November 6, 2008

Dear NAIFA Members:

“The insurance industry is facing a whole new world in Washington,” proclaimed a headline in yesterday’s National Underwriter. With results of national and state elections becoming clear, NAIFA has been busy defining our strategies for continuing to be a powerful voice and trusted source to administration and congressional leaders. And as the leading advocate for insurance agents, advisors and our industry, NAIFA pledges its cooperation and assistance to our elected leaders. You can expect a great deal of detailed analysis and commentary from NAIFA in the days and weeks ahead.

For over 118 years, your NAIFA has been in Washington, D.C., working with previous administrations and Congress on a non-partisan basis – fighting for you, the products and services you offer, and your clients. NAIFA has been working every day to protect our industry and the products that protect American families. Representing you and advocating for your business is NAIFA’s mission, and we will continue to deliver on that charge.

President-elect Obama’s campaign has consistently promised change, and headlines like the one from National Underwriter portend monumental changes to our industry. Two of the questions on everyone’s mind are: What changes will affect our clients and the services we provide? How will the new administration’s policies affect our businesses and our livelihoods?

NAIFA’s advocacy can help bring favorable answers to these questions. Access to administration and congressional policymakers is a main strength of NAIFA’s advocacy efforts. Because of your membership, NAIFA is in a unique position to represent all agents, in all disciplines, across the nation. With voters, taxpayers and job creators in every single congressional district across the country, NAIFA’s reach is undeniable. However, it is important to remember that advocacy is a contact sport. The challenges ahead will require all of us to be actively engaged members.

To effectively create new and strengthen existing positive relationships with powerful congressional leaders, we need continued growth in our grassroots, political involvement and Political Action Committee programs. NAIFA must focus on mobilizing current members and attracting new ones to engage in our critical advocacy mission.

To be certain, President-elect Obama and the new Congress will face unprecedented challenges, and our industry will be faced with a “whole new world in Washington.” Building on NAIFA’s solid foundation, we pledge to work with the new administration as it considers policies that affect our industry. You can count on NAIFA to work tirelessly for the benefit of your career, your clients, and the financial services industry.

Cliff F. Wilson, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CLF
President