THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS - OMAHA • JANUARY 2012

EVENT DETAILSDate:

Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012

Time:Buffet Opens: 11 a.m.

Program: 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location:Champions Run Country Club

13800 Eagle Run Drive

Speaker:Dr. Randall Adkins

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Topic:“2012 Elections Preview”

Cost:NAIFA-Omaha Members – No Charge

Guests – $20 (Payable at the Door)

Professional Development Luncheon Set for Jan. 26 at Champions Run

We didn’t have a winner at the November lun-cheon, so we’ve added another $25 to the jackpotand will try again on Jan. 26. ALL current NAIFA-Omaha members are eligible to win thisdrawing, which concludes our monthly lun-cheon. But you must be present to win!

Cash Jackpot at Record-High $600!

NAIFA-Omaha Member Spotlight:Todd Gaswick

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It’s a BIG election year! And we’re go-ing to kickoff 2012 with an “Election YearPreview” program from Dr. RandallAdkins, Professor of Political Science atthe University of Nebraska at Omaha. Dr.Adkins is one of the Omaha World-Herald’smain “go to” sources for his perspectiveon the state and national political scene.He will provide a timely and informativereview of the current political climate, anda preview of the 2012 elections.

Dr. Adkins joined the UNO faculty in2000 with previous teaching experienceat Concord College and California Uni-versity of Pennsylvania. He grew up inWest Virginia and received his bachelor’sdegree from Marshall University and doc-torate from Miami University in Oxford,Ohio. He primarily teaches courses oncampaigns and elections, congress, and thepresidency.

Dr. Adkins was recognized by UNOwith the Chancellor’s Excellence in Teach-ing Award in 2010 and the College of Artsand Sciences Alumni Excellence in Teach-ing Award in 2007. His research has beenpublished in periodicals such as AmericanPolitics Quarterly and he is the author of

Prior to the luncheon meeting on Jan.26, NAIFA-Omaha will hold an Orienta-tion Meeting for new and prospectivemembers (and their mentors) from 10:30– 11:15 a.m. at Champions Run Coun-try Club.

NAIFA-Omaha Board members willconduct the meeting. They will provideattendees with information about NAIFAmember benefits and helpful tips on howto build a successful career in insuranceand financial services.

ORIENTATION MEETING FOR NEWAND PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS

three books, including The Evolution ofPolitical Parties, Campaigns, and Elections;and Cases in Congressional Campaigns:Riding the Wave.

Editor’s Note: Each month we willshine our “spotlight” on one or twoNAIFA-Omaha members.

Todd Gaswick – Professional Develop-ment Committee ChairQ: Your favorite thing about Omaha?A: Small community feel with big city

opportunities and entertainmentvenues

Q: When you were a kid, what did youwant to be when you grew up?

A: Rancher…like my father. Unfor-

It’s the one night a year where the bestof the best rise to the top, and to the stage,to be honored for their contributions tothe industry and to our community. Thiswill be an evening you won’t want to miss!

It’s the fourth annual NAIFA-OmahaAwards Dinner and Gala, set for Thurs-day, Feb. 23 at Champions Run CountryClub.

The event will be highlighted by recog-nition of the following members:• Steve Howard of State Farm – recipi-ent of the “Quality of Life Award” forcommunity service• Ruth Wassinger, LUTCF of Principal

Mark Your Calendar – NAIFA-Omaha Awards Dinner Thursday, Feb. 23Financial Group – our “Agent of the Year”for 2011• Pat Ramaekers, CLU, CFS of P.J.Ramaekers & Associates – this year’sNAIFA-Omaha “Hall of Fame” inductee

You’ll also be entertained by comedy andmagic from Joe Cole.

Joe is one part comedy, one part magic,and two parts audience participation. Hisengaging personality and high-energy per-formance has amazed crowds across thecountry. You’ll be talking about him longafter the event is over!

Watch for your personal invitation com-ing in the mail later this month!

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A Message From NAIFA-Omaha President Mike Miller, CLU

Your Opinions and Suggestions Wanted!

With 2011 in the rearview mirror, it’s time toset our focus squarely on 2012. Both in our prac-tices and in our Association, we need to strivefor an outstanding year. Excellence is within ourgrasp, but like all things worthwhile, it comeswith planning, dedication, and effort.

NAIFA-Omaha accomplished great things in 2011 and it isthe intention of the board that we will build on our successesand learn from our failures. In winning NAIFA’s prestigiousJack E. Bobo Award for overall excellence, we proved thatNAIFA-Omaha is among the elite of NAIFA Local Associa-tions. But we were far from perfect and there are areas where weneed to improve. As a valued member of this organization, wewelcome your input on what we can, and should, be doingbetter so that we may deliver a higher level of value and serviceto you. Please contact me or any member of the board withsuggestions. My e-mail address is mmiller@unicogroup.com andI’d enjoy hearing from you.

On a separate note, I’d like to welcome Jim Codr back to theNAIFA-Omaha board. Jim recently completed his three-yearterm but recently agreed to return to the board to fill an openposition. Jim will serve as our Health/Multiline Committeechairperson.

May you have a prosperous 2012!

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I plan to attend the following event on Thursday, Jan. 26:_____ NAIFA-Omaha Luncheon Meeting (NAIFA-Omaha Members – FREE; Guests – $20)_____ New Member Orientation (Free to All Members and Guests)

YOUR NAME __________________________________________________________________

YOUR GUEST(S)NAME COMPANY

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

CONFIRMATION OF ATTENDANCE

NAIFA-OMAHA LUNCHEON & NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

LOCATION: Champions Run Country Club, 13800 Eagle Run DriveNEW MEMBER ORIENTATION: 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

BUFFET LINE OPEN: 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.PROGRAM: 11:45 a.m.. – 1 p.m.

You can confirm your attendance via one of the following ways:• Complete this form and fax it to NAIFA-Omaha at 397-0283

(no cover page necessary)• Mail to NAIFA-Omaha at P.O. Box 24133, Omaha, NE 68124• Call the NAIFA-Omaha/Creative Association Management office at 397-0280.

Simply leave a voicemail message if no one is available to take your call.• Send an e-mail to the NAIFA-Omaha office at naifa@cam-omaha.com

To confirm your attendance at one or both of these events,please advise us by 2 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25

NAIFA-Omaha Members – FREE; Non-Members – $20

Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012

Name Company Sponsored ByTim Curran New York Life Joe VlockLinda Cuyler Physicians Mutual Linda CvilikasCharles Heuring Ins. Agency Mktg. Svcs.Bobi Jensen Physicians Mutual Linda CvilikasHoward Johnson Physicians MutualRonnie Juarez Physicians Mutual Mike StoryBill Kauffman, Jr. Senior Market Sales Mark ScottGreg Kizer EnTrust Settlements Joe KizerPeter Larson GoldKey Consulting Jim LammersMatt Molettiere Legacy Design Strategies Preston SpeeceTim Orton Farm Bureau Troy BlainePauline Quinn FSB Warner Financial Kevin VaughanJames Rusk New York Life Joe VlockSteve Schmitt Farm Bureau Troy BlaineAdam Thiele Insphere Ins. Solutions Jon JacobiSalina Vlock New York Life Joe VlockErica Wilkinson State Farm Tanya PatznerNikki Workman Physicians Mutual Mike Story

Name CompanyErik Aden AXA AdvisorsKaren Amstuz Mutual of OmahaJames Armstrong Mutual of OmahaMike Bailey Benefit ProfessionalsRandy Baker American FamilyJon Bergmeier State FarmAaron Beukelman New York LifeLee Bloomingdale Mutual of OmahaRobert Branson New York LifeLee Bridgman Lincoln Financial NetworkSteve Broghammer Henderson Insurance AgencyPeter Bucy Legacy Financial ServicesDave Carbaugh Farmers Insurance GroupTodd Chaney Continuum FinancialDon Christensen Farm BureauJim Christensen Ameritas Financial ServicesDusty Cook Headley Financial GroupKent Crandall American FamilyTom Cross WT Cross ConsultingDave DeBoer Mutual of OmahaBob Decker John HancockBruce Dickes Financial BrokerageLew Doane Doane AssociatesGlenn Dorn Farm BureauJim Ebers Midland National LifeScott Edgar Farmers Insurance GroupRobert Ellis Colonial LifeJim Farber Swartzbaugh-Farber & Assoc.Jim Garbina Harry A. Koch Co.H. Donald Gillett Modern Woodmen of AmericaPaul Grinsteinner Securities AmericaDan Grzywa American FamilyJohn Halweg Thrivent Financial For LutheransEvan Harmon Principal Financial GroupJohn Haver Mutual of OmahaMichael Headlee Northwestern MutualTerry Headley Headley Financial GroupMary Pat Heck Heck & Moeller Financial ServicesSteve Howard State FarmChris Insinger Heritage Financial ServicesArt Jetter Art Jetter & Co.

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WELCOME! THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS HAVE RECENTLY JOINED NAIFA

THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS HAVE RECENTLY RENEWED THEIR MEMBERSHIPS

NAIFA-OMAHA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

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Name CompanyCliff Karthauser Principal Financial GroupGary Kay New York LifeNick Kelley Kelley Financial ServicesDave Koll Mutual of OmahaBruce Kuch Kuch & Assoc. Insurance ServicesJoe Labedz New York LifeJim Lammers Lammers & Peters Wealth PlanKim Lopez Physicians MutualJohn Lord New York LifeMike Lorenz Farmers Ins. GroupDan Lucas Woodmen of the WorldPaul Ludacka Northwestern MutualRobert Luna New York LifeBlake Lund Continuum FinancialAnthony Manganaro Continuum FinancialRich Mangiameli McGill, Rediger & SimmonsWanda Martin McGill, Rediger & SimmonsNorajane McIntyre John HancockDennis McMillan Lincoln Financial NetworkJoe Miller American National InsuranceMike Miller Nebraska Insurance AdvisorsJoleen Misek Financial BrokerageDonald Muckey American FamilyBob Mundy Mundy & AssociatesBob Murphy Physicians MutualGaylord Mussman State FarmBob Nelson Grace/Mayer InsuranceRichard Ness MetLifeChris O’Connell Mutual of OmahaNate Olson OCI Ins. & Financial ServicesAaron Ostler Heritage Financial ServicesRyan Palmquist Curnes Financial GroupKevin Pearce Mutual of OmahaJim Pearson Woodmen of the WorldPauline Pesek State FarmTim Peterson Mutual of OmahaJoe Pittman Creative Association ManagementLonnie Points Physicians MutualDick Raasch Raasch FinancialNick Ramaekers P.J. Ramaekers & Assoc.Pat Ramaekers P.J. Ramaekers & Assoc.Carole Reisdorf Miller PrudentialAlicia Richards Principal Financial GroupCarlo Rinaldi New York LifeStephen Gary Ross Heritage Financial NetworkDon Schaefer New York LifePaul Schlieker PrudentialDan Scholz AmeritasMark Scholz AmeritasJohn SchrautJeff Sharp SilverStone GroupGuy Strevey Guy Strevey & Assoc.Jim Summers Senior Market SalesMike Tews Northwestern MutualKit Tingpalpong AAA Financial ServicesJudy TolliverSteve Valasek John HancockRobert Vance Farmers Insurance GroupKevin Vaughan FSB Warner FinancialJoe Vlock New York LifePhil Vogel Vogel Financial ServicesRich Vonderlage Heritage Financial Services

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Continued From Page 6Name CompanyDonald Waggoner Protective Life Insurance Co.Ron Wanek Northwestern MutualRuth Wassinger Principal Financial GroupAllen Weaver Farmers Insurance GroupMark Weber SilverStone GroupOliver Williams New York LifeTerry Williams First Choice Home LoansTom Won Riesen SilverStone Group

If you have any questions or concerns about your membershipstatus, please contact the NAIFA-Omaha office, managed byCreative Association Management, at (402) 397-0280.

The NAIFA-Omaha membership committee isworking hard to increase our numbers — andwe’re asking all members to get involved by en-couraging prospective members to join NAIFA.

And we want to make it worth your while bygiving you a chance to win a new iPad2!

NAIFA-OMAHA MEMBERSHIP UPDATEHere are the details:• Bring a guest to our Jan. 26 membership luncheon at

Champions Run CC — and your name goes in the raffle.You’ll get one chance for each guest you bring!

• If your guest joins on Jan. 26 — your name goes in again.• The new member will also have their name entered in the

raffle.• The grand prize drawing will take place at the conclusion

of the Jan. 26 luncheon!

We are also excited about the next bout in our line-up ofexciting “CONTENDERS” competitions.

It is “FARMAGEDDON” as Farmers Insurance Group (ledby Bob Vance) takes on Farm Bureau Financial Services (ledby Troy Blaine). The rules of this membership challenge aresimple …whichever one of these managers ends up recruitingthe most new members and/or lapsed members between thetimeframe of Dec. 1 – Jan. 26 WINS!

A membership application can be found on our NAIFA-Omaha website at www.naifanet.com/omaha or new memberscan join online at www.naifa.org. Bob and Troy will gladly wel-come any help you can offer!

Your help in growing our membership is greatly appreciated!LET’S GROW NAIFA-OMAHA!!

Bring a Guest on Jan. 26……Have a Chance to Win an iPad2

NAIFA-Omaha received the coveted 2010-2011 Jack E. BoboAward of Excellence, presented by the National Association ofInsurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). The award recog-nizes Associations in the NAIFA federation that excel in areascritical to their success and growth over a one-year period.

NAIFA-Omaha was one of only nine Local Associations na-tionwide to be recognized at the Platinum Level, meaning wewere judged to well exceed expectations for the areas of mem-ber benefits, advocacy, membership, and governance.

NAIFA-Omaha Wins Coveted Award

Sponsorship and Registration Information:

www.nejointconference.comfacebook.com/nebraskajointconference

@NEJointConf

NAIFA-Omaha officers accepted the Jack E. Bobo Award for As-sociation Excellence at the National Career Conference inSeptember. Pictured above are (l to r); Susan Waters, NAIFA Na-tional CEO; Paula Harris, NAIFA-Omaha president-elect; MikeMiller, 2011-12 president; Brenda Doty, NAIFA Trustee; and LarryLee, NAIFA Member Benefits Committee chairperson.

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Put Us On Your Staff!Neal A. Thomas, CLU, ChFC

(402) 483.4138 • (800) 798.1155Lincoln

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Friendly Professionals Offering Quality Insurance Products

www.brokerageservicesinc.com

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UPCOMING EVENTSJanuary26 Membership Luncheon

February23 Awards Dinner29 NAIFA-Nebraska Legislative Day

in Lincoln

March21 NAIFA-Nebraska Free CE

Videoconference22 Membership Breakfast

April24 Expanded Membership Meeting

(w/CE program prior to luncheon)

May9-11 NAIFA/NAHU Joint Conference

La Vista, Embassy Suites

June7 Membership Luncheon29 NAIFA-Omaha Golf Classic

Tiburon Golf Club, Noon

All luncheons will be at Champions RunCountry Club, 13800 Eagle Run Drive.

NAIFA-Omaha HeadquartersP.O. Box 24133

Omaha, NE 68124

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NAIFA-Omaha Member Spotlight – Todd GaswickContinued From Page 1

tunately in the late 70s and 80s therewas little money in family ranching

Q: What chore do you hate doing?A: Scooping the litter box!

Q: What’s the #1 played song on your iPod?A: I don’t have an iPod; on my Zune it is

probably “I Gotta Feeling” by theBlack-Eyed Peas and “Cleaning ThisGun” by Rodney Atkins

Q: What is your favorite food?A: Sushi

Q: What word describes you best?A: Sheepdog

Q: Who do you work for?A: First Command Financial Services

Q: What city were you born in?A: Rushville, NE

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?A: Sitting down with the people I meet

and the ability to help them create andmove toward the financial future theyhave always dreamed of attaining

Q: Were you named after anyone?A: Not that I’m aware of

Q: What is your favorite summertime ac-tivity?

A: Fly fishing

Q: Fun fact that not many people knowabout you?

A: My last name was originally spelled“Gjersvik” prior to my Norwegian an-cestors passing through Ellis Island

Q: When did you join NAIFA and whointroduced you to our organization?

A: I joined in 2005 and was sponsoredby a gentleman named Bob Jeffus,who is now retired.

Q: Do you have a Facebook page?A: Yes

You can send a “friend request” toNAIFA-Member Todd Gaswick onFacebook at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001135577219