Good Day To All… As another week ends, I hope you and your families are all safe & well.

By now the Latin Agents & Brokers Association, L.A.B.A., would have celebrated our Pre-Cinco de Mayo event. This year would have been a greater celebration since in April the L.A.B.A. also reached their 10 year anniversary. In that time we had many accomplishments to be proud of as an organization and in our commitment to diversity within the insurance industry. I will hold off until better times are here to state our successes. Instead I wish to celebrate all essential workers making everyone’s lives better by satisfying our daily needs, or saving lives.

The negative effects of Covid-19 have been, and are astronomical to us all emotionally, and financially. The NY Governor’s daily report does show a brighter light each day at the end of the tunnel. We’re not out of the woods yet, but I’m sure you’ll agree that the future will be more positive, and business will come back.
I recently read an article that contained the following Frida Kahlo quote…

“Arból de la esperanza, mantente firme”

While the quote is also the title of one of her paintings, it is Frida’s quote that really hits home during these times. The quote directly translates to “Tree of Hope, Stay Firm”, which has been interpreted to mean that maintaining hope is the key to moving through difficult times. I have to agree, as long as we have hope, and stay positive, we will make it.

Another quote with great meaning today is from the Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral who became the first from Latin America to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945…


“Tengo un día. Si lo sé aprovechar, tengo un Tesoro”


This quote translates to “I have one day. If I know how to make the most of it, I will have struck gold”. We all should start everyday with this very thought, especially at this unprecedented time.

 
Business will come back… we must move with caution, but we must prepare for when the world fully reopens. The USA business & workforce will come back strong through resiliency, staying focused, remaining driven to succeed, and hard work. Let’s preserve what we have, make smart choices on the road to rebuilding, and help our neighbors & communities to prosper.


Mask, or not, I look forward to seeing many of you in person again… Until then stay safe!


Elmer Rivera
L.A.B.A. Treasurer & Founding Board of Director