OPENING PLENARY SCRIPT - American Fraternal Alliance

As of this report there are approximately 329 full program guests, 2 single-day guests, 49 spouses, and
7 non-members registered. This brings the total number of members and guests who have registered
for the 124 th Annual Meeting to 346, of whom 68 are first-time attendees.
This concludes the preliminary report of the Credentials Committee, which consists of: Janet Goulart,
Chair (Gleaner Life Insurance Society), Marty Mabe, (Catholic Life Insurance); John Dias (Luso-
American Life Insurance Society) and Steven Reindl (National Mutual Benefit).
CHAIR RASMUSSEN: Thank you, Janet. The Credentials Committee will hold an open meeting at
4:45 p.m., this evening, in the DuPage Room, 3rd Floor.
I declare a quorum present and the annual meeting in session.
The Proceedings of the 123 rd Annual Meeting of the National Fraternal Congress of America were
posted last month on the NFCA Web site for a customary 30-day review period. Member society and
state fraternal congress leaders also were given the opportunity to obtain a hard copy of the
proceedings from the NFCA Headquarters.
Since the NFCA has not been advised of any changes, a motion is in order that the reading of the 2009
Annual Meeting Minutes be dispensed with and that the minutes be adopted as written.
Does anyone so move? Thank you, John.
Do I have a second? Could you state your name, please? Thank you.
The motion has been made and seconded to adopt the 2009 Annual Meeting Proceedings as prepared.
Is there any discussion?
Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying “aye.” Those opposed, “no.” The motion is carried.
I now call upon Jim Stoker, NFCA Secretary-Treasurer, for his report to the membership.
MR. JIM STOKER, GBU FINANCIAL LIFE: Thank you. Madam Chair. We’re in the process of also
changing our name. Terry indicated that we’re going to be known as GBU Financial Life. Like the
photograph GBU is changing, my look has changed in the past five years, hopefully for the better.
Welcome to Chicago. Today Chicago is known as the Windy City or the city of politicians. Yesterday,
we had the second most important politician from Chicago give us fraternal greetings. One of his items
he stated was go out and enjoy the scenery of Chicago. I am in total agreement. Everyone should take
a walk down Michigan Avenue.
In the NFCA Constitution, the secretary-treasurer shall establish proper accounting procedure for the
NFCA funds and shall report on the financial condition of the NFCA to the Board of Directors and to the
membership. On a monthly basis the NFCA financial statements are reviewed to ensure that the NFCA
is operating efficiently and in a professional manner. Futhermore, the secretary-treasurer chairs the
Finance Committee which is responsible for recommending the annual dues to the board of directors as
well as overseeing the NFCA staff development of the operating budget. Lastly the Finance Committee
establishes investment guidelines for the NFCA operating funds and long-term investment funds. Since
a large portion of the work is completed by others on the Finance Committee, I would like to recognize
the following individuals for their services: Stuart Buchanan, Catholic Order of Foresters; Emilio Moure,
Knights of Columbus; Christopher Pinkerton, The Independent Order of Foresters, US Division. I would
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