IN THIS ISSUE

Message from the President and CEO

NFCA Legislative Update

NFCA Releases 2007 Annual Report

Reports on the 2008 NFCA Sections Mid-Year Meetings
Presidents Section
Secretaries and Human Resources Sections

Make Plans to Attend these 2008 NFCA Sections Mid-Year Meetings

Tips on How to Avoid Errors and Omissions Liability

America's Fraternal Benefit Societies Salute Sales Force during Fraternal Insurance Counsellors' Month

Save the Date for Upcoming NFCA Webinar on Membership Development

NFCA Fraternal Advisory Committee

More on Electronic Form 990-N

2008 NFCA Membership Directory Available Online

Pre-Register Your 2008 JOIN HANDS DAY Project

Member-Society News

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Question of the Month

NFCA Member-Society Question of the Month

This month's question:

What speaker and/or topic would you like to see at a future NFCA Annual Meeting workshop?

To answer, click here or visit the NFCA Web site at www.nfcanet.org and click on the link for the "Question of the Month." You also can send your answer to the NFCA Headquarters at nfca@nfcanet.org.

April 2008

Message from the President and CEO

Dear NFCA Members:

I have completed my first weeks as the NFCA’s president and CEO and wanted to thank all of you who have contacted me with congratulatory greetings and offers of support as we begin our work to enhance the value of the association to its member-societies and to promote the benefits of the fraternal system to consumers, opinion leaders, and public policymakers across the country.

The NFCA Board of Directors has provided me very clear direction on both personal and organizational goals for 2008. One of my highest priorities is meeting individually with each member-society within the next six months to discuss your views on the fraternal system and to identify ways that the NFCA can develop and deliver the advocacy, informational, and operational products and services that effectively and efficiently meet the needs of its members. I will be in touch with each of you in the coming weeks to schedule these meetings.

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NFCA Legislative Update

Paygo and the 501(c)(8) Exemption

The Housing Assistance Act was considered April 9, by the House Committee on Ways and Means, and no mention of using the fraternal exemption as a paygo was suggested. Most of the provisions are narrowly targeted to the housing market, and include a first time homebuyer credit, an additional standard deduction for real property taxes (for taxpayers who otherwise claim the standard deduction), and a package of provisions to assist low income housing including provisions relating to tax-exempt bond authority in the housing area.

The House bill differs from a proposal now pending in the Senate in two key respects. First, the House bill is focused on consumers and does not contain major corporate economic stimulus provisions. The Senate bill, by contrast, contains a five-year carryback of net operating losses for tax years 2008 and 2009, or as an alternative, the authority to accelerate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and research credits instead of taking either the recently enacted bonus depreciation allowance or the NOL carrybacks for five years. The House is fully offset in cost (approximately $11 billion) by using broker basis reporting ($8 billion) and a one-year delay in worldwide interest allocation ($3 billion).

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NFCA Releases 2007 Annual Report

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) released its 2007 Annual Report of activities and accomplishments.

Click here to download in PDF format.

All pages are in PDF format. Adobe® Acrobat® Reader software is required to view these documents. If you do not have this free software, click here.

Reports on the 2008 NFCA Sections Mid-Year Meetings

Presidents Section

The NFCA Presidents Section Mid-Year meeting was held March 16-18, 2008, in Miami Lakes, Florida, at Shula’s Hotel and Golf Club. The meeting got off to a sunny start Sunday morning with a golf outing providing some of the “northerners” a chance to enjoy the warm weather. A reception was held that evening providing attendees from both the Secretaries and Presidents Sections the opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful courtyard atmosphere.

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Secretaries and Human Resources Sections

The NFCA Secretaries and Human Resource Mid-Year Meeting were held at Don Shula’s Hotel and Golf Club on March 14-15, 2008. The attendees enjoyed the warm sunshine, great food and an option to enjoy a game of golf. They also had the opportunity to hear and participate in an array of professional presentations. The presentations included:

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Make Plans to Attend these 2008 NFCA Sections Mid-Year Meetings

Investment

Ambassador East Hotel
Chicago, IL
May 7-9, 2008

Click here to download a copy of the Registration Form and to see additional registration information/fees.

Don't miss this important meeting, designed specifically for section members within the fraternal benefit system.

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Actuaries

AmeriSuites Schaumburg
Schaumburg, Illinois (Chicago-area)
June 5-6, 2008

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Fraternal 100

Oak Brook, Illinois (Chicago-area)
June 19-20, 2008

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Tips on How to Avoid Errors and Omissions Liability

Life insurance agents should be aware that certain practices conducted in connection with the sale and servicing of a life insurance policy or other investment may greatly increase their exposure to an errors and omissions claim. This article will provide agents with a list of practices, which may reduce the likelihood of errors and omissions liability.

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America's Fraternal Benefit Societies Salute Sales Force during Fraternal Insurance Counsellors' Month

This May the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) salutes the fraternal benefit system’s professional sales force during Fraternal Insurance Counsellors' (FIC) Month.

"The fraternal benefit system is proud of its community service and fraternal programs, but one of the most important benefits to our members are the financial services provided by our professional member recruiters and sales agents," said Katharine E. Rounthwaite, NFCA Chair of the Board. "While everyone who helps with member recruitment is integral, May is set aside each year to recognize the system’s Fraternal Insurance Counsellors. FICs are talented and energetic fraternalists who have worked hard, studied and completed the required coursework to achieve their well-deserved designation."

Save the Date for Upcoming NFCA Webinar on Membership Development

Membership Development:
Four Stories from Four Growing Societies

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
10:00 a.m. CST

Mark your calendar for this upcoming NFCA webinar! More information and registration details coming soon.

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NFCA Fraternal Advisory Committee

The NFCA has developed membership standards as a part of its Accreditation program to assist its member-societies in improving their financial situation, solvency and governance. One of the standards deals with the fraternal character of member societies and seeks information on their fraternal activities, charitable contributions, and volunteer hours.

Fraternal benefit societies enjoy many privileges under the law including a tax exemption at federal and state levels because of their common bonds and contributions to the public good. Societies can maintain their tax-exempt status only if they deliver on their missions and common bonds.

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More on Electronic Form 990-N

On February 13, 2008, the Internal Revenue Service released the electronic Form 990-N (e-Postcard). Pursuant to a provision of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, tax-exempt organizations with annual gross receipts of $25,000 or less, that were previously exempt from filing Form 990, will be required to file Form 990-N. The first e-Postcards are due in 2008 for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2007.

Form 990-N must be filed by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of the organization's fiscal year. For example, an organization with $25,000 or less of gross receipts and with a fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 must file Form 990-N by May 15, 2008.

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2008 NFCA Membership Directory Available Online

The 2008 Membership Directory, available in PDF format for downloading and printing, is now posted on the Members Only section of the NFCA Web site. (Information as of January 30, 2008.) To view the NFCA Membership Directory in PDF format, click here to download: By Organization or By Individual.

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Pre-Register Your 2008 JOIN HANDS DAY Project

On May 3, 2008, fraternalists and non-fraternalists alike will come together for JOIN HANDS DAY—to make a difference in their communities through helpful projects that connect youths and adults.

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) has updated the JOIN HANDS DAY promotional materials for 2008. Click on the links to download copies of the 2008 Action Guide and tri-fold brochure or visit the JOIN HANDS DAY Web site at www.joinhandsday.org.

After planning your May 3rd event, be sure to pre-register your project on the JOIN HANDS DAY Web site.
Click here to pre-register your project now.

Why You Should Register Your JOIN HANDS DAY Project:

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Foresters Launches U.S. Division
Christopher Pinkerton appointed President, Foresters U.S. Division.

Foresters™ announced its reorganization into three divisions for its operations in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Christopher Pinkerton, formerly Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, North America, has been appointed President, Foresters U.S. Division. In this capacity, he will lead a dedicated management team with full responsibility for Foresters U.S. business operations.

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Royal Neighbors of America Donates to Local Guide Dog Program

Royal Neighbors of America granted more than $3,000 to Leader Dogs, sponsoring the training of guide dogs for local individuals with hearing disabilities.

As one more way that Royal Neighbors fulfills its vision of neighbor-helping-neighbor, members donated money raised through nationwide fundraising projects to submit to the Help to Hear fundraising program sponsored by Royal Neighbors. Ms. Roberta Trzos, CFRE, Director of Major and Planned Gifts for Leader Dogs, stated “This is so wonderful! We are so pleased that others recognize the great work that these dogs do, and the great comfort they are for people with hearing disabilities.”

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Four Polish Fraternals Unite for Polish-American Outings

The four largest Polish fraternal organizations—the Polish National Alliance, the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, the Polish Women's Alliance of America and the Polish Falcons of America—will host a Polish-American Day at Six Flags Great America Theme Park, Gurnee, Ill., on Saturday, June 7, 2008, and a Polish-American Night at U.S. Cellular Field (Sox Park), Chicago, Ill., on Monday, June 30, 2008.

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LCBA President/CEO to Retire

After almost 30 years of service to Loyal Christian Benefit Association (LCBA), President/CEO Jacqueline Sobania-Robison has decided to retire as of June 30, 2008. As Sobania-Robison announced this to the LCBA National Board of Trustees and the LCBA staff, she noted that her role as LCBA President & CEO has been a position that she has loved and cherished – that she is grateful for and proud of her years of service to LCBA and the fraternal system.

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FCSLA Hires New Fraternal and Youth Director and Compliance Officer

The First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association (FCSLA) announces the hiring of its new Fraternal and Youth Director, Sue Ann M. Seich. Seich’s responsibilities will include assisting branches in developing fraternal, community and volunteer projects to get members more involved, especially youth. Seich brings to FCSLA 20 years of fraternal experience. She has been actively involved in the NFCA and the Ohio Fraternal Congress. She will be attending the NFCA Fraternal and Communications Section Mid-Year Meeting in Nashville. She is a Past President of the Fraternal Section and looks forward to renewing her fraternal connection. She is also very active in her local parish. Seich is a member of branch S301 in Canton, Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Jack.

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Woodmen of the World Names Executive VPs, Chief Actuary
Owen Elected Board Chair

Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society has appointed Mark D. Theisen Executive Vice President, Fraternal; Mark L. Schreier Executive Vice President, Finance and Treasurer; and Larry R. King Executive Vice President, Field. King will also serve as a member of the Executive and Investment Committees. Randall P. Rotschafer was appointed Vice President and Chief Actuary. All appointments are effective immediately.

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Woodmen of the World Helps Feed Arkansas Tornado Victims

Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society volunteers helped feed Arkansas residents who were impacted by tornadoes in early February.

Tom Mathews, Woodmen of the World State Manager in Arkansas, said the feeding operation is part of Woodmen of the World’s national commitment to provide disaster relief following tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and other large-scale disasters.

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Woodmen of the World Fraternal Division Reorganizes

To better position Woodmen of the World for membership growth, the Fraternal Division has made several changes to its structure.

“The soul of our organization is fraternal – it defines us and differentiates us from our commercial competition and even distinguishes us from other fraternals. This new structure is intended to help us unlock our fraternal advantage in the 21st century,” said Mark Theisen, Executive Vice President, Fraternal.

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