| NEWSLETTER - April, 2001
Kim's Korner
Frustrating. That is how I would describe the
first quarter. Oh there are other words, but this is a professional publication, and I
think most of you have experienced similar challenges, so frustrated covers it.
So what has been so exasperating? Well
several things to be honest; some things we can control and try to fix and other things
that are beyond our control, but we need to live with anyway. First of all, our new
business volumes greatly increased this quarter - which was absolutely fantastic and we
thank you for your support and business - so we were stretched to our limits in attempting
to provide the high level of service you are used to. And, at the same time, we changed
over our data management software on January 1, which gave us more hiccups than we
anticipated. To address these challenges, we hired a new receptionist, Jackie Parish. I'm
sure you have met her either over the phone, or in person. She's delightful and is a
wonderful addition to our team. She is eager to learn our business and to get to know
everyone (and I think she realizes that the people here are, shall we say, slightly off
the wall). Indra is now handling inforce service as well as assisting Alice with the new
business administration. We believe that this is extremely positive and that you will be
receiving the standard of service to which you are accustomed very soon (if not already).
My other source of frustration comes from a
couple of head offices (quel surpris!). First of all, the merger of NN/Transamerica
systems has been horrendous. A number of contracts still haven't been transferred making
it very difficult for us to help you service your transferring block. Underwriting and
policy issue and service have been extremely slow and unresponsive - and when this is the
case, we look bad. We are consistently assured that they are working on it, but I think
they are putting bandaids on gaping holes. I'm not sure how long it will take for
Transamerica to get their act together, but I suspect a few more months. I ask for your
patience if you are selling their products, they are still a very strong and competitive
company and they have a lot to offer.
The acquisition of Commercial Union by
Manulife is my fourth merger. Each merger is different as each acquiring company brings
its own culture and corporate structure to the acquired carrier. This presents many
challenges, both internally and externally. Going forward we will need to integrate
systems, procedures, personnel and products. However, Manulife has moved quite quickly
with this integration. We have only until May 31 to sell CU's complete product line.
Effective June 1, only LifeCheque and Living Care will be available for new sales, and at
midnight May 31, all CU broker contracts are terminated. At that time, new Manulife
contracts will need to be active in order to sell these 2 products. I will keep you posted
on all relevant information about your contracts, vesting, and processes going forward, as
I know them. Please watch your faxes, mail, and email for updates. In the meantime, please
do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.
Now that I've got that off my chest, let's
move on to better things. Our Taylor Conference has been very well received and our
qualifiers will be joining us for 2 days of education and fun. We are so looking forward
to it. The qualification period hasn't finished yet, but congratulations to those who have
already qualified: John Kucher; Gary Opolsky; Mario Sacramento; Al Robertson; Russell
Schmidt; Micheline Valliere; Judy Kwong; and Simon Chan. In our next issue I'll tell you
all about the Conference and you can plan to join us next year!!
And don't forget we start our short Fridays
the May Long Weekend. We are open Fridays from 8:00 to 1:00, with one staff person here
until 4:00. This is effective until Labour Day Weekend.
Thank you once again for your patience and
your business. We are pleased to be your chosen MGA and strive daily to exceed your
expectations.
Have a great spring and take the time to
enjoy all the beauty Mother Nature has to offer.
Kim Stanley
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the previous Kim's Korner
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