With much dispute in the news, the issue of H.R. 4173 has finally come to a decision. Recently, Senator Tom Harkin spoke with and persuaded a congressional conference committee to add a provision to this bill, classifying indexed annuitites as state-regulated insurance products. This is great news!

On another positive note, the United States Court of Appeals presented rulings of null and void on the topic of the SEC Rule 151A. Being stated on July 12, 2010, this showed victory for agents and consumers who rely on the Fixed Index Annuitities’ guarantees. Although the SEC will more than likely drop efforts to regulate these products, organizations like NAFA (National Association of Fixed Annuities) will continue until complete assurance arrives that the threat has passed.

On July 20th, 1969, where were you? Perhaps you can remember it vividly or not at all. Or maybe you weren’t even born yet, but one thing’s for certain - this date will go down in the history books forever.

Today marks the 41st anniversary for the landing of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. It was on this fateful day that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took the first steps on the lunar surface and propelled the USA forward in the space race. It had started with John F. Kennedy’s mission to land on the moon before the 1960′s were over. By the time Richard Nixon was president, this  mission became a reality, and the first fateful steps were broadcasted to over 600 million viewers via television with those fateful words said by Commander Armstrong: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

If this topic interests you, take time to read more about the historic events that took place 41 years ago today. The world is always revolutionizing itself, but we can keep history alive if we remember and honor this fateful day that celebrated victory for the USA.

As many Iowans tuned in, the 2010 ESPY awards took place last night, and the show highlighted Northeast Iowa with much honor.  The ESPY’s, an annual award show created by ESPN,  highlights athletic performances throughout the year.  Our very own UNI Panthers men’s basketball team and the family of Ed Thomas were both highly honored, taking home awards.

The Panther men took home the Best Upset ESPY Award, with their game-winning performance in the NCAA tournament, beating #1 seed Kansas.  Coach Ben Jacobson, alongside Ali Farokhmanesh, who made the famous 3 pointer, and senior Adam Koch, accepted the award. In his speech, Jacobson thanks the towns of Cedar Falls and Waterloo, along with all the proud alums all over the world.

Another memorable moment on the ESPY’s includes the presentation of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, which is presented to the sports related personage who has made the most significant and humanitarian impact in relation to athletics in the given year.  The family of Ed Thomas was there to receive this prestigious award, only after a beautiful video looked back on the strength of Ed Thomas, his family, and the people of the Aplington-Parkersburg community during the tornado and times of grief proceeding Thomas’ murder.  The strength shown by the Thomas family gave hope to people across the world, as ESPN honored Ed Thomas’ life.

All in all, Northeast Iowa made a positive impact not only in the sporting world, but across the country. These awards gave us pride to be a part of such a great community, state, and country.

June 2010 Newsletter

May 2010 Newsletter

The staff at Yantis & Associates would like to wish everyone a happy belated Fourth of July. As we celebrated our independence, we hope you had a wonderful time with family, friends, or whomever you chose to spend the day with, and stayed safe in whatever you chose to do.

Perhaps seeing all your loved ones made you think about your insurance needs and where they’ll be once your gone? Or with traveling to see family, you realized just how important dependable car insurance can be? Give Yantis a call at 277-3787, for quotes on both your life and auto insurance needs, along with much more to offer.

Again, stay safe this summer and we hope to hear from you soon!