William Penn Life, 2004 (39. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2004-12-01 / 12. szám

Board focuses on fiscal policy, sales, language camp and budget

by Steve Varga, Chairman of the Board

In October the Board held its third quarter Board meeting in Pittsburgh, PA. It was a unique meeting due to the fact that it was held jointly with the National Auditors. The auditors were in town holding their bi-annual audit, and the Board requested that they participate in a joint meeting to discuss several issues including: the Association's Governance Policy; how they, as auditors, could increase their involvement in ensuring the Association's fiscal policy is sound; and finally, how they can develop other avenues of non-financial audits, such as quality assurance audits. On behalf of the Board, I wish to thank Robert Ivancso, chairman of the National Auditing Committee, and the other auditors for a very successful meeting.

The Association's newly-hired sales director, Mark Lantz, gave an overview of his first impressions of the Association's sales force and insurance products. Mark held no punches and gave a complete description of what needs to be accomplished to improve both areas. He indicated that advertisement will need to be increased and will be a big part of his strategy in the upcoming year. The Board approved the issuance of a new insurance policy geared to target individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. This is a group that the Association has failed to reach out to and which is a group the Association surely needs to continue to grow. Not only will we be targeting them on the insurance side but also, in the upcoming year, we will look for ways to increase their involvement in the Association's fraternal activities.

The Board also reviewed the Hungarian Language Camp. Although a final decision has not been made, a proposal was put forth by Membership Activities Manager Endre Csornán to place the camp under his direction. Since Endre has done such a

great job with our annual picnic, the Board authorized Endre to explore the feasibility of reviving the camp, and he will report back to the Board at our December meeting.

Also on the agenda was the implementation of an annual budget. As part of our new governance policy, the Board will review and approve the 2005 budget at our December meeting. This is just one more way of changing the Board's responsibility and holding our officers and the Board itself responsible for our financial decisions.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank an individual who has proudly served this Association for 33 years. I'm speaking of Michael R. Kara who retired from our Board in October 2004. Mike had the opportunity to serve both as a national auditor and national director. He is a proud individual who always had the Hungarian community at heart. He was a tremendous help to me when I became a director. He shared with me information on the historical background of the Association and Hungarian community, and, when I was elected as chairman, Mike was there to help me ease into this role. Again, from all your fellow directors and officers, Mike, you will be sorely missed. May God bless you and keep you in good health.

With the upcoming holiday season, the Board of Directors wishes everyone a joyous and blessed holiday season, and we will see you next year, g]

Williui Pen Life, December 2004

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