Former Rep. Seaman to be Honored at NAIFA-Texas Legislative and Awards Luncheon on July 14
On Saturday July 14, NAIFA-Texas members will have an opportunity to say "Thank You" to former Representative Gene Seaman. Seaman, a 50 year member of NAIFA-Texas, served for 10 years in the Texas House of Representatives including service on the powerful Insurance and Calendars Committees. With the help of Rep. Seaman, NAIFA-TX was able to gain approval for the passage of Senate Bill 265, allowing members of state and national associations to earn up to four hours of self-study CE in a reporting period. The Honorable Gene Seaman has accepted NAIFA-Texas' invitation to be on hand for the event, which will recognize all current NAIFA-Texas members serving in the 80th Texas Legislature.
|
|
NAIFA-Texas Leaders Oppose National Dues Increase
Over the past six months, NAIFA-Texas leaders have been following the development of the NAIFA in the 21st Century proposals and analyzing the potential impact that they carry for NAIFA-Texas members. As reported in the April 2007 eNewsletter, NAIFA has proposed a dues increase of $49/member, beginning some time in the next two years, to pay for expanded programs including:
- The creation of a career resource center to assist members in any career stage;
- Strengthening NAIFA's legislative and regulatory activities at the federal, state and grassroots levels;
- Development of a national interactive database for members to network, both online and face to face and to connect with other professionals;
- The use of high tech communication systems like webinars, instant messaging, podcasts, weblogs, YouTube and the like; and
- Hiring a global PR firm to build member support for the plan, assist with new member recruitment and to "help NAIFA tell its story more effectively."
In a special called board meeting on May 3rd, NAIFA-Texas leaders met by conference call to discuss NAIFA in the 21st Century. In a letter sent to local Presidents, Executives and Secretaries, President Tim Provence explained that the NAIFA-Texas board "voted to oppose the proposed dues increase to support the NAIFA in the 21st Century Plan", citing a lack of "sufficient detail, a clear plan for implementation and a sufficient assurance of accountability."
Provence also outlined a proposed bylaws change that would enact a $24 dues increase at the state level, if the National dues increase is approved. "We have been told to expect a 17% drop in membership if the national increase is approved," Provence said, "and a $24 increase at the state level is the only way to break even if that occurs." He concluded, "I hope that NAIFA-Texas members will join the conversation at the National Convention in September and help to defeat the proposal to increase National dues."
|
|
Currey Hits the NAIFA Campaign Trail 
NAIFA-Texas member Tom Currey's campaign for NAIFA Secretary is underway. Currey, a second-term Trustee serving on the NAIFA board will go up against two formidable foes (Linda Ray of Louisiana and Glen Malcom of Florida) in his election at the 2007 NAIFA Convention in September in Washington, D.C.
Currey has a tough team of advisors working to ensure his victory, including two past-presidents of NAIFA, John Neighbors of Houston and John Ruckel of Nacogdoches. Also, serving as Currey's campaign manager is the seasoned NAIFA-Texas National Committeeman and former mayor of Austin, Ron Mullen.
"If there's one thing that the past year has taught us," said NAIFA-Texas President Tim Provence, "it's that leadership at the top has a great effect on every level of the federation." He added, "the NAIFA-Texas board believes that Tom Currey can steer NAIFA in the right direction in the years to come."
In the months leading up to the NAIFA Secretary election, NAIFA-Texas Regional Directors will be calling upon local associations to help raise money for Currey's campaign. "We would like each local association to raise $4 per member to go towards the campaign," said John Ruckel, chief fundraiser for Currey's campaign. "The money raised will give us the resources to get the message out to all 50 states that Tom is the right person for the job," he concluded. |
| NAIFA-Texas Remembers
O.C. Jackson, CLU
O.C. Jackson measured up to every standard of excellence that TALU/NAIFA-Texas has to offer. A life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and the Texas Leaders Round Table, Mr. Jackson established himself as an undisputed leader in life underwriting. However, O.C. Jackson was more than just a leader in production, he was a mentor and friend to many NAIFA-Texas Members.
A past-president of both NAIFA-Dallas and NAIFA-Texas, Mr. Jackson was honored with the Texas Leaders Round Table Outstanding Achievement Award and the NAIFA-Texas Lifetime Achievement Award. Accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf in 2006, Cylinda Clark noted that it was O.C. Jackson who encouraged Southland Life Insurance Company to promise "an agent will call", in response to other agencies who advertised on the basis that "no agent will call."
O.C. Jackson believed in serving his clients and his industry, leading TALU/NAIFA-Texas to a record-high membership mark of more than 7,500 members in 1975, the year of his presidency and bringing in a membership application for TALU/NAIFA-Texas' most celebrated member, baseball hall of famer Mickey Mantle.
Mr. Jackson passed away on May 4, 2007 at the age of 82.
 Willie Cox, LUTCF
Past President of Fort Worth AIFA, Mr. Cox was a 33 year veteran of AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company. In addition to his many contributions to FWAIFA, Mr. Cox was active in his church, taking part in a bible study and serving as a mentor for single parents.
John Sheffield, Sr.
Mr. Sheffield was a 40 year member of NAIFA-Texas and a Past President of NAIFA-Austin. He became the second honoree inducted into NAIFA-Austin's Hall of Fame in 2003. He has active in his local church and masonic lodge, serving on many committees throughout the years and helping to raise money for the Children's Burn Hospital in Galveston.
| |
|
Did you Know?
Membership Ideas from Across Texas
Fort Worth AIFA is offering a handsome prize to the person who recruits the most members this year. The winner will receive a weekend stay for six in Colorado! |
Legislative Update
As the 80th Session of the Texas Legislature draws to a close political/partisan posturing, parliamentary maneuvering and crowded calendars have taken over. Several bills of interest to NAIFA-Texas are among the thousands that stand to be killed by the ticking clock.
Where do NAIFA-Texas' bills of interest stand?
HB 2761 & HB 2762
Relating to suitability in the sale and/or replacement of annuities
Both HB 2761 and 2762 have been passed by the House and are awaiting approval in the Senate, expected later this week.
SB 1263
Relating to the creation of a new life-only and a new personal lines-only license
SB 1263 has passed the Senate and awaits placement on the House Local and Consent Calendar. It is not known when/if the bill will make it on the over-crowded calendar.
Relating to the termination of captive agent contracts by insurers
HB 1047 died in the House Insurance Committee following receipt of testimony on March 19, 2007.
The 80th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature ends on May 28. |
2008 LILI Class to be held at NAIFA-Dallas
The 2006-2007 LILI Committee has finalized a deal with NAIFA-Dallas for the next session of the Leadership in Life Institute to be held in Dallas, February through June of 2008. The final session and commencement will continue to be held in conjunction with the NAIFA-Texas state convention in July.
"The LILI Committee felt like a change of scenery for the program would really open it up to more people who live in the northern part of the state," said Cherry Martin, 2006-2007 LILI Chair. She added, "we are thankful for the opportunity to hold the program at the NAIFA-Dallas office and feel it will offer the perfect backdrop to keep the program going strong."
The Leadership in Life Institute is NAIFA-Texas' most intensive training program, offering students the best and most comprehensive study in tools for personal and professional success. Dates are currently being set for the 2008 session, with applications expected to become available in the early summer. |
2007 TLRT and NAIFA-Texas Annual Meeting Sponsors
Southwest Insurance, Inc.
Texas IFAPAC
| |
