IN THIS ISSUE

NFCA Legislative Update

New Member Appointed to NFCA Board of Directors

Register Now for these 2008 NFCA Sections Mid-Year Meetings

State Legislation Now Available on NFCA Web site

Staff Win Means Charity Wins

Pre-Register Your 2008 JOIN HANDS DAY Project

NFCA Webinars Available for Replay

NFCA Online Library

Annual Statement Reminder

Member-Society News

Question of the Month

Calendar of Upcoming Events

NFCA Member-Society Question of the Month

This month's question:

Has your society ever discussed a joint venture or strategic partnership with another entity?

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.)

February 2008
19 NFCA Board of Directors' Meeting (Washington, DC)
   
March 2008
6-7 Illinois Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Moline, IL)
10 Kansas Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Salina, KS)
14-15 Secretaries & Human Resources Sections Mid-Year Meeting (Miami Lakes, FL)
16 Golf Outing, (Miami Lakes, FL)
17-18 Presidents Section Mid-Year Meeting (Miami Lakes, FL)
21 Good Friday– NFCA HQ Closed
28-Apr 1 NAIC Spring Meeting (Orlando, FL)
   
April 2008
8 Law Committee Meeting (via conference call)
17-19 Communications, Fraternal Section & SFC Board Mid-Year Meetings (Nashville, TN)
   
May 2008
1-3 Canadian Fraternal Association Annual Meeting (Manior Victoria, Quebec)
3 JOIN HANDS DAY
6 NFCA Board of Directors' Meeting (Oak Book, IL)
7-9 Investment Section Mid-Year Meeting (Chicago, IL)
10 Oregon Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Milwaukie, OR)
14-15 South Dakota Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Rapid City, SD)
26 Memorial Day - NFCA HQ Closed
29-31 NAFIC 58th National Convention (Orlando, FL)
31-June 3 NAIC Summer Meeting (San Francisco, CA)
   
June 2008
1-3 National Conference on Volunteering and Service (Atlanta, GA)
6-8 Washington Fraternal Congress (Location TBD)
11-13 AFBC Annual Meeting (Charleston, SC)
12 Law Committee Meeting (Charleston, SC)
TBD Actuaries Section Mid-Year Meeting (TBD)
   
July 2008
1 Fraternalist of the Year Nomination deadline*
3 Independence Day Holiday - NFCA HQ Closes at noon
4 Independence Day Holiday - NFCA HQ Closed
11 NFCA Committe Nomination Forms deadline*
11 NFCA Vice Chair and Director Nomination Forms deadline*
11 NFCA Memorial List deadline*
11 Jacobson Rugland Award Nomination deadline*
25-26 Florida Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Melbourne, FL)
31-Aug 1 Iowa Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Marshalltown, IA)
   
August 2008
1 Go for the Gold State Fraternal Congress Award Program Submission deadline*
6 Annual Meeting Credential Forms deadline*
18 NFCA Board of Directors' Meeting (Oak Brook, IL)
   
September 2008
1 Labor Day - NFCA HQ Closed
4 NFCA Board of Directors' Meeting (Washington, DC)
4-6 122nd NFCA Annual Meeting, Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill (Washington, DC)
7 NFCA Board of Directors' Meeting (Washington, DC)
20-23 NAIC Fall Meeting (Washington, DC)
25-26 Wisconsin Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Green Bay, WI)
   
October 2008
2-3 Michigan Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Petosky, MI)
10-11 West Virginia Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Ansted, WV)
10-12 Ohio Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Elyria, OH)
TBD New Jersey Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Atlantic City, NJ)
13 Columbus Day - NFCA HQ Closed
17-18 California Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Ontario, CA)
17-18 Missouri Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Jefferson City, MO)
19-21 Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Hershey, PA)
TBD Law Committee Meeting (via conference call)
   
November 2008
8 New England Fraternal Congress (Location TBD)
14 Arizona Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (Tempe, AZ)
27 Thanksgiving Day - NFCA HQ Closed
28 Thanksgiving Holiday - NFCA HQ Closed
TBD NFCA Board of Directors Meeting
   
December 2008
6-9 NAIC Winter Meeting (Grapevine, TX)
25 Christmas – NFCA HQ Closed
26 Christmas Holiday - NFCA HQ Closed

*Denotes Deadline Date

2008 NFCA Section Mid-Year Meetings

REGISTER NOW!

March 14-15*, 2008 - Secretaries Section
Shula's Hotel and Golf Club
Miami Lakes, Florida

March 14-15*, 2008 - Human Resources Section
Shula's Hotel and Golf Club
Miami Lakes, Florida

March 17-18*, 2008 - Presidents Section
Shula's Hotel and Golf Club
Miami Lakes, Florida

*March 16, 2008 - Golf Outing (optional, open to all registrants, their guests and sponsors)

April 17-19, 2008 - Communications, Fraternal &
State Fraternal Congresses Sections
Hotel Preston
Nashville, Tennessee

February 2008

NFCA Legislative Update

Tax Update - The Post-Stimulus Bill Agenda

While President Bush's signature on the economic stimulus bill brings an end to this first legislative effort to address the Nation's economic concerns, the debate over using tax incentives to stimulate the economy has just begun. Also still on the floor is the potentially contentious debate over a number of other items on the tax legislative agenda for this year that were not addressed in the stimulus bill and that will be the subject of much discussion in the coming months.

Intense public pressure to act quickly resulted in Congress adopting a stimulus bill that was limited to three items: individual tax rebates, accelerated small business expensing and bonus depreciation (items negotiated by Speaker Nancy Pelosi [D-CA] and Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.). That left out a number of other proposals, ranging from an extended period for net operating loss carrybacks (five years) to an extension of unemployment insurance payments. The stimulus bill that was adopted by the Senate Finance Committee contained these and some other additional items but they were dropped under pressure to act quickly from Senate Republicans and the President. However, in the final hours of Senate debate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) indicated that while the Senate was abandoning its proposal at that juncture, he remains interested in considering other economic stimulus ideas.

More...

New Member Appointed to the NFCA Board of Directors

Robert J. Lane, Supreme Director Emeritus, was appointed as the Knights of Columbus representative to the National Fraternal Congress of America's (NFCA) Board of Directors. Lane replaces Charles H. Foos, Former Supreme Secretary for the Knights, on the NFCA Board.

As the supreme secretary, Lane was responsible for all financial and insurance records of the Knights of Columbus. He retired in November 2007.

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State Legislation Now Available on NFCA Web site

Providing timely updates on state legislation filed and enacted is one of the many ways the NFCA strives to keep you informed. To better provide you with timely legislative updates, all 2008 state legislation has been posted to the Legislative Action Center on the NFCA website. You may now access the most recent legislation being tracked by NFCA in any state in which your society is active.

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Staff Win Means Charity Wins

Each year the staff of the NFCA celebrates Christmas at a luncheon at a nearby restaurant. In 2006, the restaurant selected was Braxton Seafood Grill across the street in Oak Brook Center. In mid-October of 2007, Communications and Marketing Coordinator Alice McGregor and husband Gary were dining there after work (they had a 2 for 1 coupon!) and put their business cards in the fishbowl for a drawing for a free meal. Alice was surprised mid-October to receive a call from Braxton’s telling her that her card had been pulled. And the prize turned out to be lunch for ten!

More...

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:

More...

NFCA Webinars Available for Replay

If you missed the last three webinars hosted by the NFCA, you can still replay them (with synched audio and powerpoint) at your leisure. Please contact Allison Koppel, Director of Membership & Fraternal Services, if you would like to obtain the web link on these recordings:

“A Board's Role & Responsibilities - From Passive Stewardship to Active Leadership”
presented by Todd Martin in November 2007

NFCA Fraternal 100 Section* Webinar
“Preparing for IRS Form 990 and the e-Postcard - How NFCA Member-Societies are Affected”
presented by Kathy Brost, JD,CFP, CLU in December 2007

NFCA Fraternal 100 Section* Webinar
"Strategic Thinking - Making Time to Create & Execute a Successful Plan"
presented by Stan Herman, MBA, CEC, CLU, ChFC, in February 2008

(Please note: A nominal fee may be charged if your society did not register and pay for for the original program.)

More...

NFCA Online Library

The NFCA continues to collect samples to post online in the future NFCA Library. This valuable resource will be your place to find templates in many key business areas. If you have any of the following to share, please e-mail them to Allison Koppel, Director of Membership & Fraternal Services.

  • anti money laundering
  • audit committee
  • bylaws
  • code of ethics/conduct
  • conflict of interest
  • disaster preparation/business continuity
  • document retention
  • employee handbook
  • other committees
  • mission/vision statement

Annual Statement Reminder

Please send your society’s Annual Statement to the NFCA as soon as it becomes available, in order to help the NFCA produce associated products earlier than in the past. Specifically, the NFCA is requesting an e-mail sent to Allison Koppel, Director of Membership and Fraternal Services, with an attached zipped* file (containing your society’s Annual Statement and sub files) - the same file that your society also sends to the NAIC. Please DO NOT send a hard copy and do not send disks. (*If you are not familiar with this zipped electronic version, please contact your accountant, actuary, consultant – whoever handles your society’s Annual Statement filing with the NAIC.)

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the NFCA Headquarters.

“Who knew a life insurance company would help me buy a car?” –
Royal Neighbors of America gives back through its quarter-million-dollar ‘Nation of Neighbors’SM Program

Shirley Umporowicz, Colona, Ill., had her prayers answered by Royal Neighbors of America. She needed a car to get to work and she now has the money to make that purchase thanks to Royal Neighbors’ “Nation of Neighbors” Program.

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Royal Neighbors Names Luke Rushing 2007 Employee of the Year

Luke Rushing, Moline, was presented the Royal Neighbors of America 2007 Employee of the Year Award by Cynthia Tidwell, President/CEO.

The award program was created to annually recognize an employee who demonstrates professionalism and integrity; shares knowledge and resources with others; embraces and leads change that supports Royal Neighbors’ goals; and goes above and beyond to respond to external and internal customers. Employees are nominated for the prestigious award by fellow co-workers.

More...

Charles A. Komosa Elected as New Polish National Alliance – National Secretary

A special election to elect a new National Secretary for the Polish National Alliance, after the untimely passing of Z. John Ordon in October, 2007, was held at the PNA of Brooklyn building in Brooklyn, New York on Friday, January 18, 2008.

More...

Modern Woodmen Celebrates 125th Anniversary

Fraternal financial services organization finds unique ways to commemorate anniversary.

Much has changed in 125 years, but to celebrate its anniversary, Modern Woodmen of America, a Rock Island-based financial services organization, went back to its roots—service to the community.

More...

Habitat for Humanity partnership

Modern Woodmen partnered with Habitat for Humanity to pay for all materials and provide volunteers for a home. Since August, more than 250 home office employees and family members volunteered their time to build a home with Habitat for Humanity in Modern Woodmen’s hometown of Rock Island, Illinois. The home was dedicated to Alma Grimmett and her family on Jan. 4, 2008.

More...

Food Drive highlights

To continue the tradition of service into 2008, Modern Woodmen announced a nationwide canned food drive for its 750,000 members nationwide. Over 3,000 camps and youth clubs will collect canned goods to donate to their local food pantries, making an impact in their own communities. The camp and club collecting the most food through December 2008 will earn a $1,250 award for a fraternal activity or charitable donation

Modern Woodmen logo

In addition, a new Modern Woodmen logo was designed to celebrate the organization’s rich history and was unveiled on Jan. 4, 2008 in honor of Modern Woodmen’s anniversary.

More...

Equitable Reserve Association “Souper” Bowl Collection

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop.

Volunteering, even doing something as simple as collecting cans of soup, can help change the lives of people in their community.

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“Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow”: Equitable Reserve Association’s President & CEO Dyes Hair for Cause

Have you heard the latest “buzz” from Equitable Reserve? President and CEO Mel Rambo is dyeing the company’s logo into his hair to celebrate the home office’s 110 accomplishments in 2007 (the year of the Association’s 110th anniversary).

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Stiles Honored at Catholic Knights Sales Awards Celebration

Karen Stiles, of West Allis, Wis., FIC, LUTCF, was recognized for outstanding sales and service at the Catholic Knights Sales Awards Celebration held January 26, at the Marriott Milwaukee West in Waukesha, Wis.

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Sutton Elected Chairman of the Board – Gleaner Life Insurance Society

David E. Sutton of Lowell, Indiana, has been elected chairman of Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s Board of Directors at the Boards last quarterly meeting in 2007.

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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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