NFCA Announces Its Strategic Priorities for 2007

NFCA's Fraternalists-in-Action Proudly Represent American Fraternalism

News from the NFCA Board of Directors

NFCA Legislative Update

NFCA Hires New Director of Membership and Fraternal Services

NFCA Named to 2007 Associations Advance America Honor Roll

Save the Dates for the 2007 NFCA Section Mid-Year Meetings

Make Your Project Plans for JOIN HANDS DAY 2007

NFCA Announces New Director of Administrative Services

Member-Society News

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Question of the Month

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

How would you rate the NFCA's redesigned Web site?

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
25	Law Committee Meeting (via conference call)
26-27	Louisiana Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting, Houma, LA

February
2	Statistics of Fraternal Benefit Societies Data Forms Posted on Web Site*
26	NFCA Board of Directors' Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA

March
8-9	Illinois Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting, Utica, IL
12	Kansas Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting, Salinas, KS
10-13	NAIC Spring Meeting, New York, NY
16-18	Secretaries & Human Resources Sections Mid-Year Meeting, Scottsdale, AZ
18-20	Presidents Section Mid-Year Meeting, Scottsdale, AZ
30	Statistics of Fraternal Benefit Societies Data Deadline*

April
6	North Carolina Fraternal Congress Annual Meeting, Raleigh, NC
6	Good Friday – NFCA HQ Close at Noon
13	Local Lodge/Chapter Reporting Deadline*
19	Law Committee Meeting, Oak Brook, IL
18-20	AFBC Annual Meeting, Petaluma, CA
21-23	Communications, Fraternal Sections & SFC Board Mid-Year Mtgs., Dallas, TX

May
5	JOIN HANDS DAY
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

*Denotes Deadline Date

NFCA Legislative Update
A Look at the 110^th Congress

The Democratic Leadership of the incoming 110^th Congress advised Members to prepare for an unusually busy early session. In fact, starting with the swearing-in ceremony on January 4, 2007, the schedule calls for the House and Senate to be in session and prepared for possible votes on legislation—not less than four days a week—through President's Day on February 19. Usually, a new Congress meets in early January to be sworn in, breaks until the President's State of the Union speech (tentatively scheduled for January 23, 2007) and does not assume a heavy legislative schedule until well after President's Day.

Sensing that voters were upset with the lack of activity in the 109^th Congress, Democratic Leaders have planned an active agenda for what they are calling the "First 100 Legislative Hours." The following issues were priorities for January: (1) an increase in the minimum wage; (2) a return to the "pay-go" system under which increases in spending or cuts in taxes must be offset; (3) adoption of new internal rules governing the relationship between lawmakers and lobbyists; (4) enactment of the national security recommendations of the 9/11 Commission; (5) passage of the stem cell research bill vetoed last year by President Bush; and (6) a cut by half in the interest charges on federally insured student loans paid for by the repeal of certain tax breaks enjoyed by oil companies. With the Senate yet to weigh in, the early Congressional agenda remains a work in progress and is likely to be further modified through January.

The early tax agenda has yet to be determined. New tax committee chairs, Representative Charles Rangel (D-15th-NY) in the House and Senator Max Baucus (D-Montana) pledged privately to seek passage of an early extension of the tax-extender provisions (such as the research credit). However, this was unnecessary, as the outgoing Congress did pass them. The enactment of the tax-extenders on the final day of the 109^th Congress removed any pressure for a tax bill in the first few days of the next session.

Nonetheless, tax legislation is emerging quickly in two forms. First, the Democratic agenda called for repealing tax breaks for oil companies in order to fund interest rate cuts on student loans, which occurred earlier this month. Second, House Democratic Leaders insisted that the proposed minimum wage increase be "clean"; however, Senate Republican Leaders have indicated that they will continue to insist that the minimum wage increase be linked to some small business tax cuts in much the same way as was done in 1997, the last time the minimum wage was increased. If the Senate Republican position prevails, Congress could be considering a tax bill in late January or early February.

Regardless of the first few weeks' agenda, tax legislation will be prominent throughout the 110^th Congress. Democratic Leaders intend to propose, among other things, tax breaks for the middle class, potential corrections and policy changes to the Pension Protection Act of 2006, a further extension of the expiring provisions (which now will expire at the end of 2007), and a proposal to relieve millions of Americans from the Alternative Minimum Tax. With Congress' adoption of "pay-go," the tax committees will be searching for revenue raisers throughout the next two years.

For the past two years, the NFCA's Congressional approach in defending the federal tax exemption has been bipartisan. As a result, the change in control of the Congress did not result in a notable loss of support (despite some important "champions" being defeated in November). Instead, the NFCA's efforts will shift in emphasis toward the Democratic side of the aisle, especially in the House of Representatives, to develop new champions to replace Members who either retired or were defeated in November, and to reflect new Members of the tax-writing committees.

As was the case in 2005 and 2006, while Leadership Members may be supportive of fraternals, the tax-writing committees tend to follow their own agendas. For that reason, the NFCA will continue to give the committees top priority. Our challenge in the 110^th Congress will come, in large part, from the adoption of "pay-go" rules, as well as the continued Congressional interest in exempt organizations. The NFCA's message remains consistent: any perceived tax gain of $500 million (over 10 years) pales in comparison to what American society would lose if the fraternal benefit system's tax-exemption was taken away.

SAVE THE DATES...
2007 NFCA Section Mid-Year Meetings

March 16 – 18
Secretaries and Human Resources
Millennium Resort Scottsdale - McCormack Ranch
Scottsdale, Arizona

March 18 – 20
Presidents
Millennium Resort Scottsdale - McCormack Ranch
Scottsdale, Arizona

April 21 - 23
Optional Volunteer Day on April 24
Fraternal, Communications and State Fraternal Congresses
Marriott Dallas / Addison Quorum by the Galleria
Dallas, TX

May 9 – 11
Investment
InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza
Kansas City, MO

Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities to gain valuable information — specifically tailored for your section.

Details coming soon. Check the NFCA's Web site — www.nfcanet.org — for updates.

Make Your Project Plans for JOIN HANDS DAY 2007

On May 5, 2007, (in just 100 days!), fraternalists and nonfraternalists 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 logo and promotional materials for 2007. A revised logo and new materials—including the 2007 Action Guide and tri-fold brochure—are now available on the JOIN HANDS DAY Web site. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the JOIN HANDS DAY Action Center by email or 630-522-NFCA, ext. 116.

Thank you for your continued support and participation in JOIN HANDS DAY. Be sure to mark your calendar for May 5, 2007!

The NFCA Has a New Look!

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) launched its newly redesigned Web site on December 14, 2006. The redesign will make navigation easier for member-society users and better convey our fraternal identity to public visitors.

Click here or go to www.nfcanet.org to view the redesigned site!

The National Fraternal Congress of America Announces Its Strategic Priorities for 2007

The Board of Directors of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) approved five strategic priorities for 2007 during its November 9, 2006, meeting, at the NFCA Headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois.

The NFCA Board of Directors refocused and renewed its priorities for 2007, as follows:

1. Preserve, protect and defend the federal 501(c)(8) tax-exemption through all appropriate means.

2. Minimize the impact of failing societies on the fraternal benefit system and ensure that all member-societies are viable business entities.

3. Establish reasonable fraternal benefit society performance standards that include fraternal and financial performance, best practices in management and governance, ethics, common bond, and participation in the NFCA.

4. [Serve as] an important source of fraternal industry knowledge, education programs and materials, while actively engaging individuals, public policymakers, and communities to achieve our goals.

5. Help establish or charter new fraternal benefit societies in the United States.

"To ensure the continued viability of the fraternal benefit system, the NFCA Board of Directors determined that these five strategic priorities are where the NFCA should concentrate its efforts and resources for 2007," said NFCA Chair of the Board, Janice U. Whipple. "In close cooperation with the NFCA staff, committees and member-societies, the Board will work to further these objectives through a variety of programs, services and materials."

At the November 9, 2003, Board meeting in Appleton, Wisconsin, then-NFCA Chair Fred Ohlde stated, "From this point forward, the November Board meeting should be used to designate the [top] priorities of the NFCA. In turn, those priorities should be factored into the budget process." The Board concurred and, since that time, has utilized the November Board meeting as a strategic planning session for the year ahead.

NFCA's Fraternalists-in-Action Proudly Represent American Fraternalism

The NFCA began 2007 with a review and evaluation of the Fraternalists-in-Action program. Launched last May, the NFCA found many member-societies very appreciative and responsive to the goals of the program. Member-societies submitted 235 fraternalists' names and, to date, 158 have been recognized as Weekly Most Valuable Participants (MVPs) on the NFCA Web site for their fraternal contributions. Eighteen Monthly MVPs already have traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with their Congressional delegations on behalf of their society and the NFCA.(Visit the NFCA Web site, www.nfcanet.org, to read more about the MVPs selected to date.)

Due to the U.S. Congress's break from October to December, the NFCA currently has a backlog of Monthly MVPs awaiting travel to D.C. The five September MVPs are scheduled to visit Capitol Hill, January 23-24, 2007. Additional visits are being scheduled for February 6-7.

Based on current member-society participation, as well as the number and distribution of society submissions, the program will be re-formatted to create a single pool of names, rather than the previous five separate groups. Effective January 2, the NFCA will recognize four Fraternal MVPs each week, instead of the previous five, so that we may increase the weekly focus on outstanding fraternal stories.

The NFCA will continue to monitor the program's effectiveness and, periodically, review program aspects that may require further adjustments. Please contact the NFCA headquarters at nfca@nfcanet.org if you have any questions.

News from the NFCA Board of Directors

On Thursday, September 7, 2006, the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) 2005-2006 Board of Directors, led by Chair of the Board Michael J. Wade, held its final meeting at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Board adopted the following motions or approved the following actions:

• Approved the August 21, 2006, Board meeting minutes.

• Appointed Dan Lloyd, Catholic Family Life Insurance, to complete the term (expires September 2007) of Katharine E. Rounthwaite – subject to her election as Vice Chair on September 9, 2006 – with ratification by the 2006-2007 Board of Directors.

The Board received updates on or discussed the following issues:

• Chair Wade, as Chair of the Governance Committee, delivered the committee's report. He summarized the committee's August 29 conference call during which 2006-2007 Board vacancies were discussed and a slate of officers and directors, based on nominations submitted to the NFCA, was recommended.

• The Constitution Committee's Report to the Board.

• The schedule for the 120^th NFCA Annual Meeting.

• Recognized Chair Wade for his work as Chair of the Board and applauded his efforts for the previous year. Chair Wade then recognized and thanked Immediate Past Chair Michael Stivoric for his dedicated service on the Board.

On Sunday, September 10, 2006, the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) 2006-2007 Board of Directors, led by Chair of the Board Janice U. Whipple, held its first meeting at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Board adopted the following motions:

• Ratified the appointment of Dan Lloyd, Catholic Family Life Insurance, to complete the vacant three-year director's term that expires in September 2007.

• Appointed Dan Lloyd as 2006-2007 NFCA Secretary-Treasurer, in accordance with Article X, Officers, Section 4, of the NFCA Constitution.

The Board received updates on or discussed the following issues:

• Chair Whipple provided the Board of an overview of the year ahead, stating that the Board already has a clear strategic direction and that she expects to follow it. Chair Whipple then stated that she intended to combine the Solvency and Membership Standards Committees for 2006-2007. Board members voiced their support for this decision. Finally, Chair Whipple thanked Board members, in advance, for their willingness to represent the NFCA at upcoming state fraternal congress meetings.

• Mr. Wade summarized a meeting between the Fraternal Field Managers Association and the NFCA. Items discussed included the formal relationship between the two organizations, the recently approved Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fraternalist of the Year award for September 2007, and reducing annual meeting fees for FICs.

• Mr. Wade led a discussion on the condition of state fraternal congresses (SFC), and the role of the NFCA and its SFC Section in working with SFCs to guide them toward a uniform purpose and function.

• Mr. Foos passed along Fraternal 50 leaders' concerns about prepping for a state audit. NFCA staff will work with Fraternal 50 member-societies that require assistance in preparing for such audits.

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) Board of Directors, led by Chair of the Board Janice U. Whipple, held its quarterly meeting, November 9, 2006, at the NFCA headquarters' office in Oak Brook, Illinois. The Board adopted the following motions or approved the following actions:

• Consent Agenda, which included the September 7 & 10, 2006, Board meeting minutes; the Secretary-Treasurer's Report to the Board; the President and CEO's Report to the Board; the Audit Committee's Report to the Board; the Law Committee's Report to the Board; and the Risk Management Committee's Report to the Board.

• Approved five strategic priorities for 2007.

• Approved recognition of eight NFCA Sections for 2007 – Presidents, Secretaries, Communications, Fraternal, Investment, Actuaries, State Fraternal Congresses and Human Resources. Also approved the creation of two new Sections for 2007 – Fraternal Board Members and Fraternal 100 (formerly Fraternal 50).

• Approved changing the exhibitors' format at the NFCA Annual Meeting from an exhibit hall concept to interactive exhibit booths in high traffic areas, as well as increased sponsorships.

• Approved FY2007 Budget, as presented.

• Granting leftover funds from the former Law Section to the Association of Fraternal Benefit Counsel (AFBC) for a specific purpose, such as joint educational programming with the NFCA.

The Board received updates on or discussed the following issues:

• Evan Migdail briefed the Board on recent Congressional election results and their impact on the NFCA and the tax-exemption issue.

• The Chair of the Board's Report to the Board.

• The Membership Standards Committee's Report.

• Survey data from attendees at the 120^th NFCA Annual Meeting.

• The NFCA Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fraternalist of the Year award.

• Investment of NFCA reserves.

• The Governance Committee's Report to the Board. (Executive Session)

• NFCA Relationship with the Fraternal Monitor.

Please note that the next meeting of the Board of Directors is February 26, 2007, at the Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All members are encouraged to review approved Board minutes on the NFCA Web site.

Register Online with the NFCA Legislative Action Center

As the New Year begins, America also will have a new beginning with a new Congress. There are many new members of Congress who are not familiar with the fraternal benefit system and the many benefits that NFCA member-societies have to offer.

The tax-exempt status that allows fraternalists to donate their time and talents to their communities once again is in danger of being rescinded. Therefore, we must remain vigilant.

First, please take a few minutes and register online with the NFCA advocacy system. Visit www.nfcanet.org and click on the Legislative Action Center dropdown under "Government Affairs" in the main menu.

Next, select the "Action E-List" at the bottom of the screen and register. Please include your society's name from the dropdown list and check the "Remember Me" box.

Once registered, the NFCA automatically will update you with the latest developments from Congress and in your state.

If you have any questions regarding the Legislative Action Center, please contact Elizabeth Snyder, NFCA Government Affairs Coordinator, at esnyder@nfcanet.org or (630) 522-6322, ext. 115.

The National Fraternal Congress of America Hires New Director of Membership and Fraternal Services

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) last month announced the hiring of Allison Hayes Koppel as its new Director of Membership and Fraternal Services.

In this new position, Koppel is responsible for managing the daily operations of the department, including membership standards program compliance, and membership statistics and services, which includes fraternal function and performance. Koppel will oversee all activities associated with day-to-day member-society needs. She also will work to educate, develop and grow the NFCA's membership, while identifying opportunities to collaborate and partner with non-fraternal organizations on issues of common interest. Koppel began work at the NFCA on December 4, 2006.

"We're delighted to have Allison join the NFCA headquarters staff," said NFCA President and CEO Frederick H. Grubbe. "Her experience and creativity are making an immediate contribution, particularly through her work with the Membership Committee, implementing the NFCA Solvency Program and strengthening our membership services."

Koppel has almost 20 years of communications experience, in addition to more than 12 years of membership experience with various associations and organizations. Most recently, she was the Alumni and Corporate Relations Manager for Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Advertising from the College of Communications at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

Koppel and her husband, Steve, have a 19-month-old son and reside in LaGrange, Illinois.

The National Fraternal Congress of America Named to 2007 Associations Advance America Honor Roll
JOIN HANDS DAY Recognized in National Awards Competition.

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) recently was named to the 2007 Associations Advance America Honor Roll, a national awards competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) & The Center for Association Leadership, Washington, D.C.

The NFCA received the award for JOIN HANDS DAY, which is sponsored by America's fraternal benefit societies. Held on the first Saturday in May, JOIN HANDS DAY is the fraternal national day of service when youths and adults work together to plan and implement projects that benefit their local communities. JOIN HANDS DAY gives Americans the opportunity to reach out to people they don't know, to connect generations and to develop new relationships. JOIN HANDS DAY also is the only day on the national Seasons of Service calendar that targets and develops youth/adult relationships through neighborhood volunteering.

Now in its 17^th year, the prestigious Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward—with innovative projects in education, skills training, standards setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship and community service. Although association activities have a powerful impact on everyday life, they often go unnoticed by the general public.

"The NFCA's program—JOIN HANDS DAY—truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society," remarked Associations Advance America Committee Chair Charles A. McGrath, CAE, managing partner, client services at Bostrom Corporation.

For more information on JOIN HANDS DAY, visit www.joinhandsday.org or contact the JOIN HANDS DAY Action Center at (630) 522-6322, ext. 116, or actioncenter@joinhandsday.org.

The National Fraternal Congress of America Announces New Director of Administrative Services
The NFCA elevates staff member to new position.

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) announced the promotion of Joan Barngrover as its new Director of Administrative Services.

In this position, Barngrover is responsible for day-to-day office management, including maintaining financial operations of the association; developing and implementing personnel policies, benefits programs and maintenance of personnel records; and providing facility management support. Barngrover's promotion was effective as of November 17, 2006.

"The NFCA is pleased to announce this change in Joan Barngrover's title," said NFCA President and CEO Frederick H. Grubbe. "Joan has been a consistent and strong presence, as part of the NFCA management team these last three years, and we are proud to work with her."

Barngrover has been employed at the NFCA since November 2002, then serving as administrative assistant to the NFCA General Counsel and President & CEO. Later, she was promoted to Manager of Administrative Services in October 2003. Prior to joining the NFCA, Barngrover worked for nearly 15 years as outside inventor coordinator for nationally known toy companies, Kenner and later Hasbro, in Cincinnati.

Barngrover is married with two sons and resides in Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

Travelers Protective Association Member Gerald Ford Passes Away

Long-time Travelers Protective Association of America (TPA) member and former President of the United States Gerald Ford passed away Tuesday December 26, 2006.

Ford joined TPA in 1947 at the age of 33. Although not an active member in his local post, he continued to support the association through the payment of his dues. His father was an active member in TPA Post "A" Michigan before his death.

TPA sends its deepest sympathies and prayers to the Ford family.

For more information on the TPA, visit its Web site at www.tpahq.org.

Change to .org Better Defines Catholic Aid's Position as Fraternal Benefit Organization

Catholic Aid Association has undergone a change of address—Web site address that is. Effective November 1, 2006, catholicaid.com became catholicaid.org. The reason for the change was simple. Web site address suffixes are used to define the kind of business you are. The .com suffix is used by for-profit businesses; the .org suffix is representative of not-for-profits or non-profits. Because much of what Catholic Aid is about is represented in its fraternal programs and the way they give back to the community, the society felt it only fitting that Catholic Aid's Web address represent this fact, as well.

"In today's environment it is important to represent your business for what it is," said Michael McGovern, CAA President and Chairman of the Board. "We are a fraternal organization first and foremost, so switching to a .org Web address makes sense."

For a period of time you will be able to reach Catholic Aid's site via either the .com or .org address, but visitors are encouraged to begin using the .org address to ensure uninterrupted service.

For more information, visit Catholic Aid's Web site at www.catholicaid.org.

Woodmen of the World Announces Manager Appointments

Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society announces three Manager appointments, effective January 1, 2007. Greg Robertson, FICF, has been named Manager of the West Kentucky marketing area; Robert Wilson, FICF, has been named Manager of the West North Carolina marketing area; and, Desi Doise, FICF, has been named Manager of the Louisiana marketing area.

Robertson's appointment follows the retirement of West Kentucky Manager James Schwartz, FICF, who is retiring from Woodmen of the World after 34 years of service. Schwartz began his career as a Field Representative in 1972 and was promoted to Area Manager in 1974. He was appointed Manager of the West Kentucky marketing region in 1981.

Robertson began his Woodmen of the World (WOW) career as a Field Representative in Angleton, Texas, in 1994, and was promoted to Area Manager in 1996. He was appointed Manager of Pennsylvania in 1998 and Manager of West North Carolina in 2004. He received the Rising Star Award for Area Manager of the Year in 1997.

Wilson began his WOW career as a Field Representative in West North Carolina in 1974. He was promoted to Area Manager in 1983, and in 1996, was named Manager of Middle Tennessee. In May 2000, Wilson was named South Louisiana Manager.

Doise began his career in 1982 as a Field Representative in Louisiana and was promoted to Area Manager in 1986. In 1992, he was named Assistant National Field Manager. Doise was promoted to Vice President and National Field Manager in 1999 and Senior Vice President, Marketing in 2006.

For more information, visit WOW's Web site at www.woodmen.org.

Gochenour Promoted to Vice President

Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society has announced the promotion of Karla Gochenour to Vice President of Human Resources, effective December 1, 2006. Gochenour will oversee Group Benefits, Human Resources Operations, Talent Management and other training and development functions.

Gochenour joined Woodmen of the World (WOW) in 2003 as Assistant Human Resources Manager and was promoted to Human Resources Manager the following year. In 2005, she was named Director of Human Resources, and in January of this year was named Director of Talent Management.

Gochenour has more than 20 years of experience in operations and human resources. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Human Resource Association of the Midlands. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Institute for Career Advancement Needs, where she a member of the ICAN Programming Committee.

For more information, visit WOW's Web site at www.woodmen.org.

Royal Neighbors presents $20,000 check to Travis Hearn Fund

Cynthia Tidwell, President/CEO of Royal Neighbors of America, presented a check for $20,346.88 to the Travis J. Hearn Benefit Fund on Thursday, November 16, at the organization's Home Office in Rock Island, IL. Travis Hearn's grandmother, Gwen Stovall; his football coach, Vic Boblett; John McEvoy, a representative from THE National Bank; and Mark DeBarr, trustee for the fund were in attendance for the check presentation.

Royal Neighbors hosted a fundraiser for Travis on Make A Difference Day, October 28, a national day of volunteerism. Travis, a 17-year-old Rock Island High School student, suffered a burst C-4 vertebrae during a football game on September 22 and remains paralyzed in a Chicago-area rehabilitation hospital.

The successful event, which was supported by the entire community, raised $10,173.44 through a lunch, raffles, a silent auction, a cheer competition, and appearances by Greg Dwyer of the Dwyer & Michaels Morning Show (a local radio morning show), as well as baseball legend Gene Oliver.

Royal Neighbors matched the funds raised, dollar-for-dollar, and presented $20,346.88 to the Travis J. Hearn Benefit Fund.

For more information, visit Royal Neighbors of America's Web site at www.royalneighbors.org.

Royal Neighbors of America Unveils Enhanced Member Benefits Package

Membership with Royal Neighbors of America, Rock Island, IL, just became more valuable! The fraternal benefit life insurance organization unveiled its enhanced member benefits package mid-year, and is receiving rave reviews from its membership.

Beneficial members of the organization now receive, at no additional cost, the opportunity to save through discounts on prescription drugs, health screenings, diagnostic testing, hearing care, and subscriptions to popular magazines. These discount programs are available to not only the beneficial member, but to the entire family.

Beneficial members also are eligible to take advantage of the benefits they have come to know and enjoy, such as:

Royal Neighbors of America's scholarship program, which offers a wide selection of scholarships available to young adults, as well as those in mid-career transition;
Fraternal Aid, which offers direct financial assistance to eligible members who have suffered loss due to illness, accident or natural disaster;
Disaster Aid, offering financial assistance to communities following a natural disaster;
The Royal Neighbor magazine, a quarterly publication that offers health tips, financial education, family lifestyle information, and news about Royal Neighbors and its members.

Non-members of the organization also can apply for general membership for the low cost of $14.95. General membership includes all the valuable discounts and benefits listed above, with the exception of the scholarships, which are offered only to beneficial members.

For more information, visit Royal Neighbors of America's Web site at www.royalneighbors.org.

Foresters Announces Major Shift in U.S. Sales Organization
Foresters Financial Partners goes independent.

The Independent Order of Foresters, commonly known as Foresters™, announced that it will launch a new sales organization in January 2007 to sell its life insurance products and annuities in the United States. This network of independent agencies will be known as Foresters Financial Partners, Inc., with offices across the U.S.

"Today's announcement is key to the execution of our North American strategy to enable Foresters to grow bigger, faster, in a cost-effective manner," said George Mohacsi, President and CEO of Foresters. "Our goal is to partner with Foresters Financial Partners and other independent marketing organizations to sell our products. This allows Foresters to focus on building innovative products and marketing capabilities, service excellence and giving back to our customers through complimentary member benefits and making a difference in our communities."

Foresters will provide the new sales organization marketing support and financial incentives that will enable Foresters Financial Partners to attract independent producers with the opportunity to be financially successful and grow their own business. Through Foresters Financial Partners and its extensive sales force, Foresters products will be available to a much larger customer base.

"A key component of Foresters growth strategy is the transition of our existing sales force to a more entrepreneurial model that unleashes the potential of this talented group," explained Nick DiRenzo, Foresters SVP, North American Sales. "Independent producers will have ultimate control and choice over their own prosperity and will decide how to achieve their goals."

"To ensure the success of our independent producers," added Ira Gottshall, CEO and President of Foresters Financial Partners, "Foresters Financial Partners will provide support related to practice management, recruitment, training, marketing and business development through Foresters extensive member base and community partnerships."

Ira will be joined on Foresters Financial Partners management team by Charles Durfee, responsible for sales and marketing, and rewards and recognition; Jonathan Pratt, responsible for recruiting, and practice management; and Steven Aupperle, responsible for finance and operations.

For more information, please visit Foresters' Web site at www.foresters.biz.

New President Assumes Office at Catholic Knights

William O'Toole, a Catholic Knights Board Member since 1997, began his term as President on January 1. Mr. O'Toole was elected during the society's 46^th Triennial Convention held in Milwaukee on September 15-17, 2006.

Mr. O'Toole had been the director of development for the Sister of the Divine Savior in Milwaukee since 1999. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University in 1979 and a Master of Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University. He has been active in Branch 151 in Kenosha as well as parish and community organizations. He's a member and past parish council member of St. Mary Parish in Kenosha, a member of Knights of Columbus, a past president, board member and coach of the Kenosha Area Soccer league, past board member of the Kenosha Visiting Nurse Association and a member of Serra club. Bill also has served on the board of several professional organizations.

Outgoing President Daniel Steininger was first appointed as an interim in 1981, elected by convention delegates in 1982 and was reelected every three years for the past 25 years.

"It has been a great run for 25 years," Steininger said. "I took an organization with assets of around $130 million and turned it into an organization with assets exceeding $800 million." During Steininger's tenure, $2.3 billion of insurance was added to Catholic Knights and the membership now exceeds 85,000. Most recently, Catholic Knights conducted a successful merger of the Catholic Knights of America, which added six new states and more than 11,000 new members.

For more information, visit Catholic Knights' Web site at www.catholicknights.org.

MMA Names New President
Incoming executive chosen for visionary leadership qualities.

Mennonite Mutual Aid Association (MMA) announced Larry D. Miller was named its new incoming president and CEO. Miller began leading the 60-year-old stewardship organization in January 2007, taking over from Interim President Steve L. Garboden.

"MMA's board is enthusiastic and unanimous in our support of Larry for this role," stated Arlan Yoder, chair of MMA's Board of Directors. "He has proven visionary CEO leadership experience, deep expertise in niche financial services, and commitment to the Anabaptist life and service to the church."

Commenting on his appointment, Miller said, "I care very deeply about the church and am very committed to serving Anabaptists with financial services that relate to their faith values. It is this commitment to serving the church that now leads me to MMA."

"We believe Larry will continue to build on MMA's excellent leadership legacy left by presidents like Jim Kratz, Howard Brenneman, and most recently Steve Garboden," said Pat Swartzendruber, chair of MMA's Presidential Succession Committee, which managed the candidate selection process.

A former executive in Iowa, Miller is currently president and CEO of Mennonite Financial Federal Credit Union in Lancaster, PA. He has 35 years of experience in the retail banking and financial services industry, serving as CEO of Mennonite Financial for the past 16 years.

Previously, Miller served as vice president of Hawkeye Bank and Trust, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and as president/CEO of two Federal Land Bank Associations in Iowa.

For more information, visit MMA's Web site at www.mma-online.org.

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