THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (10/23/05)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

"Fraternalism Is Our Difference" is theme of NFCA annual meeting

OAK BROOK, Ill. - More than 450 fraternalists from around the country gathered in Milwaukee for the 119th annual meeting of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA), held September 8-10. Themed "Fraternalism is Our Difference," the meeting reinforced member-societies' fraternal history, identity and purpose.

"Fraternalists were able to attend quality programs, renew ties to their fraternal colleagues and strengthen their commitment to fraternalism," said NFCA Immediate Past Chair Michael Stivoric, who presided over this year's meeting. "Plus, for the first time in recent memory, we successfully sold out all exhibitors' booths and sponsorship opportunities. It was a very successful meeting for the NFCA."

Several speakers enlightened and entertained the attendees, including the opening keynote presenter, Ken Schmidt, the former director of communications for Harley-Davidson Motor Co., who played an active role in the company's celebrated turnaround. Mr. Schmidt, who rode to the stage on his own Harley Davidson motorcycle, told the audience that their organizations need to "make some noise" and be true to their mission and core values. He added that fraternals' culture is their brand, and their brand is their culture.

Other speakers included Rick Barrera, who gave a presentation on the topic of his best-selling book, "TouchPoint Branding," and membership expert Mark Levin, who discussed ways fraternal benefit societies can attract and keep members. In addition, futurist David Zach gave a down-to-earth look at strategic long-term trends: from the rise of intelligent money and the experience economy, to management implications of virtual workplaces and an emerging generation with little trust for those in charge. Henry Ernstthal shared practical and useful ideas and processes to help member-societies and their volunteers get more out of the increasingly limited time they have for participation in the governance of their organizations.

One of the hot topics covered at the NFCA annual meeting was maintenance of solvency for fraternal benefit societies. Robert Shapiro, president of the Shapiro Network Inc., addressed viable alternatives for maintenance of solvency and discussed the legal issues, governance, management and mechanics involved.

Also, Mike McGovern, president and chairman of the board of the Catholic Aid Association, and chair of the NFCA Solvency Task Force, brought attendees up-to-date on the NFCA Solvency Program and related solvency issues of concern.

In addition to the general sessions, four interactive workshops were held for participants, namely "Fraternal Membership Growth," "Building a Better Lodge System", "Marketing Our Fraternal Difference" and "Highlighting Fraternal Performance: Why Numbers Matter."

Meeting delegates also tended to NFCA business during the meeting. Mr. Stivoric, 2004-2005 NFCA chair of the board, delivered his final report to the congress; the NFCA's new chair of the board, Michael J. Wade, was installed as chair for 2005-2006 and gave his acceptance speech to attendees; and NFCA President and CEO Frederick H. Grubbe spoke to the specific accomplishments of the trade association over the past year.

Other business included the adoption of changes to the NFCA Constitution, the appointment of the NFCA's new officers and directors, and the adoption of resolutions from the Resolutions Committee.

In addition, attendees had the opportunity to visit with exhibitors and colleagues at the meeting, especially during the Exhibitors' Reception. They also were able to connect with other fraternalists, while investigating the new products and services available to the fraternal benefit system.

The various sections of the NFCA, including communications, field managers, fraternal, human resources, presidents, secretaries and state fraternal congresses, also held breakfast meetings - many of which had guest speakers. Several meeting-related luncheons took place during the annual meeting, including the "Celebration of Fraternalism," the "Fraternal 50," past chairs of the board and the women executives' luncheon.

The annual meeting concluded with the Grand Banquet, during which new officers and directors of the board were sworn in.

"The NFCA raised the bar again and is a positive model of changing programs and schedules in a way that meets the needs and serves the interests of the attendees," said Timothy T. Schwan, vice-president, Church and Community Engagement, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The 119-year-old NFCA unites 75 not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies operating in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada, including the Ukrainian National Association. The association represents 10 million people in 36,000 local chapters, making it one of the continent's largest member networks. Fraternal benefit societies provide their members with leadership, social, educational, spiritual, patriotic, scholarship, financial and volunteer-service opportunities.

UNA at Ukrainian Day at Giants Stadium

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Ukrainian National Association was among the many sponsors of the recent Ukrainian Day at Giants Stadium, which was held on Saturday, September 17 (see centerfold in The Ukrainian Weekly issue dated October 9). The UNA also had an information table in the parking area where the Ukrainian program was held. Seen above manning the table (from left) are: Stefko Woch and his son, Stepan; and Stephan Welhasch and his wife, Marusia Proskurenko. The UNA table featured information about the UNA and its insurance plans, plus its publications and Soyuzivka. Two lucky children won bicycles in a drawing sponsored by the UNA, and an adult festival-goer won a mini iPod.

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