Presented November 13 by Mark Rosen, NAILBA 2010 Chairman, during NAILBA 28

As you know, involvement can mean different things to different people. You are involved in so many ways--your family, your community, and your business.

And, by virtue of your participation in this week’s meeting, you’re already aware of both the importance and value of being involved in your industry.

Involvement means that you acknowledge and embrace your ability to help change things for the better. And it’s your ability to make these changes that impacts our world. 

We are in the midst of the most challenging time in our industry’s history.  Given today’s environment, insurance seems to be routinely used as a dirty word and, as a result, we are being inundated with regulatory and legislative proposals that could impact our very existence…all under the guise of consumer protection.

However, it is the very consumer that an independent distribution channel protects.  We promote freedom of financial choice by offering consumers access to multiple product options through independent agents.  We foster consumer access to timely and accurate financial guidance.  We provide our agents with critical information and training that they use to help their clients make informed decisions for their family’s financial security. 

In today’s world, it is incumbent upon all of you, working with your association, to educate our partners and elected leaders about the value of independent distribution and its role in promoting consumer protection.

As you have already heard from many of your colleagues during these last few days, now, more than ever, NAILBA is your representative in Washington—acting on your behalf and helping you and your profession navigate these difficult times. 

However, we cannot do it without your help. NAILBA has a number of ways for you to get involved. Some take only a few hours, while others require a larger time commitment. Whether it’s serving on a committee, participating on a conference call or just responding to a survey, your involvement is important to NAILBA and, ultimately, your business success.

As your incoming NAILBA chairman, I look forward to working with many of you and appreciate your continued support.  Your efforts have brought us to this point in the growth of our profession and your continued efforts will help us move forward with confidence into the future!

As has been true for more than a quarter of a century… your involvement is the key to NAILBA’s success.  Without it, we simply would not exist.