The first quarter of 2012 for Ameritas was once again a growth quarter year over year. For our office we were flat for the quarter. Ameritas had a big year last year in disability sales and exceeded the goals for the company. For any of you who are confused by the name Ameritas it is Union Central with a new name. Product, underwriting, billing, claims, new business, and marketing are all the same people located in Cincinnati Ohio.
What has been interesting in terms of sales is that in 2011 while the company exceeded their goals we actually had a decline in DI premium from the prior year and are down about 30% from our peak in 2008. The one thing that has been consistent is the decline in paid premium in all of our South East offices, Charlotte, Richmond, and Atlanta. I have looked at this everyway I know how and the only conclusion I come to is the recession has hit this area harder and longer than it has in other parts of the country. The loss of jobs in high income sectors, new regulations, new health care law, and uncertainty over tax policy going forward has all led to an environment of business and professionals not making normal buying decisions. When you add to that the collapse of real estate values and the corresponding reduction in construction, engineering, and architectural services needed, it has only compounded the problem when added to the high unemployment in key sectors in the Carolinas, like banking, finance, furniture, and textiles.
OK so enough of the news as to why business is down. On the positive front at least for 2012, is the fact that while we are flat after the first quarter that means we are at least not declining which offers the hope for growth. In addition to that our pending inventory is quite high which means if we can continue to submit good levels of new premium we should have a big second quarter and actually should grow year over year.
Thanks to all of you who continue to use us as your disability outlet. Our goal is to give you unequaled service, with all the different carriers we represent. I highlighted Ameritas in this newsletter as some of you are not familiar with that name but going forward we will talk more about all of our carriers.
Many of you have been doing business with our office for many years, some for a short period of time, and others are just starting to work with us; we are very thankful for the opportunity to work with you and your clients. We thought it would be a good idea to update everyone about our office as well as the companies we now represent. 
