Fraternal Advantage - Fall 2009



Attendees “Blaze New Trails” at the 123rd NFCA Annual Meeting

More than 340 fraternalists from around the country gathered in San Antonio, Texas, for the 123rd Annual Meeting of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA), held September 17-19, 2009. Themed “Blazing New Trails,” the meeting emphasized hands-on learning and serving others as attendees, from all over North America, showed their fraternal spirit by improving the community they were visiting.

“Our association decided early this year that we wanted to show San Antonio what fraternalism is all about,” said NFCA 2008-2009 Chair of the Board Barbara A. Cheaney, who presided over this year’s meeting. In a demonstration of the importance of this fundamental principle of fraternal benefit societies, on the first afternoon of the meeting, more than 125 participants donned work clothes and descended on the Family Service Association of San Antonio, Inc., painting the interior and outside of the buildings and cleaning and landscaping planting beds. On the two days following, fraternalists were able to attend quality programs and explore many other topics that will help their societies grow and operate more efficiently.

Several speakers enlightened the attendees, including the Fox News journalist Stuart Varney, who spoke on the new era of wealth distribution. Also addressing the gathering was two-time Emmy winner John Powers who used humor to demonstrate how organizations need to create employees passionate about their jobs. Powers has been the host of his own PBS show and was the creator of the Broadway musical, Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?

In addition to the general sessions, interactive workshops were held for participants covering topics on successful mergers, recruiting and keeping younger members, branding, potential affinity programs and the federal tax exemption. One highlight of the meeting was a presentation by one of its own, Royal Neighbors of America President and CEO Cynthia Tidwell, a nationally recognized turnaround expert who recently won the prestigious Stevie Award for Turnaround Executive of the Year.

“Probably one of the best meetings I’ve attended,” commented Richard W. Toth, National Vice President/Secretary, William Penn Association, of Pittsburgh, Pa. “All the information was insurance/fraternal-related, and the fraternal painting project was heartwarming and true fraternalism at its best.”

Meeting delegates also tended to NFCA business during the meeting. Barbara A. Cheaney, 2008-2009 NFCA Chair of the Board and Vice President/Marketing-Communications of Catholic Life of San Antonio, delivered her final report to the Congress. New 2009-2010 NFCA Chair of the Board, Teresa J. Rasmussen, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, was installed as Chair and gave her acceptance speech to attendees. And NFCA President and CEO Joseph J. Annotti reviewed the specific accomplishments of the past year and previewed the challenges facing the trade association. Other business included the election and appointment of the NFCA’s new officers and directors, and the celebration of a first-ever merger of four very independent fraternal benefit societies into a new, well-capitalized and well-positioned society.

In addition, attendees had the opportunity to visit with sponsors and colleagues at the meeting. They also were able to connect with other fraternalists, while investigating the new products and services available to the fraternal benefit system. 

The various sections of the NFCA, including Communications, Fraternal, Human Resources, Presidents, Secretaries, Investment and State Fraternal Congresses, also held meetings—many of which had guest speakers. Several individuals who had contributed to the image of fraternalism by their work in the industry or by their outstanding volunteerism were recognized during the general sessions. Attendees could opt for an evening boat ride to the Alamo where they enjoyed a private tour and dinner under the stars on the grounds of the mission. The Annual Meeting concluded with the Saturday Night Dinner, during which new officers and directors of the board were sworn in and the Rick Cavender band, entertained for dancing.