49^th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE

 

FIRST CATHOLIC SLOVAK UNION OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

 

THE RENAISSANCE HOTEL

24 PUBLIC SQUARE

 CLEVELAND, OHIO, 44113

PHONE: 216-696-5600; FAX: 216-696-0432

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2010 through WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

By direction of the Executive Committee and with the approval of the Board of Directors of the First Catholic Slovak Union of the United States and Canada, the 49^th International Convention of the First Catholic Slovak Union will be held at

THE RENAISSANCE HOTEL, 24 PUBLIC SQUARE, CLEVELAND, OHIO, 44113.

All National Officers, Regional Directors, District Officers, Branch Officers, and Members of the First Catholic Slovak Union are notified herewith that the Convention dates are: Saturday, August 14, 2010 – Wednesday, August 18, 2010 so they may schedule their 2010 calendars accordingly.

All Officers and Members are directed to review Section 11.03 through Section 11.08 of our By-Laws to determine delegate eligibility and duties and Section 11.09 through 11.12 for the Convention business.  Election of delegates to our 49^thInternational Convention must be completed by May 17, 2010, ninety (90) days prior to the opening of the Convention (see Section 11.03c).  However, to assure guaranteed hotel registration and room assignments, it is requested that all delegates to the 49^th International Convention be elected as early as the annual meetings of the districts and branches in December 2009, or by January 31, 2010 at the latest.   The final delegate count shall be based on members as of February 1, 2010 (see Section 11.04c).  Appointments to the various convention committees will begin as soon as delegate credentials are received and certified at our Home Office at 6611 Rockside Road, Suite 300, Independence, Ohio 44131.

The National Officers and Board of Directors of the First Catholic Slovak Union are looking forward to a cost effective and productive 49^th International Convention.  All potential delegates to this 49^th International Convention are requested to study our existing By-Laws, ask questions of the National Officers and Members of the Board of Directors, and review the programs and financial statements (see our website (www.fcsu.com) for the Financial Statements for 2006, 2007 & 2008).  Proposed By-Law change forms will be sent out to the Branches and Districts in September 2009 and are due back by January 31, 2010.

                 

Andrew M. Rajec, National President                  

Kenneth A. Arendt, National Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

FROM THE DESK OF THE NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

First Catholic Slovak Union

“Presidential Campaign”

Insurance Incentives

 

For the 2010 convention we will have a year long presidential campaign.  It will run from

August 1, 2009 to the presidential banquet in August 2010.

 

Special Convention Prizes

Drawings of $4,450.00 Cash

 

For every two (2) new insurance policies signed, the proposer will receive a certificate which would state that he/she has signed two (2) new insurance policies and the duplicate of this certificate will be held at the Home Office for a drawing at the completion of the Presidential Campaign.  The drawing for $4,450.00 in cash prizes will be held during the convention.  Prize money will be paid when the insurance premium is paid.  Five prizes will be awarded.  First prize will be $1,500.00 – Second prize will be $1,200.00 – Third prize will be $1,000.00 – Fourth prize will be $500.00 and Fifth prize will be $250.00.

 

Each proposer can sign as many members as possible, but will receive one (1) certificate for each two (2) new insurance policies signed.  Example:  Two (2) insurance policies, one (1) certificate.  Four (4) insurance policies, two (2) certificates.

 

Term as well as reserve policies are eligible for these grand prizes. 

 

Our insurance products are very competitive.  Let’s get everybody involved in sales during this “Presidential Campaign”.  Your Executive Committee, Board of Directors and the Membership and Marketing Committee wishes you the best of luck in your endeavor to secure new membership.

 

First Catholic Slovak Union

“Presidential Campaign”

Annuity Incentives

 

For the 2010 convention, we will also have the same prizes for annuity procurements as we are having for new membership.

 

Special Convention Prizes

Drawings of $4,450.00 Cash

 

For every $10,000.00 in Annuity/IRA’s brought in during the period August 1, 2009 to the August 2010 convention, the recommender will receive a certificate which will state that he/she brought in $10,000.00.  The duplicate of this certificate will be held at the Home Office for a drawing at the completion of the presidential campaign.  The drawing for the $4,450.00 in cash prizes will be held during the convention.  Five prizes will be awarded.  First prize will be $1,500.00 – Second prize will be $1,200.00 – Third prize will be $1,000.00 – Fourth prize will be $500.00 and Fifth prize will be $250.00.

 

Each annuity proposer can bring in as much money as possible, but will receive one (1) certificate for each $10,000.00 in Annuity/IRA’s.  Example: Bring in $10,000.00 one (1) certificate, bring in $20,000.00 two (2) certificates, and bring in $30,000.00 three (3) certificates.

 

So take this opportunity to earn some great prizes and get people to invest in our Annuity/IRA’s.  Remember… our high paying Annuity/IRA rates are second to none. 

 

Good Luck and God Bless!

 

Andrew R. Harcar, Sr.

Membership and Marketing Chairman

 

 

 

 

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 economic turmoil and 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 120 years.

·         How many businesses can make that boast?

 

2.                  Our assets now exceed $234,794,000.

·         In just the last 5 years, assets have increased 20.1%.  In 2005 assets totaled $195,540,901.

 

3.                  Our financial position as of December 31, 2009 is as follows:

·         Bonds constitute 83.0% of the Society’s assets, and have an average maturity of 13 years.  The Society enjoys excellent bond quality, with 89.7% of the bonds in the two highest NAIC rating classes.  Preferred Stock now makes up 2.9% of invested assets and Common Stock 1.4% in an effort to diversify the portfolio and increase investment return.  Other assets consist of cash (1.9%); mortgages (0.9%); real estate (1.1%); and all others (8.8%).  The Society’s net investment rate of return was 7.13%, which mirrors the five-year average of 6.47%.

 

4.                  Surplus funds and other non-liability reserves total over $17,082,472, an increase of 36% over 2008.   

·         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 State insurance department.

 

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