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NAIFA GADSDEN was formed and chartered June 10, 1966 in Etowah County in the city of Gadsden, Alabama. Incorporation papers were filed the same year. The original board of directors were: Ronald Burk, J. Ed Burns, Calvin Gaskin, James Hammock, Taylor Hardy, S.B. Jacobs, Ralph Mackey, Hobart Winton and L.D. Camp. Ronald Burk served as President for the initial year and James Hammock served as secretary for the Association.
NAIFA Gadsden was originally chartered and incorporated as G.A.L.U. (Gadsden Association of Life Underwriters), with a name change to Gadsden Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors implemented in 1999 to conform to the actions of the National Association. In 2007, Gadsden Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors adopted a d.b.a. as NAIFA Gadsden.
The Association territory covers the Etowah and Cherokee counties of North Alabama with primary emphasis in the cities of Gadsden and Centre, Alabama. The Association is a 501 © (6) organization.
NAIFA GADSDEN is affiliated with both the State of Alabama Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
NAIFA Gadsden is a Hometown Celebration receipt having qualified for the prestigious Louis I. Dublin Community Service award 8 times. The Association has also been awarded the Robert L. Rose Education Award, four Public Relations Awards, and the Association Achievement Award on numerous occasions.
Purpose Statement
The Gadsden Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors,
d.b.a. Naifa Gadsden is a corporation for nonprofit and is organized for the following
purpose: To increase the knowledge of association members and the general
public of the principles, functions and financial programs, to promote, protect and
advance the best interest of the people engaged in the sale and service of insurance and
financial products. To render civic and community service and do all things necessary and
prudent for the advancement of the insurance and financial services industry.
Association Objectives
The objective of this Association shall be:
Code of Ethics
Preamble: Those engaged in offering insurance and other financial services
occupy the unique position of liaison between the purchaser and the suppliers of insurance
and closely related financial products. Inherent in this role is the combination of
professional duty to the client and to the company as well. Ethical balance is required to
avoid any conflict between these two obligations.
I Believe It To Be My Responsibility...
To hold my professional in high esteem and to strive to enhance its prestige. To fulfill
the needs of my clients to the best of my ability. To maintain my clients confidence. To
render exemplary service to my clients and their beneficiaries. To adhere to professional
standards of conduct in helping my clients to protect insurable obligations and attain
their financial security objectives. To present accurately and honestly all facts
essential to my clients decisions. To perfect my skills and increase my knowledge through
continuing education. To conduct my business in such a way that my example might help
raises the professional standards of those in my profession. To keep informed with respect
to applicable laws and regulations and to observe them in the practice of my profession.To
cooperate with others whose services are constructively related to meeting
the needs of my clients.
There are many resources available for members of Naifa Gadsden by virtue of the membership. Resources from the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) can be obtained by visiting their web site. Their address is shown at the end of this web page. You should also check out their section labeled "Real Life Stories" for some insight of their work.
Agents offer many types of insurance with each being designed for a specific purpose. Life, Health, Disability, and Long Term Care insurance provides protection on an individuals life and health. Insurance to cover property is also available from local agents. This type coverage, while it does not protect our property, it does help offset the cost involved when there is a loss or injury.
Life Insurance
Life insurance is designed to enable your family, loved ones, or business partners to be protected against financial difficulties in the event of a premature death. Combined with investments, retirement planning and proper estate planning, life insurance is a fundamental part of any sound financial plan. A professional insurance agent can assist you in designing a plan to protect you and your family or business.
While there are variations in the types of insurance most falls into 2 categories: permanent and term insurance. There certainly are advantages and disadvantages of both types. Term insurance is a product that stays in force for a specified period of time and pays a benefit if you die during that term period. Permanent insurance is usually considered to be for the life of the individual. As long as premiums are paid the death benefit will be paid. There are several types of permanent insurance such as Whole Life, Universal Life, Adjustable Life and Variable Life. Most permanent insurance accumulates cash value. A qualified agent can advise you on which type fits your current life style and situation.
Health Insurance
Many companies offer health insurance but we find that in today’s market many companies are allowing employees the opportunity to purchase health insurance from a private vendor. Health insurance helps protect a family or individual from financial loss when an illness or accident requires medical expense. There are various types of plans with some offering discounts for PPO’s and HMO’s. Disability Income provides an income if you are unable to work due to sickness or an accident, dental insurance and Long Term Care plans help cover other health related costs.
Most people, especially those with children or other dependents need health insurance. A professional agent can assist you in securing the proper type of health insurance.
Estate Planning
Estate tax laws have changed drastically over the past years. The size of an estate exempt from taxation has been increased and continues to rise. Settling an estate can be devastating to a family. Many times the heirs are left with unexpected expenses ranging from debts to taxes and administrative cost. Court records indicate that in 75% of the cases most estates do not have the cash to pay the cost of settling an estate. This forces heirs to liquidate assets, many times necessitating a move from the family home, and the sell of a business for a fraction of its former value. Life insurance is important in estate planning because it produces the funds necessary to meet these expenses immediately. Life insurance when properly placed in an estate plan can help ensure that an estate passes to one’s heirs and not to the tax collectors.
Estate planning can be very complex and even frightening to an individual. For this reason it is important that a qualified agent works with the clients attorney and accountant to properly avoid some of the common pitfalls in estate planning.
How To Choose An Agent
As in selecting a physician or an attorney there are qualified ways to select an insurance agent. Listed below are a few of the guidelines and resources that can be used:
There are different categories of agents, however a professional agent will always place the needs of the client ahead of their own, doing what is best for the client, their family and the business. Professional agents will also provide reviews of the client’s insurance needs and are available for service whenever the client has a need for service.
Multi-line Agents: These agents are just what the name implies. They service the financial needs of their clients through a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of insurance products and financial services including: auto, homeowners, personal umbrella liability protection, boat owners, flood, business, medical, disability income, life, annuities and mutual funds.
Home Service Agents: These agents provide essentially the same services as the Multi-line with most of their services being provided in the client’s home. Often the Home Service Agent does not offer homeowners and auto insurance as part of their portfolio. They provide additional funds to supplement a person’s hospital and retirement benefits, life insurance to meet final expenses and continued needs for the surviving family.
Ordinary Agents: These agents provide basically the same services as the Home Service agents and many of the Multi-line agents. Some Ordinary agents meet with the client in their home while others encourage the client to come to their office. The products provided by the Ordinary agent includes: life insurance, health insurance, disability income protection, long term care insurance and different types of retirement insurance thorough annuities and mutual funds.
Financial Planner: These agents tend to provide comprehensive planning with focus being on all areas of the client’s financial portfolio. They work to develop a course of action to assist the client in achieving their personal goals. Usually a comprehensive plan includes but is not limited to: (1) analyzing the client’s current situation, (2) defining the client’s goals, (3) creating a plan that considers all the financial aspects of the client’s goal, (4) assisting the client in implementing the recommendations and (5) periodically reviewing and revising the plan to adjust for changes in the financial environment and the goals of the client. Quite often the Financial Planner is a "Fee only " compensation.
Whatever type of agent you need and choose to use, don’t be afraid to ask question. Ask what qualifies the agent to discuss your financial goals. It is even permissible to ask for references. The agent you choose will be performing services that will affect your financial health for the rest of your life. Determine if your agent has any professional designations. Most states also require agents to take continuing education courses to remain licensed in the state. Many agents in addition to the continuing education will take additional courses and are often awarded with professional designations. Some of these designations are: Charter Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Registered Financial Consultant (RFC), Health Insurance Associate (HIA), Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FICF), Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), or Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC).
You should also confirm that the agent is a member of a professional association such as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), the Association of Health Insurance Agents (AHIA), the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), or the Society of Financial Services (SFSP).
Membership
There are many good reasons for being a member of Naifa Gadsden. Listed below are but a few of the many benefits of membership:
National and State Benefits
EDUCATION & TRAINING. Each year Naifa Gadsden furnishes 12 hours of CE for its membership "at no cost" to paid members. In cooperation with NAIFA and the Life Underwriter Training Council, (LUTC) we provide hours of high quality professional education with specific courses for advanced, intermediate and beginner producers. New courses are added each year to ensure that you stay knowledgeable of the financial issues that impact your clients financial goals. Members of
Naifa Gadsden receive a discount (approximately 10%) on the cost for the LUTC courses. In addition, CE on-line allows members to obtain additional CE credits at their convenience.
PRODUCE SALES & QUALITY RECOGNITION. The marks of a professional include high standards of professionalism and client commitment. NAIFA helps you standout among your peers by recognizing achievements through the Industry Recognition Program. This includes the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table, LUTCF- Fellow Designation, National Quality Award, National Sales Achievement Award, National Multiline Sales Award, and the Home Service Quality Sales Award.
DISCOUNTS ON BUSINESS RESOURCS EVERYDAY. Members of Naifa Gadsden qualify for discounts on long distance telephone service and through an agreement with UPS members qualify for discounts when shipping items. Additional discounts are offered by client management software companies, long term disability income protection, Errors and Omission coverage and much more through NAIFAs Advantage Plus Program.
THE ADVISOR TODAY. The official publication of NAIFA monthly contains numerous sales ideas plus one issue each year dedicated to marketing with more than 100 sales ideas. There are additionally sales and service aides that will assist your clients in making decisions when considering insurance. In connection with the local association networking opportunities, NAIFA provides the sales ideas you need to succeed in todays competitive market.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES. As a member of your local there are numerous opportunities to be involved in the community as a volunteer. Community Service projects often include Walk-a-Thons, Golf Tournaments, Red Cross Blood Drives, Habitat for Humanity, Food Bank Drives, and many other worthwhile projects to allow for community involvement.
CLIENT BUILDING. Since members of Naifa Gadsden follow a strict Code of Ethics throughout their career your clients will notice your exemplary professionalism and commitment to being the best professional possible, dedicated to making a difference in your clients needs.
INDUSTRY TRENDS. The Advisor Today, and the local newsletter published monthly, will keep you up to date on industry breaking news, technological developments product information and selling tools impacting the industry and your career. The State Association magazine published quarterly will keep you abreast of state and local state legislative initiatives, events and happenings.
BUSINESS REFERRALS. Meeting monthly with your peers allows for opportunities to exchange valuable referrals. Only NAIFA members are afforded this exclusive networking opportunity
FEDERAL & STATE LOBBYING EFFORTS. NAIFA federation lobbyists at the state and national level work continuously to preserve your interest and those of your clients in the insurance and financial services industry. NAIFA membership tips the balance of power in your favor.
Local Benefits
Monthly General Membership Luncheon meetings. The monthly meetings last 1 hour and usually offer Continuing Education Credits. These are free to paid
Naifa Gadsden members.
Sales Ideas. Monthly meetings often include industry leaders and officers from sponsoring companies. These offer sales ideas from people with various backgrounds and training.
Fellowship with peers. The meetings offer an opportunity to fellowship and share ideas on how to prospect, close the sale, deliver the rated case, and many more common interest items.
Monthly Newsletter. Members receive a monthly newsletter that list award winners, ongoing Community Service projects, and other items of interest on both the local and state level.
Continuing Education classes. Naifa Gadsden offers 12 hours of CE classes each year with the classes being free to paid members. This is enough hours to meet the annual CE requirements in Alabama.
NAIFA GADSDEN BOARD
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
Jason Ellen, President
Alfa Insurance
256-442-2545
jellen@alfains.com
Kerry Wilson, Executive
Secretary, Treasurer, State
& National Committee
Person Kerry Wilson Insurance
256-546-2811
kwilson@kerrywilson.com
Board Members: Randy Duckett; Alie Renfrow-Causey ; David Lipscomb, Terry Lewis, Valerie Scott, ClaudiaBruce, Scott Thompson,
Stefanie Thompson, Bernie Baker, Allen Gattis, Brian Nelson.
NAIFA Alabama:
2820 Fairlane Dr.
Montgomery, AL 36116
Ph: 334-271-4900
FX 334-271-4960
Aaifa@aaifa.com
Www.aaifa.com
Dues Structure:
Naifa 141
Local 95, State 65
Total 349
NAIFA GADSDEN
Local # 010144
Alabama President:
Greg Turner, LUTCF
Ph: 256-282-8549
Greg@insuranceplanning.us
NAIFA Headquarters:
P. O. Box 12012
Falls Church, VA 22042
1-877-TO-NAIFA
Membersupport@naifa.org Web site: http://www.naifa.org
Current Members as of 4-19-2009: (41 members)
Bo Arthur, David Bailey, Wilburn Baker
Michael Ervin Bettis, Jimmy Brown, Claudia S. Bruce,
Robert Carroll, Michael Causey, Clarence Daugette,
A. Randall Duckett, Jason D. Ellen, Robin Freeman, Gregory H. Frith,
Marsha A. Gaskin, Allen Gattis, Jo Ann Gray, Paul Guyer,
Dave A. Herring, James D. Herrod, Steven K. Kellett ,
Kenneth W. Lewis, Terry W. Lewis, Michael Chad Lincoln,
David Lynn Lipscomb, Robyn L. Morris,
Brian Ashley Nelson, William Nichols, Philip Owen,
Steven Partridge, Charles D. Pitts,
Raymond R. Renfrow, Jr., Alie Florence Renfrow-Causey,
G. Allen Roberts, Valerie P. Scott, Tim D. Sims, Raymond J. Strawbridge,
Stefanie Dawn Thompson, Scott Fuhrman Thompson, Taylor L.
Wiggins, Kerry L. Wilson, Kenneth Woyak.
Here is a list of recently lapsed members:
Susan Bragg, Tammy Gifford, James Randall Narrell, Robert James Perrin, John D. Smith III, Paula Taylor, Brandon Ashley, Ronnie Baker, Jerry Baker, Beth Baker, Paul David Burgess, James Cannon, Tommy Carden, Danny Clayton, Mary Cobb, Tiffany Garrard, Joey Grimes, Jan Hatchcock, Blaise Jarecki, Ronald Johnson, Jayme Johnson, Richard Ledbetter, Gregory Scott Mayo, Jeremy McDonald, Terry Parris, Wesley Patterson, James Adrian Patton, Kathy Pearce, Betty Powell, Jeffrey Alan Prince, Kenneth Reason, Phillip Robinson, Gregory Skillman, Daniel Stidham, Peter Urban, Timothy Whiteside, Joseph Scott Wilson, Mike Alfred.
If you know any of these people, please encourage them to renew.
If you are not already a member, Join
NAIFA today.
Membership Benefits include:
Education and Training & Designations.
Produce Sales & Quality Recognition.
Discounts on Business Resources.
The Advisor Today NAIFA magazine.
AAIFA News State magazine.
Life Notes Local Newsletter
Opportunity to earn 12 C.E. Credits
per year at local meetings, at no cost
to members.
4 Luncheon Meetings and 1 Awards Banquet per year.
Annual Sales Symposium with Speakers like Gene Stallings, and Million Dollar
Round Table Speakers.
Client Building
Leadership Opportunities
Join today online at: https://secure.naifa.org/registration/membership_app.pdf or https://secure.naifa.org/registration/ or call Kerry Wilson at 256-546-2811.
04/20/2009
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