NAIFA-IL member Mike Harris from Carbondale, Illinois, hears enough negative news these days, so when the Ways and Means Committee made a Facebook post about the Paycheck Protection Program, he was quick with a positive response.  It's what's allowed him to keep paying the help at his local Country Financial agency, so they in turn can try and help their community.  "For six weeks, we've been dealing with clients.  People are afraid.  They don't know what to do financially.  They're afraid this is going to go on a long time," Harris said.  His staff spend their days on the phone, calling on all clients, for no other reason than to see how they're doing or if they need help.

 

Harris, a past NAIFA Illinois president, sees the pandemic ushering in a drastic change for the way agents do business.  He predicts that 25 to 50% of his appointments two years from now will be electronic, a big change from traditional face-to-face meetings.  From a NAIFA/industry standpoint, he thinks the virtual delivery platform might attract younger agents.  "Might help us get some young people back in the business," he offered.

 

Rep. Kevin Brady, Republican leader of the Ways and Means Committee, highlighted Mike's story in a Coronavirus briefing. Great work, Mike! We are #NAIFAproud of you and the work you're doing during this time.