Presented November 12 by Gary Dworkin, NAILBA 2009 Chairman, during NAILBA 28

It seems like only yesterday when I accepted the tremendous honor of leading this very special organization.  My primary concern upon taking on this responsibility was to leave NAILBA in a better condition than I found it – and I hope I have succeeded. 

I would like to think that my 35 years in the industry gave me the preparation that I would need to serve as the NAILBA chairman.  However, no amount of planning could have prepared me for the challenges that NAILBA has faced during the past twelve months.

As I referenced in the video, our industry is working hard to survive the most difficult economic climate in seventy years, facing regulations and standards that we have not previously been exposed to, simply because “independent distribution” is an enigma in so many ways to those who are drafting the rules.

And, while our government affairs activity has certainly been busy and has made our presence felt, we have a great deal more to do.  You will hear more about the specific threats we are currently facing from our government affairs committee chairman Leon Huffman shortly, but let me begin my remarks today by stressing the importance of your becoming involved in advocating on your industry’s behalf.  Whether it’s a letter, phone call, or visit to your congressman in your own district, distributing an issue alert to your agents, or scheduling a visit to Washington DC through NAILBA’s office, your involvement is critical to the future of independent brokerage.

It is high praise to NAILBA’s efforts over the past few years that we are viewed by our sister associations as an increasingly valuable partner.   These networking and relationship-building efforts have earned NAILBA a voice during the hearings, discussions and planning that will contribute to form and reshape our future.

One of the fondest memories that I have of this past year was the unique honor of NAILBA serving as the host for the joint executive committee’s meeting in Washington. The JEC is comprised of all members of the executive committees of virtually every organization in our profession, and this group met back in July to discuss the challenges and opportunities that each of us face, both individually and collectively. It was a unique opportunity to identify opportunities on which we can collaborate on behalf of the industry.   To paraphrase Ben Franklin, “this is truly a time in which we must hang together or we will certainly hang separately”.

NAILBA must, and will, continue to nurture these partnerships – for together, we can have a greater impact for the future of our industry.

Yes…ladies and gentlemen, i am very proud that NAILBA continues to hold a position of extraordinary visibility and recognition.

I am deeply indebted of all of those who have been part of our committees and participated in our many conference calls, email communications and face-to-face meetings to help promote the mission and goals of NAILBA in 2009. We all benefit from the improvements and enhancements to our services received through our NAILBA membership.

One area that saw change and growth in 2009 is NAILBA professional development with the establishment of the NAILBA Executive Forum – NAILBA’s conference dedicated to the agency principal and CEO-level executives; and the Agency Management Institute – which is dedicated to agency staff.   These two educational programs were designed in direct response to the needs you identified during last year’s educational needs assessment study.

Given the challenging times we are in, I’d like to say a few words specifically about the 2010 Executive Forum.   This program provides the latest information and updates on the financial markets, trends in brokerage, and essential leadership training to help your business thrive!  Those of you who attend this valuable meeting will leave knowing the issues and challenges that may have a severe impact on your agency, and the changes you need to make to continue to grow your business.   The meeting will be held at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans on January 28.  Additional information is available at the NAILBA booth – please make plans to attend this important event!

Before my time at this podium comes to an end, i have one final act to complete as your chairman—and that is to present the first NAILBA Chairman’s Award, which recognizes the efforts of a NAILBA volunteer who has performed “over and above” normal expectations during the chairman’s term.

This year’s recipient has never once failed to roll up her sleeves to bring an idea to fruition.  Whether it was through her tireless work on behalf of the professional development committee, her commitment to the success of the executive forum and agency management institute, or her ability to contribute to NAILBA whenever and wherever needed, Page Broadwater epitomizes the can-do spirit of a NAILBA volunteer.  Thank you page, for everything you have done for NAILBA.  It is my honor to present you with the 2009 chairman’s award.  Please come up to receive your award. 

Thank you Page for providing such a superb example of volunteer excellence.

When i look out over this audience and reflect on my many memories, i must mention with special affection, two of my very closest friends, former Mooers Award winner and founder of Broker World, Bill Howard, represented here by his wonderful wife, Carole and, of course, Les Grubin who through his talent and enthusiasm mentored many of those in this room - including several former board chairs. These two men represent, for me, the very best to which any of us can aspire.  I am truly honored to have this opportunity to recognize them as two of my mentors who taught me so much through their compassion and warmth.  

Now, as I look back on the many friends, colleagues and mentors to whom I owe so much, there is simply no one that I owe more than to my partner of forty years, my wife Lin. 

Many of you know how fortunate I am in having someone of her intelligence, warmth, compassion and energy. With her, everything is possible and without her, for me, nothing would have been possible! Lin…I take this public opportunity, in front of so many of our dearest and most special friends to thank you for inspiring me in all of the things that i do, and helping me take advantage of the opportunity of leading NAILBA this year.

I would also like to thank the NAILBA staff – you may not know it, but we are privileged to have the very finest staff that any organization can ask for. We have all been incredibly fortunate to have such a talented team to make our needs and goals become realties. Thank you all.

Finally, I owe a tremendous amount to those very special people who served us all so well--our current and former chairs and board members. Each of you stepped up and served us with your special talent, intelligence and imagination. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you, far more than I can express adequately, for the honor that I have felt as your chairman I now look forward to returning to a position that I enjoy more than any other, out there, among you, my very best and closest friends and colleagues.  You are very special and i am honored to have served you all.   I very much look forward to our continued development and growth for the benefit of our profession, and of our clients.

Now…I can think of nothing I will enjoy more than sitting with you all and thoroughly enjoying the rest of NAILBA 28.  I am very glad you are here!