You're good at this business - everyone says so. But are you good enough to be the Employee Benefit Adviser of the Year?

The Adviser of the Year award is presented to the candidate who has demonstrated a consistent pattern of innovation and achievement in benefit plan sales, consulting, and/or leadership, as well as overall contributions to the profession.

Among the more specific things we'll be looking for:

* Business growth, expressed in annual revenue and/or number of clients served.

* Performance against client expectations - how well the adviser helped the client formulate and meet objectives.

* Lasting impact on the health, satisfaction and financial security of client group members.

In addition to these criteria, we will be looking for innovation and vision in presenting the products and services best suited to meeting employers' objectives.

The presentation of the Adviser of the Year award is a highlight of the EBA Summit, which will be held Sept. 25-27 in Dallas. The winner will also be profiled in the September issue of the magazine.

Benefit advisers may nominate themselves; clients, employers, or colleagues may submit nominations too.

The deadline for nominations is July 1. Winners will be notified by July 15. For more information, go to our website, eba.benefitnews.com, and click on "Adviser of the Year Award" in the left nav bar. Nominations may be submitted using the online nomination form, or e-mailed to me at john.ortman@sourcemedia.com. Supporting information, such as documentation of achievements, or letters of support or endorsement from colleagues, clients or business contacts, are encouraged.

I have another opportunity for those looking to elevate their personal and professional performance. What would you say if you had the chance to benefit from a full, 12-week wellness program, including a health coach - for free?

That's the premise of the EBA Wellness Challenge.

We're now in the process of launching the 2011 Challenge. Naturally, the process starts with recruiting a benefit adviser to participate. As in years past, the participant will be profiled in our December cover story.

To volunteer to take the Challenge, or for more information, e-mail me at john.ortman@sourcemedia.com.