TOPS™, or The Optimized Portfolio System, is a goal-based asset allocation program using primarily Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as investment vehicles. The TOPS™ Program launched in 2002, with the Variable Insurance Funds being released in 2011, and are currently offered by four major insurance company platforms. New York Life will be offering both the traditional TOPS risk based funds and the TOPS Protected ETF Portfolios, with built in dynamic risk management provided by Milliman, Inc. ValMark Advisers, Inc. manages a total of eight Variable Insurance Funds. Total assets under management in the TOPSTM program is currently over $1 Billion.

ValMark Advisers’ Chief Investment Officer, Michael McClary commented, “We are excited to offer the TOPS™ funds through New York Life’s platform. The TOPS™ funds are a great choice for investments inside of COLI products and we feel they can help clients get more out of their coverage.”

ValMark Advisers, Inc., founded in 1997, is a registered investment advisory firm and is an affiliate of ValMark Securities, Inc., a member of the Financial Industry Regulation Authority (FINRA) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). ValMark Advisers, Inc. manages ValMark Advisers, Inc. and ValMark Securities, Inc. together and are licensed to operate in all 50 states, and its affiliated agencies are licensed in a number of states as life and variable insurance agencies. For more information visit ValMarkSecurities.com.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Securities offered through ValMark Securities, Inc. - a FINRA registered Broker/Dealer. Advisory services offered through ValMark Advisers, Inc. - an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.

The award, created in 2009, was developed to recognize the efforts of a NAILBA volunteer who has performed “over and above” normal expectations during the Chairman’s term.

In presenting the award to Meyer, Daughenbaugh observed, “Melinda is an active member of the Government Affairs Committee, an active PAC contributor, and an active member of the Editorial Advisory Panel.” Daughenbaugh also recognized Meyer as the “driving force behind the development and launch of our new Agency Successor Networking Group,” a group which held their inaugural meeting at the Annual Meeting.

The honor came as a complete surprise to Meyer, who had taken the stage during the Opening General Session to deliver an address from the Professional Development Committee. In addition to her other volunteer commitments with NAILBA, Meyer served as the 2011 Chair of the Professional Development Committee, which is responsible for the program development for the Annual Meeting.

Daughenbaugh continued, “I am grateful for Melinda’s tremendous efforts on NAILBA’s behalf and for our industry.“