Fraternal Advantage - February 2008

MEMBER-SOCIETY NEWS

“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.

It is through this nationwide program, launched in December, 2007, that Royal Neighbors gave a total of $250,000 to more than 180 families and individuals in need, demonstrating that it is more than just a life insurance company.

“I knew that Royal Neighbors helped people, but I never in a million years thought they would help me. There are others more worthy,” said Umporowicz.

To begin this program, Royal Neighbors asked its members, its agents and community-based service organizations across the country to nominate people who were facing particularly difficult challenges.  Judges reviewed the nominations and determined the recipients.

Recipients received their checks in a variety of ways including through the Royal Neighbors surprise “gift patrol.” As an added element, two families were presented checks on a live local TV show, during which members of the audience were surprised with $1,000 each to use to help a person or family in need.

For more than 100 years, Royal Neighbors has recognized that this country is not just made up of individuals but of communities—making up a nation of neighbors.

“It is as neighbors that we have the most direct, tangible, and personal influence on each other’s lives,” explains Cynthia Tidwell, Royal Neighbors President/CEO. “This is the reason behind the ‘Nation of Neighbors’ Program.”

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.

Rushing joined the Home Office staff in 2007 and is a Solutions Support employee in the IT Support Department.

In addition to the honor of the Employee of the Year title, Rushing will receive a vacation package of his choice, valued at up to $1,500.

“Luke is a great asset to our team,” said Tidwell.  “He not only demonstrates a strong work ethic, but continually shows his commitment to giving back to the community, which is what we’re all about.”

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, visit www.royalneighbors.org.

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.

The PNA Commissioners from all seventeen Districts were invited to attend the session.

Two Candidates filed for the position, Charles A. Komosa of Chicago, Illinois and Joseph Magielski Sr. of Boardman, Ohio. Charles a former National Director of PNA had previously ran against Z. John Ordon at the 45th National Convention, held in Jersey City, New Jersey in August 2007. Charles is employed as Senior Marketing Representative, The Illinois Funds for the Office of the Treasurer in Illinois. Joseph is currently the Acting Sales Director for the Polish National Alliance.

After the ballots were cast by the Commissioners in a closed session, the final outcome had Charles Komosa having 19 votes and Joseph Magielski having 15 votes, making Charles Komosa elected as the Polish National Alliance Secretary to complete the term until the next convention on 2011. The oath of office was administered at the conclusion of the results.

For more information, visit www.pna-znp.org.

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.

“We may have a greater variety of products and services with newer technologies,” says Modern Woodmen President W. Kenny Massey, “but our focus continues to be improving the quality of life for families.”

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.

The project was a way for Modern Woodmen and its employees to live its mission of improving the quality of life for members and their communities. The founder of Modern Woodmen, Joseph Cullen Root, named the organization after hearing a parable about pioneer woodmen who cleared away the forest to build homes, communities and security for families. The Habitat for Humanity project was a tangible tribute to the organization’s history and a way to leave a lasting gift in Modern Woodmen’s hometown.

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.

The new design draws from the history of the organization, including past emblems and symbols. The bright blue and green in the new logo were chosen with growth in mind, as were the clean and modern fonts and the horizon depicted in the logomark. The shape of the new logo is a shield, portraying the organization’s mission since 1883, to protect members and their families through life insurance and financial products.

For more information, visit www.modern-woodmen.org.

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.

“In preparation for the Super Bowl on February 3, and in keeping with Equitable Reserve’s 2008 theme of ‘Year of the Volunteer,’ the Association held its own ‘Souper’ Bowl the week of January 28th,” stated Mel Rambo, President and CEO. “As a fraternal benefit society, we look for ways to benefit our members and our communities.” All soup was donated to the Red Cross – Neenah/Menasha Chapter.

Staff names were drawn for each team, the Giants and the Patriots, and each team was challenged to bring in as many cans of soup as they could. Scores were posted by noon each day. The final count was taken Friday morning, February 1, to see which team won. The Giants collected 817 cans, while the Patriots collected 1,050. Harvey Lorenz, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Red Cross – Neenah/Menasha Chapter, was on hand to accept the canned goods. Lorenz stated that the Neenah-Menasha Chapter of the Red Cross is very pleased to receive the “souper” donation. He thanked the entire Equitable Reserve staff for their generosity. With 35 home office employees, that equals more than 53 cans per person. In addition to the 1,867 cans of soup brought in by the staff, Equitable Reserve Association matched the total soup can count for a grand total donation of 3,734 cans.

“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).

Why this “hair-brain” idea to dye the ERA logo (a triangle enclosed in a circle) into Rambo’s curly locks?  “I told the staff I would perform some stunt if our goal of 110 accomplishments was reached,” Rambo stated. “I really thought we’d get to perhaps 80 and then taper off. But we didn’t falter at all. I’m so proud of the hard work our staff completed!” Accomplishments ranged from Assembly officer training meetings to getting a new roof installed on the building.

The staff was then asked to submit ideas for stunts, and many were received including camping out on the roof, biking around or swimming across Lake Winnebago, bungee jumping and parachuting. Since Rambo is the “head” of ERA, he decided that dyeing the hair on his head was not a bad idea! Not a bad idea at all (especially considering some of the alternatives...).

He talked with his hairdresser, Jim Hackstock from Appearances Hairstyling, who offered three different options. The logo could be shaved into the back of Rambo’s hair – but because Rambo’s hair is so thick, it would only show for several days. Secondly, he could get a total buzz cut, leaving the hair in the area of the logo the longest; however, this might present issues when traveling and showing his photo I.D. The third option – having part of his head shaved and the logo dyed into the back of it – could last as long as Rambo liked. Rambo and the committee agreed that the dyeing option was the best.

“We wanted to make this whacky event a more meaningful hair-raising experience,” Rambo said. “And so we have decided we will have one last 110 Accomplishment challenge. As a fraternal benefit society, we look for ways to benefit our members and our communities. So we are now collecting 110 items relating to hair care (shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, etc.) to give to one of the local domestic abuse shelters for individuals who need these products desperately.”

To demonstrate Equitable Reserve’s love for the community, the charitable collection and the date of Rambo’s new hair styling took place on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, at 11:00 a.m. The shaving and red hair coloring were done at Equitable Reserve so that the staff could watch as the transformation takes place.

For more information on Equitable Reserve Association, please visit www.equitablereserve.com.

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.

Stiles received the inaugural Catholic Knights Fraternal Life Award, which is given to the representative who best exemplified Catholic Knights’ fraternal difference during the sales process, within its branch system, and in the communities of its members throughout the past year.

Stiles has worked with branch officers and volunteers to raise money for churches, schools and worthy causes throughout southeastern Wisconsin, this past year. In January, she volunteered in the relief efforts for those who were affected by the unexpected winter tornadoes that ravaged the Kenosha, Wis., area.

“As a sanctioned volunteer, I spent time the following weekend driving into those neighborhoods delivering everything from food, water, boots, gloves, clothing and first aid items,” said Stiles. “I also checked on as many of our members as I could to be sure that they were all right.”

“This has been such an incredible experience - like none I have ever been known.  To see so many people in so much need, but yet being surrounded by so many good, giving people willing to help.  I can think of no other experience that spelled out fraternalism than this.”

Stiles is quick to credit all the many people who have helped her throughout the year in all the charitable efforts and fundraisers she has worked and supported. All tolled, she has worked with members and supporters of 13 different Catholic Knights branches in southeastern Wisconsin to help make a difference in the lives of so many in need.

“This was such an incredible honor to receive this award, and I really feel that this award should have also gone to all of the branch officers and volunteers who have been beside me to help carry out our fraternal mission,” stated Stiles.

“One person cannot carry out the fraternal message on their own,” said Stiles. “They need the help and support of so many other truly great people. All of these branch members came forward to support me, and I cannot begin to tell you how incredibly grateful and blessed I feel to have had the opportunity to work with so many great people.”

Stiles is affiliated with Catholic Knights’ Milwaukee agency.

For more information about Catholic Knights, visit www.catholicknights.com.

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.

Sutton was re-elected to a four-year term on the Board, October 20, 2007, by the Society’s membership during Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s 53rd biennial convention held October 19, 20, and 21, 2007, in Bloomingdale, Illinois.

Sutton has been a member of Gleaner, a fraternal benefit society, headquartered in Adrian, Michigan, since 1940 and has served on the board since 1973.

A 1958 graduate of Lowell High School in Indiana, Sutton enlisted in the military following high school and is a veteran of the United States Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Sutton was honorably discharged in 1962 with the rank of Sergeant.

Sutton and his wife, Pat, and oldest son, Brian, co-own and operate Professional Pilots, Inc.  Professional Pilots, Inc. specializes in developing supplemental certificates and modifications for various types of certified light aircraft such as Piper Super-Cubs and Cessna 310s.

Sutton is an active member of Gleaner’s Hawthorne Arbor in Lowell. He and Pat volunteer much of their time to community service. Their benevolent work includes projects benefiting the Lowell Volunteer Fire Department, local humane societies, Lake County 4-H, Relay for Life, and Toys for Tots. Sutton and his wife also are longtime members of Lake County Farm Bureau, Inc., and he previously served as the organization’s president.

A lifelong farmer in the Lowell area, Sutton is an active participant in the family’s farming operations with his two sons, Dan and Brian. Sutton also operates Sutton’s Sawmill which has been a major part of the Sutton Farm since the late 1800s.

Sutton and his wife have three grown children. Dan and his wife, Deana, Brian and his wife, Heather, and their family, Chase, Delaney and Isabelle, live on the family farm and are active members in Gleaner’s Hawthorne Arbor and at the Society’s national events. Their daughter, Michelle, and her husband Rich Adams, and their daughter, Kylee, live near Vancouver, Washington.

For more information about Gleaner Life Insurance Society, visit www.gleanerlife.org.

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