DOWNLOAD THE NAILBA 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

President Obama certainly made good on his campaign promise of change this year.  But to what end?  Through September, we have seen an historic tanking by the stock market with an equally historic rally of poor consumer sentiment, high unemployment, general business malaise and maybe an unprecedented level of potential threat to our industry generally—and our business as BGAs specifically. 

As the independent life brokerage industry continues to attract more attention and visibility, it is more important than ever to be our own best advocates – to educate stakeholders about our value and role in effective regulation, financial protection, and consumer choice.  And, over the past year, NAILBA has demonstrated its ability to help you do just that.

NAILBA will continue to be the leading organization promoting the freedom of financial choice by offering consumers access to multiple product options through independent agents.  Through collaborative initiatives with our allied partners, NAILBA is fostering the responsible and effective distribution of life and health insurance and related financial services by helping shape the future of independent brokerage distribution through the creation of effective legislation and regulation. 

It is important, however, to acknowledge that a great deal of work remains ahead.  As long as there exist gaps in recognizing, understanding, and acknowledging the value of independent distribution to consumers, NAILBA will stand ready with professional development opportunities, industry standards and a collective voice for legislative and regulatory efforts.

I am proud to be part of such an accomplished organization.  I invite you to share in that pride as we celebrate the past and look to the future with high expectations of great things for our profession and NAILBA.

Gary Dworkin, 2009 NAILBA Chairman