IN THIS ISSUE

New NFCA President's Blog

NFCA Legislative Update

New NFCA Webinar on Important Compliance Updates

Replay and Share this Free JOIN HANDS DAY Webinar

Online Registration Now Available for the 2009 NFCA Annual Meeting

2009 NFCA Sponsorship Program Now Available for Associate Members

NFCA Wishes to Thank Our Sponsors

NFCA Announces Staff Changes

2009 Board Member Institutes Announced

Register Now for these 2009 NFCA Sections Mid-Year Meetings

Risk-Based Capital Tool Now Available for NFCA Members

Thank You to NFCA Volunteers

2009 State Fraternal Congress Go for the Gold Information

Make Your Project Plans for JOIN HANDS DAY 2009

Call for 2009 NFCA Award Nominations

Member News

Calendar of Upcoming Events

January/February 2009

A Taxing Debate in the States

Quick, what’s the biggest threat to the fraternal tax exemption?

Most NFCA members would say congressional action to revamp the tax code and repeal a variety of longstanding exemptions in an effort to generate more revenue for the cash-strapped government. But with federal lawmakers focused on the economic stimulus proposal, two wars, and an overhaul of financial services regulation, reform of the tax system may just have to wait. I’m not saying we’re free and clear on the issue in 2009. As long as the fraternal tax exemption is in place, the issue will always be on the table and we need to remain constantly vigilant. But other more pressing issues may mean that tax reform gets delayed until 2010.

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NFCA Legislative Update

The passage of President Obama's economic recovery plan marks the end of the first phase of the legislative agenda for 2009. At a cost of $787 billion the plan contains almost $300 billion in individual and business tax cuts, $400 billion in public works spending programs, and close to $100 billion in assistance to state governments, largely through an increase in the federal share (FMAP) of state Medicaid costs. Because the plan is intended to stimulate economic growth, it contains no tax increases or other offsets and no provisions affecting tax-exempt organizations.

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New NFCA Webinar on Important Compliance Updates

Please register for this meeting.

This webinar will tackle two different, yet important, compliance issues facing NFCA member societies.

OFAC Compliance
Learn the history and purpose of U.S. economic sanctions and how they affect the insurance industry. Differences between sanctions enforcement by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will be discussed. OFAC's Dave Brummond will focus on recently published Enforcement Guidelines which impact the life insurance industry and NFCA societies.

Model Audit Rule Compliance
Attendees will receive an overview of the NAIC’s Annual Financial Reporting Model Regulation (“AFRMR”). The effects of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 have influenced state insurance regulators to structure internal control reporting requirements for certain privately-held insurance entities, via the Model Audit Rule. These entities must now consider the financial and logistical demands to perform risk assessments, process documentation, and validation testing on various aspects of their internal control environments.

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Replay and Share this Free JOIN HANDS DAY Webinar

JOIN HANDS DAY: Plan a Meaningful Event in Your Community - Ten Vital Steps

NFCA Member Price: FREE - sponsored by ReadyTalk

The goal of this complimentary webinar is to help participants identify worthwhile fraternal events, the steps needed to ensure a coordinated effort, and strategies for promoting your JOIN HANDS DAY event to lodge leaders, local media and your community.

Whether you've participated in JOIN HANDS DAY in the past or are interested in coordinating your very first project, you're sure to gain the knowledge to plan a successful event.

Replay and Share the Webinar
This link below can be used to replay the webinar at any time, at no cost, until May 2. We urge you to share this event with anyone on your staff or within your lodge system who may benefit. You also can download a copy of the webinar's PowerPoint presentation by clicking here.

Click Here to Replay

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Online Registration Now Available for the 2009 NFCA Annual Meeting
September 17-19, 2009 - Grand Hyatt San Antonio
*Early-bird prices are good through April 30, 2009

REGISTER ONLINE NOW!
Online registration is already available for the 2009 NFCA Annual Meeting. Now is the time to register for this year's event, so you can take advantage of early-bird discounts and ensure your first choice of hotel accommodations for what is certain to be one of the best-attended Annual Meetings in recent memory.

Please note: Hard-copy registration forms will be available soon.

Registration Fees:*
NFCA Member - Full Program: $550.00
NFCA Member - Friday only: $300.00
NFCA Member - Saturday only: $350.00

Non-Member - Full Program: $1,150.00
NFCA Member Spouse/Guest Fee: $525.00

Click here to register online and reserve your hotel room. We encourage you to register early to ensure your first choice for hotel accommodations and to guarantee your participation.

2009 NFCA Sponsorship Program Now Available for Associate Members

If you have a product or service to sell to fraternals, you need to become an NFCA Sponsor - Gold, Sliver and Bronze levels are available.

The fraternal benefit system spends more than $300 million a year on goods and services, such as office equipment and supplies, telecommunications, computer hardware and software, marketing and advertising, and research. NFCA sponsorships allow you to reach fraternal benefit societies, who represent 10 million fraternalists in 37,000 local chapters, making it one of America's largest member-volunteer networks.

Click here for more information and sponsorship pricing.

If you have any questions, please contact Allison Koppel, Vice President of Membership & Marketing, at akoppel@nfcanet.org.

NFCA Wishes to Thank Our Sponsors

NFCA Annual Meeting
September 17-19, 2009 - Grand Hyatt San Antonio

On behalf of our member-societies and state fraternal congresses, the NFCA would like to thank our sponsors for their support and contributions to the 2009 NFCA Annual Meeting.

Their generosity enhances the experience of all fraternalists who attend the Annual Meeting. Contributing to the NFCA is a direct contribution to the future of fraternalism and to excellence within the fraternal benefit system.

Gold Sponsors
Allen Bailey & Associates, Inc.
Marsh U.S. ConsumerConnexions
Strohm Ballweg, LLP

Silver Sponsors
CalSurance
Optimum Re
Prime Advisors, Inc.

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Presidents Section Mid-Year Meeting

On behalf of its Presidents Section, the NFCA would like to thank our sponsors for their support and contributions to the 2009 Presidents Section Mid-Year Meeting.

Allen Bailey & Associates, Inc. Lead Sponsor
Miller & Newberg, Inc. Breakfast Sponsor
Optimum Re Lunch Sponsor

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NFCA Announces Staff Changes

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) announces staff changes at its Oak Brook headquarters.

Allison Koppel has been promoted to Vice President, Membership and Marketing. She formerly held the title of Director, Membership and Fraternal Services.

Rose Riccetti, formerly Director, Communications and Marketing, is now Director, Public Affairs. Alice McGregor has been made Manager, Public Affairs.

NFCA also announced the hiring of Jessica Zackavec as its new Executive Assistant.

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2009 Board Member Institutes Announced

Send your Board Chair or other Board Members to the NFCA Board Member Institute, designed to educate fraternal Board Members on what they can and should be doing to ensure the legal and financial health of their society, protect themselves from liability, and enhance the growth of their society and the fraternal system. This program provides Board Members with tailored programming at a fundamental and appropriate level from fraternal experts.

REGISTER NOW!
Board Institutes Scheduled for 2009:

Pittsburgh, PA - March 25-26
Held in conjunction with the Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh monthly luncheon.
Click here to view a program schedule for the March Board Institute.

Oak Brook, IL (near Chicago) - June 4-5
Held in conjunction with the Actuaries Section Mid-Year Meeting.

San Antonio, TX - September 15-17
Held in conjunction with the NFCA Annual Meeting at the Grand Hyatt (Sept. 17-19).

MEETING INFORMATION
Board Institute Schedule of Events, Speaker and Hotel Information
March 25-26th Board Institute - Program Details

REGISTER NOW! Two Ways to Register:
1. Click here to register online.
2. Click here to download the registration form.

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Register Now for these 2009 NFCA Sections Mid-Year Meetings

Secretaries and Human Resources Sections

The Mirage
Las Vegas, Nevada
April 2-4, 2009

REGISTER NOW - ONLINE!
Online registration is now available for the 2009 NFCA Secretaries & Human Resources Sections Mid-Year Meeting in Las Vegas. Join your colleagues in your quest to run your society to the best of your ability. The Secretaries & Human Resources Sections have planned a Mid-Year meeting that will address key operational areas.

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Presidents Section

The Mirage
Las Vegas, Nevada
April 5-7, 2009

REGISTER NOW - ONLINE!
Online registration is now available for the 2009 NFCA Presidents Section Mid-Year Meeting. Please join dozens of fraternal benefit society CEOs and senior executives at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas from April 5-7, 2009, for what promises to be one of the most important and compelling Presidents Section Mid-Year meetings ever.

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Fraternal and Communications Sections

Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
Bloomington, Minnesota
April 16-18, 2009

REGISTER NOW - ONLINE!
Online registration is now available for the 2009 NFCA Fraternal and Communications Sections Mid-Year Meeting in Bloomington, MN. You don't want to miss this important event, designed specifically for members working in the fraternal and/or communications departments of their societies.

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Risk-Based Capital Tool Now Available for NFCA Members

Member Only Login

Thank You to NFCA Volunteers

The Board of Directors and staff of the NFCA would like to thank the following committee members and section leaders for their service to the fraternal benefit system. We value highly the teamwork that has enabled the fraternal community to meet the challenges this past year and look forward to the results of their dedication in 2009.

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2009 State Fraternal Congress Go for the Gold Information

In 2008, the NFCA was proud to award state fraternal congresses 16 gold , one silver and one bronze 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.

The State Fraternal Congresses Section's 2009 Go for the Gold entry function is active and ready to receive your submissions. Click here to access the entry area. (If you need an ID and password for the Members Only Section, please contact Alice McGregor, Public Affairs Manager, for that information.) To read the 2009 Go for the Gold Guidelines, click here.

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Make Your Project Plans for JOIN HANDS DAY 2009

On Saturday, May 2, 2009, 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.

Project Planning Tools
Be sure to download copies of the 2009 JOIN HANDS DAY Action Guide and Brochure to help you with your project planning. Or visit the JOIN HANDS DAY Web site at www.joinhandsday.org for more project ideas.

Be sure to click here to replay a free JOIN HANDS DAY Webinar that took place on January 21st. This link can be used to replay the webinar at any time, at no cost, until May 2. We urge you to share this event with anyone on your staff or within your lodge system who may benefit. You also can download a copy of the webinar's PowerPoint presentation by clicking here.

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Call for 2009 NFCA Award Nominations

Recognize your outstanding fraternalists through the NFCA’s award programs. All 2009 forms are available and posted on the NFCA Web site, including:

NFCA’s Fraternalist of the Year

NFCA/FFMA/NAFIC’s Fraternal FIC of the Year

State Fraternal Congresses Section’s Go for the Gold Program

Communications Section’s Marcia D. Heywood Memorial
Communicators Award

Actuaries Section’s Jacobson Rugland Award

And the NFCA is still recognizing all societies’ MVPs weekly on the NFCA Web site through the Fraternalists-in-Action Program. This is an easy way to give recognition to your fraternalists who have set the example of what a fraternalist can do in his or her community.

If you have any questions regarding these award programs, please contact Alice McGregor, Public Affairs Manager.

NFCA Associate Member Receives Award Bob Bowsher, CLU, ChFC, Vice President of Business Development for askAFS has been awarded the Inter-Company Marketing Group (ICMG) 2009 Don Kampe Lifetime Achievement Award.   The award, named after its first recipient, Don Kampe, a board member and president, is given to a dedicated individual who has made significant long-term contributions to the growth and development of the ICMG through their leadership and personal service. Bowsher is an ICMG board member and was the 2005 President. Audrey Whittenberg, Executive Director of the ICMG, who has worked closely with Bob said, “Bob has been an outstanding leader within ICMG and in the industry, and an enthusiastic supporter of strategic alliances. I’m pleased to see Bob honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award – he is truly deserving."   More...     The Independent Order of Foresters Celebrating 135 years in 2009   For 135 years, the Independent Order of Foresters has endured, sharing our financial strength with our members and their communities, and providing benefits of membership. With a solid foundation on which to build, Foresters will continue to grow. To find out more about Foresters’ 135 year history, visit www.foresters135.com.     Joseph Hoffman Hired as New CEO of The Order of United Commercial Travelers of America The Order of United Commercial Travelers of America (UCT) is pleased to announce the hiring of Joseph H. Hoffman as its new CEO.   "I am excited to have been selected for this position by UCT's Board of Governors," said Hoffman. "Fraternal benefit societies like UCT play an essential role in our communities, both financially and socially. I look forward to working with the organization's Board, staff and members to develop and implement the strategic planning that will drive UCT's growth."   More...   Mike Hammontree Named Senior Vice President of UCT The Order of United Commercial Travelers of America (UCT) has named Michael J. Hammontree Senior Vice President. He has been employed by UCT since 1987.   In his role as Senior Vice President, Hammontree oversees operations of the fraternal, agent services, sales/marketing, public relations, office services and print shop departments, ensuring they align with the organization's business objectives.   Hammontree began his career with UCT as Fraternal Affairs Manager, advancing to Vice President of Fraternal/Marketing. He was named Senior Vice President in July 2008.   More...     Modern Woodmen Bank Will Move to New Rock Island Location 100 17th Street named the Modern Woodmen Bank Building   Rock Island’s Modern Woodmen Bank office will move to the newly-named Modern Woodmen Bank Building at the corner of First Avenue and 17th Street in Rock Island. The building was formerly occupied by National City and Wells Fargo. The move is tentatively scheduled for mid-March 2009 and will take place following renovations and improvements to the first floor.   “Modern Woodmen Bank has been operating nationwide since 2003, and its move will make more Quad Citians aware of the services it offers,” says W. Kenny Massey, Modern Woodmen Bank chairman of the Board of Directors and Modern Woodmen president. “The new location will provide better visibility to the community in a convenient location.   More...     Catholic Aid Association Welcomes New Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer The Catholic Aid Association (CAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Harald Borrmann as Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer effective January 1, 2009. Borrmann was unanimously elected to the position on by the Association’s membership at its annual convention on Aug. 2, 2008.    “The Board of Directors and I are pleased to welcome Harald as our new Senior Vice President and we look forward to working with him as we serve our 74,000 members,” said President and Chairman Michael McGovern.   More...