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June
Mark will be a Focus Session speaker at the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Annual Meeting which will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana. MDRT is the Premier Global Association of Financial Professionals. This exclusive gathering recognizes only the top 1% of all insurance advisors worldwide and facilitates the sharing of ideas and creative solutions.
Oct
illnessPROTECTION.com will support the efforts of Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada with a multi media campaign to fight prostate cancer and change the face of men's health - grow a mustache and visit www.movember.com for more information.
Oct issue
Investment Executive, Canada's national Newspaper for Financial Advisors, published an article describing how illnessPROTECTION.com uses Group Benefits to work with business executives.
Sep
illnessPROTECTION.com proudly supported Parkinson Society Canada and encouraged everyone to participate in the 80 SuperWalks across Canada. Please visit www.superwalk.com
Sep issue
Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, interviewed Mark for an article on money laundering and coping with compliance. Read "Chasing Dirty Money" here
Sep 23
Metro News published an interview with Mark in city editions across Canada on why university students and recent graduates need the right insurance protection in place. Read "The Great Protector" here
Sep
Advisor.ca, Canada's website for Financial Professionals, published Mark's article "Giving the insurance industry a makeover ".
The article includes five suggestions for how the insurance industry can rejuvenate its image and values.
Read it here
Aug
Mark was interviewed by Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, for a report on the use of personality tests to help financial firms recruit the right types of employees.
Aug
NewsCanada.com recognized illnessPROTECTION.com as a destination site for Canadians in an article "Reduce stress if you control the controllable."
Read it here
July
Advisor.ca, Canada's website for Financial Professionals, sought Mark's opinion for an article "Money laundering and coping with compliance". Read it here
June
June was ALS Awareness Month - illnessPROTECTION.com proudly supported ALS Society of Canada with a multimedia campaign.
June issue
Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, interviewed Mark for two published articles; How the Financial Services Industry has changed in the last 10 years and How dealing with High Net Worth clients has changed.
May 31
Mark was invited by the Chairman of the Board to address the bi-annual meeting of The Retired Employees of De Havilland Aircraft and Bombardier. The presentation focused on the importance of financial planning and why long term care insurance makes sense.
May 14
Mark was invited by Munich RE Group, www.munichre.ca, to join a select group of advisors to help them in the future pricing, design and marketing of insurance products. Munich RE is a global company and the largest reinsurance company in Canada that serves Canadians both here and in the Caribbean. This very exciting opportunity affords Mark an "insiders" perspective on the future of insurance products and programs in Canada and worldwide, while also helping to shape the initiatives.
May 11
The Winnipeg Free Press sought Mark's opinion in an article entitled "Retire Wisely, Make sure you are getting the best pension plan for you". The interview deals with an often overlooked strategy called "Pension Maximization" that anyone with a defined benefit pension plan needs to know about. Read it here
May 9
Advisor.ca, Canada's website for Financial Professionals, asked Mark's opinion on why so few advisors are selling critical illness insurance and what can be done to help get the word out to more vulnerable Canadians.
May 4
The Winnipeg Free Press sought Mark's views on the pitfalls of buying automobile loan life and disability insurance from an auto dealer versus dealing with a professional financial advisor. Read "In the driver's seat" here.
May 1
LIMRA International, www.limra.com, a global organization of more than 850 insurance companies, invited Mark to address the Canadian Living Benefits Study Group meeting at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. The study group is an opportunity to network with peers and provides guidance to LIMRA on research of interest to Canadian companies selling living benefit products. Mark shared his ideas on Critical Illness, Disability Insurance and Long Term Care Insurance.
May 1
Mark addressed Manulife Financial's top young advisors at the Associate Advisor Conference to be held in Toronto.
Apr 30
Mark addressed the Annual Meeting of the No Frills National Franchisees Association in Toronto. He discussed the launch of Guaranteed Issue Critical Illness Insurance for all franchisees and their families across Canada.
Mark was welcomed as the newest member of the Issue Group on Life Insurance and Living Benefits for the Conference of Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) www.calu.com for the 2008/09 program year. This group will be meeting regularly throughout the year to discuss issues on Life Insurance and Living Benefits, tax topics, newsletter information and seminars for members.
Apr 16
ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) is one of more than 20 conditions covered by Critical Illness Insurance (see full list). The ALS Society of Canada published an article by Mark in their Spring 2008 newsletter "Coast to Coast" (read it here, on page 13).
Apr issue
Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, produced a special feature "Report on Critical Illness Insurance". The issue contained several articles with Mark's opinion and advice on best practices and how he helps clients.
Apr 3
Canwest News Service sought Mark's opinions for an article on why consumers should avoid mortgage life insurance and get term life insurance instead. "Get professional advice before buying insurance" The article was published in the National Post, the Vancouver Sun and the Edmonton Journal. Read it here
Apr issue
Forum Magazine, the pre-eminent industry publication for Financial Advisors in Canada, published "Seize the Day", an article by Mark on the importance of becoming a trusted advisor. Read it here
Apr 1
Mark was invited by Investors Group to address the Tri-Region Planners Conference at the White Oaks Inn at Niagara on the Lake, ON. Consultants from three regions learned from industry experts and proven performers how they can take their practice to the next level. Mark shared his insights on the importance of critical illness insurance and other living benefits for financial advisors and their clients.
Mar 29
Mark attended the "Tradition of Excellence" dinner hosted by Manulife Financial at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Toronto. He was presented with an award as the Top Living Benefits advisor in Ontario.
Mar 24
illnessPROTECTION.com expands to Northern Ontario with a radio campaign launched in Sudbury, Ontario.
Mar 17,18
Mark addressed university students from the University of Toronto and York University participating in The Maimonides Leaders Fellowship program. He discussed the importance of business ethics.
Mar issue
Forum Magazine, the pre-eminent industry publication for Financial Advisors in Canada, sought Mark's opinion for an educational article on all-time favourite sales books.
Feb 24
The Winnipeg Free Press sought Mark's opinion for "Is it Worth It?" an article on Mortgage Life Insurance. Read it here
Feb issue
Mark was the sole insurance expert featured in "Your Guide to Caregiving", a Long Term Care supplement produced for Canadian Living Magazine. Read it here, and visit the website
Feb 15
Biz B.C., an online resource center for business people in British Columbia and around the world recommended illnessPROTECTION.com in an article "Reduce stress if you control the controllable". Read it here
Feb 13
Mark was interviewed by Cleo Yu and Bei Jin, graduating students in the Business Program at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, for their research thesis "Critical Illness Insurance Marketing Obstacles in Canada".
Jan 24
Mark was invited by The Toronto Chapter of Advocis, the Canadian Association for Professional Financial Advisors, to address the 2008 Kickoff Breakfast at The Bayview Golf & Country Club in Thornhill, ON. Mark discussed the importance of Marketing for successful Financial Advisors.
Jan 8
Mark attended a meeting of The Toronto Estate Planning Council. This exclusive group of leading tax and estate planning professionals convenes regularly to exchange ideas and expertise.
Dec 5
The National Post's Marni Soupcoff declared illnessPROTECTION.com "a site Canadians should check out simply as a worthwhile reminder that people will always find a way to bypass burdensome government regulations that don't make sense." Read it here
Nov 28
Mark joined the Advisory Board of The Canadian Institute of Bariatric Options (CIBO) (www.ciboclinic.com) to initiate risk management programs and assist in brand development and marketing.
Nov 25
Mark was invited to develop a planned giving strategy for Beth Jacob Seminary of Toronto. The first event was attended by accountants, lawyers and business owners. Mark presented "Smarter Giving: New ways to multiply Charitable Giving using the Same Dollars".
Nov issue
Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, published "Real Value", a case study authored by Mark that described how a simple call about a critical illness policy led to a complex estate planning case. Read it here
Nov 13
Mark addressed university students from the University of Toronto and York University participating in The Maimonides Leaders Fellowship program. He discussed the importance of business ethics.
Mid Nov issue
Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, sought Mark's opinion for an article "Annuities can ease retiree clients' concerns". Read it here
Nov issue
Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, sought Mark's opinion for an article on recent enhancements to variable annuity products. Read it here
Oct 16-18
Mark attended The Top of the Table Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. This exclusive gathering recognizes only the top 1% of all insurance advisors worldwide and facilitates the sharing of ideas and creative solutions under the auspices of MDRT (The Million Dollar Round Table) www.mdrt.org the Premier Global Association of Financial Professionals.
Oct issue
Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, sought Mark's opinion for an article on how to buy life insurance using corporate leveraging. Read it here
Sep issue
Dialogue Magazine, a leading information source for independent advisors in Manulife's Canadian operations, featured Mark in a cover story about long term care insurance and practice management. Read it here
Sep 29 issue
Electronic Watchdog, a weekly online publication devoted to Air Canada crew members, recommended our free Estate Planner to its readers. Get your free copy here
Sep 19-20
Mark addressed fellow insurance professionals at two Group Critical Illness seminars hosted by ACE INA Life Insurance in Toronto and Mississauga. He shared his insights on the importance of Critical Illness Insurance for group benefit plans and why advisors mustn't neglect it.
Sep 14
Advisor.ca, Canada's website for Financial Professionals, described Mark's use of radio and the web to reach young and affluent clients.
Sept 2
Syndicated columnist Ellen Roseman of the Toronto Star featured Mark in her article "The pitfalls of choosing not to buy insurance". Read it here
Sept
issue
Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, sought Mark's opinion and insights on the importance of protecting client privacy and how to achieve it.
Aug issue
Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, quoted Mark in an article on the importance of wills in estate planning.
Aug issue
Investment Executive, Canada's Newspaper for Financial Advisors, sought Mark's opinion on a new Critical Illness offering launched by RBC Insurance. Read it here
July 27
Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, quoted Mark in an article on the importance of getting appropriate travel insurance. Read it here
July 4
Mark was invited to join The Toronto Estate Planning Council. This exclusive group of leading tax and estate planning professionals convenes regularly to exchange ideas and expertise.
June 28
Mark was interviewed by host Pat Bolland on the Portfolio Builder program of nationally broadcast BNN TV (formerly Report on Business Television (ROBtv) www.bnn.ca. Canada's leading business network sought Mark's insights on how portfolio protection is as important as growth. Mark described a unique defensive strategy using Critical Illness insurance that investors need to know about. (Click here to watch)
June 22
Saul Korman of Korry's Clothiers To Gentlemen
(www.korrys.com) describes Mark's recent visit to the store and explains why he is Mark's client.
June 18
Mark was invited to join an international CI Study Group devoted to the advancement of Critical Illness Insurance. Leading advisors from around the world (UK, Australia , Canada, U.S.) convene on a bi-monthly basis to study product innovation, analyze trends, and share marketing ideas. A meeting in Toronto is planned for November 2007.
June 10
Syndicated columnist Ellen Roseman of the Toronto Star (www.ellenroseman.com) featured Mark in her article "Long-term health insurance options for seniors". Read it here
June Issue
Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, sought Mark's opinion on a new Critical Illness offering launched by RBC Insurance.
Read it here
May/June Issue
An article in "Round the Table" magazine published by the Million Dollar Round Table (www.mdrt.org) featured Mark's use of e-newsletters to communicate with clients and prospects. Have you subscribed yet? Do it here
May 13
Syndicated columnist Ellen Roseman of the Toronto Star featured Mark in her article "Insurance policies that benefit the living". Read it here
May 11
Manulife Financial confirmed that Mark placed the largest Critical Illness insurance policy in their history.
May 6-9
Mark attended the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) Annual Meeting (www.CALU.com) in Ottawa, Ontario. The event gathers Canada's leading practitioners in the fields of Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Executive Compensation, Corporate-Owned Life Insurance, Charitable Giving and Employee Benefits. Mark shared insights from his practice on the main platform at the popular "Meet the Producers" session.
Mar Issue
Advisor's Edge, Canada's Magazine for Financial Professionals, produced a bonus section on Living Benefits in their March issue. Mark was quoted from his presentation at the World CI Conference on how to make sense of critical illness insurance policies.
Mar 5-8
Mark joined 9 fellow advisors from across Canada at Manulife Financial's Platinum Elite Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. This annual event recognizes only the top 10 professionals nationwide in order to share knowledge and insights.
Mar 2
The Globe and Mail featured Mark in a special report on Financial Life Stages produced for the Report on Business. This article featured the estate advantages of spousal trusts, probate tax planning, and using life insurance to enhance charitable giving and reduce taxes . Read it here
Mar Issue
Chatelaine magazine interviewed Mark for an article that examined health care options for women. They also met with Mark’s 51 year-old client who recently received a large payout following her mild heart attack.
Feb 23
The Globe and Mail featured Mark and a client in a special report on Financial Life Stages produced for the Report on Business. The topic was Empty Nesters and Health Care Insurance. Read it here
Feb 22
Manulife Financial recognized Mark as the Top Producing Advisor in 2006 in the Independent Advisor Channel for Life Insurance and Living Benefits combined across Canada.
Feb 12
illnessPROTECTION.com expands to Western Canada with a radio campaign launched in Calgary, Alberta.
Jan 25- 27
Mark was a featured speaker at the 4th Annual World Critical Illness Conference held at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, BC.
Jan 22
Mark was invited by Rogers Communications to address their National Sales Conference at the Marriot Hotel in downtown Toronto. The conference was attended by 350 people under the theme "The Power in You". With a panel of 4 respected business leaders, Mark shared his insights on becoming successful in life as a whole person.
Jan 22
Charles Adler, a client and national broadcaster, became a national spokesman for illnessPROTECTION.com.
Jan 17
The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) invited Mark to address 30 key business account holders who attended a Special Client Evening at the Premier Ballroom in Markham ON. He presented "What Every Business Owner Needs to Know".
Jan 2
Mark was recognized again by Manulife Financial as the #1 Living Benefits Advisor in Canada for 2006. Living Benefits includes Critical Illness insurance, Disability Insurance (LTD) and Long Term Care Insurance.
Dec 2
Investment Executive, Canada’s Newspaper for Financial Advisors, produced a special section in advance of the World Critical Illness Conference and profiled Mark and illnessPROTECTION.com.
Nov 2
Mark joined the 4 member Advisory Panel at the Canadian Living Benefits Seminar in Toronto, an industry-only event attended by marketers, underwriters and claims adjudicators from across the country. Their focus was critical illness insurance, disability insurance and long term care insurance. Mark was the first advisor ever invited to attend and address the gathering.
Oct 27
Mark was interviewed on television by Bob Cowan on CH Morning Live. The topic was Critical Illness Insurance and why every healthy person needs to know about it. (Click here to watch)
Oct 17-22
Mark attended The Top Of The Table Annual Meeting in Palm Desert, California. This exclusive gathering recognizes only the top 1% of all insurance advisors worldwide and encourages the sharing of ideas and creative solutions under the auspices of MDRT (The Million Dollar Round Table) www.mdrt.org the Premier Global Association of Financial Professionals.
Mark was a main platform speaker at The Top Of The Table Annual Meeting. There have only been two previous speakers on the topic of Critical Illness insurance: Dr. Marius Barnard (its inventor) and Alphonso Franco, founder of The World Critical Illness Conference.
Oct 5
The Toronto Star featured Mark in a special Wealth Management section. The article dealt with aging parents and the costs of care-giving “The last taboo: Talking about finances with elderly parents “. Read it here
Sep 21
The CBC and 21 major newspapers across Canada published Mark’s report on why consumers should buy Life Insurance instead of Mortgage Insurance. Read it here
Sep 18
Mark addressed the 4th Annual Sun Life Practice Development Retreat in in Montebello, Quebec. The Retreat was attended by top insurance specialists for the major banks and financial institutions who are strategic partners with Sun Life. Mark shared his insights on Critical Illness Insurance and how he became the Top Living Benefits Advisor in Canada.
Sep 15
Mark was a featured speaker at the 2006 National Living Benefits Symposium presented by Manulife Financial in Toronto
Sep 7
Mark delivered the keynote address at Manulife Financial’s Fall Kickoff Meeting at the Radisson Hotel in Markham, ON. Mark presented an Advisors Perspective on Critical Illness and Marketing.
Aug 29
Mark was interviewed on television by Bob Cowan on CH Morning Live. They discussed Aging Parents, and sought Mark’s advice on the how to ensure that aging parents have sufficient financial resources.(Click here to watch) (Click here to read Mark’s article)
Aug 23
Mark was interviewed by Amanda Lang on national Report on Business Television (ROBtv), Taking Stock www.robtv.com. Canada’s leading business network sought Mark’s insights following the election of a new President by the Canadian Medical Association. Dr. Brian Day operates private medical clinics and is a vocal advocate of private healthcare. Mark explained how Critical Illness insurance gets consumers to the front of line for private healthcare.
(Click here to watch)
Aug 15
Marketing Director Phil Halpern presented "Critical Illness Insurance - What Every Business Owner Needs To Know" at the Annual Meeting of No Frills Franchisees in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
July 18
Mark was interviewed on television by Annette Hamm of CH Morning Live. They discussed Strategies for Keeping the Cottage in the Family, and sought Mark’s insights and advice on how insurance can be used for estate preservation and tax reduction.(Click here to watch)(Click here to read Mark’s article:Keeping the Cottage in the Family)
July 4
Mark was interviewed by Bridgitte Anderson on national Report on Business Television (ROBtv), AM Business. www.robtv.com. Canada’s leading business network sought Mark’s insights and advice on how insurance can be used for estate preservation and tax reduction.
(Click here to watch)
(Click here to read Mark’s article: Keeping the Cottage in the Family)
June 15 - 18
Mark attended the 2006 Life Elite Forum at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Whistler BC. This exclusive annual event gathers only the top advisors in Canada for high level and in-depth sessions on key topics of insurance, tax and estate planning.
May 10
Mark addressed the biannual meeting of the No Frills Ontario Franchisees Association at the Montecassino Hotel in Toronto. More than 70 business operators appreciated his insights on Critical Illness insurance and financial crash-testing. Mark was invited to address their National Association Annual Meeting to be held in Niagara Falls in August 2006.
May 8
Mark was invited to be a main platform speaker at The Top Of The Table Annual Meeting for the Million Dollar Round Table (www.MDRT.org) in October 2006. This is the highest level of international industry recognition. This is the first time that a newly qualified member has been invited to address this exclusive gathering.
May 7-10
Mark attended the CALU Annual Meeting (www.CALU.com) in Ottawa, Ontario. The event brings together Canada’s leading practitioners in such fields as Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Executive Compensation, Corporate-Owned Life Insurance, Charitable Giving and Employee Benefits.
Apr 24
Mark was invited to join The Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU), a professional development program under the auspices of the Financial Advisors Association of Canada (www.CALU.com) Membership in CALU is restricted to the top 300 insurance professionals in Canada.
Apr 7
Mark attended the Spring Clinic of the Ontario Dental Association with Dr. Howard Rocket at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Apr 1
Dr. Howard Rocket joined illnessPROTECTION.com as a marketing consultant. Dr. Rocket is a sought after international speaker and a passionate advocate of Critical Illness insurance having suffered a stroke in his late 40s.
Feb 14-17
Mark joined fellow Top 10 Advisors from across Canada in Scottsdale, Arizona for a three day conference to share insights and knowledge.The annual event recognizes only the top 10 advisors in Canada.
Feb 8
Mark addressed the partners and lawyers of Blaney McMurtry LLP (www.blaney.com) in a Lunch and Learn presentation about Critical Illness Insurance.
Jan 27
Mark delivered keynote address at IDC Financial Kickoff Meeting at Mississauga Living Arts Centre. Mark presented a Critical Illness sales seminar to more than 250 insurance professionals at the IDC 2006 Kickoff Meeting held at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga in the RBC Theatre.
Jan 23
Mark was recognized by Manulife Financial as the #1 Living Benefits Advisor in Canada for 2005. Living Benefits includes Critical Illness insurance, Disability Insurance (LTD) and Long Term Care Insurance.
Jan 9
Mark was recognized by Manulife Financial as one of Canada’s
top 10 Insurance Advisors for the year 2005. Mark was invited to attend the exclusive "Elite Platinum Summit".
Dec 17
Saul Korman of Korry’s Clothiers To Gentlemen (www.korrys.com) describes Mark’s recent visit to the store and explains how the Return of Premium works.
Sept 14-17
Mark was the keynote speaker in Kelowna, B.C. Sept 14-17, 2005 for the Regional Advanced Marketing Seminar for Manulife Financial. The top 35 financial advisors from across Western Canada benefited from Mark’s expertise in Critical Illness insurance and the importance of living benefits for clients.
Sept 10
Due to popular demand, Mark was invited back by Jerry White to participate in an extended "Money Talks" program.
Aug23
Mark addressed real estate agents from Prudential Sadie Moranis Realty at the Toronto Real Estate Board.
He explained the myths and realities of Disability insurance and what every commissioned sales person (regardless of industry) needs to know about Critical Illness insurance.
Aug 18
James Munroe of 680 NEWS interviews Mark about how the Return of Premium works.
Aug 10
Mark appeared on "Money Talks", a nationally syndicated radio program hosted by Jerry White.
Recognized as Canada’s leading authority on Critical Illness insurance, Mark shared his insights with listeners across Canada.
Mark and Rhonda Halpern proudly welcome a new baby daughter into the world!!!!!
June 21
Mark addressed the product
managers for all Canadian Insurance Companies in Toronto
at their annual Living Benefits Study Group under the auspices of LIMRA
They wanted Mark’s opinions and insights on the future of Critical Illness insurance in Canada. Mark was the first advisor ever invited to share information at their meetings.
Apr 15
Mark Halpern presented a Critical Illness sales seminar to top Manulife advisors from across Canada at Manulife's National Education Conference in Cancun Mexico.
Apr 7-9
Mark Halpern was a featured speaker at the 3rd Annual World Critical lIlness Conference. Approximately 1,000 insurance specialists from around the world gathered in Toronto.
Mark was declared a “critical illness expert” by FORUM, the pre-eminent industry publication for Financial Advisors in Canada.
See the article in the April 2005 issue.
Mar 2
Radio campaign launched across southern Ontario with Gord Stellick (a national sports broadcaster and client) on 680NEWS and The FAN590. You can hear all the ads here
