Executive Forum Update
Many thanks to all who attended the very successful Executive Forum last week in New Orleans!  Conference participants spent a full day discussing issues of importance to the independent life brokerage community.

To start the day, Peter Ricchiuti, Tulane University Professor and finance industry expert, provided some optimistic and thoughtful insights to the trends and issues facing our community in 2010 and beyond.  Ricchiuti offered some historical perspective, a few predictions, several fantastic resources and even included some humorous illustrative examples.

Following the Opening General Session, participants engaged in a lively and interactive panel discussion facilitated by Gene Koster, DCG Corporation and comprised of panelists Chuck Anderson of Prudential; J. Craig Collins of ING; Chris Gries of Leaders Partners; Carolyn Johnson of Protective (West Coast Life); and Michael Tessler of Brokerage Unlimited. Panelists and participants discussed business trends, market issues and legislative issues, including a lively Q&A from the audience participants.

Following lunch, participants wrapped up with an extensive Leadership Training session, presented by the Ritz Carlton Leadership Center. Participants reviewed and discussed the 12 Leadership Principles, were provided with Leadership Self Assessment tools, discussed the formula for Legendary Service and examined the traits of High Performing Teams.

In addition to the great educational program, there was no shortage of outstanding networking opportunities and plenty of great New Orleans cuisine! Watch the NAILBA Web site for follow up information. Questions? Contact Michele Liston at mliston@nailba.org or 703-383-3069.

Agency Management Institute – Sponsorship Opportunities!

Product Training University
At the 2010 Agency Management Institute, NAILBA’s company partners will benefit from small group discussion time with attendees during the NAILBA Product Training University.

During the Product Training University, each company will have the opportunity to provide a 15-20 minute presentation to small groups of attendees to discuss that vendor’s products and services related to the product type.

This structured networking and learning opportunity will provide vendors with more meaningful interactions with NAILBA agency staff, and will help build important relationships and provide valuable new information to attendees. Company representatives are also entitled and strongly encouraged to attend all programming and events—increasing the opportunity to network with valuable clients throughout the conference.

Sponsorship Investment: $1,500 includes one complimentary registration for sponsoring company representative. No spaces will be held or confirmed without receipt of payment.  Please note that depending on the number of sponsors, two companies may be assigned alternating timeslots in the same meeting room.

Each Product Training University Sponsor Receives: 

• One meeting room with exposure to the most influential purchasers in the industry  (Meeting rooms may be shared if rooms sell out - each company will be given alternating time slots) 
• One complimentary registration for the hosting moderator 
• Free pre-show and post-show attendee mailing list—A valuable marketing tool! 
• Meeting room identification sign 
• Recognition in the program and on signage

Increase your company's exposure!
Gain exposure and stay ahead of your competition by advertising in NAILBA’s Agency Management Institute (AMI) Product Preview, a special promotional supplement to the May/June issue of Perspectives magazine. Designed to help you promote your company’s best products to our circulation of over 1800 brokerage industry leaders, the Product Preview is a prime opportunity to maximize your sponsorship experience at the NAILBA Agency Management Institute.  The cost for a ½ page advertisement in the AMI Product Preview is at a one-time low of $500. 
Sales Close: March 5, 2010 
Ad Copy Due: March 19, 2010
You must be a current Agency Management Institute sponsor to be eligible for this opportunity.

View Additional AMI Sponsorship Opportunities on the AMI Web site. To learn more about how to become an AMI sponsor please contact Susan Haning at shaning@nailba.org or 703-383-3068.

Administration and Congress to Shift Focus to Job Growth, Economy
With the fate of health care reform looking more and more uncertain, President Barack Obama in his State of the Union speech shifted focus toward job growth and efforts to stimulate the economy.  He proposed eliminating capital gains taxes while providing a $30 billion line of credit for small business investment.  The President reiterated his determination to levy fees on large banks that were recipients of TARP funds and emphasized the need to stimulate job growth to help economic recovery, proposing $100 billion for a job creation bill which was unveiled Monday in the administration’s proposed $3.8 trillion FY2011 budget.

President’s Budget Released on Monday
On Monday, February 1, the President released his FY2011 Budget Proposal.  The President’s $3.8 trillion budget was met with mixed reactions across Capitol Hill.  The budget called for $1.56 trillion in deficits this year.  Of interest to NAILBA members is a proposal to freeze the Bush administration tax cuts in place for individuals making under $200,000 per year and couples making under $250,000. Due to budget constraints, the President’s budget would allow the Bush tax cuts to expire in 2011 for individuals and couples above these levels.

Also of interest to NAILBA members is the administration’s plan to generate over $14 billion in revenue from insurance-related sources, including a proposal to tax business-owned life insurance by prohibiting a significant portion of deductible interest expenses.  NAILBA is working with other industry associations to address these concerns and will provide updates as they occur.  Click here to read a joint news release from NAILBA, ACLI, NAIFA, AALU and GAMA on the administration’s FY2011 budget proposal.

Renew Your Agency Membership Now!
Dues renewal packets were mailed in December for 2010 NAILBA Agency membership.

This year, we included your agency’s database listing so that you can completely update all the information that we have on file – including agency contacts, titles and email addresses. This will ensure that everyone receives timely communications. As a reminder, annual membership dues must be paid by March 31, 2010; payments received after March 31 are subject to a $300 late fee.

Don’t miss out on all of the benefits and services your membership provides to you!  

View a list of the benefits and services you receive through your NAILBA membership.

And it doesn’t stop there. In the next year, you will be presented with two educational conferences designed to provide you and your staff the training you need to be successful in today's economic environment, an updated Field Underwriting Guide, a BGA Contracts Manual, and, of course, FREE registration to NAILBA 29.

If you have any questions about your renewal, or need another copy of your renewal packet, please contact Naomi Romanchok at 703-383-3072 or nromanchok@nailba.org.

Advertising in Perspectives
Contracts for advertising space for the May/June* issue of Perspectives are due to NAILBA by March 5, 2010; artwork is due to NAILBA by March 19, 2010.  Contact Susan Haning at shaning@nailba.org or 703-383-3068 to discuss advertising opportunities or download the 2010 Media Kit.

*The May/June issue includes a bonus distribution at the Agency Management Institute, May 13-14, 2010 in Lombard, Illinois. 

E&O Link
A reminder to agencies who participate in the NAILBA E&O Insurance program to check  the link on your Web site. Please post this URL in the link from your site to direct individuals to get a quote www.agenteoprogram.com. Individuals using this link will be provided with quote information and will have an opportunity to identify the referring NAILBA member agency when the policy is purchased. Questions? Contact Susan Grimes at sgrimes@nailba.org or 703-383-3071.

Welcome Cadence Antil!
Christy Antil, NAILBA’s Special Projects Coordinator, welcomed her first daughter on January 20. Cadence Francine Antil was 7 pounds, 7 ounces and 21 inches. Baby and parents are doing well – please join us in congratulating the Antil family!