Fraternity-Testvériség, 1974 (52. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1974-04-01 / 4-6. szám

Report On The Spring Meeting Of The Board Of Directors

The Members of the Board of Directors convened in the Kossuth House in Washington, D. C. during the first week of April to hold the first regular meeting of this governing body as prescribed in the by-laws.

On both the insurance business as well as fraternal field resolutions of far-reaching importance were passed.

During the opening devotion the President remembered Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats dc Fabriczi, the Drillmaster of George Washington’s Cavalry. He was the first known Hungarian hero who gave his life for the independence of the United States and the freedom of the American people.

The National Officers and Advisors presented their reports for the year 1973 which was one of the most trying in the history of the Federation. The standing committees deliberated on the details of the reports and came back with scores of recommendations to the plenary session. Here, we give account on the most significant decisions only.

The production quota was accepted as recommended by the Executive Committee. The National Officers were requested to work out a system of compensation in which branch managers and representatives are more equitably rewarded for new insurance written without the help of a section or district manager. Such plan will be presented to the Fall meeting of the Board.

The Board approved all the new insurance plans prepared by the Secretary and the Actuary and recommended by the Executive Committee. By introducing these plans, we expect to strengthen our position in the keen competition with other insurance organizations. At the same time the Secretary was instructed to prepare attractive brochures and pamphlets about the new plans and print new rate books.

Branches where regular monthly and annual meetings are not held will be either merged or annexed to the nearest active branch.

Nationwide contests will be held throughout the year to enhance production and support worthy young members in their studies.

The Secretary will conduct special instruction courses for the section and district managers. Examinations will be held to achieve the Fraternal Insurance Counsellor qualification.

Again, the Federation granted $1.000.00 to each of the youth camps of the denominations and

$250.00 to the Canadian summer camp. $1,500.00 was donated to the Hungarian Studies Foundation.

Hearing the detailed report of the Controller the Board did not change the ownership of the Bethlen Home until the Convention has another chance to review the pros and cons of the transaction.

The addition of the new wing to the Old People's building became the only controversial subject. Actual bids submitted by the principal contractors have shown a much higher cost than the one projected by the architect based on the cost figures prevailing before the oil crisis and connected jump in construction prices.

A lengthy debate followed in which members opposing the construction of the new wing questioned the genuine need for the extension. They also expressed their doubt about the continuation of the welfare support without which the Home could not possibly survive. The Controller summarized the arguments of the pro-construction members of the Board as follows:

a) Need for care of the elderly people is

growing;

b) Operating unit cost in the 100 bed department is necessarily lower than in the present building with 72 bed capacity since there is no additional overhead cost;

c) 28 million old people represent a formidable political pressure group. It will be difficult to cut their welfare support. Social security and welfare benefits will be raised as prices climb.

d) The present operation is profitable despite the fact that the Old People's Home absorbs the deficit of the Children’s Home.

e) Construction cost will rise if we delay it

now.

On his motion duly seconded by the Secretary the Board voted in favor of the extension in a secret ballot. 10 members voted for, 5 opposed the motion.

The President expressed his satisfaction and approval of the historical decision.

In the final part of the meeting the salary of the National officers and the Home Office employees was adjusted and the Retirement Benefit Fund further liberalized.

The President closed the meeting with a blessing. It undoubtedly w’as one of the significant milestones in the history of the Federation.

Easzlo E. Eszenvi Recording Secretary