Two associations representing insurance agents and agencies have formed a partnership for professional development and government advocacy.

The $12 million-revenue National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the $2.9 million-revenue National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies said Thursday they will collaborate on professional development programs and that NAIFA also will represent NAILBA on certain issues at the state and federal levels.

"This partnership reflects commitments from both organizations to create opportunities to leverage our organizational strengths while ensuring our members have the knowledge to serve their clients and to speak in a unified voice," NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux said in a statement.

NAILBA CEO Dan LaBert noted that the groups have collaborated over the years.

"NAILBA and NAIFA have worked together on previous programs that benefit our members, and we welcome the evolving collaborative relationship to advance our missions of advocating on behalf of the industry, our members and the clients we serve," he said.

LaBert told CEO Update that NAILBA, which he has led for two years, has not traditionally engaged in lobbying. But a shifting political landscape convinced members they need a voice.

According to the statement, the two groups will form a joint advocacy task force and NAIFA will represent NAILBA in many cases. NAIFA will provide government relations experts at NAILBA meetings and lead advocacy webinars and other presentations. NAIFA also will provide grassroots advocacy training to NAILBA members.

NAILBA members will be able to participate in NAIFA state and federal legislative days.

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