The President Notes…..

RoseMary Deininger, HIA, RHU

Have you noticed how quickly time is passing?

To quote Virgil, “Time carries all things, even our wits, away.” So before that happens to me……

Many thanks to Jay Huminsky of IPS Advisors, past DAHU President, for being our August guest speaker on the value of DAHU membership. Jay looks too young to have been a member for as long as our books indicate. This just proves that another value of membership is that it keeps you young!

Heartfelt thanks to Cynthia Marcotte Stamer for presenting the August CE on USERRA Regulations. Every agent should have a benefits attorney contact like Cindy to help educate their clients about welfare laws because it is always what they don’t know that can hurt them. Gratefully Cindy has been a friend to DAHU for many years.

Although there is no DAHU Luncheon in September we have a full month of “something for everyone” on the calendar. The Annual DAHU Golf Outing on September 7^th at the beautiful Tribute Golf Course was again a tremendous success. John Mosier knows what golfers like and he knows we all enjoy the opportunity to contribute to a good cause. The day was fun and the evening relaxing as we ate great barbeque, listened to a fun jazz band, applauded the best golfers of the day and hoped we’d win a raffle prize. Jonathan’s Place will be presented a check at an upcoming DAHU Luncheon. If you’d like to help with public service, contact John at john.mosier@compbenefits.com

Talk about packing the week, the very next day was the FWAHU/DAHU/AAHU/SHRM Consumer Education Day at UT Arlington’s Rosebud Theatre on September 8^th. It brought opportunity for carriers, agents, employers, employees and students to have some fun and learn a few things at the same time. Sharon Alt has been on Voice America’s internet radio this past year helping to educate the public about health care in America and she decided to bring the education to the stage. The idea was so intriguing that 200+ theatre seats were filled. Several DAHU members were in the cast along with a legislative representative or two and if you didn’t attend, hang on; it is very likely it will be back.

Coming up next is the Annual DAHU Sales/CE Day on Friday, September 29^th at the Studio Movie Grill in Addison presented by Jacqueline St. Hilaire, Incoming President. It will start at 8:30 AM and offer 6 hours of NEW CE on Sales Training and Wellness Studies! This definitely has something for everyone so even if you are grandfathered and don’t need the CE, education never goes out of style and there is always something new to be learned. I’ve heard there may even be a happy hour after. You can register at

http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=471c9fd2-17bb-4db0-a22b-415cb32d9d94

As promised, the DAHU Dream Team is putting together outstanding programs for you:

Marcia Snell, Membership and Darrin Spradley, Retention are working with the Board on several campaign fronts. They want to keep all our current members and they want to help spread the word about the value of DAHU membership. Be on the lookout for details about several contests in which you can win money, free lunches, possibly a trip to Colorado for the NAHU Convention in June 2007. If you like making phone calls or mailing letters – 1 hour a month, contact Marcia at Marcia.snell@texastruechoice.com or Darrin at darrin.spradley@us.aflac.com

Kathy Powell, Newsletter, has been challenged these past few months learning about E-Newsletters and CVENT. She has been victorious! And to her credit, she wants to do even more. If you have suggestions for Kathy, contact her at kpowell@blockvision.com

Tamela Southan, Federal Legislation and Frank McCaffrey, Texas Legislation are hard at work on a DAHU/FWAHU combined Legislation Day for November 1. Tamela has taken the committee lead and Frank’s connections may entice Governor Rick Perry to be the keynote speaker for the morning program designed to wake you up and serve the coffee! I’ve heard talk of the TDI and some other surprises. Stay Tuned! If you’d like to volunteer for that day or have legislative suggestions, contact Tamela at tsouthan@conexis.com or Frank at fmccaffrey@humana.com

Donna McCright, Education, helps to bring us new and different CE! She has calculated that as of 1/1/06, DAHU has presented 17 hours of CE to our members and most of it has been NEW. We want our members to have cutting edge information and Donna accomplishes this for you! If you have suggestions or would like to volunteer, contact Donna at dmccright@csgbenefits.com

Larry French, Media, continues to successfully have DAHU events published in the Dallas Morning News and Dallas Business Journal. If you have a contact at a local paper you would like this information published in, please contact Larry at frenchindal@comcast.net Thanks to Larry we have another new look, DAHU pocket folders!

David Clampitt, Sponsorship, has rolled out a successful new program for our carrier partners. We cannot offer great programs, contests, etc. without the help of our carrier members. David and DAHU proudly thank HUMANA, BENEFIT MALL, Ameriplan, Safeguard, and Delta Dental for their commitment and friendship to DAHU. We are thrilled! If you have suggestions or would like to help, contact David at Dclampitt@pmi.delta.org.

Linda Taylor, Awards, is keeping track of everything that everyone is doing….not an easy job! She is a pseudo historian to document what DAHU accomplishes during the year so we can proudly represent you in the Chapter races. If you’d like to help Linda, contact her at Linda.taylor@benefitmall.com

David Weber, besides being our Treasurer, is also busy renewing the DAHU website. When you have time check out www.dahu.org where you can learn more about the DAHU Board, follow links to TAHU, TDI, NAHU, read about the value of membership or view a video. David also helps set up audio visual for our meetings and is looking for some help! Contact him at drweber@uniplanfinancial.com.

Valerie Toups, Secretary, keeps you informed with email blasts and CVENT invitations. If you have not heard from DAHU in the last 2 months, please contact Valerie at Valeriet@safeguard.net Valerie also helps keep you informed about the Board with Board Meeting Minutes posted on our website.

As your President, RoseMary Deininger, I would LOVE to hear from you! How can the DAHU Board serve you? Contact me at rdeininger@waldmanbros.com or call me at 817.454.4512. I value your input!

Are you making good use of TIME? Are you accomplishing your personal & professional goals? If not, why not? Reverence time and you will accomplish a lot even while you take care of yourself and those you love!

DAHU Event Schedule

September 29, 2006 – Sales Congress/CE Day

Studio Movie Grill

Addison, TX

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Includes 6 hours of CE with topics ranging from improving your sales skills to improving your wellness. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Registration forms will be distributed via Cvent!

Contact Jacqueline St. Hilaire at jacquelines@safeguard.net for sponsorship opportunities.

October 18, 2006

DAHU Monthly Luncheon

Prestonwood Country Club

Dallas, TX

11:30 a.m.

Speaker: Brian Dodge

“How to Build a Better You”

November 15, 2006

DAHU Monthly Luncheon

Prestonwood Country Club

Dallas, TX

11:30 a.m.

Prestonwood Country Club

Speaker: Mack Lambert

1 Hour Luncheon CE pending TDI approval

“Introductory Worksite Marketing”

WHAT YOU AND YOUR PEOPLE CAN EXPECT TO LEARN

Mr. Bryan Dodge’s program, entitled “How to Build a Better You” focuses on three key areas. The first will be how to have your best year ever by creating consistent upward growth in your life. The second area will be how to take ownership of leadership of your life. Bryan will reveal the three main laws of leadership. The third is how to keep focused on the things that really matter in life. You will also learn about the power of personal energy and where it comes from. Bryan’s program is refreshing and entertaining, yet informative and educational. His lively and spirited delivery style makes learning fun and memorable.

TESTIMONIES FROM PAST APPEARANCES:

“Bryan, many thanks for conducting a terrific seminar at yesterday’s conference. Rarely does one get an opportunity to learn so much in such a short time.”
– Sam Zurawel, Merrill Lynch

“Bryan, you have impacted our lives and touched us for the better to influence people in a positive way and make our world a happier place for all of us.”
– Liz Butler, Henry S. Miller Co.

“Bryan, today I was truly awakened, literally, spiritually, and intellectually! Your energy and enthusiasm is very refreshing. Keep up the great work!”
– Carol R. Davis, Women’s Business Initiative

“Bryan, we really enjoyed having you at our sales meeting. Tidbits have been popping back into my mind all day, like I need more of those $1.00 employees! Your session was super; man, you covered a lot of ground. Unbelievable!
– Bob Jenkens, TM Century Inc.

www.bryandodge.com

Kelly Fristoe, LUTCF Postcards From the Ledge
Director, TAHU


TAHU can get the attention of key legislators and provide them guidance on severely complicated health insurance issues as they
consider legislation that will have an effect on our business and industry. So what could it be? Well, I think I’ve found a part of the
problem. One of the things that I’ve noticed and have had a few members point out to me is that for the most part TAHU members
don’t really know what they’re giving to. There’s GRIP, the Legislative Fund, TAHUPAC, HUPAC …”What is all this stuff and when I
sign up to be a contributor, how do I know which one to contribute to and where is all the money going….yada, yada, yada.” Well,
in this column I’m going to try to do my best to break it all down for you.

Let’s start off by explaining GRIP. GRIP stands for Grass Roots Initiative Program. This is the program that TAHU set up in order
for you as a member to contribute funds that will be used to battle in the legislative arena. It is the umbrella of all legislative fund
raising. Next there is the Legislative Fund. The Legislative Fund exists and operates under the umbrella of GRIP. The purpose of the
Legislative Fund is to finance the administrative expenses to educate our Texas legislators and regulators about our industry. This
is currently done through a full time lobbyist by the name of Lee Manross. Lee has proven to be very instrumental and effective as
he has worked on behalf of TAHU members pointing out to legislators and regulators the impact that their statutes and regulations
have on the consumer and the industry in general.

Next there is TAHUPAC. TAHUPAC is TAHU’s Political Action Committee. TAHUPAC has the ability to contribute money to a state
legislator’s campaign. When a state legislator is running for election or re-election there’s nothing that they like better than to get
money to help them get elected/re-elected. Contributions to these campaigns help to create and forge relationships with these
legislators. When a piece of legislation is introduced that could pose a threat to our industry TAHU is able to formulate talking points
and gain access to that legislator to communicate that information easier than if TAHU did not make a Political Action Contribution
to that legislator. Legislators who support the preservation of the free market economy in the health care/insurance industry and
maintenance of the role of a client advocate (the agent) in that system will know we are there to help them in the future. TAHUPAC
is not there to buy votes. It is simply there to help ensure that we can get our voice heard.

GRIP Legislative Fund “I have seen the enemy, and it is us.” It's About Time We All Get This Figured Out -- Let Me Help!
When it comes to Legislative Fund raising for TAHU my predecessors have indicated to me that they have found it to be a
difficult task. And as I ease into this volunteer position in charge of TAHU Fund raising I am finding myself wondering what it is
that makes it so difficult about asking and convincing members of TAHU (the professionals in the delivery of health insurance
products and services) to give up a few bucks every month so TAHUPAC.

So when it comes to giving how should you give, to the Legislative Fund or to TAHUPAC? Well, first and foremost, as a TAHU dues
paying member you are already giving to the Legislative Fund. A portion of your dues is earmarked for deposit into the Legislative
Fund to afford TAHU’s administrative expenses and paid lobbyist. So whether you realized it or not, every member is a GRIP
contributor in some form or fashion as it relates to the Legislative Fund. For this reason, at the present time the Legislative Fund is
in a good state of health. The dilemma is that the TAHUPAC is not. The TAHUPAC is in dire need of more contributions. Just like
your business is about creating and maintaining strong, solid relationships in order for people to do business with you for you to earn
that paycheck, in the political realm, TAHU uses TAHUPAC dollars to help build and maintain relationships in order for us to get our
voice heard with legislators. Not enough TAHUPAC dollars could mean disaster for our business as we know it.
There are a lot of excuses and mythical reasons out there that I have heard as to why members do not give to the TAHUPAC or
Legislative Fund. To this day I have not heard one that I have bought into or that is legitimate. This business is so good to us and
TAHU has had so many legislative victories over the past several years as a direct result of members that sacrifice their hard earned
dollars for the rest of us. I challenge you to step up and be a part of something that is bigger than you. Not becoming a
contributor to TAHUPAC only diminishes what your membership dues go for. Take that leap and do it and quit enjoying your
success in this business off of the coat tails of those who are contributors.

(Questions? Contact any member of the Legislative Council: Misty Baker, mistyb@onebox.com; Rusty Rice, rrice@avesis.com; Jacqueline St. Hilaire,
jacquelines@safeguard.net; Joe Phifer, JoeP@safeguard.net; Gary Waldron, gary.waldron@usi.biz; Kelly Fristoe, kfristoe@wf.net; Lee Manross,
lmanross@aol.com; Shirley Hutzler, shirley270@aol.com)