Some Suggestions For NAIFA From A 32-Year Producer

Some Suggestions For NAIFA From A 32-Year Producer

To The Editor:

As a 32-year life agent and now more comprehensive financial services sales representative, I agree with Jack Bobos desire to see the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors improve, as expressed in his May 26 column, “Time For A Fresh Start.”

After being a member for 30 years, I am no longer as I have retired partially, and the expense is simply beyond what I can justify. Also, NAIFA is properly aiming to help the newer agent, so most of the meetings are of little to no value for me.

I have remained a member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals: a better content match for my needs, but missing the industry support, especially the PAC (to which I have contributed over $1,500).

It seems to me that NAIFA could have an emeritus (or similar) membership category with a greatly reduced membership fee that would include the monthly magazine, ability to attend meetings that are of value for a per-attendance charge, and access to the Web site and other features that either do not add to the associations costs or are covered by costs.

This would enhance the number of people receiving the various appeals, would give the association more political clout by adding to the headcount when making presentations and make advertising more attractive to those using the association. It would probably increase the PAC contributions some, too.

This alone is not an elixir to solve all the problems but might be a part of the solution.

I want to thank Jack for his many years of providing insightful commentary on topics of interest and importance to our industry.

Robert S. (Bob) Niccolls, CLU, ChFC