Fraternity-Testvériség, 2006 (84. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2006-01-01 / 1. szám
Page 16 Fraternity- Testvériség Annual District Meetings Indiana-Illinois District Meeting— February 4-5, 2006 The first in the line of the district meetings this year was the one held in East Chicago, IN on Saturday, February 4. Organized by Mr. Joe Kovács and his superb team, the event was a highly successful, intensive, dynamic and very educational program for those who attended. And I am ever so glad I had the opportunity. 1 arrived with former Director Tibor Nagy at the Chicago Midway airport on Friday to be met there by the President of the American Hungarian Citizens Club, Sándor Kristóf and his wonderful wife Val. Those of us who arrived the day before the meeting visited the Mischak residence on Friday evening. During the informal meeting, it turned out that Directors Joe Kovács and Joe Fabri, former Director Tibor Nagy, and Recording Secretary of Branch 176 Steve Mischak had crossed the ocean aboard the same ship back in 1956. Our hostess, Kati Mischak, covered the table with delicious sausage and salami bites, cheese, fruits and real Hungarian apricot jam. While enjoying the delicacies, Helen Ilona Szabó (Director of Michigan) and Mrs. Margaret Saltzer (Branch Manager from CA) shared photos of their lovely grandchildren and children with us. The following morning came fast, but we were all ready for the visit to the Holy Trinity Hall where the representatives of the HRFA’s Kossuth Club (that unites branches 17, 62, 83, 84, 100 and 176 in the area) were already busy with the preparations. After a scrumptious breakfast, the meeting was called to order by Director Kovács. Father Skerl’s opening devotion was followed by the Hungarian and American anthems and Mr. Kovács’s warm welcoming words. Then everybody in the room introduced themselves. It was great to see the familiar faces from last year’s meeting as well as some fresh new additions to the HRFA family, like the new manager of Branch 84, Monika Ormos. Much to our delight, Mrs. Margaret Saltzer, representing the Branches 259, 378 and 379 in California joined us for the meeting, and I got to meet her in person for the first time. It was interesting to listen to Ibolya Balogh’s remarks and ideas, too. When it was Mr. Balogh’s turn in the introduction, he told us about his own financial background, his drive as a Hungarian, and also briefed us on his visions regarding the future of HRFA. His plans are built on change that includes a positive outlook, new approaches and better communication. As he said, not only do we need to improve sales and get lots of new members, but we should identify their needs and bring in new products to meet those needs. A BIG THANK YOU goes to the organizers for their hospitality and for their efforts to make this a memorable event for all of us. (group picture: courtesy of Father Fass) Mr. Megyeri’s report followed with supporting numbers to show that HRFA really needs a growth in membership. For this reason, we should focus more on sales and marketing to be able to maintain our fraternal profile. In order to achieve this goal, HRFA supports those who would like to become licensed agents and sell. The entire meeting continued in an open atmosphere where any participant was free to raise concerns, ask questions, and get straightforward and clear-cut answers right away. Mr. Dozsa’s welcoming letter was read by Mr. Kovács. Our Chairman greeted the attendees with warm words and wished for a successful meeting. We all felt sorry that he could not be there with us and hoped that he will recover soon. Mr. Fabri’s sales presentation with practical advice was truly informative. A man who on average sells 45 policies in a year revealed his secrets about Mr. Joe Fabri shares practical advice preparing for the flrst with the audience . . meeting with the Director Helen Szabó with our host Mr. Steve Mischak
