Broker World

NAILBA

The National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) has named Jason Lea, CFP, Brokers’ Service Marketing Group, Providence, RI, to the NAILBA board of directors. Lea will complete the final year of a three-year term recently vacated by Michael Bellig.

David Long, NAILBA’s chairman of the board of directors, noted that Lea “joins the board at a critical time for our organization. With the recent launch of our new strategic plan, it’s important that our leadership is focused on guiding our organization tactically into the future. Jason brings a wealth of senior leadership experience to the board, along with a solid footing in the brokerage community. I am pleased he accepted my invitation to join us.”

Lea joins the following NAILBA member agency principals, continuing their terms on the board: Chairman David Long, senior vice president, CPS Sacramento/Long Insurance Services, Sacramento, CA; George C. “Chip” Van Dusen, IV, Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, serving as chair-elect; James Sorebo, Four Seasons Financial Group, Marlton, NJ, serving as NAILBA’s secretary/treasurer; and Barbara Crowley, CEO, Brokers Clearing House, Ltd., West Des Moines, IA, concludes her service this year as the immediate past chairman for 2015; Joseph Bosnack, Katz Nassau Agency, Rockville Centre, NY; Brittany Cross, LFS-Labyrinth Financial Services, Vancouver, WA; Melinda S. Meyer, ValMark Securities, Akron, OH; Seixas “Chad” Milner, III, The Milner Group, Lawrenceville, GA; Jeffrey D. Mooers, H.D. Mooers & Co., Lafayette, CA; Ben Nevejans, LifePro Financial Services, Inc., San Diego, CA; Myra Palmer, The Palmer Agency, Atlanta, GA; Thomas Riekse, Jr., LTCI Partners, LLC, Lake Forest, IL.

“Like our chairman and other members of the board, Jason Lea brings the next generation’s perspective of one of NAILBA’s long-standing, multi-generational agency members. We are delighted to have the future of brokerage so well represented among our leadership,” observed NAILBA CEO Jack Chiasson, CAE.

A biographical sketch for each member of the NAILBA board of directors can be found on the board of directors page of the NAILBA website, www.nailba.org.

AIG

American International Group, Inc. recently announced the launch of AG Platinum Choice VUL, variable universal life insurance issued by American General Life Insurance Company with a flexible design that provides death benefit protection, upside market potential, cash accumulation for future financial needs, and the opportunity to guarantee the death benefit throughout the policyholder’s lifetime.

When combined with the optional Accelerated Access Solution, an available chronic illness rider, the product offers the potential for the policyholder to receive access to an accelerated portion of the death benefit income tax-free.

“We believe AG Platinum Choice VUL meets market needs as a robust yet flexible financial vehicle for our valued distribution partners to offer clients, in that it combines customizable life insurance protection with 46 professionally managed investment options from renowned money managers,” said John Deremo, executive vice president and chief distribution officer, life insurance, AIG Financial Distributors.

Chris Ogburn, vice president, life insurance product management, AIG Consumer Insurance, said, “With features and benefits that can guarantee lifetime coverage while providing growth potential through diverse investment options, AG Platinum Choice VUL is designed to help clients not only protect their beneficiaries but also help protect their financial assets.” Guarantees are backed by the claim-paying ability of American General Life Insurance Company.

AG Platinum Choice VUL may be particularly well suited for individuals under the age of 65 who need the protection life insurance provides and are:

 • seeking market opportunities to accumulate cash value in a tax-favored vehicle to supplement income-producing assets in the future;

 • searching for a competitively priced death benefit with long term guarantees coupled with growth potential; or

 • desiring cash accumulation potential and the opportunity to tailor their policy with optional riders to meet specific, future needs such as potential access to living benefits in the event of chronic illness.

For chronic illness protection, the Accelerated Access Solution features flexible benefit payment options, including a unique payout methodology to help guard against inflation. The payout can be either 2 percent or 4 percent of the benefit amount per month, or the policyholder can choose to have the benefit amount set at the maximum Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allowable per diem at the time the benefit is exercised. (In 2015 that’s $330 per day.)

The Accelerated Access Solution also offers affordable premiums that are fully guaranteed for the life of the contract, and a waiver of monthly premium that applies as long as the policyholder qualifies for benefits—even if he or she chooses not to take the benefits.

For more information on AG Platinum Choice VUL and for important consumer disclosures concerning accelerated death benefits, visit www.aig.com/lifeinsurance. 

Allianz Life

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) promoted Chris Chambs to vice president financial consulting in the finance division. In his role, Chambs drives financial management for all Allianz Life business functions. He oversees the company’s budgeting and expense initiatives and its relationships with rating agencies. Chambs also develops and delivers the annual planning and strategic dialogue process with Allianz Life parent company, Allianz SE in Munich. In his role, Chambs reports to Chief Financial Officer Giulio Terzariol.

“Chris brings nearly 15 years of finance experience to his role and successfully manages critical stakeholder relationships for Allianz Life,” said Terzariol. “By overseeing the company budget and building high performing teams, we are excited to see his great results.”

Chambs takes on this vital financial leadership role building on his previous work as a senior director in finance, where he developed and delivered financial plans, analyzed the company’s budget and expenses, monitored competitive and market activity, and forecasted key financial measures. Prior to his most recent role, Chambs was an analyst for two years with the group planning and controlling division at Allianz SE, where he managed a portfolio of companies in the property/casualty and life/health business segments. He also gained finance experience with Allianz Life by holding roles as an analyst, manager and director for more than five years. Prior to joining Allianz Life, he worked in the audit function at Deloitte LLP in Minneapolis.

Chambs holds a bachelor of arts degree in accounting from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. 

Foresters

Tony Garcia, president and CEO of Foresters, recently announced the appointment of Cheryl Neal to the role of executive vice president, and president, North American Life Insurance. Foresters is a leading international financial services provider with $28 billion of funds under management.

In this new role, Neal will be responsible for leading Canadian and U.S. distribution, insurance operations, and product development and pricing. The role was created by Garcia in 2014 as part of strategic restructuring designed to realize the organization’s full potential and create long term value for employees, customers and sales partners.

“When I joined this organization last year, I identified the need for a visionary leader to helm the new North American Life Insurance division,” says Garcia. “With extensive financial services experience and a proven track record of building performance-driven teams, I know Neal is the right choice to help lead Foresters into sustainable, profitable growth.”

Since 2008, Neal has served as executive vice president, individual markets and president, individual life at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Previously she held progressively senior roles with leading financial services organizations including HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Discover Card. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and an MBA from the University of Illinois.

For more than 140 years Foresters has fulfilled its purpose to enhance family well-being for its members and the communities where they live. A fraternal benefit society, Foresters offers quality life insurance and investment products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities. 

Superior Mobile Medics

Superior Mobile Medics (SMM), a nationwide provider of mobile medical examinations and health screening services, announced the appointment of Sherry Bird as its new director of quality.

Bird is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience in staffing, recruiting, credentialing, human resources and risk management. She has partnered with clients representing a variety of industries, including the health care sector.

As director of quality, Bird will provide day-to-day leadership and oversee all aspects of daily operations for examiner recruiting, credentialing, quality and status departments that support orders, examiners and customers across t he nation. Responsibilities for the department include carrying out strategic goals and objectives to maximize exam and examiner quality, maintain high service levels, profitability, customer service and operating efficiencies.

“We are so pleased to have Sherry join the SMM family. She brings strong leadership and a high service orientation to the role. She has a unique combination of creativity and analytical skills to assess challenges from all vantage points enabling her to create and implement positive and cost-effective solutions,” said Tim Cajka, executive vice president of SMM. Bird was most recently regional director at Manpower/San Diego, responsible for managing operations with primary focus on staffing, administrative quality, customer service, training and call center activities, as well as directing sales efforts.

Superior Mobile Medics, Inc., is an industry leader, engaging a nationwide network of mobile health professionals to accurately collect the health data that allows customers to make informed decisions on managing risk. Single-source service, unsurpassed quality standards and exceptional people set SMM apart. For 20 years, SMM has supported insurance companies by offering outstanding nationwide coverage for all insurance examination needs.

For more information contact Sherry Bird directly at sbird@superiormobilemedics.com.

May 2015

Marketing/Study Group Overview

STUDY GROUPS

LIFE, Inc.

 Group Classification: Study Group

 Mission Statement: A study group designed to provide a forum for the exchange of information, proprietary and public, among insurance professionals representing independent brokerage organizations.

 Year Group Established: 1974

 Products Offered: Group’s primary emphasis is on infor­mation exchange.

 Companies Represented: Each member agency represents many insurance companies.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Contact Mark Rosen.

 Website: N/A

Risk Appraisal Forum

 Group Classification: Study Group

 Mission Statement: A national study group composed of a select number of brokerage agency principals who specialize in impaired risk underwriting. The group’s purpose is to promote the active exchange of impaired risk information among risk assessment professionals (RAF members, home office and reinsurance medical directors, and underwriters) in order to: (1) increase the level of technical underwriting expertise among members and professional colleagues through continuing education, (2) inspire greater levels of trust by fostering improved communication, (3) increase awareness of potential areas for medical breakthroughs or medical advances that will most likely result in mortality improvements and longer life expectancy.

 Year Group Established: 1976

 Products Offered: The group’s primary emphasis is the impaired risk case.

 Companies Represented: Each member agency represents many insurance companies.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Membership is considered for any brokerage agency principal with direct and ongoing impaired risk underwriting responsibility and involvement.

 Website: www.riskappraisalforum.com

SAGE Group

 Group Classification: Study Group

 Year Group Established: 2007

 Products Offered: Life, Annuities, Dis­ability Income, LTC

 Companies Represented: Each member agency represents many insurance companies.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Two times per year with monthly accountability calls

 Looking for New Members: Not at this time

 Member Qualifications: Contact Laurie Prevette

 Website: N/A

SUB Centers, Inc.

 Group Classification: Study Group

 Mission Statement: To promote high ethical standards and to increase efficiency and cost effectiveness through the standardization of materials and methods. To foster an interchange of ideas that might benefit each member and better serve the life insurance industry through the collective talents of all.

 Year Group Established: 1961

 Products Offered: All life, annuities, disability insurance, health, long term care, etc.

 Companies Represented: Each member agency represents many insurance companies.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Two to three times a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Must have a number of years in brokerage, must not be an officer in a life insurance company, must not be a member of any other life brokerage association.

 Website: www.subcenters.com

TYGERS

 Group Classification: Study Group

 Mission Statement: To create and maintain a network of young dedicated insurance professionals whose purpose is to share concepts, learn from each other, develop new markets, establish quality relationships and distribution systems, and prosper through the 21st century.

 Year Group Established: 1996

 Products Offered: The group’s primary purpose is the sharing of ideas.

 Companies Represented: Each member agency represents many insurance companies.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

 Looking for New Members: Not at this time

 Member Qualifications: Contact Jeff Mooers

 Website: N/A

AimcoR Group LLC

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: AimcoR Group LLC is a national insurance marketing organization consisting of 44 member companies that focuses on distributing and servicing insurance and retirement products through a variety of channels and platforms including independent financial advisors, broker/dealers, banks, property & casualty, employee benefit firms, professional advisors (CPAs and JDs) as well as direct-to-consumers marketers. With the highest and growing number of female principals in the industry, and its 2020 Study Group consisting of 20 second-generation leaders who focus on the future of brokerage distribution, AimcoR continues to lead the industry in innovation and forward thinking. Through the recent launch of its Enterprise Insurance Group (EIG) AimcoR is taking a fresh approach in serving the institutional space in a creative, consistent and compliant manner. AimcoR members share marketing expertise, technology infrastructure, best practices, and a vision of steady, sustainable, manageable and ethical growth for many decades to come. AimcoR is the ideal partner for any independent brokerage organization that is interested in converting individual entrepreneurial success into equity ownership in a unique cooperative.

 Year Group Established: 2011

 Products Offered: Universal life, indexed universal life, term life, whole life, variable life, annuities, long term care, disability income.

 Companies Represented: Accordia Life, American General, Genworth, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, National Life Group/LSW, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, Transamerica, Voya Financial.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Three times a year

 Looking for New Members: Selectively

 Member Qualifications: Contact John Ziambras at 866-428-0108, X7003 or john.­ziambras@aimcorgroup.com

 Website: www.aimcorgroup.com; www.aimcoreig.com

AIP Marketing Alliance

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: To provide our members and partners a realistic opportunity to compete with the largest national marketing companies. AIP Marketing Alliance provides its members and partners access to a large product portfolio along with top level marketing commissions, all without having to validate individual carrier contracts.

 The goal of AIP Marketing Alliance is to allow its members and partners to maintain autonomy, yet still reap the benefits that go along with large production volumes. By sharing our unbranded marketing, training and staff resources, AIP Marketing Alliance enables its members and partners to better compete with the largest life and annuity marketing companies in the recruitment and retention of agents.

 Year Group Established: 2000

 Products Offered: Life, annuities, long term care, Medicare supplements, DI.

 Companies Represented: Allianz, Allianz Preferred, American Amicable, American Equity, American General, American Memorial, American National, Americo, Athene Annuity, AXA Equitable, Columbian Mutual, EquiTrust, Fidelity & Guaranty Life, Fidelity Life, Forethought, Foresters, Genworth, Great American, Guggenheim, Integrity, John Hancock, Lafayette Life, Legal & General America, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, Mutual Trust, National Western, North American Company, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, Reliance Standard, Security Mutual (NY), Symetra, Transamerica, United American, United Home Life, Voya Financial, 5 Star Life.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Annual

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Membership is available to wholesalers, recruiters and agencies with down line agents. For information, contact Chris Howe.

 Website: www.AIPonline.net

The Argyle Group, Inc.

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: Our mission is to enhance our members’ professionalism and profitability by:

 • Developing strategic alliances with top quality insurance carriers and by

 • Developing relationships with other marketing groups and

 • By enhancing our members’ business management skills through education, peer review, and peer accountability.

 Year Established: 1995

 Products Offered: Annuities, disability income, life insurance, long term care.

 Companies Represented: AIG/American General, Lincoln Financial, North American, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential.

 Doing Business In: CA, FL, IL, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX

 Meeting Frequency: Once a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Dues

 Website: www.argylebrokerage.com

BRAMCO Financial

Resources

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: A life insurance marketing organization dedicated to the independent brokerage marketplace. BRAMCO has a complete focus on brokerage and aligns its members with carriers that support the independent distri­bution system. BRAMCO’s critical mass of intellectual capital is the main strength, which provides members with distri­bution expertise needed to reach higher levels of performance.

 Year Group Established: 1979

 Products Offered: Wide range of life and annuities both fixed and variable, long term care, disability income, and various financial instruments designed to suit an array of funding needs.

 Companies Represented: Accordia  Life, American General, AXA Equit­able, Genworth, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, SBLI, Symetra, Trans­america, United of Omaha.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Three times a year (five specialist meetings)

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Contact John Kuk at 860-539-9435.

 Website: www.bramcofinancial.com

 See Group’s Ad on: 33

Broadtower Insurance Solutions Inc.

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: Broadtower represents a new standard in long term care insurance distribution management. We have a singular focus to build LTCI production and expand sales success for our members. We are a value based organization driven by experienced leadership, an extensive inventory of risk management solutions, innovative business building technologies and leading edge sales training. If you are already a substantial distributor, our collaborative approach will help expand your sales opportunities and increase your profitability. We stand ready to help all our member agencies, regardless of their current production, build their LTCI line of business.

 Products Offered: Long term care insurance in all its current and future forms and manifestations, stand-alone LTCI (individual/group), combo and hyrid LTCI as well as annuity combos.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Annual

 Member Qualifications: Contact Ron Hagelman at 818-444-7751 or rhagelman@broadtowerinsurance.com

 Website: www.broadtowerinsurance.com

Broker’s Health Insurance

Network, Inc.

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: The Broker’s Health Insurance Network was founded in 1987 with the specific purpose of providing an effective promotion and distribution channel for the health industry’s products and services. The Broker’s Health Insurance Network includes 20 major brokerage agencies and affiliates with countless years of accumulated experience in marketing individual and group health insurance throughout the United States. Advisors, agents and brokers look to Broker’s Health Insurance Network offices to provide case management expertise, market knowledge, product training, information and superior compensation.

 Year Group Established: 1988

 Products Offered: Employee benefits: medical insurance, mini-med, dental, disability, health savings accounts/HDHP, international group, long term care insurance, Medicare supplement/Medigap, retirement medical, executive benefits and worksite. Individual health: critical illness, dental, disability income, health savings accounts/HDHP, travel medical, international medical, long term care insurance, short term major medical and Tricare/Champus. Senior: Medicare supplements, Part C and Part D plans, specialized training, certification and leads. Complementary products: annuities, life insurance, retirement plans, prepaid legal and more.

 Companies Represented: Assurity Life, CVS Silverscript Envision Rx, Fidelity Life, IHC, Legal Shield, Merchants Benefit Administration, Mutual of Omaha, Reliance Standard, Security Life, Settler’s Life, Standard Life & Accident, United of Omaha.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Twice a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Contact Joe Pittman at 402-397-0280 or bhini@cam-­omaha.com.

 Website: www.bhini.com

 See Group’s Ad on: 51

Capitas Financial, Inc.

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: Our mission is to be the premier wholesale life insurance brokerage organization in the nation, focusing on both national account relationships, as well as advanced markets for independent agents. Capitas specializes in matching client needs with sophisticated, unbiased solutions. Our superior point of sale network and centralized technology delivers the strength of a national organization coupled with unrivaled local service.

 Year Group Established: 2001

 Products Offered: Annuities, disability income, long term care, life settlements, private placement, a wide range of life insurance,  and variable products.

 Companies Represented: American General, AXA Equitable, Genworth, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, National Life, Pacific Life, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, Voya Financial. Capitas works primarily with the highest rated carriers in the industry and has access to more than 100 additional carriers as needed by the client or requested by the national account.

 Doing Business In: All states and Puerto Rico

 Meeting Frequency: Two to three times a year.

 Looking for New Partners: Yes

 Website: www.capitasfinancial.com

Consolidated Marketing

Group, Inc.

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: Consolidated Marketing Group, Inc., is a growing and vibrant national organization of life insurance and annuity marketing brokerage operations. CMG has built a foundational base of information and experience through the recruitment of exceptional principals who work together in areas ranging from insuring foreign nationals to unique wealth transfer strategies and proprietary premium finance techniques. Through the use of technology we are building and educating at the principal and agent level to increase opportunities for business expansion organically as well as through acquisition.

 Year Group Established: 1988

 Products Offered: Impaired risk, fixed, immediate and indexed annuities, disability income, long term care, term life, universal life, indexed life and whole life.

 Companies Represented: Accordia Life, American General, American National, Athene Annuity, AXA Equitable, Fidelity & Guaranty Life, Fidelity Life, Genworth, Guggenheim, John Hancock, Lafayette Life, Legal & General America, Life of the Southwest, Lincoln National, Minnesota Life, National Life, Nationwide, North American Company, Prudential, Sagicor, Sentinel Security, Transamerica, Voya Financial.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Contact ­admin@cmginfo.com.

 Website: www.cmgtoday.com

CPS Insurance Services

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: We are the nation’s leading marketer of individual products to the financial services professional. The CPS family of agencies is highly respected for consumer focus, the attention paid to maintenance of long term relationships with high quality insurance companies and successful producers, superior service, and the application and development of useful, leading edge technologies. Our employees are insurance experts who always strive to reach their full potential. They are recognized for their importance, and supported in their plans for personal and professional development. We are recognized as leaders in our industry, and we believe in giving back to our communities. Above all, we value our reputation for integrity, caring, and for being winners. CPS is Companies, Products and Service. You can count on us.

 Year Group Established: 1974

 Products Offered: Fixed, indexed and variable universal life, term life, whole life, impaired risk, fixed and variable annuities, long term care, linked benefits, critical illness, and disability income.

 Companies Represented: American General, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Minnesota Life, Principal, Protective Life, Symetra, Transamerica, United of Omaha, Voya Fnancial and many others.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Contact group for information.

 Website: www.cpsinsurance.com

Diversified Marketing

Group, Inc.

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: The mission of the Diversified Marketing Group, Inc. (DMG) is to enhance the ability of its member agencies to do life, long term care, health insurance and annuity business. The representation of all member agencies through one central marketing organization enables each DMG-affiliated agency to achieve power in negotiating and retaining contracts without individual agency production requirements. DMG affiliated agencies are encouraged to cooperate and extend the availability of companies they represent to other member agencies.

 Year Group Established: 1986

 Products Offered: Impaired risk, life, health, annuities, and long term care.

 Companies Represented: AGL Assurance, Allianz, American General, American Memorial, American National, Americo, Ameritas, AmerUS, Assurity Life, Athene, AXA Equitable, Banner, Cincinnati Life, Columbian Mutual, Fidelity & Guaranty Life, Fidelity Life, First MetLife Investors, Foresters, Genworth, Gleaner Life, Great American, Guardian, Hartford Life, Jackson National Life, John Hancock, Kansas City Life, Lafayette Life, Legal & General America, LifeSecure, Lincoln Financial, MassMutual, MedAmerica, MetLife Investors, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, Mutual Trust, National Life Group, National Western, Nationwide, New York Life, North American Company, OM Financial Life, Penn Mutual, Phoenix Life, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, Royal Bank of Canada, Sagicor, SBLI, Security Life of Denver, Security Mutual of NY, Standard Life, Sun Life, Transamerica, Symetra, United Home Life, United of Omaha, Voya Financial, Western & Southern Life, Western Reserve, William Penn Life of NY, Zurich American Life. (While DMG is not directly licensed with all companies listed, member agencies are.)

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Once a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: BGAs

 Website: www.dmgusa.org

Insurance Designers

of America, LLC

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: IDA’s mission is to foster working relationships between our members, service providers, and carrier partners that are unsurpassed in the insurance industry. In so doing, IDA will recruit new agencies based upon their reputation for the highest level of ethical behavior and professionalism by the carriers they represent and the independent agents they support. IDA is further committed to provide its members with top contracts from the highest quality carriers that offer the most competitive products available in America. IDA will be the best partner to its members and carriers, helping them to prosper and grow through honesty, transparency, market intelligence, collaboration and understanding.

 Year Group Established: 1986

 Products Offered: Fixed, variable and indexed annuities, traditional whole life, universal life, variable universal life, indexed universal life, term, linked benefit products, final expense, long term care, disability income, health supplements, and group products.

 Companies Represented: Accordia Life, Allstate, American General, Ameritas, Athene, AXA Equitable, Companion Life, Genworth, Gerber, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Life of the Southwest, Lincoln National, MetLife, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, National Life of Vermont, Nationwide, New York Life, North American Company, Protective Life, Prudential, SBLI, Symetra, Transamerica, United Home Life, United of Omaha, US Life, Voya Financial, William Penn. 

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Twice a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Fully staffed brokerage general agents producing a minimum of $2 million in target premium per year; must be sponsored by a current member.

 Website: www.ida-national.com

 See Group’s Ad on: 35

LifeMark Partners, Inc.

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: LifeMark Partners exists to leverage Partner, carrier and industry resources and expertise to enhance and expand life insurance distribution for the benefit of all stakeholders. LifeMark has strong roots in the brokerage industry, comprised of the best professional independent brokerage general agencies as its Partners. LifeMark Partners adds value to its firms by providing state of the art tools and resources in the areas of product benchmarking, advanced sales, marketing, and underwriting that differentiate them in the marketplace. In addition, we secure the top contracts from the best carriers. Our BGA Parters have the opportunity to participate in many of the collaborative programs to increase distribution with retail life brokers, independent financial planners, P/C agencies and regional banks. LifeMark offers its BGAs access to top training, education and marketing opportunities that add value to distribution relationships. LifeMark is committed to adding value that drives success for its Partners and their producers and advisors.

 Year Group Established: 1995

 Products Offered: Annuities, disability income, long term care, term, universal life, variable universal life.

 Companies Represented: Accordia Life, American General, American National, AXA, Genworth, John Hancock, Legal & General America, Liberty Life, MetLife, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, North American Company, Principal, Protective Life, Prudential, SBLI, Symetra, Transamerica.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Three times a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Contact Bill Shelow, bshelow@lifemarkpartners.com

 Website: www.lifemarkpartners.com

 See Group’s Ad on: 32

National Association of

Insurance Marketers (NAIM)

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: To promote excellence and integrity in the distribution of insurance products and services to the brokerage community. Our association is designed to promote products, educate and serve brokers, and enhance the professionalism of the insurance industry through the networking of regional marketers.

 Year Group Established: 1990

 Products Offered: Ancillary group, dental, disability income (blue and white collar special risk), group medical, group worksite, individual medical, interest sensitive whole life, international medical, long term care, short term medical, student medical, term life, universal life.

 Companies Represented: American General, Assurant Solutions, Assurity Life, Capital Benefits Group, General Agents Center, Health Insurance Innovations, HPA, IMG, Lincoln Financial, North American Company, Petersen International, Securian Dental, Sentry Life.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Once a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Evidence of significant brokerage activities and ethical standards that will be reviewed for approval by the NAIM Board of Directors.

 Website: www.NAIM.com

National Brokerage

Agencies, Inc.

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: The National Brokerage Agencies, Inc. researches, constructs and promotes marketing concepts using diverse products and services through a networking approach focused on insurance and financial services.

 A national organization, NBA is comprised of independent general agencies who strive through fellowship and education to enhance and further their professional environment and to maximize productivity through this alliance. One of the NBA strengths is the broad and diverse knowledge within the group, allowing NBA to offer a unique opportunity to help members not only grow, but diversify their client base.

 Year Group Established: 1981

 Products Offered: Traditional life, fixed and universal life, term life, fixed and equity indexed annuities, senior life final expense products, worksite products, disability income, asset transfer products, long term care (individual and group), living benefits products, and life settlements.

 Companies Represented: Accordia Life, AIG, Amer­ican General, American National, Assurity, Banner, Broadtower LTC, Capital Benefits Group, Coventry, Gerber Life, Global Underwriters, GroupLink, IHC Solutions, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Mer­chants Benefit Administration, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, Mutual Trust Life, National Western, North American Company, OneAmerica, Petersen International, Phoenix Life, Protective Life, Reliance Standard Life, SBLI, Securian Dental, Security Mutual, Standard Life, Symetra, Transamerica, Voya Financial, Welcome Funds.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Two times a year

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: Agencies that derive the majority of their income from life and health insurance brokerage.

 Website: www.nbagency.com

NBC National Marketing, Inc.

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: NBC’s objective is to be relevant in the financial services industry by committing to long lasting and productive relationships among members in a synergistic format. The primary vision of NBC is to make membership a personally and financially rewarding experience. With the combined experience of the group numbering in centuries instead of decades and with the infusion of many younger and innovative members, we are able to offer effective experience and innovation on a continual basis to our membership.

 Year Group Established: 1989

 Products Offered: NBC members offer all varieties of annuities and life insurance, disability income, long term care, critical illness and impaired risk underwriting services.

 Companies Represented: Accord, Accordia Life, Allianz, American Amicable, American Equity, American General, American National, Assurity Life, Athene Annuity, AXA Equitable, AXA NY, Banner, Companion NY, Equitrust, Fidelity Life, Genworth, Genworth NY, Gerber Life, Great American Life, Hartford Life, Illinois Mutual, Integrity Life, John Hancock, John Hancock NY, Lafayette Life, Life of the Southwest, Lincoln National Life, Lincoln National Life NY, Loyal American, MetLife Investors, MetLife, Met NY, Minnesota Life, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, New York Life, North American Company, Penn Mutual, Phoenix, Phoenix NY, Principal, Protective Life, Protective Life and Annuity NY, Prudential, Reliance Standard, SBLI, Standard Life, State Life, Sun Life, Sun NY, Symetra, Transamerica, Transamerica NY, United of Omaha, USLife Insurance, Voya Financial, Western Reserve, William Penn.

 Doing Business In: All states

 Meeting Frequency: Two times a year—spring and fall

 Looking for New Members: Yes, currently offering new member promotions.

 Member Qualifications: NBC is seeking agencies that derive the majority of their production from brokerage lines in life, health, annuity, disability income, retirement planning, critical care and long term care insurance. Small and mid-sized agencies in addition to large brokerage agencies welcomed.

 Website: www.nbcnm.com

National LTC Network

 Group Classification: Marketing/Study Group

 Mission Statement: The National LTC Network is a national alliance of leading distributors of long term care insurance and retirement solutions. Network members work with multiple insurers and are dedicated to marketing LTC insurance with knowledge, ethics and excellence. The membership includes many of the largest and most-respected distributors in the nation.

 Year Group Established: 1994

 Products Offered: Long term care insurance

 Companies Represented: Genworth, MedAmerica, Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica.

 Doing Business In: All states and DC

 Meeting Frequency: Three times a year—February, June and October

 Looking for New Members: Yes

 Member Qualifications: MGAs with a focus on LTC insurance production.

 Website: www.nltcn.com

The Plus Group

 Group Classification: Marketing Group

 Mission Statement: A service organization that supplies training and disability insurance products to insurance agents, financial planners and marketing partners. Service is provided by the pooled resources and talents of the managing general agents who previously operated independently. Twenty-two offices are located across the United States to provide localized, quality service.

 Year Group Established: 1997

 Products Offered: Association, bank loan indemnification, blue collar, buy/sell, group long and short term, guaranteed  issue/guarantee to issue, high limit, individual/group combo, impaired risk, key person, individual, multi-life, pension supplement, senior, and special risk for athletes, entertainers, musicians, and t

Columbus Life

Mark Mouro, LUTCF, AIF, of Capital Analysts Jacksonville, was recently selected as chairman of Columbus Life Insurance Company’s field advisory committee. Mouro will succeed Darrel Woolley of the Intermark Financial & Insurance Agency, whose term ended on December 31, 2014.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, Columbus Life is represented by more than 3,000 independent producers nationwide. Its field advisory committee is a group of experienced financial professionals who represent the national group of independent producers. The work of the field advisory committee has enhanced relationships between producers and Columbus Life and improved service to Columbus Life’s policyholders.

In his role as chairman, Mouro will lead initiatives between the national producer group and the Columbus Life home office. He will help ensure that the field advisory committee gathers and prioritizes feedback from the field and that effective decisions are made and carried out in partnership with Columbus Life team members.

“From the very first time I was introduced to Columbus Life, they made me and our whole office feel like family,” said Mouro. “That’s why I’m pleased and proud to serve as chairman of its field advisory committee. I look forward to working side-by-side with the team at Columbus Life to continue to build strong personal relationships with all of our producers.”

“We’re excited to welcome such an experienced industry professional as Mark ­Mouro to chair the field advisory committee,” said Steve Sanders, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Columbus Life. “Mark’s keen vision and understanding of the unique challenges independent producers face make him an ideal candidate. We look forward to working with him throughout the year to serve our group of independent producers.” 

SBLI

The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts (SBLI) recently announced that Matthew C. Regan III has joined the company as senior vice president and general counsel at its headquarters in Woburn, MA.

Prior to joining SBLI, Regan spent 17 years with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, where he established enforcement policies and procedures as chief enforcement counsel and later oversaw market conduct of domestic and foreign insurance companies as director of market conduct. Regan also served as counsel at the Massachusetts Department of Correction and was an assistant district attorney in Suffolk County, where he prosecuted felony and misdemeanor cases.

Legal & General America

According to LIMRA and other industry studies, even those who have made the intelligent and responsible choice to purchase life insurance often purchase too little. This coverage gap can be nearly as devastating to families and businesses as having no coverage at all.

Legal & General America (LGA) now offers increased coverage to applicants who have been identified by the underwriter as eligible for larger face amounts. Increased coverage increments are based on the difference between the face amount for which the customer applied and the face amount maximum for the GET MORE opportunity. LGA gives brokers at least one alternative to offer the customer, but in some cases as many as five. The customer can, however, choose any amount that doesn’t exceed the maximum. LGA provides brokers with the premium for each of the respective offers.

Results to date say the program has been well received. Since inception, GET MORE offers have resulted in an 8 percent increase in face amount on eligible policies. The up-sell opportunity is open to all contracted brokerage agencies who opt in for participation. 

NAILBA

The National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) Charitable Foundation has named Patrick Bowen of Legal & General America and John McWilliams of Colorado Brokerage Group to the NAILBA Charitable Foundation board of directors.

Bowen and McWilliams join a respected group of brokerage industry leaders in service to the foundation. Beginning a two-year term as president of the foundation board is Louie Cason, The Cason Group. He is joined on the executive committee by Michael Smith, CPS Horizon Financial, in the role of vice president; Alan Protzel, The Marketing Alliance, secretary/treasurer; and John Rippinger, Resource Brokerage, immediate past president. The executive committee also includes two members of the NAILBA board of directors and the NAILBA CEO Jack Chiasson. Continuing their terms as directors are Stephen ­Howard, Broker World, Robin Landers, Lander-Stein & Associates, Lori Payne, AIG, and Mark Rush, Foresters.

The foundation, which raised more than $150,000 during NAILBA’s annual meeting held last November, welcomes donations from individuals and corporate partners. The annual meeting is the biggest fundraising effort each year, this time recognizing more than $75,000 in contributions from foundation supporters Prudential, Genworth, Protective Life, Mutual of ­Omaha and AIG. Marketing groups BRAMCO, LifeMark Partners, The Marketing Alliance and NBA, through matching donation programs, raised a combined total of more than $80,000 in 2014 and were also recognized at the annual meeting. An additional $27,000 was raised at the meeting through live and silent auctions. For the fifth meeting in a row, Legal & General America offered a matching donation opportunity, which this year raised more than $100,000 through ticket sales and their matching donation.

Since 2002, the foundation has provided more than $2 million in grant support. The mission of the NAILBA Charitable Foundation is to encourage volunteerism among NAILBA members and provide grant funds to worthy charitable organizations that serve to enhance the qualify of life for those less fortunate, with a special emphasis on children. In 2014, the foundation awarded $265,000 in grants to organizations supported by NAILBA members and corporate supporters and supported the Life Happens LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program.

For more information visit www.­nailbacharitablefoundation.org.