NABIP-NN September 2025 Newsletter 
Chapter Updates
Glittering Glam on Gorgeous Display at Chapter’s 40th Anniversary Gala
The NABIP-NN chapter’s 40th anniversary of existence was celebrated with friendship, fashion, fine dining, emotionally moving awards, music and the recounting of nostalgic historical events from the chapter’s history since 1985.
Known as the Northern Nevada Health Underwriters Association forty years ago, the chapter has had a long history of growth and success in supporting the interests of the communities’ insureds as well as the social, charitable, political and legislative efforts of the agent, broker and carrier on both a statewide and national level.
All of that was celebrated in refined excess Friday, September 5th at the Atlantis Resort.
Emcee, Don Goldmann, kicked off the festivities with an engaging set of comments that warmed up the crowd for the evening with humorous tales built on the history of the past and current leadership of the chapter.
After robust rounds of appreciation for the current leadership that spearheaded the Gala, the annual corporate sponsors, the event sponsors and a review of the early chapter history with the leadership of Stuart Michelle featured, chapter President, Aliana Rushing, a 2021 honoree of the award herself, presented a heartwarming tribute to this year’s winner of the “Stuart Michelle Cause It to Happen” award.
The award honors one chapter member who has made the most significant contributions to the activities of the chapter over the prior year.
Merre Gregory was celebrated in an emotional ceremony for her continued efforts while on the Board of Directors, even while going through significant medical tribulations.
The celebration of Merre’s well deserved honor was extended into the evening with DJ Clinton hosting a sound and light show that had everyone up and dancing.
As part of the “Glam” theme of the Gala, everyone participated in the “Glamor Photobooth” complete with fun accessories.
While just about everyone in attendance partook of the photobooth, specific distinguished chapter members included:
The media committee has announced that a special section of the chapter’s website will display the many other celebrants and their activities at the Northern Nevada 40th Anniversary Gala.
The Big Beautiful Bill’s Regulatory Updates and Effects
Paul Roberts, Senior Director of Education at the Word & Brown General Agency, located in California and Nevada, was the keynote speaker for the August monthly membership luncheon held at the Atlantis Casino and Resort on August 13th. 
While the full extent of the Trump promoted legislation that passed through the Congress only a month ago, has not been fully analyzed yet, Roberts gave a very thorough review of what is known so far.
Roberts explained that the legislation will make significant changes in the ACA marketplace population, those enrolling or renewing in Medicaid and the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits passed under President Biden. It is estimated that a total of sixteen million people will be uninsured due to the changes.
The Medicaid changes will be the most impactful part of the act with new work reporting requirements, twice a year eligibility enforcement, enrollment verification of addresses with cross checking from various state and federal data bases and lower federal funding to states that cover illegal immigrants.
Since the states will be responsible for instituting systems to implement the changes, the total impact on brokers and employers will not be completely known until each state determines how it will manage the process.
Thoughts From Our NABIP–NN President:
“Forty Years Strong and Still Growing”
This year marks the 40th anniversary of our Northern Nevada chapter, and what a milestone it is! For four decades, we’ve been more than a professional association. We’ve been a community committed to the betterment of our entire industry — for brokers, carriers, and the clients we serve.
Our work has gone beyond policy wins or events on a calendar. It’s in the extra mile a broker takes to secure coverage for a client in need. It’s in the strong relationships we’ve built with carriers to ensure solutions are practical and fair for them. And it’s in the trust that consumers place in us to advocate for them.
Our history is rich with education, advocacy, and camaraderie, and it’s the dedication of our members and carriers that has made it possible.
As we celebrate this milestone, let’s honor the past while keeping our focus on a future where our community, our industry, and the people we serve continue to thrive — together. The next 40 years are ours to shape, and I have no doubt we’ll make them just as impactful.
On behalf of the NABIP-NN chapter, Vice President of Finance, Joy Gardner, provided Amanda Socias, Director of the charity “Kids Kottage”, a check for $1,686.50 during a July presentation.
All the funds for the chapter’s charitable gifts are raised from the monthly membership luncheon meeting raffle sales. One hundred percent of all raffle sales dollars are annually given to two local charities selected at the first of the year by the chapter’s Board of Directors.
Kids Kottage, a non-profit emergency shelter located in Reno, Nevada, offers a safe haven for children in need who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The organization provides a nurturing environment where children can receive the care and support, they need to heal and thrive. Kids Kottage relies on donations to operate and makes a significant impact in the lives of children and families in the Reno community.
Nevada Youth Empowerment Program was the chapter’s second charity for 2025, and it was given an equal donation at a presentation held during the Spring “Exposition and Medicare Summit”.
The Board of Directors are soliciting input for two new charities for 2026. Anyone is welcome to nominate a charity by sending the charity’s name to Don Goldmann at [email protected].
Calendar of Events
Nevada Health Link Broker Briefing
October 8, 2025, | 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Atlantis Hotel/Casino
3800 South Virginia, Reno, NV, 89502
Registration:
Members: $35
Non-Members: $45
*$8 late fee will be added after October 5th
NABIP Happenings
New Member Orientation
One of the best ways to maximize the value of a NABIP membership is to learn about all the benefits at any monthly New Member Orientation!
Monthly orientations are held by Zoom at 9 AM on every 4th Thursday of the month.
The Zoom meeting ID is 826 3420 3381 and the passcode is “Membership”.
The program can also be accessed here: http://welcometonabip.org
Member Resources
Online Learning Institute
Earning the Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) designation elevates your credibility as a professional. The field of employee benefits continues to evolve rapidly. A year does not go by without new government regulations, new or modified coverages, and new techniques for controlling benefit costs. To best serve their clients, professionals need to have a current understanding of the provisions, advantages, and limitations associated with each type of benefit or program as a method for meeting economic security.
Affordable courses are available by visiting the NABIP site here.
Did You Know
There are many resources available to every member. Below are active links to a world of benefits that come from being a member of NABIP.
This collection of logos contains active weblinks to make it very easy for you to click and be led directly to the appropriate section of the national NABIP website.
Apply today for one of NABIP's highest honors - Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT). Click here for more information.
Earning the Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) designation elevates your credibility as a professional. Click Here to learn more.
NABIP's Leadership Academy assists chapter leaders and members to become better leaders in life and NABIP. This 12-module program provides a wide variety of topics touching on many areas to provide students with a well-rounded experience. Programming can be done through attending pre-recorded programming, by attending monthly webinars or as a mix of the two formats.
NABIP created the President's Triple Crown Program to recognize those members whose individual contributions help advance the association's mission.
NABIP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).
Vision & Core Values, DEIB Training & DEIB Resources. Click Here to learn more.
Leadership Mentorship Program
Provides senior leadership support to new and current members professionally and in their leadership roles. Click Here for more information.
