Bethlen Almanac 1997 (Ligonier)

The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America

On the Ethnic Affinity Survey of the HRFA

Like many fratemals, the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America is re-evaluating the importance of the bonds that traditionally tied membership to the organization. As a successful marketer of life insurance, the HRFA is faced with an ethnic affinity that is not as strong as it once was. To remain successful, we must develop strategies to encourage membership and build an identity linked to the past yet reflective of current realities. To help in this effort, the assistance of LIMRA International was sought to gather information directly from members. Working with the HRFA, LIMRA designed the survey methodology and developed an implementation plan in which both organizations participated. In late January and early February 1997, an 8-page questionnaire was sent to 2,180 HRFA members and 3,992 non-members. In total, responses were received from 10 percent of the mailing, 18 percent among the member group and 6 percent among non-members.

The survey questionnaire covered many different topics related to membership, awareness of an interest in fraternal benefits, service satisfaction, financial product ownership and intentions to purchase, and the general issue of the importance of ethnicity in financial decision making.

Members of the Strategic Planning Committee at LIMRA Workshop held August 8-10, 1997 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Standing l. to r: President George Dózsa, Directors Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Dr. Richard W. Aros, Al St. Miklosy, Secretary Endre Csornán, Gordon A. Kratz, LIMRA International. Sitting l. to r. : Treasurer Suzanne S. Virgulák, Director Clara V. Csikesz.

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