Fraternity-Testvériség, 1980 (58. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

1980-04-01 / 2. szám

REPORT

of the

SECRETARY for the year of 1979

Mr. President and Members of the Board of Directors:

We have now completed another year in the life of our Federation and preparations are underway for the 1980 quadrennial Convention.

The economy of our country has been somewhat unstable during the past year. Our ever increasing inflation, coupled with the unemployment has certainly effected us. Many of our members in the blue collar work force can attest to this and they have been forced to either surrender, reduce or not take out any additional life insurance coverage. The economy is of the utmost importance to our leaders, especially in this election year.

The complete reports for the year of 1979 in reference to our Field Force were mailed to you each month. All other matters pertaining to the various duties of this office will be reported herewith.

As each year is closed and our sights are set for the future, it is time to pause and reflect upon our past accomplishments or shortcomings.

It is always easy to second guess anyone that is in a decision making position of authority. But ours is not to second guess anyone — it is to see what is best for the Federation and how can we all help in achieving success. This attitude must start at the top with the National Officers and filter down through the Board, Field, Branch Managers, Agents, Delegates and Membership. There must be a way found to spark our pride and make a complete about face.

During the past year we have been beset with many problems, the main one being that of not writing enough business, to keep up with our inflationary spiral.

This means that new and better methods must be found to get the production from the Field — the Lifeline of our organization. Our Area, District and Section Managers are constantly being urged to replace the “Deadwood” Branch Managers. Training must and will be given to those that show interest. One problem is that of replacing some of the “Old” Branch Managers that have either tired or just lost interest.

Now the big question is how can this be done? Every avenue to solve this situation must be explored.

I am again making an appeal to each of you Directors, to help and assist me in getting additional people in your respective areas. You know these people better than anyone else. All I ask is to have the opportunity of interviewing them and attempt to get them to represent our Federation in a particular area. The more people we have knocking on doors and promoting the Federation, the better it will be for all of us.

One idea that must be given serious consideration is that of employing a full time professional Director of Sales

that is knowledgeable in every phase of the life insurance business. His prime purpose would be in working with the Field and making changes necessary to increase the production in all areas. This has been talked about for many years and it is now time to act accordingly. This Director of Sales would be responsible for the entire production of the Field. The details of the position should be worked out by the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. In view of a three Officer setup, this position becomes all important.

The second idea that must now be considered is that of automation. This has also been discussed at length during various meetings and Conventions. The time has now come when we cannot only talk about it, but take proper action to implement the program and suggest it to the Convention. Until this is done, it will delay any new compensation schedules for the Field. Further, with the continued price increases in gasoline and postage, the installation of a computer operation must have the highest priority. In view of the possible implementation of automation, we must also set minimums for modes of payment to assist the Branch Managers in their collections. The low premium monthly payments must be changed to quarterly, semi-annual or annual payments. This would depend on the minimums set.

These problems confronting us must be dealt with for the good of the Federation to insure our future. Even though we may be a “Johnny Come Lately” in these matters, there is still time to find the right solution.

For the year of 1979 our production was lower than we anticipated. This in part can be attributed to the economic conditions and the prospects plans to do without proper insurance protection and stretch their dollar for other basic

needs.

This economic condition has plagued us not only with the losses mentioned above, but also the cost of our operations was increased. This same problem is also prevelant with many of the other Fraternal Societies. We must find ways of halting this decline and any suggestions that can be offered will be investigated. In each area, our Field Force members are requested to contact the members of the Board of Directors. This problem concerns us all collectively and individually. Even though we are proud of our past, the only place we are going to live is in the future.

This year of 1979 saw changes in the personnel of my Department. My Secretary, Maria Szabolcsy resigned in April and was replaced by Martha Major.

During the year we attended various Church anniversaries, installations, Fraternal Congresses, Youth Camps and the William Penn Convention. I was also layman day speaker at the Hungarian United Presbyterian Church in Youngstown, Ohio where Rev. Sándor Farkas is Pastor. This was on Sunday morning, October 14th after which I attended the installation service of Rev. Stephen Nagy in Columbus, Ohio.

We are all involved in looking for a new building and as properties become known to us, they are immediately checked. All of these additional tasks take time and the details will be reported by the President.

FIELD FORCE

As previously mentioned, this is an area that must be strengthened. All Districts are in need of additional representatives. Promotional letters and monthly reports were sent to all Field Force members. All Directors were kept informed and their help in this matter was always sought. I have already mentioned a professional Director of Sales

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