William Penn Life, 2009 (44. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2009-08-01 / 8. szám
Consumer trust fuels fraternal sales OAK BROOK, IL - Fraternal life insurers were the only industry sector to post sales increases in the first quarter of 2009, according to a recent study published by the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA). According to the study, fraternal sales increased by 26 percent in the first quarter, while mutual insurers experienced a decrease of 7 percent and stock companies' sales fell by 31 percent. The study attributed the growth by fraternal insurers to strong ties to their customers. "Fraternal companies have the strongest ties to their end-customers. It's evident in the current market that trust in the consumer/producer/ carrier relationship is important," said Ashley Durham, LIMRA analyst for product research. Joseph J. Annotti, president and CEO of the National Fraternal Congress of America, said that the results of the study are good news and demonstrate the relevance of fratemals as both a viable provider of financial services products and an important source of community and social services in the 21st century. _______ For Starters Scholarship Foundation holds annual meeting MIDWAY, PA - The William Penn Fraternal Association Scholarship Foundation held its annual meeting July 17 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott as part of the WPA's 26th Annual Golf Tournament and Scholarship Days. Richard J. Toth, a member of Branch 89 Homestead, Pa., and a four-year recipient of Foundation grants, addressed the meeting on behalf of all of our scholarship recipients. He thanked the Foundation for its continued support of our young members seeking higher education and described what he saw as the true value of those grants. (The complete text of his remarks appears on Page 3). WPA Chairman of the Board Stephen J. Varga introduced James Cunningham, a professional consultant who will be assisting the Foundation in it's efforts to continue its important work for years to come. Mr. Cunningham said he will help the Foundation to focus efforts on increasing it's annual fund, establishing individual endowments and instituting a planned giving program. Those attending the meeting showed their strong support for the Foundation by pledging a total of $8,490 during the meeting. Among the donations were several that purchased leaves on the WPA's "Tree of Knowledge." The funds raised during the meeting were part of the $19,578 raised from all the activities held during the tournament weekend. In other business, the Foundation elected 13 members of the WPA to serve on the Foundation's board of directors. Those members elected by unanimous vote were: Steve Charles, Michele Daley-LaFlame, Thomas F. House, Gregory G. Nagy, Katherine E. Novak, Frank J. Radvany, Catharine Ryan, Cassie Schmidt, Mark Schmidt, Richard J. Toth, Carol Truesdell, Erin Ward and Becky Williams. In addition to the 13 elected members, the Scholarship Foundation board of directors consists of the members of the WPA Board of Directors and the WPA National Officers. 2 William Penn Life, August 2009
