| Greater Philadelphia Chapter October 12, 2024 | |
Society Connections E-Newsletter Arizona Institute Insights… This year I had the opportunity to attend my first Arizona Institute and I left Tucson having made new Connections within the Society and gaining a greater appreciation for the breadth and depth of knowledge we have available to us through the Society. Aside from enjoying the warm sunshine away from the Philly winter the three plus days of exposure to the expertise provided by faculty members Dick Oshins, Bob Alexander, Bernie Krooks, Steve Parrish, John Gephart, Bob Keebler and Tom Brinker proved to be eye opening. Whether there are new techniques, facets of more established approaches, or simply different ways of communicating complex ideas and strategies, there are always things to learn. The group is small (about 80 participants) and the setting is intimate so there is ample time to question, have discussion and share experiences. The daily panel Q&A sessions allowed participants to bring real life situations to the experts for their commentary. And the level of trust, camaraderie and openness was refreshing and stimulating. I have already penciled in next year’s Institute in my schedule. At dinner one night I learned about the great seminars and pro bono financial counseling work being done by Society members in the Dallas area for families impacted by MS. At another dinner a group of us discussed charging fees and collecting commissions for services and how we and our clients will be affected by new fiduciary standards. And I met another member who knew my father from 30 years ago and we name-dropped all of my Dad’s closest colleagues that I knew growing up and reminisced our own 30+ years in the financial services industry. But I was struck by one particular presentation and the Q&A that followed that evening. Bernie Krooks, an attorney and Chair of his firm’s Elder Law and Special Needs Department, spent a morning on Elder Care and Special Needs Planning. I came away from his sessions with a renewed appreciation for the difficulty families who have special needs children or who are caring for elderly parents have in coordinating and coping with the logistical, financial, family planning and emotional issues faced on a daily basis. What was eye opening were the dauntingly complex dynamics and how important it is for families to have a team of competent professionals to shepherd them through and provide the needed guidance, advocacy and support. How many of us can say we are prepared personally, let alone professionally, to effectively plan for and deal with such a situation? Society membership gives you exposure to this expertise. At each of the events we that hold within our own local Chapter you have opportunities like those I experienced at the Arizona Institute – to learn something valuable that will help you in your practice, to make Connections with industry experts, to make new friends. Perhaps most impressive was the commitment the FSP leadership has made to growing the Society and looking for ways to bring relevance to membership. The National Organization is made strong through the local Chapters, and it is through that strength that National can support the local Chapters. The Greater Philadelphia Chapter is a recognized leader throughout the country and the members of the Board and the committees work very hard to bring you great events throughout the year. More hands make the job easier. More ideas enhance the value of your membership. In a couple of months we will be electing new Board members. We are already preparing our events for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Reach out to the Board and the Committees! We want your ideas! We need your help! And, we welcome your participation! Glen Coral, CLU, ChFC Click on any link below to read that month's edition: April 2009 March 2009 January 2008
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