NAIFA-Jacksonville 
JAX ADVISORS ONLINE: JANUARY 2015
 
The Membership Newsletter of the National Assocition of
Insurance and Financial Advisors -
Jacksonville, FL
In This Issue
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS


 

New Meeting Location in 2015! 
Ramada Baymeadows
9150 Baymeadows Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32256


Thurs., Jan. 22, 2015

NAIFA Jacksonville Annual Awards Gala : Special Evening Dinner Event
Click HERE for complete details and registration.

Thurs., Feb. 26, 2015
NAIFA-Jacksonville CE Day
at Ramada Baymeadows
Click HERE to register today!

March 10 - 11, 2015
NAIFA-Florida Day On The Hill in Tallahassee. Click HERE for complete details and registration.

Thurs., March 26, 2015
NAIFA-Jacksonville Membership Luncheon:
Young Advisors Team Panel of Peers

Thurs., April 23, 2015
NAIFA-Jacksonville Membership Luncheon:
Observing Disability Insurance Awareness Month

May 19 - 20, 2015
NAIFA Congressional Conference in Washington, DC - Click HERE for complete details and registration.

Thurs, May 28, 2015
NAIFA-Jacksonville Membership Luncheon:
Annual Meeting and Elections

Thurs., June 25, 2015
NAIFA-Jacksonville Membership Luncheon:
Featuring the Installation of NAIFA-Jacksonville's 2015-2016 Officers and Board of Directors   
   
Check our website for
the latest updates.
   

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For the latest
NAIFA-Jacksonville
news and events,
please visit our website
at www.naifa-jacksonville.org,
or contact Association
Executive Cherri
Coombs Ohmer, LUTCF
at (904) 695-2300
or email
info@naifa-jacksonville.org.

 
Frank Mantay, CFP
Message From the President
  
Frank Mantay, CFP®
2014-2015 NAIFA-Jacksonville President
    
Make It Happen

Welcome back to a new year of opportunity and challenges that 2015 is sure to bring. While all of us have enjoyed the time spent with family and friends this holiday season, I am proud to say your NAIFA volunteers have been very active. 

Our awards committee, led by Cindi Cook, has orchestrated a fabulous evening that celebrates you!  While tuxedos are optional, you'll want to make sure you come dressed to impress at this year's awards banquet.  We are holding the banquet in the evening on January 22 at the Ramada on Baymeadows and I-95, so the special person in your life can attend.  We want them to see you being honored and recognized by your association. In addition, NAIFA-Florida's president Ronnie Day is making a special effort to drive from the panhandle to honor and congratulate the award recipients.  Don't miss this special evening.

Our awards gala is just the beginning. In February we'll sharpen our skills with a Day of CE. The line-up of instructors and topics are timely and the best in the business. March is a must-attend event  . . . Day on the Hill.Happy New Year!  This event demonstrates our profession's importance to Florida legislators so the more of us the better.    
As you can see the first three months of this year are packed with events that fulfill our mission to educate, advocate and celebrate our membership. You'll want to make sure your calendar is open to attend all these events and let 2015 be the year you make it happen!

   
NAIFA-Jax 43rd Annual Awards Gala!

Celebrate a Night with NAIFA in Black & White!

NAIFA-Jacksonville 43rd Annual Awards Gala Thursday, January 22, 2015

New Meeting Location for 2015!

Ramada Jacksonville
6:00 - 8:00 pm
9150 Baymeadows Road
Jacksonville, FL  32256 

PRESENTATION:
2014 C.G. Snead/J.F. Bryan, III Memorial Award
2014 NAIFA-Jacksonville Community Service Award

HONORING:
Past Presidents, MDRT Qualifiers, NAIFA Managers Award Recipient & NAIFA Quality Award Recipients

NAIFA 125 Years Plus observance of NAIFA's 125-Year Anniversary!

Black & White Business & Cocktail attire is encouraged but optional!

Members, spouses & guests are welcome!

The cost is $35.00 per person, $60.00 per couple. The non-member cost is $40.00 per person, $70.00 per couple.

Register Online

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

APPS Para Medical ServicesFarm Bureau InsuranceNew York Life  
Northwestern Mutual

Reservations are necessary by Monday, January 12th.



For more information, please contact NAIFA-Jacksonville at 904-695-2300 or email info@NAIFA-Jacksonville.org.
    
NAIFA-Jacksonville CE Day

NAIFA-JACKSONVILLE PRESENTS A FULL DAY OF CE!

NAIFA-Jacksonville CE Day Thursday, February 26, 2015

Ramada Baymeadows
8:00 am - 4:00 pm


9150 Baymeadows Road
Jacksonville, FL 32256 

We will have several courses to choose from including to new

Florida Required 5-Hour Law and Ethics Course

Course ID # 91330, Course Offering # 1018495

Moderated by Ira E. Goldfield, CLU, ChFC
(Representing FAHU and JAHU)

Additional details will be announced on our website and membership communications!

For more information, please contact NAIFA-Jacksonville at 904-695-2300 or email info@NAIFA-Jacksonville.org.

NAIFA-Jacksonville YAT in 2015

Angela Brown Submitted by Angela Brown

As a young advisor in the financial services industry, my goal is to increase my knowledge and associate with other successful advisors in order to grow and develop.  Since I joined NAIFA in December of 2012, I have had the privilege to attend our monthly membership luncheons as well as participate and engage as a member of the Young Advisor Team.   Through the activities that YAT has sponsored locally including the Panel of Peers, networking with young CPA's and Attorneys, and also the "Dessert First" education provided at some of our luncheons, I have gained more knowledge, skills, and confidence in my role as an advisor.  Not only has that allowed me to increase my client relationships and my knowledge of our services, it has provided a platform in which to gain new friendships and professional partnerships that I would have not otherwise garnered.

After attending my first NAIFA State Conference in June of 2014, a new zest for NAIFA and our reasons for protecting our clients' best interest with life insurance and other products has set in and re-invigorated me to be successful.  I now share the story of NAIFA with my peers who are not members and encourage them to get involved, as we ban together to support and protect the soundness of life insurance in our client's financial futures.  It is extremely important as members, especially Young Advisors that we support IFAPAC.  I chose to contribute this year after learning about its role and value through the State Conference.  Before then, I really did not fully gauge the impact that IFAPAC carries within our locale and also on a much larger scale.  I implore you to give, as it will only help further our mission and vision for why this great organization exists and why we live to serve our clients.

NAIFA and YAT have been instrumental in my professional growth over the last two years.  I look forward to adding more value as we bring in additional young advisors in to our chapter.  As our members look to engage in the chapter happenings, I would encourage some of our senior advisors to link up with or mentor a YAT.  Greet us at luncheons, or better yet, let's grab a cocktail or breakfast and chat about how we can help each other grow.  Even though age is not a factor, simply sharing ideas through generation spans can impact us all positively.   So, let's grow and let's do it together.  After all, isn't that why we are advisors?  We challenge our clients to do the same -- so let's help each other accomplish the mission.

Young Advisors Team Whether you're new to NAIFA, or have been a member for several years, YAT provides you with resources geared specifically to your career development needs as a young insurance or financial advisor. We provide you with a variety of tools that you can use to better equip yourself to overcome challenges and achieve your professional goals. Learn ideas on how to grow your business, take advantage of NAIFA's first-rate sales and skills training and receive discounts on a range of professional resources.
 
NAIFA created the Young Advisors Team (YAT) for members who are 40 years of age and under, or within their first five years in the industry (OR if you feel like a YAT... then you ARE a YAT!)  Purpose is to ensure that young and new advisors receive the vital tools, resources, and networks necessary to succeed in the financial services industry.

For more information, please visit www.naifa.org/professional-development/early-career--yat/177

NAIFA-Florida 2015 Day On The Hill

NAIFA-Florida Day On The Hill

March 10-11, 2015
Tallahassee, FL

Mark your calendars! Same great event you've come to know - but now on a new day!

It's no secret: we need YOU! Attending the NAIFA-Florida Legislative Day On The Hill in Tallahassee is your opportunity to participate in the political process. NAIFA-Florida protects your career before the Legislature.  OUR voices must be heard... and WE can't do it without YOU!
 
GUEST SPEAKERS

Guest Speakers

Kevin McCarty and Terry Headley


HERB MORGAN MEMORIAL LUNCHEON
Meet at the Leon County Civic Center. Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, former NAIFA President Terry Headley and NAIFA -FL Lobbyist Tim Meenan will lead the discussion on our advocacy efforts and positions on proposed legislation affecting our industry!

APPOINTMENTS WITH LEGISLATORS
Following the luncheon and briefing you'll meet with your elected representatives and their aides at the Capitol.

LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION
Meet and greet with your fellow attendees at the historic Old Capitol Building!

LODGING
The Holiday Inn and Suites (formerly the Cabot Lodge) is our host hotel and is located at 1653 Raymond Diehl Road. The room rate is $99.00 and includes a continental breakfast! Make reservations by calling (850) 386-7500, and tell them you're with NAIFA-FL to get our group rate. IMPORTANT: OUR ROOM BLOCK CUT OFF DATE IS FEB 23, 2015. After this date, neither the rate or room availability is guaranteed.

Life and Health Agents: Working from Home?

Florida Dept of Financial Services From the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Agent and Agency Services

Many life and health agents rent space in a "virtual office" that are typically just conference rooms where the agent can meet with the clients outside of their home. However, the agent's home is usually the place where records are stored. Therefore the agent's home address should be listed as the business address on file with the Department, not the location of the rented space.

You can easily update your address (and other demographic information) online via your MyProfile account.

NAIFA Policy on Recruiting and Association Activities (Proselytizing)

Juli McNeely

I'm reaching out to my fellow NAIFA leaders because concerns have been raised recently about agent recruiting at association meetings.  Whether or not you're one of those who make New Year's resolutions, I'd like us all to resolve to make an extra effort in the coming year to prevent inappropriate agent recruiting from playing any role in our association activities.

One of NAIFA's unique strengths is that it brings together new and experienced agents and advisors who represent many different companies, as career agents or independent advisors, and who offer the public a wide variety of products and services to protect the financial security of American families and businesses.  Our diverse community of insurance and financial professionals makes NAIFA meetings a perfect forum for creative idea sharing, motivation, and mentoring, and is the powerful base for NAIFA's impactful government relations programs that protect our businesses and the promises we make to our clients.

But coming together as NAIFA members from our respective offices also creates a challenge when members or prospective members have the misimpression that attendance at NAIFA meetings may result in an agent being recruited away to another agency, company, or firm.  As NAIFA leaders we must ensure that members never view attendance at association meetings as a threat to their business.  This perception, right or wrong, can arise in many ways, such as inappropriate agent recruiting at an association luncheon or aggressive company-specific product promotion by a meeting speaker, and can discourage association participation.

Of course, NAIFA prohibits the use of official association activities as a forum or means for members to recruit other members to their companies or agencies.  Proselytizing at association meetings is not consistent with the NAIFA mission and is not appropriate association business.  (You can read the NAIFA Policy on Recruiting and Association Activities in the Association Leaders/Governance section on the NAIFA website.)  Instead, all NAIFA activities should support our mission: to protect our business through political advocacy, enhance our professional skills, and promote ethical conduct.  If you have any questions about this policy, please contact NAIFA General Counsel Michael Gerber, at mgerber@naifa.org.  Please be on the lookout for inappropriate recruiting activity at your state or local association and feel free to share this letter and NAIFA's policy with anyone who might benefit from its message.

If our goals as NAIFA leaders in 2015 have anything to do with recruiting, they should be laser-focused in only two areas.  First, we must recruit more members to the NAIFA family, who can benefit from our first-class professional development and education programming and participate in our essential grassroots political advocacy campaigns.  Second, we should recruit more talented young people to join our wonderful profession so that a new generation of insurance and financial advisors can help the American public secure financial independence in the years to come.  There is no more fitting way for us to celebrate NAIFA's 125th anniversary year than to re-commit ourselves to building our association and our industry.

Working together to further our mission, we'll have a great NAIFA year!

Best Wishes,

Juli Y. McNeely, LUTCF, CFP, CLU
2014-2015 NAIFA President
Proud Member of NAIFA

NAIFA News Briefs

NAIFA Registration for the New
LUTCF opens in January 2015


Classes for the LUTCF Designation Program will begin July 2015.  NAIFA's LUTCF designation was developed for NAIFA by the College for Financial Planning.  For more details about the updated LUTCF designation program, please click here.  If you have any questions, please contact Diane Powers, NAIFA Vice President - Professional Development and Education at 703.770.8226 or dpowers@naifa.org.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


NAIFA's leaders and staff are looking forward to seeing and working with you in the coming year.  We appreciate the opportunity to visit with many of you at your home offices and to participating in your company events and annual meetings.  If you would like to schedule a NAIFA meeting or exhibit, please feel free to contact NAIFA anytime.

Many of you are beginning to think about ways to assist your agents and advisors with productivity and sales in 2015.  NAIFA provides many resources and more than 50 programs that benefit members.  Many of them are free on a 24-7 basis and can be accessed on NAIFA's webpage at www.naifa.org.

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Constituents Lobby Best

A Congressional Management Foundation survey of staffers found the best way to influence an undecided lawmaker is a constituent visit to the Washington, D.C. office.  NAIFA's annual Congressional Conference is the insurance industry's opportunity to be influential.  So far, over 300 members from across the nation have registered for the May 19-20, 2015 event in Washington, DC.  If you have questions about NAIFA's 2015 Congressional Conference or wish to discuss how your company can get involved, please contact Diane Boyle, NAIFA Vice President - Federal Government Relations, at dboyle@naifa.org or 703-770-8252.

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Upon 125th anniversary, NAIFA member ponders a 'fellowship' of like-minded professionals

In a post by NAIFA member David Allen, ChFC, LUTCF of Austin, Texas, Allen reflects on the earlier days of his career when, in 1982, the success rate for those who embarked on a career in life insurance hovered at around 12 percent. "Early on in my career I had learned that most small businesses fail because they had too little fellowship with like-minded professionals. I had to find a group of like-minded professionals gathering to share ideas on how to succeed. NAIFA proved to be invaluable," Allen writes. "Our Communities and our Society are better because of NALU/NAIFA.  Happy 125th!" Read the post, and share your story. Content can be submitted via the home page, or by sending an email to naifanational@yahoo.com.
 
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As of 12/8/2014, here is a look at the Top Twenty Companies by Membership.  I welcome discussions on how we work can together to move your company up the list!

 

Company

Rank

Current Members

New York Life

1

5,248

Northwestern Mutual

2

4,137

State Farm Insurance  

3

2,758

Southern Farm Bureau Life 

4

2,089

Thrivent Financial

5

1,271

MassMutual Financial Group

6

1,101

MetLife Financial Services

7

954

Guardian

8

733

Prudential Financial

9

626

Farm Bureau Financial Services

10

610

Farmers Insurance Group

11

570

AXA Advisors, LLC

12

553

Country Financial

13

517

The Principal Financial Group

14

478

Allstate Life Insurance Company

15

476

Lincoln Financial Network

16

367

American National / Farm Family

17

340

American Family Life Insurance 

18

339

Transamerica

19

335

John Hancock Financial Services

20

324

 

If you are interested in learning more about ways to expand your company's program, please contact Ms. Yasemin Washington Brown, Vice President - Membership Marketing and Association Services at (703) 770-8219 or email ywashingtonbrown@naifa.org.
 
We are looking forward to continuing to grow your company's relationship with NAIFA in the coming year.

NAIFA-Jax 40-Hour Prelicensing Course!
 
Professional Development
LIFE, HEALTH INSURANCE AND  
VARIABLE ANNUITIES (2-15)  
PRELICENSING COURSE
  
Next Course Dates:
January 23rd - 26th     
(Friday - Monday) 
 
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

UNF Herbert University Center
12000 Alumni Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32224  
 
Fee: $149.00  
 
Looking to broaden your career opportunities? Jobs are available now for those with a 2-15 license. Many of these career positions pay on average $51K+ per year.
  
To prepare you for the test and a career in healthcare insurance sales, you will learn Federal and State regulations, legal concepts of the insurance contract, life and health insurance, health and accident insurance, and disability and medical reimbursements.
  • Course is designed and expertly taught in compliance with the State of Florida's rules.
  • Successful completion qualifies you to take the state exam to obtain a Life, Health & Variable Annuity License.
  • Becoming a 2-15 Agent allows you to sell fixed and variable annuities and all forms of life, health and accident insurance policies representing insurers in Florida.

Complete details can be found on our website or register online by clicking HERE.

  

NAIFA Congressional Conference

2015 NAIFA Congressional Conference

REGISTER TODAY! 
 
Registration for the May 19-20, 2015 NAIFA Congressional Conference is now open! Please remember that the first 600 registrants for the NAIFA Congressional Conference will be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $350 to cover their travel and lodging expenses, if they meet the eligibility requirements, which include staying at one of the official NAIFA Congressional Conference hotels. You can view the full reimbursement guidelines when you register. Don't wait! Click HERE to register now!

NAIFA's Congressional Conference will bring NAIFA members together to learn about the legislative issues that matter to people in our industry, and most importantly, our clients. You will then take that knowledge to Capitol Hill when you meet with your Members of Congress to discuss these issues. For additional information about the Conference, view the FAQs.

The November elections brought many new elected officials and the looming threat to the tax status of many insurance products is very real. NAIFA needs you to attend this Conference to ensure laws and regulations are designed to enhance, not restrict, the ability of middle market families to have access to products and services offered by our members. Please register and join me in May where together, we can make a difference!

Sincerely,

Juli Y. McNeely, LUTCF, CFP, CLU
President
National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors

 
Your Support of IFAPAC is Appreciated!
 
NAIFA strives to keep members and lawmakers informed about where we stand on important issues. By clicking HERE, you can find NAIFA's stances on the issues that matter most to the business of insurance and financial advising. Check regularly for updates and additional information.

IFAPAC
Please consider a contribution to YOUR Political Action Committee!
 
The Insurance and Financial Advisors Political Action Committee (IFAPAC) is a term used to describe collectively the PAC sponsored by NAIFA at the federal level and the PACs sponsored by each state association. Each PAC is a fund that supports the campaigns of candidates for public office who understand issues important to insurance agents and financial advisors. IFAPAC's goal is to help the associations advance the legislative and regulatory interests of the members of NAIFA. While any U.S. citizen can contribute to IFAPAC, only members of local NAIFA associations may be solicited to do so. Contributions must be voluntary. Contributions are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Of approximately 4,600 political action committees registered with the Federal Election Commission, IFAPAC ranks in the top tier. IFAPAC is the largest insurance PAC in the country. In the last election cycle, the national IFAPAC contributed approximately $1.1 million to federal candidates and committees.

For more information about IFAPAC and to contribute securely online, please click HERE.
 
 
Member Benefit of the Month
 
InfoFree.com
Hot Insurance Leads and
Mailing Lists to grow
your business

Insurance leads are the lifeblood of any financial or insurance business, but most lead generation companies charge up to .50¢ for one lead.

Infofree.com is revolutionizing the way that businesses find customized, targeted prospects by offering an affordable option for financial and insurance agencies both large and small. For the discounted price of $42.95 per month, NAIFA members will have access to over 15 million business and 220 million consumer leads.

Subscribers to infofree.com get:
  • Unlimited search, select, and view of insurance leads
  • Unlimited mapping of leads on Google maps
  • Print and download of leads and mailing lists
  • Over 200 quality databases to choose from
To take advantage of the exclusive NAIFA discount, call 877-448-0101 or visit www.infofree.com/NAIFA.

For a complete and comprehensive list of all the exclusive benefits of NAIFA membership, please click HERE.


It Pays to Be a Member
Ask a Non-Member to join NAIFA today!

NAIFA is the largest financial services membership association in the United States, comprised of more than 700 state and local associations representing the interests of 200,000 members and their associates nationwide. NAIFA's goal is to protect your livelihood and your clients' financial security.

To join or renew securely online, please visit
 
NAIFA-Jacksonville  
 
 
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