Often times we are reminded how grateful we should be of the things we often take for granted.  I was happy to see so many engaged people at our last luncheon meeting.  We have the potential to be such a strong and active association and we should be ever grateful of that.  I want to thank you for your comments and suggestions.  One comment was made that rings so true, and that is that if everyone who attended last month just asked ONE person to become a member we would double our membership.  How hard can that be?  We all know someone who sells insurance and is not a member of NAIFA.  Ask them why and tell them how important their membership is to their career and to the people we serve.  This Thanksgiving month I am very much reminded of how important our business is to the people we touch.  For those who know me well, you know that I have been dealing with several personal losses in my life.  One thought that always runs through my mind though in times like these is “I’m glad I do what I do”.  The advice we give changes peoples lives; more than just a sales person, more than just a banker, more that just investments, more than just insurance.  What we do is affect people’s lives.  I have experienced this first hand in the last few weeks with the death of several people very close to me and then having a car accident to top it off with.  So when I think about NAIFA-Fresno and the advisors that belong and ones that should belong I think about how important this association is to the clients and families we help.  Advocacy, education, member benefits, and worthwhile programs are what give us the tools to give our clients the BEST advice and give them the BEST products and give them the BEST agent to do the job.  So it’s our duty to carry that torch and to be the spokesperson for leadership and membership in THE organization that will provide them with the tools and confidence to change people’s lives forever.  The next time you talk to a “non-member”, let them know that. Happy Thanksgiving and a joyful Holiday Season to all of you!

Belinda Roberts

President