I hope everyone had a great September meeting. I wish I was there in person, as you know I was at the NAIFA annual conference which, was great this year. It's always nice to meet old friends and make new ones from all around the country. Meeting in Washington DC gave us the opportunity to have a "Day on the Hill" and visit with our respective congressmen and house representatives. Advocacy is a prime focus for NAIFA and this is the perfect forum to meet and speak with the very people who need to hear us. There are many bills before the government that will directly and indirectly affect our business. Without the advocacy of NAIFA, we would be out of business. It is our efforts that make a difference. Our PAC contributions make a difference. Our membership makes a difference. You make a difference. I hope that we can rally together this year and increase our membership. Not just for the numbers, but for the fact that this is your organization. It's the organization that works for you. No other organization you can belong to will have your industry concerns at the forefront of their efforts. This was my first time to visit Washington DC and I was quite taken with the monuments and the history that represents our country. Everyone should have a chance to see this. I wish I could have stayed longer.

Let's make this a great year! My goal is to show you the better, stronger, more proactive side of your association. I can't do it alone though. We have a great team and I am fortunate to have so many willing and knowledgeable people on the board of directors. We also have the great honor of having the NAIFA California Secretary, Sandy Henderson, in our local association. As secretary, Sandy will be in position to be president of NAIFA California in 2010. This means a lot to us. Over the next two years, our job is to support her and show the state we are behind her in every way. When you see Sandy, Congratulate her and give her your support. This is a great honor to have.

Remember the luncheon meetings are on the second Thursday of every month. So mark your calendar now so you don't forget. Your presence makes a difference and I hope to see all of you over the next year. Happy selling!

Belinda Roberts

President