Hello Everyone. Spring has finally arrived!  The Chapter, however, did not spend this winter hibernating.  Not only did we have outstanding Sections' meetings but we had a packed-room DVD program.  We were also busy in our community.  The Chapter presented four financial programs for Habitat for Humanity. The programs were so well received that they have asked the Chapter to present them again next year.  

In addition, we had 270 attendees for our 13th Financial Professional's dinner.  The dinner featured Bill Geist from CBS News Sunday Morning who entertained us with his witty humor and observations.  The Membership Directory, which was distributed at the dinner, has many new features: membership benefits details, Section Members listing, and a membership application.  A big "Thank You" goes out to our Sponsors, the Professional's Dinner Committee and all of the attendees for making this event not only a huge success but a fun-filled evening.

We have three more programs coming up before our Summer break.  We are co-sponsoring an Ethics program with the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council on April 28th.  We have a DVD program scheduled for May 18th and last but not least, the Chapter's Annual meeting is scheduled for June 6th. For the Chapters' Community Service project we will be participating in the American Red Cross Walk on April 22nd. You can read more about the events and how you can register leter in this newsletter or visit the Chapter Web site.

In closing, I want to thank all the Chapter Committee Chairs and their committee members for creating practical and informative programs and also to the Chapter members for attending and participating in these great events.

Article: Saving the Healthcare System
Michael Rosenfeld and Neal P. Pollack, WellNow

Which will save the healthcare system, managing an individuals’ health or their health plan?  With healthcare premiums continuing to increase in the double digits, it is not surprising that Scott Lee, CEO of Wal-Mart recently stated “The soaring cost of health care in America cannot be sustained over the long term by any business that offers health benefits to its employees” during the National Governors Association winter meeting.  The answer to the question is the combination of the health plan and an individuals’ lifestyle choices, which together will make the difference.

The onset of Consumer Driven Healthcare plans (CDHP) in the last 5 years has reintroduced the idea of transparency of cost and personal accountability in the use of a healthcare plan. This is what existed when traditional indemnity plans dominated the landscape.  These plans are fundamentally high deductible health plans with a tax advantaged account from which to pay your medical expenses.  The underlying accounts come in two forms, either a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).  Most employers will partially fund the accounts to help offset the increased out of pocket expenses.  There are, however, two challenges with these types of plans.  The first lies in the communication and subsequent understanding of how they work.  The second is the redistribution of cost that was previously spread among all employees which shifts more heavily toward the older and sicker employees.  The move toward CDHP is inevitable as companies are seeking to maintain the ability to offer medical benefits.

The success of CDHP is predicated upon those individuals that have illnesses and/or risk factors that will lead to illnesses making better lifestyle decisions.  As costs get shifted, those with less in claims will grow the value in their accounts which will lessen the burden of an unexpected large claim down the road.  The key is employers taking a proactive approach and creating awareness among all employees.  The opportunity exists to drive those individuals with multiple risk factors such as smoking, obesity and a family history to change their lifestyle through an effective health management program.  An effective health management program has the following components:

Health Risk Assessment- A questionnaire that identifies an individuals risk based on their lifestyle-what do they eat and drink, do they smoke or exercise and what is their family history?
Bio-Metric Testing- At the employers’ worksite, an employee is checked for height, weight, blood pressure and a baseline blood test is performed to check lipids and glucose.
Coaching- It is critically important for each persons’ results to be explained to them to help them understand what they mean and opportunities for improvement.
Intervention- Those with the highest risks need be further guided on how to make lifestyle changes over an extended period of time.

How do you get participation?  Just as an employer would fund a high deductible consumer driven plan with an HSA or HRA, they must do the same, but this time as an incentive for employees to participate in the health management/wellness program. Employers should encourage participation in positive behaviors as this will help them keep their long term costs under control.  Healthy employees will cost themselves and their company less. The end result of the program should be increased awareness, lower costs as well as increased productivity and morale.

This article is copywrited and authored by Michael Rosenfeld, President WellNow  and Neal P. Pollack, Executive Sales Consultant WellNow, npollack@wellnow.us

Membership Corner 
Tony Smith, CLU, ChFC, Director, Corporate Services, SFSP

Congratulations!
In recognition of 50 years of membership in the Society, the Chapter congratulates Nathan Tattar, CLU, RHU on becoming an Emeritus Member!

Welcome Aboard and Welcome Back!
The Chapter is excited to welcome aboard the following new members, and to also welcome back some other members. 

William Bennett Cooper, IIII, JD, LLM - Fox Rothschild LLP
Frank J. Rock, CLU - MassMutual Life Company
Dennis C. Reardon, JD, LLM, CLU, ChFC - Reardon & Associates LLC  
Gregory R. Marquardt, CLU, ChFC – Guardian
Thomas J. Herbst, CLU - American Brokerage Services
Renato Sirianni, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF - Karr/Barth AXA 
Marian M. Coffey, RHU - Principal Financial Group
Bennett J. Cooper, JD, CLU, ChFC - Branca-Rampart 
Bruce J. Cumby, CLU, ChFC - Cumby, Spencer & Associates Fin. Group
Amy C. Abromaitis, CFP® - DVFG
Jeffrey W. Rusk  - Safe Harbor Financial Inc
Anthony J. Villari, CLU, ChFC - Karr Barth Associates
Thomas C. Jamison, CEP, CSA - The Estate Plan 
Timothy S. Chubb, CLU - Guardian Life of America
Joshua B. Hoffman, CLU, ChFC - ING |
Austin R. Morris, CLU, CPIA
Lynn A. Nolan, CLU - Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co 
Walter H. Van Buren, Jr., CLU - CBIZ Benefits Insurance Services

Habitat for Humanity & Our Chapter
Paul Velho, ChFC, CLU, Hartford Group Benefits

The Greater Philadelphia Chapter recently hosted four 2-hour financial seminars in February and March to help out with the Philadelphia Chapter of the Habitat for Humanity.  Habitat has about 10 families that are currently working towards home ownership and are required to complete 350 hours of “sweat equity” before they move into their home.  Our seminars helped them towards this goal, but more importantly gave them invaluable information about how to get their financial house in order.  Topics for the seminar included savings, credit card and other debt, investments, insurance and the basics of a will.

Our Chapter is arguably the leading chapter in the country in this worthwhile program that the Society is rolling out nationwide.  This is our second year of offering these programs and we hope to participate next year. If you are interested in helping in the wonderful project, please contact Paul Velho at paul.velho@hartfordlife.com.

Our Chapter wants to thank the following members for helping to make this year’s program a success: Adelina Martorelli, Paul Velho, Ron Capone, Jeff Podraza and Tom Herbst. 

Coventry First
Michael Coben
711 Valley Green Road, Ft. Washington, PA 19034; (877) 876-8300, mcoben@coventryfirst.com
Coventry First bridges insurance and capital markets to open unprecedented financial opportunities for consumers. They created the secondary market for life insurance and pioneered the resulting life settlement industry. Fueled by bold ideas, a deep understanding of life insurance, and impeccable standards, Coventry First is redefining insurance. And it will never be the same.

DVFG Advisors, LLC
Thomas Schirmer, CLU, ChFC
3200 Horizon Dr., Suite 100, King of Prussia, PA 19406; (610) 233-1800, schirmer.tom@dvfg.com
Since 1978, DVFG Advisors, LLC has helped growing business owners and individuals meet their unique financial objectives.  We clearly understand it takes in-depth analysis, careful planning and appropriate solutions and recommendations tailored to meet your unique situation.  Our mission is clear - to help you thoroughly enjoy the rewards of your success and pass it along to future generations.  Discover how DVFG can help deliver the solutions you need to grow and help protect your business and personal wealth.
Securities and advisory products offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, 800/247-4123, member SIPC, Des Moines, IA 50392.  DVFG Advisors, LLC is not an affiliate of Princor. 

Independence Financial Associates
Richard Lombardo
161 Washington St., Ste 700, Conshohocken, PA 19428; (610) 771-1047, lombardo.richard@pmlmail.com
Drawing upon a broad network of insurance, investment, and financial professionals at IFA and our affiliated companies we have the capabilities and expertise to provide our clients with a wide range of solutions to the many complex personal, financial, and business issues they face every day.

John Hancock Brokerage
Vincent Mitchell, CLU, ChFC
8 Tower Bridge, Suite 850, Conshohocken, PA 19428; (610) 941-3000 Ext. 221, vince_mitchell@manulife.com
John Hancock Life Insurance offers a comprehensive life product portfolio, focused on the high net worth, affluent, and emerging affluent markets by providing estate and business planning solutions with an array of life insurance products. A broad portfolio of innovative products, underwriting expertise, and an industry-leading Advanced Markets Group set the company apart from its competitors.

Nationwide Financial
Colleen Horner, FLMI, ACS, AIAA
1000 Chesterbrook Blvd., Berwyn, PA 19312; (215) 219-1709, chorner@nationwide.com
Nationwide Financial has long been known as a leader in the market for investment products and services.  Our commitment to you:
-World Class Money Management:
-Disciplined Investment Strategies:
-Tools and Technology:
-Advanced Market Resources:
Nationwide is on Your Side --- for life.  Visit us at www.nationwidefinancial.com      

What do all these financial and global concerns have in common? 

For starters, one must adapt to change quickly in the fast past world by including some humor in their day.  This is especially true for this author, a 45-year old suburban family guy and dog owner. 

Bill Geist from CBS News Sunday Morning the featured speaker at the Society’s Professional’s dinner enlightened participants with his humorous stories of life’s everyday occurrences with a strong focal point on the “baby boomers” as they approach retirement (nice way of saying we’re getting older – I am).  This of course struck some sensitive cords with yours truly but he made me laugh - especially at myself.  “Humor is good.”  Adding humor, a smile, and laughter is good especially in our short-term driven world.  Some humor will pay dividends in attitudes, outlook and persuasiveness.  I wonder what Gordon Gecco, from the 1980’s movie “Wall Street” would say about after reading this commentary.  He was known for the line “Greed is good.”   Well, taking a queue from Bill Geist, our keynote speaker “Humor is Good!” J Start adding some humor to your or someone else’s life.

The views and opinions contained in these editorial comments are expressed solely by those of the author and not expressed or endorsed opinions from the SFSP or the GP-SFSP board.  Please provide your comments to Bob Flood Editor of KeyFacts at rflood@westportworldwide.com 

Register Today for These Upcoming Chapter Events! 
Register at www.gpsfsp.org

Saturday, April 22, 2006 - American Red Cross Walk
On Saturday, April 22, 2006 the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter will celebrate its Fourth Annual Red Cross Walk in Fairmount Park.  The Red Cross Walk will begin at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park.  The length of the Walk is a little over 6 miles.  To register yourself and any guests with the Society, please go the Walk's Web site at www.redcrosswalk.org.  Follow these instructions:
click "Walker & Virtual Walker Registration" on the left side of the page
click "Join a Team"
click "Show All"; proceed to page 3
click "Society of Financial Service Professionals - Greater Philadelphia Chapter"
click “Join Our Team” and complete registration information and donation (if interested)

Friday, April 28, 2006 - Ethics Forum
co-sponsored with the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council
Topic: Ethical Implications of IRS Circular 230
8:00 – 10:30 AM
Mellon Bank Building, Forum Room, 1735 Market St., 8^th fl., Philadelphia
Registration Fee: $35   Registration Deadline: April 25^th
Register online at: www.philaepc.org

Thursday, May 18^th DVD Program
Topic: Sticky Situations and Awkward Moments in Estate Planning
Registration 8:30 am, Program 9 am to 11 am.
Karr Barth Associates, Inc, 40 Monument Road, 2^nd Floor, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Registration Fee - $40 SFSP Member; $55 Non-member
Fees include beverages, course book and CE fees.

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 Annual Institute Meeting
ALSO - Election of Officers and Board of Directors
Topic: Six Sales Ideas in 60 Minutes
with Randy Zipse,Vice President, Advanced Markets, John Hancock
____________________________________________________________________________________

Another GP-SFSP Membership Benefit!
Editor: Robert M. Flood, III, Westport Worldwide - rflood@westportworldwide.com- T: 610.941.2775
Staff: Christine Boylan, CAE, Boylan+Associates, LLC
GP-SFSP, 308 E. Lancaster Ave., St 108, Wynnewood, PA 19096
Tel: 610-642-1685; Fax: 610-642-0628
GP-SFSP@association-cba.org; www.gpsfsp.org