Notes from NAILBA's Annual Meeting

The National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies met for our annual meeting last week. While our organization contributed over $200,000 to local youth organizations around the country and over $100,000 in student grants, there certainly seemed to be an undertone of concern by our partner carriers due to the economic challenges and a lack of policy sales.

Our carriers continue to be open to alternate distribution systems to distribute their products. They also are leery of government regulations and taxation. The constant need of money to run government programs tends to put our tax advantaged industry in the cross hairs of our legislators.

Also, as profit margins continue to dwindle and the carries fail to meet investor’s expectations, there is always the discussion of lower compensation.

We do have a responsibility to protect as many families and businesses as possible. We cannot and must not lose sight of our jobs. However, we must also continue to be strong with our manufacturers and critics in defending the costs of operating a business; businesses the public would rather not visit.

Times will continue to be interesting.