Fraternity-Testvériség, 2007 (85. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2007-01-01 / 1. szám
HBtfft oraitcn District Meetings Indianallllinois District Meeting HRFA District meeting for 2007 was held in Trinity Church, East Chicago, Indiana, hosted by Director Joe Kovács and Father Skeryl. Maria Kovács and friends prepared wonderful meals and Branch Manager Kati Mishak kept activities flowing smoothly. Father Skeryl said the opening prayer, and Mr. Kovács welcomed all to the 2007 District meeting which was attended by over 20 people. Attendees included Reverend Ference Varga and his wife, Branch Manager Katalin Varga, Director Illona Szabó, all from Michigan, as well as Margaret Saltzer, who is our branch manager in California. President Balogh, introduced by Joe Kovács, emphasized that success at F1RFA depends upon excellence in fraternal activities as a precursor to sales. He said that it is important to actively promote HRFA at all events and to make sure that all know that we are a non-profit life insurance company which gives back part of its revenues to support Hungarian and American communities and events; and, therefore HRFA deserves the members’ support. He said that the networking at these events produce leads for sales. He presented a slide show outlining the fraternal success HRFA had over the past year that built brand equity. He also mentioned that it was part of the HRFA charter to speak up about events of concern to Hungarians worldwide. He said it was our duty to speak up about human rights issues concerning Hungarians whether it was in countries bordering Hungary or inside Hungary. That is why we publicized and criticized the police excesses last year in Hungary, as well as the Hungarian government support of the atrocities. These were also condemned in many countries. Directors Joe Kovács and Helen Szabó Mr. Balogh expressed the importance of working together and not against each other, and mentioned that the Hungarian grapevine can be very counterproductive with its destructive influence. He said we should concentrate on the good things that are happening and not on the negative. Rather, we should all help to overcome problem areas where they exist in a spirit of fraternalism. The audience was asked for input on what some of the issues are for HRFA and for the low production. Among the issues mentioned were the aging of the field force and the resulting lack of energy, as well as issues with getting young people enthused. Mr. Balogh responded that we have started a number of youth oriented programs such as the Táncház and sponsoring Hungarian musicians such as the Kabar Village Youth Orchestra, as well as a film club. These type of events can be sponsored regionally by HRFA, but the local leaders need to ask for and manage these programs so they are well attended. Kati Mischak and Jules Balogh. Secretary/Treasurer Les Megyeri followed with a report on the current revenue situation. He mentioned that a lot of branch managers and agents have stopped selling and that this needs to change if we are to survive. We are in good shape from a financial asset point of view, since we have one of the largest surpluses as a percentage of assets. However growth is still an issue. He followed with a question and answer session on our products which was extremely useful for the audience. After a break for a delicious lunch, Mr. Balogh continued to briefly describe agent production and goals for next year. He then introduced Ms. Judit Zambo, HRFA’s National Fraternal Coordinator, who spoke about her fraternal activities that led to successes in Florida, as Rev. Varga, Kati Varga, Kati Mischak and Les Megyeri. weU as Pier recruiting and training activities for new agents. She at14 Fraternity - Testvériség / Spring 2007
