Financial professionals to advocate for their businesses and clients at NAIFA’s Congressional Conference

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is hosting the 11^th annual Congressional Conference May 20-21 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. The event will feature targeted advocacy training with briefings on legislative issues that affect members’ businesses, clients, and communities. Washington insiders will offer best practices for conducting Congressional meetings and tips for developing impactful long-term relationships with legislators.

On the second day of the Congressional Conference, attendees will go to Capitol Hill for meetings with their Senators, Representatives, and Congressional staff. They will discuss legislative issues important to their businesses and clients. Their experiences offer unique insights into the important work they do providing Main Street USA consumers with opportunities to achieve financial security and prosperity.

Since NAIFA joined with the educational nonprofit Life Happens late last year, NAIFA members will place a focus on “Real Life Stories” in their meetings. These are often heart-wrenching presentations that spotlight the importance of insurance and financial professionals and the products and services they provide in the lives of families and individuals across the country.

“NAIFA is the One and Only when it comes to protecting the interests of agents, advisors, and consumers with grassroots advocacy at the federal level and in every state capital,” said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. “They work face-to-face every day with Main Street Americans who are the constituents of our elected officials. NAIFA members understand better than anyone how laws and regulations made in our seats of power impact everyday consumers. Their stories resonate with a powerful clarity on Capitol Hill.”

NAIFA President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP, said, “Being politically involved is another way financial professionals like myself and my colleagues at the Congressional Conference serve the best interests of our clients. We advocate on their behalf to ensure laws and regulations help rather than hinder them in their pursuit of financial security and prosperity. When we take our clients’ stories into our Congressional meetings, lawmakers understand that we serve the working men and women in their home districts, just like they do. NAIFA members are effective grassroots advocates because we are constituents, voters, and employers. That gives us a level of credibility it’s hard for professional lobbyists to match.”

Featured speakers on Monday, May 20, include the Honorable Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY); NAIC Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Kelleher Dwyer, Esq., of the Rhode Island Dept. of Business Regulation; and Idaho Insurance Director Dean Cameron, who is also a Past President of NAIFA-Idaho.

Through events like the Congressional Conference, state-level legislative days, and in-district meetings during the summer congressional recess, NAIFA develops and recognizes members who are politically involved. NAIFA also offers members a training course known as the Financial Security Advocate Academy, which covers a continuum of topics for how to be effective in grassroots advocacy. Those who complete the course receive the Financial Security Advocate badge, which is displayed online and on social media.

The Congressional Conference bolsters NAIFA’s prestige among lawmakers and industry partners and enhances the association’s standing as the leading voice for producers. It is crucial for ensuring lawmakers thoroughly understand the important role financial services professionals play in:

• Providing products, services, and advice that improve the financial security of 90 million American families
• Promoting financial literacy and self-sufficiency in diverse communities
• Strengthening the U.S. economy and contributing to the financial health of communities in every Congressional district
• Representing the best interests of their clients and promoting the success of Main Street Americans and businesses

The event is open to all financial services professionals, including those exploring membership in NAIFA.