Message from the NFCA Chair of the Board

NFCA Legislative Update

Need Funds for your Community Outreach Initiatives? Consider Applying for a Federal Grant.

Save the Dates for the 2008 NFCA Section Mid-Year Meetings

New Legislative Champions Needed

Strategic Planning Webinar Coming Soon

The NFCA Hires New Manager of Information Technology

2008 State Fraternal Congress Go for the Gold Information

Make Your Project Plans for JOIN HANDS DAY 2008

Annual Statement Reminder

Member-Society News

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Question of the Month

NFCA Member-Society Question of the Month

This month's question:

Would you take advantage of a peer-based LISTSERV provided by the NFCA?

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.)

January 2008
1 New Year's Day Holiday - NFCA HQ Closed
26 Louisiana Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting (New Iberia, LA)
29 Law Committee Meeting (via conference call)
   
February 2008
13 Fraternal 100 Webinar
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 (TBD)
   
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)
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)
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

SAVE THE DATES!

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)

Click here to download a fact sheet for Shula's Hotel and Golf Club.

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

Click here to download a fact sheet for the Hotel Preston.

May 7-9, 2008 - Investment Section
Ambassador East Hotel
Chicago, Illinois

More...

News from the NFCA Chair of the Board Katharine E. Rounthwaite

Focus on Fraternalism

Happy New Year! It’s a brand new year, and I am very honoured to have been selected as the 2007-2008 Chair of the NFCA, and will work hard, with the support of NFCA staff, to carry out my responsibilities. I am proud to have this opportunity, and also very proud to be representing my society, The Independent Order of Foresters (Foresters™), in this role for the first time in 24 years.

More...

NFCA Legislative Update

Senior Congressional tax staffers have begun to lay out the agenda for 2008 as the second session of the 110th Congress begins.

The first order of business is an economic stimulus package, which Congressional Leaders would like to complete in time for a presidential signature in March, and the agenda is filled with bipartisan meetings on the Hill and with the Administration over the contents of this package. It is anticipated that the primary focus of the stimulus bill will be incentives to hire individuals who are unemployed, to revitalize the housing market and deal with the sub-prime mortgage crisis, and to help corporations cope with the downturn potentially by increasing the carryback period for net operating losses. The stimulus package is expected to contain only temporary measures that will expire either on a date certain or according to a trigger that is based on the performance of the economy.

More...

Need Funds for your Community Outreach Initiatives? Consider Applying for a Federal Grant.

Did you know that as a non-profit entity your fraternal benefit society may apply for federal grant dollars?

A variety of grants are available directly through the federal government. In addition, many federal grants are channeled through the states. The federal government publishes grant information in the Federal Register and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The Web site www.grants.gov is the federal government’s new online grant initiative, which allows citizens to access more than 1,000 programs administered by 26 federal agencies and some state entities. Be sure to contact your state government when investigating grant opportunities. Your state Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is an excellent starting point for your grant research.

More...

New Legislative Champions Needed

As the second session of the 110th Congress begins, it is imperative to assess the fraternal benefit system’s standing with lawmakers who will be considering tax legislation in 2008 and beyond.

As Evan Migdail explained in his most recent e-mail update, fraternal benefit societies must be prepared to fight for their tax-exempt status and use established relationships with legislators. With several key legislators no longer in Congress, the NFCA is reevaluating Congressional "champions" in 2008. Please take a moment to inform the NFCA of any personal or professional relationships your society has with any member of Congress. This information will allow the NFCA to better develop a grassroots strategy and protect the fraternal tax-exemption.

More...

Strategic Planning Webinar Coming Soon

Save the Date!

NFCA Webinar:
Strategic Thinking - Making Time to Create & Execute a Successful Plan

Presented by the Fraternal 100 Section
Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. CST


Speaker:
Stan Herman, MBA, CLU, ChFC, President, Stan Herman Inc.

Stan Herman is a certified executive/business coach and chairman of a local chapter of Vistage, an organization dedicated to "increasing the effectiveness and enhancing the lives of CEOs." Through his company's business coaching/mentoring programs, Stan interacts with dozens of fraternal leaders, CEOs, business owners and their boards, on a regular basis and assists them in addressing their issues: making better decisions, anticipating change, isolation of leadership, strategic planning and the personal / business growth they desire.

More details coming soon.

The NFCA Hires New Manager of Information Technology

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) announced the hiring of Terry L. Whipple as its new Manager of Information Technology.

In this new position, Whipple will be responsible for the day-to-day information systems operations including organizing and maintaining the information technology department, providing efficient operations of all computer systems, evaluating and recommending improvements, updating the NAIC Risk-Based Capital program, creating the statistics book and local-lodge report from data received from member-societies, and supporting the data management needs of the association. Whipple began work at the NFCA on January 14, 2008.

More...

2008 State Fraternal Congress Go for the Gold Information

In 2007, the NFCA was proud to award state fraternal congresses 18 gold and two silver Go for the Gold Achievement Awards. The Go for the Gold program recognizes outstanding state fraternal congresses in the following areas: community involvement, family/youth activities, fraternal support, training and educational opportunities, communications, JOIN HANDS DAY participation and hosting an annual state meeting. State fraternal congress success depends largely upon these components, and the NFCA is pleased to recognize the contributions of these outstanding fraternalists.

More...

Make Your Project Plans for JOIN HANDS DAY 2008

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.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the JOIN HANDS DAY Action Center at actioncenter@joinhandsday.org
or 630-522-6322, ext. 116.

Thank you for your continued support and participation in JOIN HANDS DAY. Be sure to mark your calendar for May 3, 2008!

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.

Polish National Alliance Assists Needy Children at Christmas

A large carton decorated as an extra large Christmas package stood in the Lobby of the Polish National Alliance during the month of December for a “Toys for Kids at Christmas” Drive to collect toys and clothing for those at The Women’s Center in Chicago. Each year for the past few years, the PNA held a toy drive and donated them to different charities in the Chicago area.

More...

Catholic Family Fraternal of Texas - K.J.Z.T. Donation

Catholic Family Fraternal State Officers and staff collected toys for children during the month of November to be donated to Operation Blue Santa. On December 5, 2007, the gifts were given to representatives from Blue Santa.

More...

Royal Neighbors of America Board Members Re-elected

Royal Neighbors of America announces the re-election of Sister Francis Clare Radke, Lemont, IL; V. Sue Molina, Pittsburgh, PA; and Linda Neuman, LeClaire, IA; to its Board of Directors.

More...

Pirmann Named to the Board of Family Resources, Inc.

Jeff Pirmann, FLMI, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Royal Neighbors of America, and a member of the NFCA Board of Directors, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Family Resources, Inc., for a three-year term.

More...

Catholic Knights Introduces New Fraternal Benefit for Members

In an effort to reach out to members in need, Catholic Knights, Milwaukee, has opened the “Catholic Knights Family Care Quarters,” for members or families of members who are hospitalized in the Milwaukee area.

More...

Falbo Appointed to Catholic Knights Board of Directors

Catholic Knights has announced the appointment of Michael Falbo of Milwaukee to its Board of Directors.

More...

Royal Arcanum Gives Donation to the Pajama Program

At its last meeting, the Supreme Order of the Royal Arcanum’s Claremont Council #1655, The Bronx, New York, presented Genevieve Piturro, Founder/Executive Director of the Pajama Program with 83 pairs of pajamas and 55 children’s books. The Pajama Program, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, provides pajamas and books to children in need in the United States, and around the world.

More...


Gleaner Life Insurance Society Introduces Newest Member Benefit

Gleaner Life Insurance Society is pleased to introduce its newest fraternal benefit for members, the Just Ask Gleaner financial help line.

More...


Wade Resigns from Gleaner

Effective December 31, 2007, Michael J. Wade announced he will step out of his role as Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s President and CEO. Wade has served the Society for 25 years in various capacities including President and CEO for the past seven years.

More...

Gleaner Names Stout Interim President and CEO

Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s Chairman of the Board David E. Sutton announced that Ellsworth L. Stout, FICF, is appointed Interim President and CEO effective January 1, 2008.

California Fraternal Congress Aids Troops Overseas

The California Fraternal Congress’ Fraternal Project at their annual meeting on October 20, 2007, was preparing 50 gift boxes for U.S. servicemen stationed overseas. Members from 17 member-societies packed bags and boxes with requested items including socks, toothbrushes, cards, stationary, candy, gum and nail clippers. Enough funds had been collected to include two phone cards in each gift.

SAVE the DATES and Join Us at he 2008 NFCA Section Mid-Year Meetings . . .


 

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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