Fraternity-Testvériség, 1984 (62. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1984-04-01 / 2. szám
FRATERNITY Page 7 We must put forth our time and energy to streamline our operations and make changes where needed, be this in computerization or in the field. Everyone must work to make this a more viable society. We are a team 21,176 strong in membership and we want to get stronger. Our team is made up of many in every walk of life. As an individual member we can accomplish only so much. But as individuals working as a team, we can be heard and our influence felt. As individuals we cannot accomplish what we can as a united group working toward a common goal. By becoming a member, a person becomes a member of a cooperative effort, a society with a democratic form of Government, one which has the common good of the entire membership at heart. Everyone should know that by being a member, they become a part of a society that carries forth our heritage and culture. Along with this we maintain our Bethlen Home to care for our elderly. BRANCH MEETINGS: There are still many branches that do not comply with paragraph 56 of the by-laws. As has been previously reported, active branches help support our Bethlen Home and Student Aid and Loan Fund. More fund raising activities should be held in the future by the branches so this can be shown at the time of an IRS examination. Those branches that sent me minutes are on file in my ofice. It seems that most branches become active only every four years at delegate election time. NATIONAL STATE FRATERNAL CONGRESS Through these congresses we are kept up to date on pending legislation that is of interest to all fra- ternals. There are much discussions held regarding the continued education programs being required for agent licensing. There is more and more emphasis being placed on professionalism in the ranks of the fraternal societies. We can except to see continued stricter legislations along these lines as all industry, such as banks, real estate, stock and insurance companies are moving in this direction. With a better trained staff it will also benefit the local branch managers in assisting them to write more business. The larger state congresses are well attended and speakers cover various matters of interest. A uniform code for fraternals was adopted at the 1983 congress and has been submitted to all Wes. We hope to see standardization among the states as a result of this code. RULES AND REGULATIONS As I have previously reported, all of the states in which we operate are making continued changes on laws regulating the life insurance industry. We have now submitted to all of the states (except Connecticut and New York) our new readability contracts. In Connecticut and New York they already are in effect. We hope that the other states will have their approvals in so that we can issue them in 1984. There will be changes that make it necessary to carry three or four different certificates to issue in various states. More of the states are considering the cost disclosure statement presently in force in some states. Our agents must be taught to complete these on the spot whenever an application is written. I have sent circular letters giving detailed instructions on how these should be completed. More instructions will be given at our district meetings. The latest state requiring the disclosure statements is New York with more to follow. NEW PLANS The issuing of a Single Premium Term to Age 25 and Annual Premium Term to Age 25 have been approved by all states except New Jersey. This plan is also pending in Canada. We will issue these in New Jersey and whenever they get around to approve same, any changes required will be reviewed at that time. A circular was sent to the branch managers and agents that this can be offered as of March 1, 1984. Other plans are being discussed with the actuary in hopes of stimulating sales and adding to our portfolio. Hopefully these will be reviewed at this meeting. CLAIM SETTLEMENTS AND CERTIFICATE LOANS During the year, 143 new loans were granted to the members against their insurance certificates. These loans could have been due to the very attractive interest rate of 5% presently charged on our older certificates. The outstanding loans amount to 8336,241.00 in the USA and $17,595.00 in Canada as of December 31, 1983, There were 800 expense vouchers issued in the TTSA and 47 in Canada. All claims with proper documentation were processed and cleared within 24 to 48 hours of arrival. TRUST FUND There are unclaimed matured certificates and death benefit proceeds which cannot be remitted to
