National Catholic Forester

National Catholic Forester 4 During April, our members are voting for the NCSF Board – important decision-makers for the Society. These newly elected Board members will come from their own distinct backgrounds and will bring their business knowledge and their volunteering experience. They will bring their own unique talents and abilities, but will also have an opportunity each year to learn even more as they participate in a symposium sponsored by the American Fraternal Alliance. The symposium provides continued training in areas specific to the fraternal life insurance industry and is one way that your new Board will be well-prepared to serve the Society and our members. The 2018 AFA symposium is an example of the kind of additional training available to our next Board. It is a resource for CEOs from companies throughout the fraternal insurance industry and will also be attended by at least a few current Board members. It provides a time for learning, networking, honing skills, and sharing ideas as we all work together to renew and strengthen NCSF. Typical topics of emphasis during workshops include: Business Operations/Compliance: focusing on assessing Americans' financial and retirement security; providing updates regarding the National Association of Insurance Commissioners requirements; complying with the coming cybersecurity regulation; and succession planning for staff and leadership. Community Engagement and Communications: measures member engagement; activities for "Boomers", "Gen Xers", and "Millennials"; and trends in social media. Community engagement also involves focusing on member benefits, and on modernizing and adding education to conventions. Investment: includes topics like responsible investing, fixed income portfolio management, and rethinking portfolio management based on new regulations. Actuaries: includes insurance product research and actuarial trends, as well as other topics related to our financial products and the underwriting that is an important aspect of the life insurance industry. With these opportunities for continuing education, members can be assured that our Society's leaders will enhance the skills they already possess and will fine-tune their understanding of our specific NCSF endeavors. MARGARET "PEGGY" SCHMITT BOARD CHAIR Message from the Board Chair Dear Members of the National Catholic Society of Foresters, Member Assembly 2018 Thursday through Saturday: July 26, 27, 28 Eaglewood Resort and Spa – Itasca, Illinois QUESTIONS? Call the Outreach and Engagement Department (800) 344-6273 WELCOME

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