Wow...the attendance at the November luncheon was wonderful. I thank those of you that took time out of your busy schedule to be there and get an insight to the challenges that we all encountering in the healthcare arena. The topic of discussion was "eye opening" as member Luther Verhaar, has stated.

   I am hopeful that you are experiencing the worth of your membership to NAIFA Fresno. As I reflect back to over a year ago, we have to admit that our road to success in our association may have appeared a bit bleak, but know that we are striving and determined to build an association that bases our foundation on ethics and values. We cannot change the past, but rather choose to learn from it and plan for our future. NAIFA Fresno is committed to provide the tools and benefits to our membership body that will allow him/her to prosper in our industry. By no means are we to be used as a vehicle to proselytize agents. This type of behavior will not be tolerated and would hope that we are all on the same page here. In the past, our association and agents have been affected adversely with type of action and want to reassure all members that our current leadership recognizes this. No blame is to be placed on anyone for we are all guilty of many actions that we take in our daily lives. We can only recognize our shortcomings and do better today and tomorrow. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

   Thus, your board is in the process of appointing an Ethics Committee that will assure the best interests of our association. Should you like to be involved, or know of an associate that you'd like to nominate, please do let a board member know. In addition, the first Young Advisors meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 19th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. What is Young Advisors you ask?...it is those agents that are of 40 years of age and under or have been in the industry for less than five years. This is focused in providing Young Advisors needs that in today's market that may differ from the needs of a seasoned agent. Please join us and bring your ideas to get this branch of our local off to a great start! More details will follow. Until then, should you have any questions, please do contact Clay Blanton.

   In closing, have a Blessed Christmas!!!!

Respectfully yours,

Genevieve Marie Hormel

2006-2007 NAIFA-Fresno President