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Officially chartered in 2009, the Texas chapter of a national association of African-American insurance professionals has an ambitious goal of becoming the one of the premier insurance associations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the National African-American Insurance Association (NAAIA) was ratified by the NAAIA National Board and became the first local chapter of the organization to be established in the southwest region of the United States.

Now it is hosting its first national meeting. Consistent with the goals of NAAIA, the national conference, to be held in Dallas, will enhance and support the career development of African-American insurance professionals attending from across the country.

The conference agenda will feature compelling speakers, roundtable discussion forums, continuing education workshops, a networking reception, and an awards ceremony honoring insurance professionals who have made significant contributions to the insurance industry.

DFW Chapter President Brent Jenkins, along with 22 other founding members officially chartered and incorporated the NAAIA-DFW chapter. Like the national organization, it was created to develop relationships within the local insurance arena among fellow African-American insurance professionals, share business resources, and educate the younger generation about the various opportunities that exist within the insurance industry. The group holds general meetings every third Thursday of each month.

Ohio agent Jerald Tillman founded what is today the National Association some 30 years ago to attract more black professionals into the industry.

The National African-American Insurance Association (NAAIA) holds its 2010 National Conference Oct. 13-15 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.

Sources: NAAIA-DFW, ; NAAIA, .

Topics Texas