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12-2023
December 2023 Newsletter 
President's Report
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for making our 2023 IDIS Conference such a great success. I especially want to thank Max Schmitz and his Conference Committee for their hard work and devotion in bringing together top-notch speakers, interesting panels, and great networking opportunities for us all. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and contributions have truly made a difference.
The energy and knowledge shared during the Conference have been inspiring, and it’s clear that our collective passion for Disability Insurance knows no bounds. The connections made and ideas exchanged will undoubtedly propel us forward in our endeavors.
Also, we as a Board want you to know that we hear your comments and suggestions to make us better. There were many positive comments on networking with other attendees, the speakers’ and panels’ insights, and the valuable information that was shared. We have also been working to bring more agents and brokers into IDIS, and addressing technology in both our Annual Conference and into our monthly Study Group calls. Your comments help us to know how IDIS can continue to be of value to you.
Finally, I want to thank Josh Lubas and his Membership Committee. Their efforts have been inspiring in signing up a record number of new members, many of which are active agents and brokers that are making DI a reality in the lives of their clients. Josh and his committee have also spearheaded an alliance with NAIFA that will be of value to us all. More information on the NAIFA alliance to come.
Let’s continue to collaborate and innovate as we move towards a brighter future.
Greg Nelson
Study Group Webinars
"Talking DI During Open Enrollment to Employees and Business Owners"
Thursday, November 16th
2:00PM Eastern
Join us on November 16th to hear from Rodney Mogen as he talks about how to have the supplemental DI conversation with employees during open enrollment and also how to talk to employers about DI plans.
As a Brokerage Director at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual), Rodney makes available to insurance brokers the portfolio of MassMutual products including: Whole Life and Term insurance, Disability Income Insurance products, Long Term Care Insurance and Fixed Annuities.
When working with Rodney, you can expect one-on-one support for all your clients needs including: case consultations, Estate and Business Planning expertise, marketing and illustration support, plan design plus product positioning strategies and presentations.
Rodney went to school at Macalester College and graduated with an economics degree. He has earned several designations and degrees including a Masters in Financial Planning and a Master’s in Business Administration. As a seven footer, he enjoyed playing and now watching college basketball, and he helps coach little league basketball teams and does 1 on 1 teaching for swimming and basketball.
REGISTRATION:
Register online via the IDIS website, or contact Executive Director Joe Pittman at [email protected] or 402-881-6467 and he will add you to the registration list.
Watch your email for a GoToWebinar link.
Annual IDIS Conference
Thank you to the 145+ members and colleagues who attended our 2023 Annual Conference in Portland! Here's a recap of some highlights:
First, the location and dates for next year's event were announced -- Nashville, TN on Oct. 7-9, 2024.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SUSAN ONDACK AND OUR OTHER AWARD WINNERS
This year's W. Harold Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Susan Ondack. She was introduced and presented with the award by Marcy Pruitt of Disability Insurance Services - and is pictured below with 2023 IDIS President Greg Nelson.
Recipients of this year's William J. Barrett Distinguished Service Awards were honored at the Conference. They are (l to r with President Greg Nelson): Corey Anderson, The Disability Geek; Josh Lubas, MassMutual; and Mike Sir, OneProtection.
The Ron Cohen Producer's Scholarship award was presented to Benjamin Smith-Trevail with PKA Insurance and was nominated by Pradeep Audho. 
We also presented IDIS lapel pins to 20 new members who attended the Conference.
Congratulations to all of our award winners!
2024 Board of Directors Election
Congratulations to the following IDIS members who were elected and installed to serve on the 2024 Board of Directors.
Officers
- Max Schmitz - President
- Rodney Mogen - 1st VP
- Josh Lubas - 2nd VP
- Kurt Braundmeier - 3rd VP
- Derrick Pfau - Secretary
- Travis Christy - Treasurer
- Greg Nelson - Immediate Past President
Directors At Large
- Susan Ondack
- Keith Hoffman
- George Wilkins
- Bill Haley
- Tawni Johnson
- Rick Cordaro
- Bart Spencer
Membership
MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS
2022 was a record-breaking year by welcoming 47 new members to the International DI Society and we hope to exceed that number in 2023! Please help us grow our organization by introducing IDIS to colleagues and invite them to join in one of the monthly study groups. You can also find us on LinkedIn- so be be sure to follow and share with your network!
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Follow IDIS on LinkedIn for important updates! |
WELCOME TO OUR OCTOBER NEW MEMBERS
Nick Romo - Nick Romo Insurance & Financial Services
Guy Livingstone - Hollowtree Markets
Georgia Reynolds - Reynolds Benefits
John Ryan
Charlie Ryan
Dennis O'Connor - Global DI Brokerage
Member Buzz
Check out Corey Anderson on an episode of NAIFA's Advisor Today where he discussed how to flourish in the disability insurance industry. Corey talked about disability insurance and its importance in financial planning, the challenges of disability insurance underwriting, and his journey to building a successful disability insurance company.
CLICK HERE to listen to Corey's episode.
Do you have an important life or career update you would like to share with IDIS members?
Please send information to Mollie Montgomery at [email protected] so we can be sure to highlight your updates & achievements in our next newsletter!
