NABIP IDAHO Viewpoint: 2022-2023 Final Issue

August 2023-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Volume 16 Issue 3

A special thank you to our 2022-2023 Platinum Sponsor:

President's Message

What an incredible year it has been for us at IAHU/NABIP- Idaho! We can proudly celebrate a series of remarkable achievements both on a national scale and right here in our beloved Idaho. As I reflect on my time as President, I can't help but be filled with excitement and anticipation for the future as I hand the baton to Ernie.

Observing the numbers, it becomes evident that our state association is experiencing an increase in both size and influence. It reminds me of the wise words of Babe Ruth, who once said, "The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime." And truly, we are an exceptional team! Throughout this year, I have been profoundly impressed by the collective commitment and dedication demonstrated by each member, stepping up to the plate when it mattered most.

Amidst the complexities, ingenuity, and constant change that define the health industry, we find ourselves echoing the words of Albert Einstein: "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." The landscape is ever evolving, with influential forces such as big pharma and policymakers striving to shape its future. As the National Association of Insurance and Benefit Professionals, we recognize that our strength lies in our unity, for it amplifies our voice for change. And this potent strength must begin at the grassroots level, here in our local communities.

Similarly, on the State level, we face pivotal moments that may impact countless businesses, especially with potential changes in Medicaid and significant shifts in the group and individual sectors. Staying informed, educated, and actively engaged becomes paramount as we navigate through these transitions.

With all this in mind, I eagerly look forward to reuniting with each one of you at our next symposium. Together, we will continue to forge ahead, achieving greatness and making a tangible difference for our clients and the industry in general. Let us embrace the future with unyielding determination and a shared vision of success.

-Nathan Semons

A message From Todd Summers Family

2022-2023 Isern Memorial Award Winner (Posthumous)

On behalf of his family, we want to thank you for honoring Todd and his work in the insurance industry during the past 3 decades. He kept putting off thinking about retiring until he felt financially ready. But truth be told, he would have stayed the course because of all of you, his friends and colleagues. Family was his highest priority. He thought of you as his family also.

During the last few years, he had become the "work Dad" in his mind, where he would come home and talk about your phone calls with him, your work milestones reached, and your family highlights. He would grumble about the driving/flying part, but he was always looking forward to getting back to traveling to see you. He absolutely treasured the friendships that he made in this business.

He struggled with the separation that COVID mandated. Who would enjoy the bowl of M&M's that he would buy in bulk to entice people to stop in? An office to himself was one thing, but a quiet empty building was frustrating to him. He loved those one or two days a week that everyone would be back in the office. He loved lunches and phone calls with you, talking your ear off about his children, and hearing about your own families. And Just like every family with it's up and downs, competing and comparing, love and laughter, reunions and get-togethers, he loved his work family more than you can imagine. Valerie Grimes (his work wife), he loved you the most. He would be the first to tell people that you saved his bacon in all aspects of his daily life more than a few times throughout the years. You meant the world to him. And to me. Thank you. I also personally want to thank this organization for the generosity and support that you showed after his passing. I can never repay you for the touching words said, stories shared and help in getting his affairs in order. You have been amazing!

In the end, Todd was a humble guy who loved simple things. You would never guess that he had a museum worth of top producer awards tucked away at his house. Please know that he is watching this from the well-worn seat of an old tractor, smiling right now, touched by this show of recognition most of all.

Thank you.