Regional Picnic Reimbursement Guidelines

1. Districts hosting regional picnics are entitled to a $5 reimbursement per member who participated.
2. In order to be eligible for this reimbursement, the region must:
   1. Submit an advertisement to the Jednota newspaper and to the Home Office for inclusion on the F.C.S.U. website. The picnic must be advertised at least twice in the Jednota newspaper.
   2. Submit pictures from the event to the Jednota newspaper and to the Home Office for publication on the F.C.S.U. website.
   3. Submit a list of members who participated and their branch numbers to the National Activities Director. A financial report for the event must also be submitted to the National Activities Director.
3. In order to receive this reimbursement, a minimum of 50% of those in attendance must be members in good standing of the F.C.S.U.
4. Reimbursement will be sent to the district hosting the picnic. No checks will be mailed to individuals. Only one district per region will receive reimbursement per year. In cases where more than one district per region would like to host a picnic, Regional Directors will resolve the conflict.

		A SAILING WE WILL GO TO NASSAU IN THE BAHAMAS!
	Come on board with the First Catholic Slovak Union for a four (4) night Bahamas Cruise. The Membership and Marketing committee is sponsoring their 2008 membership meet from November 17 - 21 aboard the Majesty of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas is one of the most popular cruise ships in the world. Our itinerary from Miami, Florida, includes Key West, Florida and CocoCay, Nassau, Bahamas.
	The cost for an inside stateroom which includes the cruise, port and government taxes, all pre-paid gratuities and transfer from the airport to the cruise ship and back is $456.00. The cost for an outside stateroom is $496.00. (Optional insurance and airfare package is available through Paul J. Hudak of Adventure International Travel, Inc. at 216-228-7171 or 1-800-542-2487).  A valid U.S. passport will be required.
	The First Catholic Slovak Union is not responsible for your travel arrangements to and from Miami, Florida. Please contact Adventure International Travel, Inc. or your own travel agency.
	The trip is open to all members of the First Catholic Slovak Union and their guests. More information will be published in our next Jednota issue.
	If you have any further questions – please contact the home office and ask for Karen at 1-800-533-6682.
	Click here to view our Cruise Brochure Cruise Brochure.pdf
	Until we meet at the Meet! Andrew R. Harcar, Sr. Chairman, Membership and Marketing Committee

OHIO FRATERNAL CONGRESS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

HOW SOUND IS THE FCSU?

From time to time, we receive inquiries as to the strength of our Jednota and how financially sound we are.  This is understandable,
especially in view of the recent financial troubles of some larger corporations.  Following are some facts regarding our organization.

1.                  The Society was incorporated in 1890!

·         That means we have been in continuing successful operation for over 117 years.

·         How many businesses can make that boast?

2.                  Our assets now exceed $203,600,000.

·         In just the last 5 years, assets have increased almost 17.4%.      (2003-$173,449,883)

3.                  Our financial position as of December 31, 2007 is as follows:

·         Bonds constitute 86.2% of the Society’s assets, and have an average maturity of 12 years.  The Society
enjoys excellent bond quality, with 88.9% of the bonds in the two highest NAIC rating classes.  Preferred
Stock now makes up 5.5% of invested assets and Common Stock 0.5% in an effort to diversify the
portfolio and increase investment return.  Other assets consist of mortgages (1.1%); real estate (1.4%);
and all others (5.3%).  The Society’s net investment rate of return was 6.4%, which mirrors the five-year
average of 6.4%.

4.                  Surplus funds and other non-liability reserves total over $19,276,000.

·         These funds are available in case of market downturn, or an unforeseen emergency.

5.                  The Society is regulated by the insurance department of the state of Ohio, as well, as the insurance
departments in each state it is licensed.

·         The Insurance departments conduct regular examinations on a periodic basis and a regular examination
was completed during 2005.  No major problems were noted.

6.                  The Society is a member of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA).  The NFCA was founded
in 1886 and is the recognized leader of the Fraternal Benefit System.  Its member organizations work together
to meet the challenges of a changing world.  Member organizations must meet the NFCA’s established
Membership Standard and agree to follow the business principles and ethics as prescribed by the Congress.

7.                  The Organization files financial statements on a quarterly and annual basis using the prescribed industry forms and format.

·         The financial statements are filed and reviewed by each state in which the Society is licensed.

·         The Society has regular audits by its internal auditors.

·         The Society’s external auditors annually audit the financial operations of the Society and submit the required
certified report to the insurance department.

We point with pride to our long, sound service to our members and the public sector.