NFCA Announces Interim President and CEO

News from the NFCA Board of Directors

NFCA Legislative Update

NFCA's Fraternal MVPs Continue Their Visits to Capitol Hill

NFCA's Fraternalists-in-Action Program Celebrates Its One-Year Anniversary

Fraternal Forum - Guest Column: Fraternal “Membership” Driving Innovation

NFCA Offers Two Unique Insurance Programs to Its Member-Societies

The NFCA Welcomes New Member-Society, Polish Women's Alliance of America

Reports on the NFCA Sections Mid-Year Meetings
Presidents Section
Secretaries Section
Human Resources Section
Communications, Fraternal and State Fraternal Congresses Sections

Register Now for the NFCA Actuaries Section Mid-Year Meeting

JOIN HANDS DAY Brings Together Thousands of Fraternalists for Neighborhood Volunteering

Reminder: Be Sure to Register Your 2007 JOIN HANDS DAY Event

Nominate a Woman of Worth

2007 National Flag Day Promotional Kit Now Available

Member-Society News

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Question of the Month

NFCA Member-Society Question of the Month
This month's question:

Do you plan on attending the 121st NFCA Annual Meeting, September 6-8, 2007, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

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.

Calendar of Upcoming Events
(Dates subject to change.)

May
5 JOIN HANDS DAY
5 Oregon Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Milwaukie, OR)
9-11 Investment Section Mid-Year Meeting (Kansas City, MO)
10-11 North Dakota Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Bismarck, ND)
10-12 Canadian Fraternal Association Annual Meeting (St. John's, Newfoundland)
11-12 Florida Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Kissimmee, FL)
28 Memorial Day – NFCA HQ Closed
31-June 2 Fraternal Field Managers Association Meeting and
NAFIC 57th National Convention (Houston, TX)
   
June
1-3 Washington Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Tacoma, WA)
2-5 NAIC Summer Meeting (San Francisco, CA)
5 NFCA Board of Directors' Meeting (Pittsburgh, PA)
TBD Actuaries Section Mid-Year Meeting
   
July
2 Fraternalist of the Year Nomination deadline*
4 Independence Day – NFCA HQ Closed
13 NFCA Committee Nomination Forms deadline*
13 NFCA Vice Chair and Director Nomination Forms deadline*
13 Memorial List deadline*
16-18 National Conference on Volunteering and Service (POLF) (Philadelphia, PA)
19 Law Committee Meeting (Oak Brook, IL)
   
August
1 "Go for the Gold" State Fraternal Congress Award Program Submission deadline*
2 Iowa Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Williamsburg, IA)
17 Annual Meeting Credential Forms Due to NFCA HQ*
21 NFCA Board of Directors Meeting (Oak Brook, IL)
24-25 Indiana Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Indianapolis, IN)
   
September
3 Labor Day – NFCA HQ Closed
6 NFCA Board of Directors Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA (Current Board)
6-8 121st NFCA Annual Meeting – Westin Convention Center (Pittsburgh, PA)
9 NFCA Board of Directors Meeting (New Board)
27-28 Wisconsin Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
28-29 Chesapeake Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Ocean City, MD)
29- Oct 2 NAIC Fall Meeting (Washington, DC)
   
October
5-6 Texas Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Austin, TX)
5-7 Ohio Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Westlake, OH)
8 Columbus Day – NFCA HQ Closed
11-12 South Dakota Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Brookings, SD)
12 Michigan Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Mt. Pleasant, MI)
12-13 West Virginia Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Parkersburg, WV)
19-20 California Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Milpitas, CA)
19-20 Missouri Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Jefferson City, MO)
19-20 Virginia Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Lynchburg, VA)
28-29 Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Farmington, PA)
29 Minnesota Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (TBD)
TBD Law Committee Meeting (via conference call)
TBD New Jersey Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting
   
November
2 Nebraska Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Ashland, NE)
3 New England Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Lexington, MA)
16 Arizona Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (TBD)
22 Thanksgiving Day – NFCA HQ Closed
23 NFCA HQ Closed
TBD NFCA Board of Directors Meeting

*Denotes Deadline Date

NFCA Legislative Update

Prior to the Congressional Easter Recess, the House and Senate included different versions of a small tax bill, accompanied by a minimum-wage increase, in the supplemental appropriations bill to fund the war in Iraq. The tax bills, separately passed in the House and Senate, were included in the supplemental appropriations bill as a way to bring together the House and Senate in a conference to resolve their differences.

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NFCA Section Mid-Year Meetings
Actuaries Section

Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
June 7-8, 2007

Register now for this important NFCA Section Mid-Year Meeting.

Dress code for the meeting, reception and related events is Business Casual.

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NFCA Announces Interim President and CEO
Fred Grubbe Resigns as NFCA President and CEO.

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is pleased to announce that Robert C. "Bob" Huxel, CPCU, Director of Government Affairs, has accepted the responsibility to serve as the NFCA's Interim President and CEO, effective May 25, 2007. Mr. Huxel immediately will begin to work together with President and CEO Frederick H. Grubbe to ensure a smooth transition into this office.

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News from the NFCA Board of Directors

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) Board of Directors, led by Chair of the Board Janice U. Whipple, held its quarterly meeting, March 17, 2007, at the Millennium Resort Scottsdale – McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale, Arizona.

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NFCA's Fraternal MVPs Continue Their Visits to Capitol Hill

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) recognized its Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) in Washington, D.C., on April 17-18, 2007, and May 1-2, 2007. These fraternalists, honored for their outstanding fraternal service, met with members of Congress who represent the MVPs' home states and Congressional districts. Fraternal MVPs are "Fraternalists-in-Action" who volunteer their time and energy to strengthen their communities through participation in local lodge activities and other charitable endeavors.

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NFCA's Fraternalists-in-Action Program Celebrates Its One-Year Anniversary

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) wishes to thank all member-societies that have participated in the Fraternalists-in-Action Program. To date, the accomplishments of 227 Weekly MVPs have been celebrated on the NFCA Web site and in press releases sent to local media outlets.

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Fraternal "Membership" Driving Innovation
By Teresa J. Rasmussen, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

What does "membership" really mean?

As leaders of fraternal benefit societies, many of us have considered that question. Since membership groups define our societies more than any other single attribute, understanding what membership means is important in everything we do.

At Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a strategic focus on membership is sparking creativity and innovation to help us better serve our Lutheran members.

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NFCA Offers Two Unique Insurance Programs to Its Member-Societies

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) and its endorsed insurance broker, Aon Risk Services, Inc., of Minnesota (Aon) have developed two unique insurance programs, exclusively available to fraternal benefit societies that are members of the NFCA. These programs offer some of the broadest terms and conditions in the marketplace today and utilize the group purchasing leverage of the NFCA to provide very competitive pricing. Nearly 50 percent of NFCA's member-societies participate in these programs.

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The NFCA Welcomes New Member-Society, Polish Women's Alliance of America

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is pleased to announce the addition of a new member-society, Polish Women's Alliance of America (PWAA). PWAA joined the NFCA this year and was officially approved at the NFCA Board of Directors' March 17, 2007, meeting.

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Reports on the NFCA Sections Mid-Year Meetings

Presidents Section

The NFCA Presidents Section Mid-Year meeting was held March 18-20, 2007, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the Millennium Resort Scottsdale/McCormick Ranch. The meeting kicked off on Sunday, with a well-attended golf outing sponsored by Wells Fargo Securities Lending, led by Robert (Bob) Smith. The reception for both the Secretaries' and Presidents' Sections that evening provided a great opportunity for fraternal socializing. Warm thanks to Gary Strohm, of Strohm Ballweg, for sponsoring this event.

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Secretaries Section

The NFCA Secretaries Section Mid-Year Meeting was held at the Millennium Resort McCormick Ranch, in Scottsdale, Arizona, March 16-18, 2007. The attendees heard from Janice Whipple, NFCA Chair of the Board, and Fred Grubbe, NFCA President and CEO.

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Human Resources Section

In what is becoming a tradition, the Human Resource Section met in conjunction with the Secretaries Section for part of its meeting at the Millennium Resort McCormick Ranch, in Scottsdale, Arizona, March 16-17, 2007. After hearing from NFCA Chair of the Board Janice U. Whipple and NFCA President and CEO Fred Grubbe, an open discussion session was led by Donna Kaczmarek, HR Section President. This year's topics were employee development and continuing education. The discussion led to the sharing of practices concerning these key human resource topics.

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Communications, Fraternal and State Fraternal Congresses Sections

More than 40 members of the NFCA's Communications, Fraternal and State Fraternal Congresses sections responded to the theme of "Think Big," when they met at the Dallas/Addison Marriott Quorum, April 21-23, 2007.

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JOIN HANDS DAY Brings Together Thousands of Fraternalists for Neighborhood Volunteering
Projects in 49 states and one foreign country for the eighth national day of intergenerational partnership-building on May 5, 2007.

This year's JOIN HANDS DAY, May 5, 2007, was a great success thanks to the efforts of the fraternal benefit system. Created in 2000, JOIN HANDS DAY is a national day of service where youths and adults work as equal partners to plan and carry out local volunteer projects to benefit their communities.

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Reminder: Be Sure to Register Your 2007 JOIN HANDS DAY Event

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Nominate a Woman of Worth - Who's Worth It In Your Community?

L'Oréal Paris invites you to nominate a "Woman of Worth." If you know an outstanding female fraternalist (age 18 or older) – then you know a Woman of Worth! (Perhaps you have a former female Fraternal MVP or your Fraternalist of the Year that you can nominate for this honor?) Click here to nominate a fraternalist whose volunteer work is making a beautiful difference in your community. She could be awarded a donation of up to $25,000 in her name to support her most cherished charitable cause … and you'll be a part of helping build L'Oréal's ever-growing Woman of Worth Community.

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2007 National Flag Day Promotional Kit Now Available

A great civic opportunity for member-societies and state fraternal congresses is just around the corner. On Thursday, June 14, the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) will join with citizens around the country in celebrating National Flag Day. This event offers the fraternal benefit system a tremendous platform from which we can encourage patriotism in our local communities and share our fraternal story.

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Illinois Fraternal Congress Announces Scholarship Recipients

Catholic Fraternal Life (CFL) is pleased to announce that Teri Kampwerth and Megan Winkeler have been named the 2007 Illinois Fraternal Congress Scholarship recipients. Both students are seniors at Central Community High School in Breese, and each will receive $500.

For more information, visit CFL's Web site at www.cfl.org or call 1-800-240-2554.


Crouse Appointed West Virginia State Manager for Woodmen of the World/Omaha

Kevin Crouse, FICF, has been appointed West Virginia State Manager for Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society. He previously served as State Manager of the Illinois marketing area.

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Woodmen of the World/Omaha Promotes Drumheller, Thompson to Director Positions

Woodmen of the World/Omaha Life Insurance Society has named Sara Drumheller Director of Marketing Services and Laurie Thompson Director of New Business Operations.

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DeLuca Honored by Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress

State Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, received the prestigious Keystone Fraternal Legislator award this week from the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress, the largest state congress in the National Fraternal Congress of America, during a ceremony at the Capitol.

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Judith A. Gula Elected National Secretary-Treasurer of Greek Catholic Union

Judith A. Gula, a National Director since 2000, has been elected to fill the position of National Secretary-Treasurer effective April 1, 2007. Gula has served as Investment Officer, City of Pittsburgh, since 1986. She has 37 years of financial investment experience where she managed the cash flow for the city encompassing investing, banking and reporting of $500 million of revenues.

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Fraternals Join Hands with Kiwanis to Raise Money and Break Ground for Cabin for the Disabled

Seven fraternal benefit societies have been working together with the Westosha Kiwanis in Southeastern Wisconsin to raise money and assist with building a cabin to meet the needs of the disabled in Kenosha County, Wisconsin.

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Oregon Fraternal Congress Holds Convention

The 74th Annual Convention of the Oregon Fraternal Congress was held during the afternoon and evening of May 5, 2007, at the IOOF Hall in Milwaukie, OR.

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Oregon's JOIN HANDS DAY Project

People from age two to age 80 joined together to help spruce up the yard of an elderly women, Mary Cloud of Milwaukie, Oregon, on JOIN HANDS DAY, May 5, 2007.

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Hundreds Lend Helping Hand in Milwaukee Neighborhood - Thrivent Members and Other Volunteers to Construct 10 Homes in 2007.

Beginning Monday, May 14, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans are hosting "Thrivent Builds with Habitat Week" in the Harambee, Wis., neighborhood. The week will include hundreds of volunteers lending a hand to accelerate the construction of 10 Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity homes being built in the Harambee neighborhood in 2007.

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The information in Member-Society News does not necessarily reflect the views of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) and is submitted by the authors or originators who are responsible for its content.

 

Fraternal Advantage is published 12 times a year for member-societies of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA). The NFCA publishes and mails Fraternal Advantage to its member-societies quarterly and sends it electronically the remaining eight months of the year. Fraternal Advantage is unrelated to the Fraternal Monitor, an independent publication not affiliated with or supported by the NFCA in any way.

Please send comments or story ideas to Rose Riccetti, NFCA director, communications and marketing, at
rriccetti@nfcanet.org.

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