAIFA Washington Award Recipients

Congratulations to the following NAIFA-Washington Award Recipients...

Step Up to the Plate Award
Alan Zalewski, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF
NAIFA South Puget Sound

YAT Agent of the Year Award
Alexander Collins, ChFC
NAIFA Seattle/Eastside

Lifetime Achievement Award
Thomas E. Fowler, CLU, ChFC
NAIFA Seattle/Eastside

Inspirational Award
Randy Kimm, LUTCF
NAIFA Spokane

Advocacy Award
Sharon L. Sparling, CIC, NAIFA Northwest
Richard Ek, LUTCF, NAIFA-Snohomish

Retiring Regional Vice Presidents Award
Neal Kloke, Region I RVP, NAIFA Northwest
Kay Mielke-Crookshanks, Region V RVP, NAIFA Twin Harbors

President's Plaque and Gavel
Kevin Gleim, LUTCF, FICF, NAIFA South Puget Sound
2013-2014 President NAIFA Washington

NAIFA Washington thanks you for your service and dedication. Well Done!

2014 March/April President's Message

NAIFA’s Mission is to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of our members. I know that you are reading this message and newsletter because you are a dues paying valued member of NAIFA and that you understand and aspire to live up to this mission. Many of you have sponsored new members over the years and continue to do so with my sincere gratitude.  I can’t say it enough how important it is to our profession, our clients and prospects that we grow the numbers of NAIFA members. You know as well as I that legislators listen more intently when a large number of their constituents are affected by issues. Therefore I am going to share with you some research relating to other professions and their respective organizations.

There are approximately 1 million doctors in America with 250,000 of them paying $420 annual dues to The American Medical Association.  

2014 January/February President's Message

"Wins and Challenges"

I want to take some time here to recognize the many NAIFA members that attended Day on the Hill to become more informed of the healthcare issues regarding the exchange and some life and retirement issues as well. They followed up the morning session with visits to legislators educating them and encouraging them to vote in a manor favorable to our profession and our clients, their constituents.  One issue remaining of concern was the plan to have retirement plans offered to small business by the state. We felt pretty confident the Senate would not condone it but the House was a different story. Thank you Sharon Sparling and Richard Ek, along with Mel Sorensen for testifying before the House Committee on our behalf! As I write this it appears the House will pass the bill.  This is where you as our members will be urged to contact legislators soon. Please open all of your NAIFA email and take action when asked.

Recently we have seen several new members joining our Association, thank you. To those who have sponsored a new member – Thank you! Remember the contest of bringing in 10 new members and having a week stay in Eastern Oregon at the very nice home of our National Committeeman Al Zalewski. If you have any questions contact Al or Jim Scott our Membership chair. While these are surely wins for our Association we are far short of where we need to be in numbers to remain a force for good in Olympia and Washington. I challenge each of you to sponsor at least one new member between now and the next newsletter, two months from now. Many of the companies have endorsed NAIFA to their agents and brokers so it may be as easy as asking. You can ask Linda for a brochure or just go to the NAIFA website and print one to give to the prospect. Ask them to join while you are there either online or with the paper form and check or bank withdrawal part completed. I want to thank you in advance for making the effort.

2013 August/September Immediate Past President

Congratulations NAIFA Washington!

We did it! As a result of this state operating as a T.E.A.M., we have earned the coveted national award, The Jack E. Bobo Award of Excellence at the GOLD level! I am super proud of everyone’s effort and perseverance through some difficult challenges! The level of our achievement may or may not register with every member, but this award is our measure of success as an association and can be earned at both the local and state levels! The reason it’s a “big deal” is if you are earning this award, you are succeeding as an association. It matters! If your local did not earn this award, you should be asking your leadership why not.

NAIFA will be recognizing our achievement in San Antonio at the NAIFA National Convention! I look forward to seeing all who are attending and again…GREAT JOB! Let’s do it again and again!

Jeff Kyle, LUTCF, LTCP

2013 August/September Membership

Dog Days of Summer- Learn a new Trick or two- FREE!

Your continued support of NAFIA affords you many self-directed “Best Practices.” Here just are just few:

Take advantage of some of these following FREE services.

NAIFA Online Seminar Series The NAIFA Online Seminar Series features training and information programs on various topics important to running your business and enhancing your success, including practice management, sales, marketing, and prospecting, each with specific content for every career stage. These video based programs are further enhanced by downloadable print materials and resources.

NAIFA Virtual Library  Whether you are a new advisor or agent, or an experienced producer, the NAIFA Virtual Library is your key to a myriad of sales support tools and resources that will help you grow and succeed in your business.

2013 June/July Membership

Just Ask!

Towards the end of the state convention, Kevin asked me to take on the State membership role for next year. I’m currently the south sound’s membership chair. Kevin and I have known each other for over 28 years. So it’s a convenience thing, more than replacing Wayne. Wayne has done an outstanding job and I will be hard-pressed to fill his shoes. Thank you Wayne for your outstanding service!

Our 2014 membership goals will be outlined soon by the state board, but until then you can begin at your local board level building membership.  I’m requesting that when you meet with your local board throughout the year you challenge each board member to bring at least one new member/reinstating a lapsed member into the local this coming year. Our local board is tracking this closely and we expect that everyone “Just Asks” and lead members in membership growth and retention.

“Just Ask” is our 2013-14 recruiting motto.

Be on the lookout for some exciting news about some recognition awards at the state convention for the Top Three locals that have the highest percentage of increase in reported membership by next year convention.

Jim Scott

State Membership Chairman