Which of the following is a direct cause for a producer's contract termination?

Engaging in criminal activity is a direct cause for the termination of a producer's contract because it violates the trust and ethical standards expected in the insurance industry. Insurance producers are held to high legal and professional standards, and any involvement in criminal actions can compromise their integrity and the safety of the insurance company and its policyholders. This type of behavior not only reflects poorly on the individual but also poses risks and liabilities for the insurance firm, potentially impacting its reputation and financial standing.

In contrast, the other choices, while undesirable, may not warrant immediate termination of a producer's contract. Failure to meet sales goals, for instance, could lead to performance reviews or additional training, rather than outright termination. Changing office locations is usually part of normal business operations and wouldn’t typically affect a producer's contract status, and not attending meetings, while potentially problematic for teamwork and communication, is typically handled through corrective measures rather than severe punitive actions like termination.