August 6, 2007
Dear Ms. Morris:
I am a licensed insurance professional and mutual funds sales representative.
It has been brought to my attention that the SEC Rule 12b-1 fees allocated to sales representatives such as myself are being reviewed and considered for reform. In the interest of my compensations, as well as those of my fellow representatives, I am writing to persuade you to realize the importance for this consistent, yet modest commission.
As an insurance agent, I receive ongoing renewal commissions as compensation for quality service provided to my clients. It is a known fact that the renewal commissions for an insurance agent aren't substantial per application. However, after several years of building a clientele, the service needs of these many clients becomes very demanding and the renewal compensations become the more stable part of our income. In much the same way, the service needs of my mutual funds clients, as their registered representative, also become a very demanding part of my duties. Because of this, I urge you to continue to allow the modest, yet financially fair compensation under the SEC Rule 12b-1.
I like to urge the SEC to reject any proposal to eliminate or restrict the payment of the 12b-1 fees. Thank you for considering my views.
Bonnie Determan
Ozark National Life/NIS Financial Services