Fellow Members,

I say this often, but I can’t say it enough: I’ve never been more proud to be a member of NAIFA, and I am proud to serve as your Treasurer.

Our association’s reach and influence continues to grow and make a difference in our profession. Members of Congress and state legislators know more about the challenges of our business than they ever have before, and they understand our interests are the interests of most Americans. On top of that, NAIFA continues to be the single best investment in my career. There is simply no better single source for our professional development and continued success.

In order for NAIFA to continue doing what it does for all of us, the Board of Trustees, with the help of the Executive Committee and the Finance Committee, has determined that we need to increase annual dues by $25.

We all have expenses, and even when the economy is booming, money is often hard to come by. I know I won’t let $25 come between me and our most important, influential and invaluable association. Our industry is too important.

Some members have suggested that a major cause of the membership decline has been increases in National Dues. The Board has concluded that this is untrue: Dues increases are not causing membership loss. An analysis of NAIFA’s 20-year trend of membership decline shows little or no effect from the timing or size of dues increases. We talked about this during a recent dues webinar, now available as a recorded session.

In the meantime, please join me in supporting the bylaw amendment to keep NAIFA strong. Talk to your Committee representatives and your State and Local leadership as soon as possible. If you have any questions, click here for more details, and feel free to contact me and other members of NAIFA’s board of trustees.

I believe in NAIFA, and I’m looking forward to continuing on our path of success for years to come.

Matthew S. Tassey, CLU, LUTCH, ChFC
NAIFA Treasurer