Convention Protocol - Greek Catholic Union

Transcription

42nd National Convention
Greek Catholic Union
OF THE U.S.A.
Tropicana Resort
Atlantic City, New Jersey
June 28-29, 2016
PROTOCOL
Minutes for Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Convention Secretary’s Note: The printed minutes of the 2016 Convention present all matters
of significance and importance. The minutes summarize the essence of the discussions and list
all action taken. All proceedings were recorded and the tapes will be on file at the GCU Home
Office. Exhibits are available upon request.
For convenience purposes the following usages will be followed throughout these minutes:
GCU = Greek Catholic Union of the USA
D = District
L = Lodge
GHRL = Greater Hazleton Regional Lodge
Greek Catholic Union of the USA
Atlantic City, New Jersey – Tropicana Hotel
Opening Session: Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Convention Director Basil Wahal introduced the officers and honored guests as they
ceremoniously entered the Ballroom.
Bishop John Pazak offered the invocation.
Convention Director Basil Wahal announced Standard Bearers – 514th Air Mobility Wing, United States
Air Force and Sergeants-at-Arms Kelli Krown, L271 and Timothy Seech, L10 presented the US flag.
Convention Director Basil Wahal introduced Kelli Krown, L271, who led the delegation in the
Pledge of Allegiance, and Honorary Officer Patricia Dietz, who led the delegation in the singing
of “God Bless America” and the traditional anthem, “Ja Rusyn Byl”.
Board Chairperson Gregory Vladika called the 42nd National Convention to order and presented
the welcome address at 9:13 a.m.
National Spiritual Advisor Very Reverend Richard I. Lambert led the Memorial Tribute.
Deceased National Officer
Steve “Duke” Bednar, Auditor + July 9, 2015
Board Chairperson Vladika announced Theodore M. Trbovich, General Counsel, as the
Convention Chairperson, John Urban, National Director as Convention Vice Chairperson and
Barbara Kushner, National Director as Convention Secretary as per Par. 83 of the Constitution
and Bylaws, and called for a motion recommending remuneration for the following:
Convention Chairperson
Convention Vice Chairperson
Convention Secretary
Minute Keepers
$500.00
$250.00
$400.00
$300.00
Motion made by Catherine Cherevka, Honorary Officer, seconded by Michael Mokay, L17. Motion
carried.
Chairperson Trbovich thanked the Directors, and delegates and announced the Floor
Committee. He then reviewed general operational procedures for delegates, presented a “back
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in time” reflection, and announced that any new resolutions must be submitted to the
Resolutions Committee.
Chairperson Trbovich then introduced Harry S. Rosenthal, PRP, as the professional
Parliamentarian from Philadelphia.
Chairperson Trbovich appointed the following as minute keepers.
Connie Strittmatter, L93
Christine Seech-Sack, L83
Janet L. Meyers, GCU Home Office
Linda Colbert, GCU Home Office
Chairperson Trbovich appointed the following committees:
Floor Committee (10)
Greg Barkowski, L92
Michael Geles Jr., L665
Kenneth Krown, L271
Thomas Oslick, L255
Clay Cato, L255
John J. Katana, Chairperson, L93
John P. Harbist, L10
Marcia Harrer, L81
Michael Mokay, L17
Laura Seech, L10
Legal Committee (4)
Theodore M. Trbovich, Chairperson, General Counsel
Attorney John G. Duch, D7
Attorney John Urban, Board of Directors
Michael Pillar, L52
Appeals and Grievances Committee (5)
Cecelia A, Roman, Chairperson, L94
Kimberly Kolesar, L28
Barbara Krupovich, L211
Stephen Petruska Jr., L81
Michael Spanik, L994
Resolutions Committee (5)
Rev. James A. Ragan, Chairperson, L816
Joanne Mozuras, L860
Karen Pavlick, L28
George Nagrant, D11
Judith A. Gula, L255
Ballot Committee (10)
Jack Mendenhall, Chairperson, L10
Edward Berezny, L225
Alice Keil, L17
William Dzuricsko, L258
Robert Kulasa, L860
Colleen Evans, D5
Gary Mozuras, D11
Andrea Harhai, L2
Agnes Rohrbach, L600
Sharon Horvath, L600
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Minute Approval Committee (10)
Theodore Trbovich, Convention Chairperson
Barbara Kushner, Convention Secretary
Catherine Cherevka, Hon Officer
John L. Minarish, L250
Elizabeth Harbist, D15
Linda Oslick, L255
Kathleen Meddaugh, L316
George Seech, L10
Thomas Petty, L15
Robert Suflita, L47
Chairperson Trbovich introduced Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest John S. Kachuba, L336 to give the
report of the Credentials Committee.
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest Kachuba, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, presented his
report. (Exhibit Tue-1)
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest Kachuba provided a statistical make-up of the delegation. He recognized
Kelli Krown, L271 as the youngest delegate and Margaret Fuscsick, L600 as the oldest.
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest Kachuba provided details on alternates who were not originally
approved by the Credentials Committee. Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest Kachuba reported that
the current delegate count is 253.
The registered number of delegates to the 42nd National Convention as of this morning is as
follows:
216 Delegates from Lodges
12 Delegates from Districts
18 GCU Officers
4 Honorary Officers
3 Spiritual Protectors of the Union – The Bishops of the Metropolitan Byzantine
Catholic Ruthenian Province in America
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest Kachuba made a motion to seat the delegation. Motion was
seconded by Anita Cipa, L250. Motion carried.
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest Kachuba made a motion to seat 5 delegates from Lodge 15 and 2
from Lodge 697. Seconded by John Duch, D7. Motion carried.
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest Kachuba made a motion that 1 delegate from Lodge 302 be seated,
seconded by John Duch, D7. Motion carried.
Chairperson Trbovich stated we would use the sign-in sheet in lieu of roll call. Chairperson
Trbovich requested a motion to accept the report of the Credentials Committee. Motion made
by Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest John Kachuba and seconded by Kimberly Kolesar, L28. Motion
carried.
Chairperson Trbovich introduced the Credentials Committee which consists of Chairperson Rt.
Rev. Mitered Archpriest John S. Kachuba, L336, Kathy Kapaldo, L10, John Niskach, L255, Dr.
Thomas Sopkovich, L164 and Janet Uram, L109.
Vice Chairperson of the Board George Kofel introduced the Honorary Officers as follows:
Catherine (Kitty) Cherevka, Supreme Tribunal
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Patricia Dietz, Board of Directors
Joseph Olack, Auditor
Theodore M. Trbovich, General Counsel
Vice Chairperson of the Board Kofel also introduced Judith Gula, Past Executive Vice
President/COO.
Chairperson Trbovich called on Nominations Committee Chairperson John Urban. Chairperson
Urban stated that Par. 68 of the Constitution and Bylaws establishes a Nominations Committee
consisting of five members.
The Committee members include:
John Urban, Chairperson, National Director
Martha Seech, National Director
George Kofel, National Director
Joan Bodnar, L2
Bill Uram, L109
Nominations Committee Chairperson Urban reported that the Committee met on April 30,
2016 at the GCU Home Office. The committee reviewed and verified the Declaration of
Candidacy for each candidate. The committee reviewed forms submitted. All candidates met
the criteria according to Par. 111 of the Constitution and Bylaws.
Convention Chairperson Trbovich referenced Roberts Rules of Order and stated the following
reports are informational only and no motions are required.
Chairperson Trbovich continued with the regular order of business and requested the report of
President/CEO George N. Juba. (Exhibit Tue-2)
After the conclusion of President Juba’s report, he addressed questions from the floor.
President Juba addressed questions and comments from Judy Gula, L255, Theresa Swindler,
L252, Andrea Harhai, L2 and Daria Shierly, L47.
President Juba introduced Joe Annotti, President/CEO of the American Fraternal Alliance.
Mr. Annotti gave an overview of the importance of governance and relevance within the
fraternal system. He complimented the GCU on financial achievements and governance.
Chairperson Trbovich thanked Mr. Annotti and declared a 10 minute recess at 11:20 a.m.
Meeting reconvened at 11:40 a.m. President Juba introduced Robert Bruce, Actuary from
Bruce and Bruce Company, Consulting Actuaries. Mr. Bruce stated that GCU equaled or
outperformed 11 giant fraternals in asset growth, and we should be proud of that achievement.
He attributed financial success to leadership.
Chairperson Trbovich thanked Mr. Bruce for his report. Meeting recessed for lunch at 12:30
p.m. to reconvene at 2:00 p.m.
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The session reconvened at 2:25 p.m. President Juba introduced Pete Popivchak, Partner and
Vice President-Sales and Marketing of Wall-to-Wall Studios for a “Branding 101 Review”. Mr.
Popivchak touched on the purpose, process and payoffs of branding for the GCU.
Board Chairperson Greg Vladika introduced Executive Vice President/COO Deborah Tatro for
her Operations Report. (Exhibit Tue-3)
Convention Chairperson Trbovich introduced Controller Brian Sprinker for the Financial Report.
(Exhibit Tue-4)
Chairperson Trbovich introduced Melanie Niskach-Basl, Supreme Tribunal Chairperson who
stated there were no issues since the last convention.
Chairperson Trbovich called on President Juba who introduced Bob Devitz, President/CEO of
Legendary Marketing. Mr. Devitz then presented his membership and operations review of
Seven Oaks Country Club, specifically for the last five years.
Chairperson Trbovich thanked Mr. Devitz for his report and announced the conclusion of the
informational reports for the convention. All of these reports will be received into the minutes
and made a part of the Convention protocol.
Chairperson Trbovich turned the chair over to John Urban, Co-Chairperson of the Board
Resolutions Committee, who then provided an overview of instructions and procedures for
resolutions.
Resolution 1 submitted by the Board of Directors. John Duch, D7 moved for adoption, seconded
by Kathy Kapaldo, L10. Motion carried.
Paul Cefrick, L258 questioned the amount, and President Juba verified the amount as $110,000.
Peter Baranko, L66 asked if the funds could be used to assist the Deacons. President Juba
stated the funds are undesignated.
Resolution 2 submitted by the Board of Directors. Greg Barkowski, L92 moved for adoption,
seconded by Sharon Dorencz, L271. Motion carried.
Resolution 3 submitted by the Board of Directors. Andrea Harhai, L2, moved for adoption,
seconded by Deborah McDonnel, L7. Motion carried.
Nominations Committee Chairperson John Urban announced candidates who have been
approved and declared their intent:
Supreme Tribunal
Gregory M. Barkowski
Very Rev. Archpriest Dennis M. Bogda
Rev Frank A. Firko
John J. Gula
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest John S. Kachuba
Kathy Olack Kapaldo
Kimberly A. Kolesar
John Morenko
Margaret Pajer Russell
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Julia A. Weitzel
Board of Directors
Mary K. Bannworth
John Gregory Duch
Dorothy Ann Foran
Lisa Gulibon
Michael W. Karaffa
George Kofel
Barbara J. Kushner
Georgia J. Lehman
Melanie Niskach-Basl
David A. Oleksa
John W. Oslick
John J. Urban
Gregory N. Vladika
National Spiritual Advisor
Very Rev. Richard I. Lambert
Since there were no other candidates for the Office of National Spiritual Advisor, the
Chairperson asked for a motion for the suspension of rules. Motion made by Patricia Bovee,
L 2, seconded by Catherine Cherevka, Honorary Officer, and passed.
A motion was made by John Duch, D7 for a unanimous ballot, and seconded by Karen Pavlick,
L28. Motion carried. Very Rev. Richard I. Lambert was declared as National Spiritual Advisor.
Nominating Committee Chairperson John Urban introduced Marketing Director George Lopata
who made announcements and gave instructions regarding the election process and Meet the
Candidates Forum at 5:00 p.m.
Convention Director Basil Wahal made announcements regarding photographs.
The session ended at 4:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
-s- Barbara J. Kushner, Convention Secretary
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Exhibit Tue-1
Report of the Chairman of the Credentials Committee
to the GCU 42nd National Convention
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Mr. Chairman, Most Reverend Spiritual Protectors of the Greek Catholic Union, and fellow
delegates to the 42nd National Convention of the GCU.
The Credential Committee is comprised of: Kathy Kapaldo, Lodge 10; John Niskach, Lodge
255; Dr. Tom Sopkovich, Lodge 164; Janet Uram, Lodge 109, and myself, Archpriest John
Kachuba Lodge 336, as chairman.
I am honored to attend my seventh GCU Convention, and even more honored to chair the
Credentials Committee for the fourth time. A review of the delegation reveals the following: our
delegation is comprised of 58% female and 42% male delegates. Our youngest delegate is Kelli
Krown of Lodge 271, in Orland Park, Illinois. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we are
pleased to welcome, Margaret Fuscsick of Greater Hazleton Regional Lodge. Will Kelli and
Margaret please rise to be recognized.
I can inform you that among the delegation gathered today, we find the following representation:
6 delegates, under age 30
6 delegates, age 31-40
27 delegates, age 81 and above
This Committee met at the Home Office on April 7, 2016 to review, within the scope of their
responsibility as outlined in Paragraphs 57 through 68 of the Constitution and By-Laws, the
credentials and other documents submitted. The approved results of this review were published
in the June 2016 GCU Magazine and were also listed on the GCU web site. Approved were:
28
12
239
GCU National Officers, Honorary Officers, and Spiritual Protectors
Delegates from GCU Districts
Delegates from GCU Lodges.
Two (2) names submitted for consideration were determined ineligible to serve as Delegates
under the terms of the Constitution and By-Laws. Two (2) Alternates were approved as
Delegates in their place.
Since our meeting of April 7, 2016, the following Alternates were conditionally approved to
replace the originally elected Delegates:
District 5
Lodge 17
Lodge 302
Lodge 302
GHRL
Lodge 321
GHRL
Lodge 53
Spr. Protect
GHRL
District 5
Lodge 17
Lodge 860
Lodge 62
Lodge 336
Lodge 254
Lodge 15
Lodge 351
Lodge 81
Colleen Evans - alternate for Edward Keil
Edward Keil - alternate for Joseph Sopp
*Guy Liggett – alternate for Shirley LaFleur
John Carrig – alternate for Donald LaFleur
Mary Letchko - alternate for Judith Betterly
Zoltan Kristoff - alternate for John Siko
Marisue Rayno – alternate for E. Kathleen Moro
Dorothy D’Arco – alternate for Walter Dorzinsky
Bishop John Pazak – alternate for Bishop Gerald Dino
Barbara Kubishin – alternate for Claire Lorince
Marlene Williams – alternate for Alice Keil
Alice Keil – alternate for Janice Dragan
Valerie Vancil – alternate for Robert Stefano
Marcella Petroff – alternate for Helen Meko
Joseph Comai – alternate for Irene Chinchar
Victor Bukovecky – alternate for Rev. Edward Cimbala
Anna Jane Petty – alternate for Marcelline Embley
Theresa Frederick – alternate for John Kowalski
Richard Harrer – alternate for James Mihalco
Another Credentials Committee meeting was held on Monday, June 27, 2016 in Atlantic City,
New Jersey for the purpose of updating and reviewing the additional letters and documents
received subsequent to the April meeting.
We regret that the following pre-approved delegates are unable to be with us at this Convention:
Lodge 644 Joanne Angeletti
Lodge 302 Mary Jane Shaver
Lodge 994 Georgia Zeedick
Lodge 994 Andrew Zeedick
Lodge 302 John Carrig
Lodge 302 Jeffrey Richey
Honorary Officer Helen Yurko
Lodge 252 Vilma Delco
Lodge 53 Andrew Kopcho Jr.
Lodge 53 Dorothy D’Arco
Lodge 53 Margaret Dorzinsky
Lodge 994 George W. Batyko
Lodge 994 Mary T. Batyko
Lodge 252 Anthony Swindler
Honorary Officer Michael I. Roman
Lodge 93 Esper Elias
There were two lodges that were late in sending in their credentials to the GCU Home Office.
They had followed all other requirements, but their credentials were not post marked by the April
1 date required. The credentials were received prior to the Credential Committee meeting on
April 7. The delegates from both of those lodges, Lodge 15 in Trenton, NJ Thomas J. Petty,
Gregory Embley, Stephanie A. Hennessey, Joseph D. Bodnar and Anna Jane Petty and Lodge
697 in Weirton, WV Rachel Lahita-Shank and Michelle Lahita are all present here today and
request the indulgence of this Convention.
Mr. Chairman, if it is the pleasure of this delegation, I would ask the Convention to entertain a
motion to seat the delegates from both Lodge 15 and Lodge 697.
Jean Karaffa of Lodge 302 was tentatively approved by the Credential Committee. Lodge 302
allows for several of their officers to be delegates to the convention. Mrs. Karaffa was out of the
country on the date of the meeting and was therefore unable to attend. However, her position as
an officer of the Lodge gives her the opportunity to represent the Lodge as a delegate to the
Convention. Mrs. Karaffa is present here today and requests the indulgence of this Convention.
Mr. Chairman, if it is the pleasure of this delegation, I would ask the Convention to entertain a
motion to seat Mrs. Jean Karaffa of Lodge 302.
As of this report, the registered number of delegates to the 42nd National Convention is as
follows:
216 Delegates from Lodges
12 Delegates from Districts
18 GCU Officers
4 Honorary Officers
3 Spiritual Protectors of the Union
Mr. Chairman, if it is the pleasure of the Convention, I so request that we revert from the regular
order of business of taking the roll call and use the sign in sheet which delegates signed upon
entry into the Convention Hall today.
DELEGATES APPROVED AND REGISTERED BY THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
Metropolitan William Skurla, D.D. ... Pittsburgh, PA
Bishop Kurt Burnette, D.D. ....... Woodland Park, NJ
Bishop John S. Pazak, C.S.s.R. ............. Phoenix, AZ
Very Rev. Richard Lambert ........... Spiritual Advisor
Gregory Vladika................................. Vice President
Roger Embley ............................... National Director
Dorothy Foran ............................... National Director
Lisa Gulibon.................................. National Director
Michael W. Karaffa ...................... National Director
George A. Kofel ............................ National Director
Barbara Jean Kushner ................... National Director
David Alan Oleksa ........................ National Director
John William Oslick ..................... National Director
Martha A. Seech............................ National Director
John J. Urban ................................ National Director
Melanie Niskach-Basl ............. Chairperson-Tribunal
Very Rev. Dennis M. Bogda ........................ Tribunal
Rev. Frank A. Firko ..................................... Tribunal
John Morenko .............................................. Tribunal
Margaret Pajer Russell ................................. Tribunal
Julia A. Weitzel............................................ Tribunal
Catherine T. Cherevka ............................... Honorary
Patricia A. Dietz ......................................... Honorary
Joseph Olack .............................................. Honorary
Theodore M. Trbovich ............................... Honorary
John Duch-Wyckoff, NJ .............................District 7
Colleen Evans-Plymouth, PA .....................District 5
Michael A. Geles, Jr.-Colonia, NJ ..............District 7
Elizabeth Harbist-Moon Township, PA....District 15
John Katana-Northern Cambria, PA ...........District 4
Michael Kofel-Pittsburgh, PA ....................District 1
Paul Lebanik-Beaver, PA..........................District 15
John P. Minarish-Sterling Heights, MI .....District 11
Gary S. Mozuras-Macomb, MI .................District 11
Charles Robinson-Whitaker, PA.................District 1
Marlene Williams-Pittston, PA ...................District 5
Paul Yackulich Jr.-Conemaugh, PA ...........District 4
Marsha Ambrose ...................................... Lodge 644
Stephen J. Bachovin ................................... Lodge 20
Randy Baden ............................................ Lodge 390
Bonnie Balas .............................................. Lodge 81
Mary Bannworth ...................................... Lodge 340
Peter V. Baranko ........................................ Lodge 66
Gregory Barkowski Sr. .............................. Lodge 92
Bernadette Baron ..................................... Lodge 255
Julianna Baumgardner ............................. Lodge 288
Charles Bazaral Jr. ................................... Lodge 254
Helen Bereznak ........................................ Lodge 945
Edward L. Berezny .................................. Lodge 225
Ann Marie Betterly .................................. Lodge 600
Emmet Betterly ........................................ Lodge 600
Veronica M. Bodak .................................... Lodge 66
Joan P Bodnar .............................................. Lodge 2
Joseph D. Bodnar ....................................... Lodge 15
Robert E Bodnar .......................................... Lodge 2
Agnes I Borsh .............................................. Lodge 2
Esther B. Botsko ........................................ Lodge 66
Patricia A Bovee .......................................... Lodge 2
Victor Bukavecky .................................... Lodge 254
Clay Cato ................................................. Lodge 255
Paul Cefrick ............................................. Lodge 258
Elaine M. Chachko................................... Lodge 442
Mathilda Chachko .................................... Lodge 442
Edward Chando Jr. ................................... Lodge 225
Patricia A. Chartier .................................. Lodge 319
Paul Chekan ................................................. Lodge 2
Anita Cipa ................................................ Lodge 250
Mary Lou L. Clark ................................... Lodge 999
Joseph Comai ........................................... Lodge 336
Patricia A. Comai ..................................... Lodge 336
Linda Cwiekalo ........................................ Lodge 340
Dorothy Czudek ........................................... Lodge 2
Diana C. Danko ........................................ Lodge 164
Marilyn Davis .......................................... Lodge 252
Sharon A. Dorencz ................................... Lodge 271
John R Drobne ............................................. Lodge 2
John Dubay .............................................. Lodge 625
Mary E. Dubay ......................................... Lodge 625
Georgene Dubovecky............................... Lodge 625
William G. Dubovecky ............................ Lodge 625
Paul Dunda ............................................... Lodge 945
Irene Durisin ............................................ Lodge 384
Bonnie Durkit........................................... Lodge 999
Steve Durkit ............................................. Lodge 999
William D. Dzuricsko .............................. Lodge 258
Gregory Embley ......................................... Lodge 15
John G. Evans .......................................... Lodge 182
Mary Ann Evans ...................................... Lodge 182
Deacon Lawrence Foran .......................... Lodge 600
Theresa Frederick....................................... Lode 351
Margaret Fuscsick .................................... Lodge 600
Joseph Galgoci ......................................... Lodge 600
Marie Galgoci .......................................... Lodge 600
Mary Jo Galiyas ....................................... Lodge 390
Mitchell E. Galiyas .................................. Lodge 390
Patricia Gallagher..................................... Lodge 600
Carla A. Gasser ........................................ Lodge 268
Edward J. Geles ....................................... Lodge 665
Michael A. Geles ..................................... Lodge 665
John J. Gula.............................................. Lodge 255
Judith A. Gula .......................................... Lodge 255
Francis Harbist ......................................... Lodge 994
John Harbist ............................................... Lodge 10
Marianne Harbist ..................................... Lodge 994
Eugene Harding ......................................... Lodge 69
Nancy Harding ........................................... Lodge 69
Andrea Harhai .............................................. Lodge 2
Marcia L. Harrer ........................................ Lodge 81
Richard D. Harrer Jr ................................... Lodge 81
William M. Hedges .................................. Lodge 665
Stephanie A. Hennessey............................. Lodge 15
Gerald Holderbaum .................................. Lodge 302
Christopher Homer..................................... Lodge 18
John R. Hoppey........................................ Lodge 600
Margaret H. Hoppey ................................ Lodge 600
Sharon Horvath ........................................ Lodge 600
Christine Hulak ........................................ Lodge 151
Susan R. Irving......................................... Lodge 644
Kristine M Janocsko .................................... Lodge 2
Susanne Juba ............................................ Lodge 994
Rev. John S. Kachuba .............................. Lodge 336
Kathryn A. Kapaldo ................................... Lodge 10
Pamela Kapaldo ......................................... Lodge 10
Jean Karaffa ............................................. Lodge 302
Alice R. Keil .............................................. Lodge 17
Edward J. Keil ............................................ Lodge 17
Diane Ketterer ............................................ Lodge 10
Elizabeth A. Kleinert ................................. Lodge 20
Katherine Knick ......................................... Lodge 77
Marta Knight ............................................ Lodge 665
Dorothy Koenig ....................................... Lodge 340
Sharon M. Kofel....................................... Lodge 945
Kimberly A. Kolesar .................................. Lodge 28
Michael Komishock ................................. Lodge 600
Cordelia E. Kondas .................................... Lodge 94
Elaine Koromaus ........................................ Lodge 62
Stephen J. Kowalski ................................. Lodge 351
Alois Kringer ........................................... Lodge 600
Laurene M. Kristof................................... Lodge 321
Zoltan J. Kristof ....................................... Lodge 321
Karen Krown ............................................ Lodge 271
Kelli Krown ............................................. Lodge 271
Ken Krown ............................................... Lodge 271
Krystal Krown .......................................... Lodge 271
Barbara Krupovich ................................... Lodge 211
Barbara Kubishin ..................................... Lodge 600
Robert A. Kulasa ...................................... Lodge 860
Patricia Kutzfara ...................................... Lodge 255
Michelle Lahita ........................................ Lodge 697
Rachel Lahita-Shank ................................ Lodge 697
Georgia J. Lehman ................................... Lodge 625
Mary Letchko ........................................... Lodge 600
Carolyn M. Liggett................................... Lodge 302
Guy F. Liggett .......................................... Lodge 302
Maryalice Lukas....................................... Lodge 384
Sharon MacDonald .................................. Lodge 164
Laverne M. Mackin .................................... Lodge 77
Joan Mahar ............................................... Lodge 999
Michaela Mancak ....................................... Lodge 92
Helen Mandzak ........................................ Lodge 600
Valerie A. Marszalec ............................... Lodge 860
John P. Matus ........................................... Lodge 319
Dorothy Mayernik ...................................... Lodge 52
John A. Mazur.......................................... Lodge 336
Deborah A. McDonnell ................................ Lodge 7
Kathleen Meddaugh ................................. Lodge 316
Jack Mendenhall ........................................ Lodge 10
Veronica Mendenhall ................................. Lodge 10
Beryl Miller .............................................. Lodge 994
Irene Miller .............................................. Lodge 994
John F. Miller Jr. ...................................... Lodge 255
John L. Minarish ...................................... Lodge 250
Alice Mizerak........................................... Lodge 211
Michael P. Mokay ...................................... Lodge 17
George F. Mosko ..................................... Lodge 390
Julia A. Mosko ......................................... Lodge 390
Joanne Mozuras ....................................... Lodge 860
Laura Muhlfeld ........................................ Lodge 151
George S. Nagrant .................................... Lodge 860
Eva Nelson ................................................. Lodge 20
John W. Niskach ...................................... Lodge 255
Patricia Niskach ....................................... Lodge 255
Mary E. Olack ............................................ Lodge 10
Linda K. Oslick ........................................ Lodge 255
Mary Ellen Oslick .................................... Lodge 144
Thomas E. Oslick ..................................... Lodge 255
Emily A. Panchuk .................................... Lodge 151
Rose Marie Pavelko ................................. Lodge 600
Karen M. Pavlick ....................................... Lodge 28
Dorothy A. Peterson................................... Lodge 10
John B. Petrisko ....................................... Lodge 271
Judith Petro ................................................ Lodge 69
Marcella Petroff ......................................... Lodge 62
Stephen Petruska Jr. ................................... Lodge 81
Anna Jane Petty........................................... Lodge15
Thomas J. Petty .......................................... Lodge 15
Michael F. Pillar......................................... Lodge 52
Mary Ann Pinto........................................ Lodge 644
Elizabeth L. Pocchiari .............................. Lodge 109
John Poholsky .......................................... Lodge 250
Fr. James A. Ragan .................................. Lodge 816
Marisue Rayno ......................................... Lodge 600
Diane Richey............................................ Lodge 302
Marianne Roberts ..................................... Lodge 288
Trish Roberts ............................................ Lodge 288
Agnes M. Rohrbach ................................. Lodge 600
David A. Rohrbach .................................. Lodge 600
Cecelia Roman ........................................... Lodge 94
Mary L. Salago......................................... Lodge 288
Elizabeth Salva......................................... Lodge 945
Roxann Savka ............................................ Lodge 94
Tabitha M. Savka ....................................... Lodge 94
Esther Schreck ......................................... Lodge 288
John Schweich ......................................... Lodge 994
George Seech ............................................. Lodge 10
Laura Seech ................................................ Lodge 10
Timothy Seech ........................................... Lodge 10
Christine E. Seech-Sack ............................. Lodge 83
Monica Sertik ........................................... Lodge 109
Daria A. Shierly ......................................... Lodge 47
Carol A. Shimsky ..................................... Lodge 600
Diana Simpson ......................................... Lodge 302
Linda L. Sitko ............................................ Lodge 18
Sandra L. Slavich ..................................... Lodge 625
Dr. Thomas Sopkovich ............................ Lodge 164
Patricia L. Sopkovich ............................... Lodge 164
Michael R. Spanik .................................... Lodge 994
Sarah Spanik ............................................ Lodge 994
Janet Stetzer ............................................. Lodge 109
Connie Strittmatter ..................................... Lodge 93
Pat Strittmatter ........................................... Lodge 93
Lorraine Suche ......................................... Lodge 211
Paul A. Suche ........................................... Lodge 211
Robert J. Suflita ......................................... Lodge 47
Michael A. Suray ..................................... Lodge 255
Theresa Swindler ..................................... Lodge 252
John Tomko ............................................... Lodge 52
Janet D. Uram .......................................... Lodge 109
W. William Uram Jr................................. Lodge 109
Michael G. Valko ......................................... Lodge 7
Valerie A. Vancil ..................................... Lodge 860
Crystal Vladika ........................................ Lodge 211
Barbara M. Wahal .................................... Lodge 255
Scott A. Wajdic ........................................ Lodge 321
Susan Wajdic ........................................... Lodge 321
Joan B. Walker ......................................... Lodge 258
Barbara Warmus ...................................... Lodge 401
Michael Warmus ...................................... Lodge 401
Mary C. Wesheit ...................................... Lodge 999
Anna Wilkins ........................................... Lodge 316
Janet Wojtak............................................. Lodge 999
Elias Zareva ............................................. Lodge 254
Mary Zayac .............................................. Lodge 945
The total number of delegates registered is:
254
It is the recommendation of the Credentials Committee that the full Convention would vote for
the seating of these delegates.
Respectfully Submitted,
Right Rev. Archpriest John S. Kachuba, Chairman, L 336
Kathy Kapaldo, Lodge 10
John Niskach, Lodge 255
Dr. Tom Sopkovich, Lodge 164
Janet Uram, Lodge 109
Exhibit Tue-2
Report of the National President and Chief Executive Officer
Most Reverend Archbishop Skurla, Most Reverend Bishop Burnett, Most Reverend Bishop
Pazak, Most Reverend Bishop Kudrick, – Mr. Bob Bruce, President & Chief Actuary of Bruce
& Bruce Company, Mr. Joe Annotti, President and CEO of the American Fraternal Alliance, Mr.
Bob Devitz President and CEO of Legendary Marketing, Inc., Reverend Clergy, Officers,
Honored Guests, Delegates and Guests.
Glory to Jesus Christ!!
In preparing for my presentation of my report to you as your President and Chief Executive
Officer, I came across this quote – “A goal without a plan is a wish - and wishes make for poor
strategic plans.” This quote is also in line with a business philosophy I learned as a very young
college student at the University of Miami in 1972 that I often share and presented in my 2012
Convention Report that I have held true to – “Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail.” I am not quite sure how
many of the six Greek Catholic priests and representatives from the fourteen lodges present at
Saint Mary’s Greek Catholic Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on February 14, 1892, were
fortunate enough to have a college degree or even a high school diploma for that matter that may
have influenced them. However, they had that same philosophy, having a plan with an ultimate
goal. No doubt their plan and goals started as a “wish,” a “vision.” Their goal at the time was to
establish a national organization to band independent religious-national brotherhoods together
into one strong organization to meet the ongoing needs of Carpatho Rusyn immigrants, that
included the spreading of love and friendship among the Rusin Greek Catholic people living in
America, the giving of material and financial aid to members and their heirs in the event of
death, the providing of the ways and means necessary for the education of their people in
national and religious requirements and of aid to churches and schools, and if financial
conditions permit, the giving of aid to the injured and indigent members. Although modified over
our one hundred and twenty-four years of history, this “wish” by our founders has stood the test
of time. Their “goals” continue to be achieved and fostered each and every day through programs
sponsored on a national level by the GCU and by the officers and members of our local Lodges
and Districts. It is important that we “Remember Our Past” as this foundation no doubt has
played and will continue to play a most valuable role in our Society’s current and future success.
However, as we have seen over our past history, no matter how much we plan, how much we
prepare, how much we double and triple check to make sure that each of our t’s are crossed and
each of our i’s are dotted, there is always a threat that is not seen, heard nor predicted, always a
challenge that will lay on the horizon to be addressed. As one of my favorite characters of
Saturday Night Live, Roseann Rosanna-danna stated in each of her routines – “It’s Always
Something!” The GCU’s “somethings” included many crises through its 124 year history. Our
Society weathered the storms of the Spanish Flu Epidemic between 1918 and 1919, the Great
Depression in 1929, the re-rating of its members’ policy premium in the 1930’s and two World
Wars. Post World War II, the GCU faced many operational challenges attempting to create more
efficiency that included the adoption of a one fund system, the consolidation of three branches,
1
direct billing, the relocation of the home office and many other changes implemented to further
strengthen the financial well-being of our Society. And yes, many financial challenges within the
economic and investment market were faced and addressed. Corporate improprieties such as
Enron as a specific example, 9/11, the daily threat of terrorism, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,
a declining stock market, and a record low interest rate environment all had a major impact upon
our financial markets and the financial performance of the GCU over the years. But for the most
part it pretty much was smooth sailing as the GCU experienced continued asset and surplus
growth while generating comfortable profitability continuing to meet all claims, and sponsor and
support many fraternal activities for its members and for our Byzantine Catholic Churches.
Then came the “perfect storm!” One of the most challenging economic and investment markets
occurred in 2008 and 2009. As you are aware and as I reported in great detail in my report to the
Convention in 2012, the GCU experienced a tremendous financial setback.
The 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) or the "Great Recession," is considered by many
economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s.[1] It resulted
in the collapse of large financial institutions, the bailout of banks by national governments and
downturns in stock markets around the world. In many areas, the housing market also suffered,
resulting in numerous evictions, foreclosures and prolonged unemployment. It contributed to the
failure of key businesses, declines in consumer wealth estimated in trillions of U.S. dollars, and a
significant decline in economic activity, leading to a severe global economic recession in 2008.[2]
As I reported to the delegates of the 2012 Convention, the GCU suffered a severe setback in our
investment portfolio that led to a 76% decline in surplus in our year end results of 2008. Surplus
at year end 2007 that totaled $26.6 million declined to $6.4 million with a major concern of the
GCU’s solvency. To counter the concerns of the PA Insurance Department and to strengthen our
solvency, the “plan” was to enact the “Maintenance of Solvency Provision” which placed a non
interest bearing 2% lien on the cash values of our members’ life insurance policies and a noninterest bearing 2% lien on the statement values of our members’ annuity contracts as of June
30th, 2009 that provided an additional $12 million to surplus. Your Board of Directors, Executive
Officers and General Counsel, elected and hired to first and foremost, be fiscally responsible in
protecting our members’ business they have placed with the GCU, are very proud of the fact that
our members did not lose one penny in the cash value of their life insurance policies nor the
statement values of their annuity contracts. This decision proved to be a textbook rendition of
how the Maintenance of Solvency Provision would assist a fraternal benefit society if financial
hardships should be experienced.
Your Board of Directors, Executive Officers and General Counsel also had a “Plan” on how this
lien was to be paid back and a “goal” to remove this lien as quickly as possible. A lien reduction
plan was adopted allowing for the lien to be reduced as our surplus reached specific levels per
the lien reduction plan that the Pennsylvania Insurance Department viewed as reasonable with no
objection to its implementation. Yearly reductions were recorded against each members’share of
the lien and the lien was paid off in its entirety on June 30, 2014, just five years since its
enactment.
Although there are many components in measuring the financial performance and stability of a
company, Mr. Bob Bruce of Bruce and Bruce Company who will be addressing us today always
2
professed that a thumbnail measurement of success lies in continued asset and surplus growth in
addition to generating moderate yearly profitability. Since year end 2009, the GCU’s total
admitted assets grew from $660 million to $1.35 billion as of December 31, 2015 representing a
105% growth in 6 years. Surplus as of December 31, 2009 was $6.4 million without the aid of
the $12 million lien. I am extremely proud to report, as was noted in the 2016 Annual Report
issue of the GCU Magazine that our surplus year end 2015 has reached an all-time high of $90.7
million. Yearly profits over this seven year period amounted to $88 million, the primary factor
leading to our increased surplus. Presented is our Society’s profits since 2009 thru 2015.
2009 - $ 4,804,234
2010 - $ 3,930,503
2011 - $ 8,326,079
2012 - $12,190,406
2013 - $18,521,243
2014 - $18,166,267
2015 - $22,063,543
In addition, the GCU’s Asset Valuation Reserve or AVR which is a statutory reserve
requirement to offset unexpected investment portfolio losses, was at $ 127,000, almost totally
depleted, but now restored to its allowed maximum level of over $13 million, funded primarily
through controlled expenses and net income.
Your Board, Executive Officers and General Counsel’s primary “goal” was to increase surplus,
conscious of the fact that this component plays a major role in the calculation of the GCU’s Risk
Based Capital Ratio or RBC, looked upon heavily by regulators as one measurement of a
company’s stability.
Another milestone accomplished and to be celebrated from our last four years, was the GCU’s
asset base reaching $1 billion dollars in 2013. Our Society is on track to reach $1.5 billion
through year end 2016, a half way point to reaching $2 billion in assets.
As I mentioned there are many components in measuring the financial performance and stability
of a company. The GCU subscribes to Standard Analytical Services, an independent company
that compares the GCU to the top twenty-five leading life insurance carriers with over 100 years
of experience issuing life insurance to the general public. The GCU stacks up quite favorably in
comparing the following: Solvency, Liquid Assets, Profitability, and Net Interest Rate Earned.
Solvency:
Average of 25 of the Leading Life Companies - $ 106.01
GCU - $107.16
Liquid Assets:
GCU - $ 104.13
Profitability:
3
GCU - $104.13
Net Interest Rate Earned:
GCU - $ 5.88
Standard Analytical concluded that based on the financial results achieved for the year 2015, the
analysis made of the GCU is favorable in comparison with the aggregate averages of 25 of the
leading companies.
This independent comparison is quite powerful for recruiting agents and potential members into
our organization as financial stability is one of the key components studied in placing business
with any financial institution.
So we must “Remember Our Past,” “Embrace the Present,” celebrate our recovery and
accomplishments and learn from our experience!
Our Controller of the GCU, Brian Sprinker, will be presenting to you in greater detail our
financial progress over the last four years.
As your President and Chief Executive Officer, I addressed the esteem body of delegates
assembled at our 41st National Convention right here at the Tropicanna Hotel just four short
years ago. My remarks focused on a “Plan” a “Vision” and many “Goals” for our societies’
future and now would now like to provide to you an update on our progress on the following area
presented on this slide:
 Our Investment Strategies and Philosophy
 Our Life Insurance and Annuity Products
 Our Governance Practices
 Our Constitution and By-Laws
 Our Home Office Operations and Information Technology Advancements
 Our Communication to Our Members and to Our Agents
 Our Fraternal Structure and Programs
 Our support of our Byzantine Catholic Church, hierarchy and clergy
 Our Strategic Marketing Plan
 Our Subsidiaries within the GCU Holding Company
First,

Our Investment Strategies and Philosophy
For the most part, the GCU’s investment strategy, philosophy and policy has been very
consistent. We continue to invest in investment grade corporate bonds, reducing our exposure to
common stocks and preferred stocks. As of year end 2015, 93.7% of the GCU’s bond portfolio is
rated as investment grade. Since the fallout of the equities market in 2008 and 2009 many
common stock positions have been liquidated as there market price recovered to the price they
were purchased at or above. This measure, reduces the risk of impeding surplus as common
stock positions are reported at market value by statutory requirements that can have a negative
effect upon surplus if market values should decline.
4
Under a very low interest rate environment we have also enhanced the GCU’s portfolio return by
venturing into very conservative real estate investments, partnering with Washington Alliance
Capital, Blackstone and Castlebrook Development Group that have their special niches in the
commercial real estate market. We have been very pleased with each of these partnerships and
the returns these investments have produced.
Over the last several years, we have experienced a very strong bond market as increased market
values produced substantial unrealized gains. In conjunction with our consultant and portfolio
managers, this market environment presented an excellent opportunity to take advantage of such
an opportunity as bond positions were sold producing substantial realized gains replaced with
bonds of similar yield and duration. By statutory requirements, the realized gains must be
recorded into the Interest Maintenance Reserve. The GCU’s Interest Maintenance Reserve is one
of the highest among fraternals totaling $16.7 million which is future income with no associated
liabilities.
The Executive Finance Board is responsible for all the investment holdings of the GCU. I thank
each member of this Board for their contribution in the success we have accomplished over the
last four years. This Board has worked very closely with our consultant and portfolio managers
to assure sound investment practices and mitigating associated risk keeping our members interest
at the forefront.
I would now like to recognize the individuals that provided their guidance and expertise in
assisting the Board of Directors and Executive Finance Board in the management of the GCU’s
investment portfolio and have also made financial sacrifices as well in assisting us.
First our consultants, Mr. Bo Stone, Senior Vice President-Wealth Management, Senior
Institutional Consultant and Mr. Jonathan Reddig, Associate Vice President, Financial Advisor,
of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.
Portfolio Managers, Andrew Fisher, President and Chief Executive Officer, CIM Investment
Management, Inc. - Mr. Clint Pelfrey, President & Chief Investment Officer, Prosperity Capital
Advisors.
We thank each of you!
Next,
 Our Life Insurance and Annuity Products
The GCU continues to be challenged in our goal of increasing our life business. I am determined
with the support of the Board of Directors to eventually record consistent annual life premium of
$ 20 million or more per year. This is a very aggressive goal in light of our past but I truly
believe that this goal can become a reality. Not overnight but over a controlled period of time as
there are surplus consequences in growing your life business too quickly. We have developed a
“strategic life plan” which first called for taking an in depth “under the hood” look at each our
ordinary whole life, term and single premium life plans offered. Each and every aspect was
reviewed that included pricing, commissions, riders, our distribution strategy and marketing
materials to assure that the GCU’s products are competitive in the life insurance arena. We also
5
researched successful life carriers, our competition and their strategies. Our Agent Field
Advisory Council that met this past April provided invaluable information that will assist us in
attaining our goal. We have made several adjustments to each of our products and are very
confident that the updates to our products will be well received by life agents and individuals
seeking life coverage. We have recently started to launched our new life strategy to what I
believe is a very comprehensive plan that will set the framework to increased life premium.
Educating the consumer and our existing members on the importance of life insurance is another
component. We have partnered with Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping
and educating Americans to take personal financial responsibility through the ownership of life
insurance and related products, including disability and long-term care insurance. We invite you
to visit the Life Happens website – www.lifehappens.org – that contains numerous videos of
testimonies of real life situations on how important having life insurance can be to a family.
Many of the stories are tear jerking and really hit home!
I would now like to present to you a very short video by Danica Patrick, a professional race car
driver and the 2016 spokesperson for life insurance awareness month who has a special message
for us.
Our fixed income annuity was first introduced in 1977. In researching past minutes of the Board
of Directors meetings, President George Batyko first presented the annuity product to the Board
for consideration at the October 1975 Board meeting. The annuity product was met with both
favorable and unfavorable opinions, mostly unfavorable at the time. After a great deal of
discussion, no positive action was taken at that meeting to approve the annuity plan as a product
offered by the GCU.
Mr. Batyko, maybe being a little relentless, once again requested the Board to reconsider the
annuity plan at the April 1976 meeting. In his report to the Board at this meeting he stated and I
quote –“We were disappointed at the last meeting that this Board did not give us the authority to
implement an annuity plan. This is the hottest plan in the insurance business today, and we
should have it in our sales basket.” – end of quote. After discussion at this meeting, the Board
agreed to implement the plan on a trial basis for one year at which time a report be made to the
Board on the progress of this program, and the rest is history. The fixed annuity product
officially became a product of the GCU in August 1977 that complemented the various life
products offered. In the minutes of the April 1978 meeting Mr. Batyko’s report to the Board was
as follows and I quote again from the minutes – “We are pleased with our annuity program –
Approximately $66,000 has been deposited on 47 plans since the inception of our program in
August of 1977. We feel confident that annuities will be a strong contributing factor to our
financial stability.” end of quote!
This “Wish” this “Vision,” this “Plan” and this “Goal” by Mr. Batyko and members of the Board
of Directors in bringing on the annuity in the 1970’s is no doubt the primary contributing factor
to our asset growth and financial stability and success we experience today!
The annual financial statements reveal the history of the impact annuities have had on our asset
growth:
6
Looking at Annuity Deposits we observe the following:
1978 - $449,202 in annual premium or - $37,435 per month – GCU’s year end Total Assets – $
27.8 million
1980 - $1,413,284- $ 117,774.00 per month- Total Assets - $ 29.6 million
1985 - $7,021,422.00 in annual premium or - $ 585,118.00 per month – GCU’s year end Total
Assets - $ 59.9 million
1990 - $15,160,643 - $ 1,263,387.00 per month – Total Assets - $ 135.1 million
1995 - $27,603,969 in annual premium or - $ 2,300,330.00 per month – Total Assets year end –
$ 288.7 million
2000 – $19,852,167 - $1,654,347.00 per month – Total Assets - $ 391.2 million
2005 - $42,041,435 in annual premium or - $3,503,453.00 per month – Total Assets year end - $
$ 575.5 million
2010 - $191,220,375.00 - $15,935,031 per month – Total Assets - $ 810.8 million
2015 – Annual premium of $239,601,889.00 or - $19,966,824.00 per month – Total Assets – $
1.35 billion
The GCU’s assets year end 1978 totaled $ 27.8 million.
The GCU’s assets as of May 31, 2016 are now $ 1.43 billion.
So, as we “Remember Our Past” we honor Mr. Batyko and the Officers and Board Members that
served under his seven administrations, especially those Board members who supported his
“vision” and “foresight” in bringing the annuity into the GCU’s product portfolio in 1977 who
we present to you:
Spiritual Advisor – Most Reverend Emil J. Mihalik
National Secretary/Treasurer – Ann Lucas
National First Vice President – George N. Juba, Sr.
General Counsel – Sigmund T. Brinsky
Board Members:
Anna Bobanic
Andrew Chekan
Mary Dano
Ilona Evancho
Msgr. Paul Firczak
Anna Hric
John Kish
John Spirnak
John J. Urban
Nicholas J. Yackanicz
We thank each of you!
7
Next is,

Our Governance Practices
Governance continues to be a very hot topic among regulators. Specific targets within the
fraternal industry center on the following:
The hiring of Executives by the Board of Directors. Traditionally fraternals have elected their
executive management team at Convention which is strongly being frowned upon quite heavily
by regulators. The GCU was one of the initial societies to make this change to our Bylaws which
occurred in 2011. Today many fraternals are struggling to have this process changed by
amendments to their Bylaws at their Convention, to a point where states are mandating the
process to have executives hired by the Board rather than being elected at a convention. It is
imperative that Executives responsible for the day to day operations of their societies have the
education, experience and background to be in such positions of authority.
The first hire by your Board of Directors outside of our past traditional process was for the
position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. I am extremely pleased to
introduce to you, Deborah Tatro. Deborah is now in her fourth year serving our Society as your
Executive Vice President and COO. She will be formally introduced to you today in presenting
her report.
In addition to appointing officers rather than having them elected, the Pennsylvania Insurance
Department has advocated a reduction in the size of the Board and also the development of
minimum qualifications for Board Members. Once again, your Board was proactive taking this
directive quite seriously, requesting approval from our delegates of our 2012 Convention to
eliminate the National Vice President position that was also Board seat, effective October 1,
2016. Our current National Vice President and Chairman of the Board, Greg Vladika is a
National Director candidate at this convention as the National Vice President position has been
eliminated from our Bylaws effective this Convention. This action has now reduces the number
of Board seats from twelve to eleven.
In line with this directive to establish minimum qualification for Board of Directors, the Board
adopted a National GCU Board of Directors Position Description document that has been made
part of the Declaration of Candidacy Form for this Convention. The Board will be developing
specific qualifications a candidate must meet to be nominated.
Another concern by regulators within the Fraternal Benefit System that your Board will be
studying, is the continued high cost of Conventions and an alternative governance process to
conducting Conventions. Presently thirteen fraternal benefit societies have an alternative
structure. I am currently researching this matter on behalf of the Board for further review.
Regulators are advocating for the Board of Directors as the Supreme Legislative and Judicial
authority of a fraternal benefit society, not the Convention.
As I have research minutes from many Board meetings from the past, the Boards role and
responsibilities has migrated substantially over the years, from one of micro managing the day to
8
day operations to one of more strategic, risk focused responsibilities, requiring continued
education in each and every aspect of our Societies operations and financial components to
assure fiscal responsibility on the part of our Board to our members and the business they have
placed with the GCU, being transparent in all matters and upholding the “Mission,” “Core
Values” and “Corporate Vision” of our Society. GCU has begun this process, educating our
executives and Board members on many of these important topics in support of “good
governance” practices.
In my years, as serving as your former National Secretary Treasurer and now as your President
and Chief Executive Officer, there has never been remotely a questions that your Board members
and Executives have always had our members’ best interests at the forefront in each and every
decision that is made.
As a part of Governance, audits now conducted by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department
center around a risk focused examination by regulators rather than past exams focusing primarily
on financials. The GCU’s first risk focused examination was conducted in 2014 with no major
concerns.

Our Constitution and By-Laws
Our Governance is dictated by our Bylaws. Modified over the course of our one hundred and
twenty four years to maintain consistency and relevancy as society and the regulatory landscapes
change on a daily basis. The review of our Bylaws is a constant focus by your Board of
Directors, Executives and General Counsel, cognizant of the fact that this document contains the
rules upon which our Society is governed. Very shortly after our 2012 Convention, the Board
appointed a Bylaw Committee to take an in depth analysis of the GCU’s Bylaws. The
Committee, chaired by Attorney John Urban with the assistance of our General Counsel as well,
contracted with Attorney Harry S. Rosenthal, a specialist in Parliamentary Services and our
Parliamentarian for this Convention, to assist the Committee in this endeavor. Many forward
thinking amendments were discussed in depth, some approved as part of the proposed
amendments that we will be reviewing for your approval and others tabled for the time being.
You have been presented numerous proposed Bylaw amendments for your consideration and
adoption. The majority of these proposed amendment involve clarification, grammar, antiquated
language and redundancy. The proposed material changes to our Bylaw I presented and reviewed
with our delegates at our Pre Convention meetings will be once again reviewed with you dealing
with Governance. Each of these material changes are being proposed for approval in the best
interest of our Society and endorsed by many Insurance Department regulators.
Next,
 Our Home Office Operations and Information Technology Initiatives
I reported in my address to the delegates of the 2012 Convention many areas of the GCU
operation and Information Technology Initiatives that were in the process of being addressed that
included the establishment of a Call Center, the implementation of a Customer Relationship
Management System, a new Avaya phone system, the electronic imaging of our members’ active
and claim files, the development of web portals to distribute information in a more timely
9
manner to our members, agents, Lodge and District Officers, our Board members and our
employees, - improving online access, performing a major overhaul of our GCU website and
many other new operational and Information Technology initiatives to better serve our current
audience, while preparing for our new wave of technologically savvy X, Y and Millennial
generations who will becoming members of our Society.
Our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Deb Tatro will be presenting to you
her Operations Report that will include a status update on each of these initiatives and others on
the drawing board.
One area I would like to report on, is the renovations to the GCU’s Home Office. As the old
saying goes, “nothing lasts forever.” As the GCU’s financial position has been very strong, the
Board of Directors approved various needed improvements to the Home Office building. The
first phase of renovations completed included a new roof, replacement of the deteriorated wood
siding to a masonry material, the enclosure of an exterior patio for future expansion of our call
center, the installation of an elevator and updates for compliance with the American Disabilities
Act. Phase two of our renovations project include replacement of our parking lot and driveway
asphalt, replacement of parking lot lighting, updates to the landscaping, the installation of a
digital sign, a sign for our St. Nicholas Chapel and the installation of two flagpoles to
accommodate the flag of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Carpatho-Rusyn flag. We
invite you to visit our entire campus for a tour of the office, our St. Nicholas Chapel and Seven
Oaks if your travels should bring you to Western Pennsylvania and the Beaver area! You would
be very proud to be a member of the GCU after your visit!

Our Communication to Our Members and to Our Agents
Communications is one industry that has forever changed the world. It has impacted society and
business in a way no one would have thought imaginable twenty years ago. We continue to use
traditional means and have made advances in using current technology to better communicate to
our members and agents.
For this convention, for the sake of convenience, cost effectiveness and being environmentally
conscious, we launched a Convention website as over 80% of our delegates have registered
providing up to date information about the Convention. This process will continue to be
improved upon for the future.
We use Facebook and email blasts to promote many of our fraternal events both on a national,
lodge and district levels. We will continue to improve upon our presence in this ever changing
world of communication.
Please be assured that for now we will continue to publish our bi-monthly magazine, which is
available to view on the GCU website and continue to assist our Lodges and Districts in in
promoting each of their fraternal events via our website and direct mail pieces.
As we have developed a strategy to increase life premium, the development of a communications
strategy is also imperative to be relevant to the next wave of members and agents that will expect
10
information to be accessible at their fingertips by way of their smartphone. The implementation
of various social media tools will also play a most important part in our future marketing efforts
to assure our continued financial and fraternal success. These advances have and will continue
to be more cost effective as well as we have already experienced. Improved communication is
another key to our continued success.
Next is,
 Our support of our Byzantine Catholic Church, hierarchy and clergy
The GCU and our Byzantine Catholic Church in America have a very deep history together
from the very beginning. Our GCU publication “Opportunity Realized - The Greek Catholic
Union’s First One Hundred Years” informs us the that first wave of Greek Catholic immigrants
began to reach America in the 1870’s with the first Byzantine Catholic Church being established
in 1884 in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. It was customary as a main priority of our CarpathoRusyn ancestors after settling into a community to form a committee, buy a piece of land, build a
church and pay to bring a priest from the homeland. Other churches were established at Freeland
Pennsylvania in 1886, Hazleton, Pennsylvania in 1887, Kingston, Pennsylvania in 1888 and in
Jersey City, New Jersey and Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1889.
Mr. John Righetti, will be providing more insight on this topic as he will be sharing with us the
Role of the GCU in the propagation of Rusyn Culture and the Eastern Catholic Church during his
scheduled presentation as we honor our 125th Anniversary. We have continued to foster this
relationship as our hierarchy are present with us once again as Spiritual Protectors, mandated by
our Bylaws. Our Clergy serve on our Board of Directors and as members of our Supreme
Tribunal. 55 of our 60 lodges are based within our Byzantine Catholic parishes, many of these
same parishes having delegates representing their lodge at the historic meeting of the founding of
the GCU on February 14th 1892 and still active today.
The GCU, our lodges and districts and their members continue to support our Byzantine Catholic
Church, our hierarchy and clergy. Our Byzantine Catholic Church and its parishes are
benefactors of financial and volunteer support some of which are:
 Our continued support of our Sts. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary.
Since 1966 the GCU has donated $2 million $930 thousand dollars. A resolution will be
presented to the delegates to continue this support for the next four years.
 The Home Office provides annual assistance to the St. Nicholas Charity Dinner
sponsored by the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh to benefit the Seminary which has raised
over $40,000 over the last four years

The GCU’s Lodges and Districts has raised $ 534,000 over the last four years as well to
benefit the many parishes and the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great through the GCU’s
Matching Funds Program

To honor our Clergy and their dedication to the priesthood and for sheparding the many
faithful parishioners of the Byzantine Metropolia, the Board of Directors recently
instituted an honorarium for our clergy celebrating their 25 years or more and 50 years or
more anniversaries as ordained priests.
11

Not to mention the many volunteer hours given by GCU members in support of their
parish.
This is our “history,” our “roots.” This was our Founder’s “Vision” and “Plan!” Again, it is
important that we “Remember Our Past” as this deep faith in God and our Patron Saint Nicholas
has played and will also continue to play a most valuable role in our Society’s current and future
success.

Our Strategic Marketing Plan
The first marketing efforts at the time of the GCU’s early years can be traced back to the first
issue of a newspaper advocated by one of our founding clergy, Father Eugene Volkay, The
Americansky Russky Viestnik was first published and distributed on March 17th, 1892. The
name of the A R V, which this publication was referred to, was changed to the GCU Messenger
on December 11th, 1952 as this publication appeared entirely in English with a headline – “The
GCU is forging ahead.” This publication continues today as the GCU Magazine serving as a
marketing vehicle just as it did 124 years ago. In addition to the Viestnik, our lodges and lodge
secretaries played a most vital role in the GCU’s marketing efforts. Sundays for GCU members
consisted of attending liturgy, socializing in the parish hall following services and paying their
weekly dues to their lodge secretary. Many of our lodge secretaries were very diligent in signing
up new members into our Society. I have heard stories were even some of our lodge secretaries
went to hospitals to sign up newborns into the GCU. Talk about dedication!
In addition to our lodge secretaries, many members of the GCU were licensed fraternal agents as
well. In the 1980’s, due to changes in regulation, in particular agent licensing, fraternal agents
were grandfathered into maintaining a fraternal license with no limits on sales production or be
subject to continuing education requirements. As some life and annuity products have become
more complex and many states enacting suitability requirements, today’s new fraternal agents
are subject to limits on the amount of life insurance and annuity products that may be sold by a
fraternal agents, enacted by regulators to protect the interests of the consumer.
Today, our marketing efforts focus on relationships. Relationships with our existing members,
our long time fraternal agents, our independent agents and general agents has been our strategy
in marketing the GCU and the products we offer. Recently we have also expanded, targeting
insurance marketing organizations ((IMO’s) and field marketing organizations (FMO’s) that
recruit agents and agencies to be an affiliate of their IMO or FMO providing expert training on
sales and marketing that will assist in growing their agencies and business. In turn, the IMO and
FMO that the GCU appoints, endorses to their agents that the GCU’s is a preferred carrier of
their organization for life insurance and fixed income annuities. Some IMO’s have hundreds of
agents under their organization. This distribution had proved to be very successful and cost
effective thus far evident by our increased annuity premium.
In addition to fostering existing relationships, no matter what type of agency structure, it is
imperative that we improve upon our on information technology. We will continue to enhance
our agent portal to make it the very best it can be that will be the primary source of
communication to our agents.
12
The main focus on our product and fraternal marketing efforts will be website driven, developing
a stronger presence on the various social media tools used and viewed by all generations.
Our branding initiative is a most critical part of our marketing strategy. Pete Popivchak of Wallto-Wall Studios, Inc. will be addressing you to give you a better insight on how important
branding is to the success of an organization and a progress report on what has been completed
thus far. I am personally excited about this project and very much looking forward to this
redesign in how the GCU will position itself in the marketplace.

Our Fraternal Structure and Programs
As we are introducing new programs and some new fraternal structure ideas to have more of our
members involved in the fraternal aspects of the GCU, I will be presenting to you tomorrow a
separate fraternal report on this very important part of the GCU’s Mission.

Our Subsidiaries within the GCU Holding Company
I would now like to provide to you an update on our investment within the GCU Holding
Company Inc. which encompasses three separate corporations –GCU Real Estate Company, Inc.,
Seven Oaks Country Club, Inc., and GCU Agency, Inc.
We have experienced an uptick in the local housing market within Beaver County, Pennsylvania
over the last four years. All of the planned units within the first phase of carriage homes units,
Muirfield Place are completed and sold. We continue to work with Birkshire Hathaway Home
Services in marketing of our single family development to prospective homebuyers in the
market. Our marketing strategy of offering incentives that includes lower lot and home pricing
points and membership to Seven Oaks has been successful as we experienced fourteen sales
within the development over the last three years with several prospective buyers interested in the
remaining twelve lots of our single family development. In speaking to the residents of the single
family development located in Congressional Place and the residents of the carriage home
development at Muirfield Place and Pinehurst Place, they very much enjoy the lifestyle that our
entire development offers. We will continue to implement various strategies in consultation with
our real estate broker to attract more prospective homebuyers to our development.
I am pleased to report that Seven Oaks Country Club, Inc. experienced substantial membership growth
over the last four years despite the still sluggish economy and challenges faced within the golf industry.
We continue to engage the services of Legendary Golf Marketing and Management, Inc. to provide
assistance in generating new memberships and increased revenues in each area of the Club’s operation.
Seven Oaks continues to be Legendary’s most successful private club client each year as positive
membership growth has been experienced over the last four years resulting in increased membership
dues revenue which is the Club’s primary source of revenue. We have experienced 60 new members to
date in 2016 with many more leads from individuals interested in membership.
Mr. Bob Devitz, President and CEO of Legendary Management, Inc., will be addressing us today
to provide an overview of his perspective of the progress that has been over the last four years
based upon his observations and financial results experienced since his involvement.
13
Many programs were developed and implemented to market membership, various events and other
amenities of membership that Mr. Devitz will be reporting on.
We remain very optimistic on the continued financial improvement to Seven Oaks based upon
our results experienced and the fact that Seven Oaks remains as the only private club in Beaver
County that offers various Club amenities and family programing that will be very attractive to
prospective members.
As I previously reported, Western Pennsylvania also continues to be a primary focus of various
companies for the drilling of a vast amount of untapped natural gas and oil reserves located in the
Marcellus and Utica Shale formations found in this area. The current low energy prices has had a
dramatic effect upon the Marcellus and Utica Shale industry forcing many companies to reduce their
capital spending. Substantial investment continues however. In my research, one major player in this
industry has reduced their investment in 2016 from $ 1.8 billion down to $ 1 billion. Still a fairly hefty
investment indicating that this industry will eventually explode. The lack of pipeline infrastructure has
been another challenge for this industry. Currently, we are in no hurry to settle in on a land lease
contract for the GCU Holding Company and its subsidiaries. The 740 acres of land owned by the GCU,
GCU Real Estate Company, Inc. and Seven Oaks Country Club, Inc. will generate substantial fees and
royalties once the market improves. We may expect the new lease to contain an initial bonus of up to
$3,000 per acre and royalties as high as 18%.
I reported at the 2012 Convention the intent of Shell Chemical to construct a multi-billion dollar
petrochemical plant or ethane cracker plant that will be located less than 10 miles from our real
estate development and Seven Oaks. The ethane cracker plant converts ethane from Marcellus
and Utica Shale natural gas liquids into more profitable chemicals such as ethylene, which is
then used to produce everything from plastics to tires to antifreeze. I am extremely excited to
report to you that Shell Chemical officially announced on June 7th their commitment to build this
plant. Construction will begin within the next eighteen months with a goal of bringing the plant
online in the early 2020’s. Shell has already invested millions of dollars in site preparation to
ready this property for the construction of this plant. This project is estimated to create more
than 600 new permanent operational jobs projecting that 6,000 construction jobs will be created
This multi-billion dollar investment will bring economic growth to Western Pennsylvania
specifically Beaver County resulting in a greater demand for housing that will have a positive
effect upon our real estate development and membership at Seven Oaks.
The Board of Directors of GCU Real Estate Company, Inc. will be researching all options to
develop additional parcels of property to meet this increase in housing demand that will have a
most positive financial impact upon the GCU Holding Company its subsidiaries.
The GCU Agency, Inc. continues to receive incremental revenues from third party relationships
placed into this subsidiary such as long term care and jumbo term insurance.
The GCU Holding Company and its subsidiaries have made substantial financial improvements
over the last four years. We remain confident, with a land lease still to be secured for mineral
rights and the announcement by Shell Chemical to construct the ethane plant, the financial
position of the Holding Company and its subsidiaries will continue to improve.
14
In closing, my philosophy has always been, you are only as good as the people that surround
you. I have once again been truly blessed these last four years to work with a very conscientious
and dedicated group of individuals, your Board of Directors. They have provided direction and
support to me and to your Executive team. Each and every one of them truly has the best interest
of our members and our society as their priority in serving the needs of our members and of our
Society. They have served on various committees, recommending policies and developing plans
in charting our organization’s future. I thank each member of our Board for all their personal
support of me as well. Our Society has never been stronger, in light of the challenges that were
faced just seven short years ago - $ 1.43 billion dollars in assets with $1.5 billion within our
sights, surplus approaching $100 million, excellent profitability with the strongest solvency
ratios in the last twenty-five. This type of performance just doesn’t happen! It comes from strong
leadership as your current Board has exhibited. Each of the incumbent officers seeking reelection are most deserving of your support to be elected once again and who I endorse. There
are many more “somethings” ahead of us. Some we are aware of and currently addressing,
especially the revamping of our fraternal structure, some on the horizon yet to surface.
To our retiring National Board of Directors, Martha Seech and Roger Embley, your impact upon
our society throughout your years of services will be remembered and honored forever in the
history annuls of our Society, just as we are honoring at this Convention our past officers and
administrations over our past 124 year history. The most important attribute about these two
individuals is that they are just “good people” which tells it all, sharing a deep faith in God and a
willingness to serve others. Roger has served our Society as a National Board of Director since
2000, being elected at the 38th National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Martha was first
appointed by the Board in 1978, serving the GCU for 38 consecutive years as a member of the
Board of Directors, the longest ever in the history of the GCU. Because of this, Martha has the
title amongst our Board of being our Senior Statesman. We congratulate both of you wishing you
continued good health and happiness. I am sure Roger, that you get to spend a little more time
with Marci visiting family in Texas continuing to support your parish, and Martha, I know you
will be spending more time with your family as well and husband George enjoying your relaxing
time on the shores of Lake Erie and your commitment to the pierogi project at your parish. You
both will be truly missed.
To our Executive Vice President and COO, Deb Tatro who has brought her talents and
background to the GCU that has made such impact in many area of our operations in her brief
three and one half year tenure. To our General Counsel, Ted Trbovich, who has provided
invaluable guidance and support to me and your Board as well. At times I would be calling my
family or my Mom, and Ted would answer the phone which was kind of weird! But that tells you
the amount of contact I have with him over the course of a week. I thank both of you. To each
and every Department Manager and support staff member, your contributions on a day to day
basis in servicing the needs of our members and agents is invaluable as our Board, Executives,
General Counsel, our over 43,000 member and agents thank you. But, most importantly to our
delegates assembled here and to our entire membership of the GCU my sincere appreciation for
the trust and confidence you exhibit in me as your President and Chief Executive Officer.
To Mr. Bob Bruce and his Staff at Bruce and Bruce Company, our thank you for your services
and guidance, especially during our recovery period, that has also played a most significant role
in the success we enjoy today.
15
It has been customary in my closing comments to share with you a poem, some insights on life
or an inspirational message that really hits home. So as we “Honor Our Past, Embrace the
Present and Prepare for Our Future,” it is most apropos for me to once again share a quote with
you that I have shared with you in the past. It is from Mr. Batyko’s welcoming remarks to the
delegates of our 35th National Convention in Toronto, Canada in 1988. It is quite ironic that I
attended last month an Executive Summit in Toronto sponsored by the American Fraternal
Alliance as the meeting was hosted in the same hotel, The Sheraton Centre, in downtown
Toronto that hosted our 35th Convention where Mr. Batyko presented his remarks. I do believe
that my decision to once again share this quote with you is meant to be, and I am sure that Mr.
Batyko is looking down upon us with a sense of pride and joy!
His quote is as follows:
“We all know that on the same ocean and on the same day, one boat will sail South and another
North, one will sail East and another West, which proves that it is not the wind, or the gale, but
the set of the sail that will determine the course of our future.”
The GCU’s sail was set on February 14th, 1892, almost one hundred and twenty five years ago.
We honor each of our Presidents that have captained our ship, each of our past Officers and
Board members that met each and every “Something” over our past 124 year history, and have
adjusted our sail and course accordingly that has made the GCU what it is today!
I thank you for your kind attention as will continue to look forward in serving our members and
our society as your Captain, President and Chief Executive Officer!
My best wishes to you for a safe, fun and productive 42nd National Convention as we continue
to “Retool the GCU for a Brighter future!”
Thank you!
16
Exhibit Tue-3
2016
Convention
Deborah Tatro
EVP/COO
JUNE 2016
• Introducing your GCU Management Team
• 5 year Business Plan
• Corporate Initiatives 2013-2016
• IT Initiatives 2013-2016
• Operational Highlights 2013-2016
• 2013-2016 Sales Results and Membership Growth
• Medicare Supplement Program Status
• Affinity Program Member Benefits
Objective- Rework our product portfolio keeping them
current and profitable.
Progress-
• Rolled out an accelerated death benefit rider for all life
products.
• Finalized a life insurance sales strategy.
• New sales materials
• New comp structure
• Outlined new rider benefits
Objective - Build our surplus to $150 Million
ProgressThrough first QTR 2016- $96 Million
Objective- Build our assets to $2 Billion
ProgressThrough first QTR 2016- $1.4 Billion
Objective – Build our total annual sales, in controlled
increments to $500 million.
ProgressThrough May 2016: $107 million
Projected end of 2016: $258 million
Objective- Remake our image with a new Branding
ProgressEngaged Wall to Wall,
1,696 surveys conducted
Revealing at Convention
Objective- Provide complete online capability for agents and
members.
Progress• Member annuity statements online quarterly
• Agent portal
• Real time member account values online
•
•
•
•
•
Stay quick, competitive and profitable
Automate, Refine, Automate
Review processes for improvement
Provide the best real time service to our members
Manage the production source - our agents
Manage the Risk – Underwriting, Claims, Premium,
Investment, Human Resources
CORPORATE INITIATIVES
•
•
•
•
•
Protecting our member data from hacking
Electronic workflow to eliminate paper and waste
Moved all member records to electronic format
Agent and member websites
TECHNOLOGY AND AUTOMATION
•
Phone and customer service (CRM) upgrades for better
member service.
CRM PROJECT
Objective- To provide same time member record access for
service reps, while maintaining an electronic record of all
member interaction and policy transactions.
Progress• CRM is a Customer Relations Management tool which allows
our employees to manage their workload based on first in/first
out.
• Each member’s history is maintained, logged in by date and
time.
ELECTRONIC MEMBER FILE PROJECT
Objective- to scan and index all inforce files into a set
protocol for easy recall.
Progress• 60,000 files were shipped to Michigan and in just over
3 months they were all sorted, categorized and imaged.
• All new and existing certificate records are maintained in
electronic form with nightly back up.
• Member records can be viewed immediately and by multiple
employees at one time.
• No lost or misfiled records.
PAPERLESS WORKFLOW PROJECT
Objective- To eliminate shifting of paper from person to person.
Progress• All member files are kept electronically.
• Mail is scanned when it enters the building.
• Workflow is coordinated via our CRM.
• Time service is tracked and papers are not misplaced.
• Has permitted us to increase the number of units processed by
14%, without increasing staff.
AGENT SERVICE PROJECT
Objective- To provide greater service to those who sell our
products.
Progress• New Agent Portal
• We created a new agent services function in New Business to
assist new agents in submitting their new applications.
• We added agent contracting to New Business and have
tightened the controls. We implemented an electronic
appointment process through No More Forms at a cost of less
than $3,000 and with a delivery date of less than 60 days from
start to kick off.
PROTECTING OUR MEMBER DATA
AGAINST HACKING
Objective- To Protect our Member’s data
Progress• We upgraded the network infrastructure, new firewall, spam
and internet content filters.
• Monthly, we test our network for intrusion.
• Annually, we perform a formal network scan and review to
detect any possible problems
• Passwords are changed every 90 days.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
• Developed a central unit for telephone interaction with our members
and agents. You will always be able to reach a real person.
• New state admissions
• GA, SC, NC, TX
• 2015 transaction numbers were up over 2014 in all departments. With
the automation we have put in, we have continued to do more work
with existing staff.
• New Business produced 17% more policies with existing staff.
• The Call Center wrote over $6.6 million in new business premium.
• Conservation program with existing staff retained $3.6 million.
•
•
•
•
•
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
We began to identify and plan for risk mitigation,
organization wide.
We began compiling a printed compliance manual.
We created a Risk Committee
We tightened up our cash procedures and implemented a
positive payment system to double verify outgoing funds.
Products have been reviewed for profitability. Several
changes were made to bring our products into
profitability.
2014
4% Growth in Four Years
2012 - 2015 MEMBER GROWTH
45,000
44,500
44,000
43,500
43,000
42,500
42,000
41,500
2012
2013
2015
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2014
AGENT CONTRACTING
2012-2015
2012
2013
2015
3,547
3,597
2014
4,066
27% Growth
4,871
2012 -2015 CERTIFICATE GROWTH
5,000
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
2012
2013
2015
•
•
•
NEW MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT
LINE OF BUSINESS
Products approved in 14 states.
Sales of new policies began in June 2015.
Sales through May 2016 of
• 3,926 paid policies
• Paid premium of $5.92 million
$3.3 MM
$2.6 MM
2015 AND 2016* MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PREMIUM
$3,500,000
$3,000,000
$2,500,000
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$500,000
$0
2015
2016
*2016 values thru May
2,162
1,764
2015-2016* MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT APPLICATIONS
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
2015
2016
* 2016 values thru May
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
SC
AZ
IN
PA
MI
IL
GA
OH
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT
PRODUCTION BY STATE
WI
NC
VA
MEMBER AFFINITY PROGRAMS
• New products and services available, for GCU members
on our website.
• Currently available on our website.
• Benefits USA – Health Saving Program
• Free Rx Discount Card
• Coming Soon
• America Hearing Benefits
• hearing aid discounts from the largest and only
US based hearing aid manufacturer.
NEW AFFINITY PROGRAMS
FREE RX DISCOUNT
• Using the FREE RxCut® Card guarantees every user the
absolute lowest price possible.
• Over 54,000 participating pharmacies
• Can even share the same card with your friends and family
• All cards are active and ready for use.
• Website on the card shows you the lowest price for your
medication.
• AND IT IS FREE!!!
•
•
•
•
•
•
Benefits USA – Health Saving Program
FREE Unlimited access to physician concierge
Telemedicine 24/7
Up to 40% savings on Dental, Vision, Hearing & Wellness
Legal Savings Program
Roadside Assistance Service
Rx Cut Prescription Savings Card and more
Family coverage for less than $1.00 per day
NATIONWIDE AFFINITY PROGRAM
GCU partnered with Nationwide Insurance Company to offer auto,
motorcycle, boat and RV insurance to GCU members. Nationwide
pledged a discounted rate to all GCU members. The program kicked
off in the summer of 2012.
Auto
• Members have purchased 237 new and renewing auto policies.
For Boat/Motorcycle/RV
• Members have purchased 54 new and renewing policies.
HEARING AID AFFINITY PROGRAM
• bb
Exhibit Tue-4
Good afternoon, my name is Brian Sprinker. I’ve held the position of Controller at the
Greek Catholic Union for almost 3 years, and before that I was the Assistant Controller
for 8 years. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to present the GCU’s financial
statements and reports to you today.
If I had to choose a couple of words to describe the GCU’s financial journey over
the last 4 years, I’d use the words STRONG, SOLID & CONSISTENT. These words certainly
describe the Organization’s tremendous growth and accomplishment over the last 4
years. We’ve seen strong and consistent growth in assets, growth in premium income
and growth in Surplus throughout that time. The GCU’s Board of Directors, Executive
and Management team, as well as home office employees have committed themselves
to make the GCU strong and solid. Everyone in the organization has put an emphasis on
improving themselves and expanding the business to make it better in a healthy and
controlled way. Through these presented financial statements and reports, you will see
that these goals and careful plans HAVE been accomplished.
The last four years for the GCU have been all about planning for and executing
this growth. It has also been about adapting to the changing economic and interest rate
environment. As interest rates have remained historically low, the GCU has responded
by investing wisely in high-quality securities. These quality securities, which yield above
average interest rate returns, allow us to sell competitive insurance products that
benefit both our members and the Organization. We have built a Business Plan year
after year that puts the Company in a position to yield excellent results. Those plans
were well executed and have allowed us to continue to pay some of the highest interest
rates to you, our members, while still building strength in the GCU’s Surplus account.
Over the last four years, the GCU has experienced financial growth in every way.
BALANCE SHEET & SURPLUS
SLIDE #1
Looking at the next several slides shows just how much growth the Company has
experienced and just how far we’ve come since the 2012 Convention. The GCU’s
Balance Sheet reports Assets owned by the Society as well as Liabilities owed, and
Surplus. I want to point out the GCU’s total assets on the Balance Sheet Report. Total
assets grew to more than $1.3 BILLION at the end of 2015 from $852 million in 2011.
This is nearly a 60% growth in total assets over JUST a four year period. This growth
speaks to the confidence that our members have in the organization and the fact that
we have grown the GCU family to include many new members who previously did not
know OUR STORY or OUR MISSION.
One primary aspect of the GCU’s Mission Statement is to protect families by
providing a safe haven for their insurance and retirement saving needs. We create this
safe place by investing our members’ funds wisely. The GCU Executive Team and Board
of Directors have worked closely with our investment managers to purchase safe, highgrade corporate bonds as our primary investment security. As our assets have grown,
we’ve continued to purchase quality securities, while at the same time, reduce our
exposure to both Preferred Stocks and Common Stocks. By purchasing these high-grade
corporate bonds and limiting exposure to stocks, the GCU has positioned itself for future
strength and continued growth.
As our investment portfolio continues to grow, our income due from those
securities also increases. Income due from these investments totals more than $19.5
million at year end 2015. This investment income due and accrued represents amounts
coming due to the Society from our security investments held. To summarize Total
Assets, the cash and securities held by the GCU, along with income due and accrued
make up the majority of our total assets, and our Total Assets have grown by more than
10% EVERY year since 2011.
As the GCU’s assets we have grown, our liabilities have increased as well. As
more life and annuity contracts are sold, reserve liabilities for those contracts are
calculated and recorded. These reserve values that make up the majority of our
liabilities are reviewed and verified by Bruce & Bruce Company, an Actuarial firm
located in the Chicago, Illinois area. Bruce and Bruce Company have the expertise and
experience to review our insurance records and ensure that we are setting aside the
proper value for each GCU contract. We have the utmost confidence in these
professionals. Bruce and Bruce actuaries also consults with us in the calculation of our
Asset Valuation Reserve and Interest Maintenance Reserve liabilities, which are
liabilities related to the securities that we purchase, and the value and interest rates of
those securities.
Concluding our review of the Balance Sheet, I want to emphasize the tremendous
growth in our Surplus account; from $28 million in 2011 to over $90 million at the end
of 2015. This growth, again demonstrates the commitment to excellence and to build
the organization into a leader in the fraternal insurance industry. GCU’s growth in
Surplus is primarily attributed to the Company’s healthy net income it’s earned over the
last 4 years. GCU’s net income in recent years has been the highest in its history, with a
record year of $22 million in 2015. These results have helped lift Surplus by more than
200% since 2011.
SLIDE #2
Other adjustments to Surplus include the funding of our Asset Valuation Reserve
liability, or AVR. AVR is a liability account determined by the investment securities we
purchase. Any changes to our AVR account throughout the year are not shown through
operations, but instead are adjusted directly through the Surplus account.
This is standard practice in our industry. Other adjustments to Surplus include profits
and losses from the GCU Holding Company, changes in unrealized gains and losses, and
any change in nonadmitted assets, which are also standard practice in the Insurance
industry.
In addition to a healthy Surplus account, another indicator of financial health is
the calculation of normal solvency. This is the percentage of Total Assets over Total
Liabilities. Simply put, this is money held over money owed. GCU’s solvency ratio has
increased each and every year over the last 6 years, with a calculated ratio of 107.18 in
2015.
The strength in our Surplus account, and the entire Balance Sheet, combined with
smart, monitored investing creates a formula that ensures the strength of the GCU and
that the organizations health will continue to grow for many years to come.
OPERATIONS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES
SLIDE #3
The GCU’s financial operations and net income have been nothing but stellar
since 2011. The Summary of Operations report provides insight into our total income
and expenses through 2015.
GCU’s total income is made up of primarily life and annuity premium income, and
portfolio investment income. Since 2011, we’ve experienced tremendous growth for
both premium income and investment income. In fact, over the last four years, the GCU
experienced a 114% increase in total premium income. Annuity premium in particular
has increased nearly every year. Our annuity premium sales of over $239 million in
2015 was again a record year for the GCU.
Total income has increased 93% over the same period to equal $318 million in
2015. These achievements are the result of the GCU’s business plan goals of healthy
and controlled growth. This controlled growth included pricing our insurance products
competitively and recruiting additional qualified sales agents to represent the GCU and
sell our products. As sales increased, so did our assets invested, as well as investment
income earned. GCU’s income from investments has increased an average of 10% per
year since 2011. These growth trends in sales, assets, and investment income are
trends that we currently see continuing this year into 2016.
GCU’s Operations report also provides details of the expenses paid to fulfill
account holders requests and operate the business. By volume, the GCU’s highest
expenses are the benefits paid to members. These benefits can be in the form of partial
withdrawals, full cash surrenders, annuity exchanges, or conversions, and death benefit
payments to beneficiaries of life or annuity contracts. These benefits totaled over $150
million in 2015, and accounted for nearly 92% of GCU’s overall expenses before any
changes in reserves were factored.
Remaining operating expenses include costs to run the Home Office building,
technology costs, employee costs, commissions paid to our sales agents, as well as other
costs required to operate the business. All of these costs are reviewed and monitored
regularly. As the business has grown, every effort has be made to keep expenses as low
as possible while still providing the best possible customer service to our members and
agents. Although our premium figures increased by over 110% since 2011, our
operating expenses have increased by ONLY 42% since 2011.
SLIDE #4
Details of our operating insurance expenses are also provided. The majority of
our insurance OPERATING expenses are made up of employee wages and benefits,
fraternal program costs, technology costs, agent-related, and fees paid for actuary and
consulting services. By comparison to our closest peers, the GCU has some of the
lowest operating costs as a % of premium income sold. Although some costs have
increased and others have been added, the GCU Executive and Management team have
been VIGILANT to keep these costs at a minimum while ensuring top quality
performance and service to our members and agents.
For each year over the last 4-year period, GCU’s net income has been
outstanding. The $22 million profit in 2015 was the highest in the company’s history,
and our net income return on assets has been calculated at a rate of more than 1.50% in
recent years. This is also a trend that is over and above previous year’s returns.
As we earn a healthy net income, the GCU is able to add valuable dollars to our annual
Surplus account. These additions to our Surplus account further secure an already
strong, healthy financial position.
BOND QUALITY & MIX
SLIDE #5
The GCU Board of Directors and Executives have carefully followed the GCU’s Corporate
Investment Strategy, which is to invest in high quality, low-risk securities. With the help
of our investment portfolio managers, we have continued to purchase high quality
corporate securities. Though navigating through the bond market has become more
challenging in recent years, the GCU still holds over 93% of its bond portfolio with a
HIGH Investment Grade rating of 1 or 2.
We’ve also experienced some of the highest investment returns in the fraternal
industry with consistent returns of nearly 6.0% since 2008. This is among the highest
investment returns when compared with not only our fraternal peers but also many of
the large mutual insurance companies. Our bond makeup remains mixed and exposure
risk is low with no single investment representing more than .85% of our total portfolio.
We will continue to work closely with our fixed income managers to ensure that GCU’s
investment portfolio remains safe and strong.
GCU SUBSIDIARIES
SLIDE #6
As great efforts have been made to strengthen & improve finances for the GCU,
we have also made great efforts to improve the GCU Holding Company its subsidiary
companies. Operations have been greatly improved and losses have been reduced for
both Seven Oaks Country Club and GCU Real Estate Company, Inc. In the last couple of
years, Seven Oaks has experienced an increase in both membership and event sales.
Vast improvements have been made to the computer systems and software utilized at
the Country Club, as well as Clubhouse and Golf Course improvements. We feel these
improvements are vital to the success of Seven Oaks Country Club.
The GCU Real Estate Company has also seen dramatic improvements on the real
estate development side. We have sold a combination of 15 lots and homes since 2012.
We are optimistic that the progress we’ve made will continue as we strive to improve
the strength and success of our Subsidiary companies.
SLIDE #7
In closing, I present a slide with several key indicators that point to the success
the GCU has experienced. These historical numbers and values show the Company’s
great progress in just the last 10 years. We’ve made strides in so many areas that
deserve mentioning….. Total Assets, Investment Income, Net Income and Surplus.
These achievements were hard fought and have not been easy to attain.
They have been reached through great effort, goal-setting, communication,
teamwork, and trust. I want to again thank the Board of Directors and GCU Executive
Officers for today’s opportunity to share with you the Good News of GCU’s financial
accomplishments. Thank you.
Financial Report
of the
Greek Catholic Union
of the U.S.A.
2012 - 2015
George N. Juba
President/CEO
Deborah Tatro
Executive Vice President/COO
Brian Sprinker
Controller
2016 Convention Financial Report of the President/CEO
Dear Delegates and Members:
We are once again pleased to present for your review the various financial reports of the GCU for the
fiscal years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The GCU has experienced one of the most successful periods
in the history of the GCU over the last four year period. Each of the four years presented reflects a
steady growth in assets and surplus and the recording of excellent profitability each year as well. In 2013
the GCU reached an historic milestone attaining one billion dollars in total assets. On behalf of the
Board of Directors, our Executive Officers and General Counsel, I extend my sincere thank you for your
continued support of the GCU which has allowed us to present a very positive financial report for our
Society for the past four years.
Since our last convention held in Atlantic City, NJ in 2012, we have filed all required financial report
with the various states we are licensed in.
The Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania completed the audit of the GCU’s
financial records for the period from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2013.
McKeever, Varga and Senko, Certified Public Accountants performed an independent CPA audit for the
years 2012 through 2015 as required by the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and the GCU’s Constitution and By-Laws.
Bruce and DePersis Company, our Actuary, also provided our Actuarial Report for the years 2012
through 2015.
It has truly been a privilege for me to serve as your President and Chief Executive Officer. It has been a
most challenging and rewarding experience for me. My sincere thank you and appreciation to our Board
of Directors and our very dedicated Home Office Staff for their support and guidance that has had a
most positive impact upon the financial success we continue to experience.
Fraternally yours,
George N. Juba
President/CEO
Protecting Families, Promoting Faith & Fraternalism, Strengthening Communities
Financial Report of the Greek Catholic Union of the U.S.A.—2012-2015
GCU BALANCE SHEET COMPARISON
Year Ended December 31
2015201420132012
ASSETS
Cash........................................................... $ 30,815,446 $ 20,936,835 $ 12,740,444 $ 19,219,543
Bonds........................................................... 1,268,001,834 1,117,472,965 1,003,928,535 874,098,440
Preferred Stocks................................................ 21,413,155 25,660,832 30,571,033 44,232,199
Common Stocks................................................ 12,313,564 13,185,684 11,471,807 14,795,208
Mortgages........................................................... 1,119,684 861,848 927,232 1,183,081
Certificate (Contract) Loan . ................................. 658,821 673,510 586,379 569,930
Home Office in Beave , Pennsylvania................... 401,182 452,827 515,227 569,771
Investment Income Due & Accrued.................. 19,501,215 17,228,911 15,720,230 13,905,244
702,535 Other assets.................................................
163,436 3,653,578 8,595,400
Total Assets................................................ $1,354,927,436 $1,196,636,848 $1,080,114,465 $977,168,816
Total Asset Growth Year to Year............................. 13.23%
10.79%
10.54%
14.60%
Increase from 2011 to 2015.................................... 58.90%
LIABILITIES
Life Reserve Fund........................................... $64,188,000 $62,593,000 $62,200,000 $60,997,001
Annuity Reserve Fund................................. 1,158,341,037 1,023,916,729 928,236,824 845,407,860
Accident and Health Reserve Fund............................ 8,957 —
—
—
Refund Accumulations........................................ 1,097,844 1,074,353 1,053,832 1,030,287
Employee Pension Fund..................................... 6,548,367 6,050,781 5,739,856 5,046,538
Convention Reserve............................................... 406,397 306,673 206,673 107,716
Advance Premium & Future Refund Reserves...... 340,881 334,062 236,291 233,091
Investment Security Reserve-AVR................... 13,217,553 11,663,823 9,942,522 9,498,454
Interest Maintenance Reserve-IMR.................. 16,735,318 16,113,913 14,129,373 9,822,748
Accounts Payable-Home Offic . ........................... 215,197 161,647 191,915 65,314
Other Liabilities..........................................
3,088,149 2,596,437 7,684,950 7,791,628
Total Liabilities...........................................$1,264,187,700 $1,124,811,418 $1,029,622,236 $940,000,637
90,739,736 Surplus Fund-(Net Worth)..........................
71,825,430 50,492,229 37,168,179
Total Liabilities & Surplus......................... $1,354,927,436 $1,196,636,848 $1,080,114,465 $977,168,816
Normal Solvency Ratio......................................... 107.18%
106.39%
104.90%
103.95%
New Solvency Ratio*........................................... 109.78%
109.08%
107.42%
106.14%
*Adds IMR and AVR to surplus because it’s future profit
5
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
2015201420132012
INCOME
Life Premium.................................................$ 3,185,204 $ 2,227,866 $ 2,563,354 $ 3,660,434
Annuity Premium............................................ 207,467,693 144,109,117 131,635,326 146,412,937
Annuity Exchanges....................................... 32,134,235 19,048,916 18,045,750 10,668,515
Accident and Health Premium................................. 20,208 — — —
Sub-Total....................................................... $242,807,341 $165,385,899 $152,244,430 $160,741,886
64,871,864 59,794,471 54,268,968
Investment Income............................................ 71,778,773 Other............................................................... 3,510,965 4,779,823 3,133,769 2,575,133
Total Income..................................................$318,097,079 $235,037,586 $215,172,670 $217,585,987 EXPENSES
Death Benefit . ............................................. $ 2,336,035 Annuity Benefits Pai ..................................... 115,345,220 Annuity Exchanges........................................... 32,134,235 Surrender Benefit .............................................. 1,242,015 Accident and Health Benefits ................................. 12,034 Commissions....................................................... 6,577,420 General Insurance (See detail)............................ 6,397,100 Insurance Taxes, Licenses & Fees......................... 438,903 Pension Benefits Pai ............................................ 272,721 Other........................................................................ 66,623 Sub-Total....................................................... $164,822,306 Reserves......................................................... 130,976,957 Total Expenses.............................................. $295,799,263 Net Gain from Operations before Refund......... 22,297,816 Refunds to Members.....................................
256,199 Net Gain from Operations after Refund............ 22,041,617 Net Capital Gains (Losses)...........................
21,926 Net Income . .................................................$ 22,063,543 7
$ 3,269,700 $ 2,622,025 $ 2,062,451
83,695,141 81,155,682 70,249,576
19,048,916 18,045,750 10,668,515
1,222,379 857,319 823,957
— — —
4,156,142 3,840,887 4,359,453
5,921,131 5,473,483 5,237,745
582,836 250,450 213,717
447,243 127,642 315,994
62,967 61,517 63,694
$118,406,455 $112,434,754 $ 93,995,103
97,047,000 84,227,000 111,249,000
$215,453,455 $196,661,754 $205,244,102
19,584,131 18,510,916 12,341,885
341,293 220,268 211,807
19,242,838 18,290,648 12,130,078
(1,076,551)
230,595 60,328
$ 18,166,287 $ 18,521,243 $ 12,190,406
GENERAL INSURANCE EXPENSES
2015201420132012
Salaries, Wages & Honorarium Expense...........$2,532,013 $2,334,602 $2,022,245 $1,786,202
Employee Benefit ................................................. 386,666 295,361 299,813 276,145
Legal Fees & Expenses.............................................. 2,100 6,836 7,630 931
Fees-CPA, Actuary, GCU Auditors........................ 449,759 244,894 254,835 197,320
Technology Costs................................................... 588,113 622,038 469,330 689,655
Advertising & Agent Field Expenses..................... 221,900 98,479 67,872 35,764
Board Meeting Expenses/Travel............................ 105,117 97,893 95,563 64,355
Postage & Phone.................................................... 203,553 208,018 169,431 164,149
Printing & Stationery............................................. 114,108 142,299 119,518 145,905
Rental of Equipment.............................................. 145,827 181,445 178,640 46,699
Insurance Fees........................................................ 106,606 118,434 105,636 76,822
Official Publicatio .................................................. 51,438 55,818 55,840 54,426
Fraternal Activities................................................. 792,220 754,539 836,212 932,400
Future Convention Reserves.................................. 101,751 100,000 100,000 100,455
Employee Pension Expense................................... 400,000 400,000 500,000 500,000
Other.................................................................. 195,929 260,475 190,919 166,517
Total Insurance Expenses.................................. $6,397,100 $5,921,131 $5,473,483 $5,237,745
CHANGES IN SURPLUS
2015201420132012
Surplus previous year...................................... $71,825,430 Net Income........................................................ 22,063,543 Change in Unrealized Capital Gain/(Loss)......... (393,429)
GCU Holding Company & Other....................... (849,210)
Changes in Non-Admitted Assets....................... (352,869)
Changes in Asset Valuation Reserve................ (1,553,729)
Net Changes in Surplus..................................... 18,914,306 Ending 12/31 Surplus...................................... $90,739,736 $50,492,229 18,166,287 329,698 445,029 4,113,489 (1,721,302)
21,333,201 $71,825,430 $37,168,178 18,521,243 1,548,699 (5,282,051)
(1,019,773)
(444,067)
13,324,051 $50,492,229 $28,428,300
12,190,406
1,250,339
(3,455,500)
(120,044)
(1,125,323)
8,739,878
$37,168,178
Surplus growth from 2011 to 2015............................ 219%
SPECIAL RESERVES
EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND
2015201420132012
Balance as of January 1st
$6,050,781 $5,739,857 $5,046,539 $4,574,349
GCU Contribution.................................................. 400,000 400,000 500,000 500,000
Investment Income................................................. 370,308 358,167 320,960 288,184
Sub-total.............................................................. 6,821,089 6,498,024 5,867,499 5,362,533
Benefits Paid to Retirees & Other Expense . ......(272,721)
(447,243)
(127,642)
(315,994)
Year End Balance...............................................$6,548,368 $6,050,781 $5,739,857 $5,046,539
9
DISTRIBUTION OF LIFE INSURANCE BY STATES
12/31/2015 Insurance 12/31/2012 Insurance
State
Lodges
Certificates
in Force
Lodges
Certificates
in Force
Arizona
1
190 $1,214,919 1
210 $1,321,382
California
1
32 431,788 1
25 173,546
Colorado
1
—
—
1
—
—
Connecticut
1
348 3,785,591 1
399 4,024,461
Florida
1
8
260,276 1
4
100,174
Georgia
1
—
—
—
—
—
Illinois
1
394
7,250,568 1
441 8,647,939
Indiana
1
698 6,912,730 1
772 7,148,646
Maryland
1
119
1,138,687 1
125 1,223,352
4
1,111
7,597,537 4
1,216 8,164,571
Michigan
Minnesota
1
114 2,957,454 1
126 3,614,737
New Jersey
5
1,841 12,721,421 7
2,222 14,297,155
New York
3
739 4,383,538 3
769 4,382,817
North Carolina
1
2
20,000
—
—
—
Ohio
9
3,042 22,044,974 9
3,288
21,903,211
Pennsylvania
33
18,709 146,984,646 43
20,011
147,036,262
South Carolina
1
1
6,000
—
—
—
Virginia
1
6
33,606 1
4
25,756
West Virginia
1
182 3,621,699 1
186 1,482,721
Wisconsin
1
141 2,039,581 1
125 3,436,803
Total
69
27,677 $223,405,015 78
29,923 $226,983,533 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
12/31/201512/31/201412/31/201312/31/2012
Number of Lodges...........................................................69
78
85
80
Life Certificates in Forc ..........................................28,327
29,295
29,295
29,923
Life Insurance in Dollars...............................$222,991,555 $227,377,491 $227,377,491 $226,983,533
Average Life Policy................................................... 7,872 7,762 7,762 7,586
Annuity Policies in Force......................................... 31,700 29,694 28,009 26,084
Annuity Dollars...........................................$1,156,948,678 $1,033,626,335 $939,931,770 $857,107,137
Average Annuity Balance.......................................$36,497 $34,809 $33,558 $32,859
Total Life and Annuity Certificate . ........................ 60,027 58,989 57,304 56,007
Members in Society 2015201420132012
Adults . .................................................................... 42,057 40,908 40,223 39,409
Children.................................................................... 2,671 2,834 3,024 3,285
Total ........................................................................ 44,728 43,742 43,247 42,694
11
PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF THE GCU CASH & INVESTED ASSETS
2015201420132012
Bonds...................................................................... 94.60%
94.20%
93.50%
91.30%
Stocks........................................................................ 2.50%
3.30%
4.70%
6.00%
Mortgage Loans........................................................ 0.10%
0.10%
0.10%
0.10%
Real Estate................................................................ 0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.10%
Certificate Loan ....................................................... 0.00%
0.10%
0.10%
0.10%
Cash & Short Term Investments........................... 2.80%
2.30%
1.60%
2.40%
Total...................................................................... 100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
MIXED OF TYPE OF BONDS OWNED
2015201420132012
Government Bonds/Govt. Agencies............$
1,151,797 $
1,209,554 $
1,319,977 $ 1,504,554
Special Revenue Govt .Agencies........................ 4,295,984 5,218,621 6,986,032 10,572,536
Industrial.................................................... 1,256,383,557 1,105,098,821 991,739,124 858,451,082
Total
$1,261,831,338 $1,111,526,996 $1,000,045,133 $870,528,172
QUALITY OF BONDS OWNED
12/31/2015
12/31/2014
12/31/2013 1
2/31/2012
Class 1..................... $ 420,369,803 33.31% $ 353,291,936 31.78% $ 384,439,984 38.44% $358,372,235 41.17%
Class 2......................
762,049,501 60.39%
707,419,293 63.64%
576,244,989 57.62%
479,029,376 55.03%
Invest. Gr. 1 & 2...... $1,182,419,304 93.71% $1,060,711,229 95.43% $960,684,973 96.06% $837,401,611 96.19%
Class 3............................ 66,394,927 5.26%
44,875,921 4.04%
27,942,231 2.79%
19,852,200 2.28%
Class 4.............................. 9,618,188 0.76%
5,386,106 0.48%
10,864,547 1.09%
7,551,525 0.87%
Class 5.............................. 3,398,918 0.27%
553,739 0.05%
553,381 0.06%
5,722,836 0.66%
— 0.00%
— 0.00%
— 0.00%
Class 6....................
Total
— 0.00%
$1,261,831,337 100.00%$1,111,526,995 100.00%$1,000,045,132 100.00% $870,528,172 100.00%
13
GCU SUBSIDIARY OPERATIONS—YEAR 2015
GCU Holding GCU U GCU Real Seven Oaks
GCU U
& Susidiaries Holding Co. Estate Co. Country Club Agency Inc.
Beginning Net Worth 1/1/15...............$7,635,240 $393,717 $2,394,159 $4,793,067 $54,297
Profit or (Loss) for the Year................($710,298)
(45,302)
(19,072)
(646,523)
599
Capital Infusion................................... 801,587 —
10,000
791,587
—
12/31/2015 Net Worth
$7,726,529 $348,415 $2,385,087 $4,938,131 $54,896 GCU SUBSIDIARY OPERATIONS—YEAR 2014
GCU U
& Susidiaries Holding Co. Estate Co. Country Club Agency Inc.
Beginning Net Worth 1/1/14...............$5,129,834 $439,019 $7,951 $4,629,316 $53,548
Profit or (Loss) for the Year................($890,314)
(45,302)
(42,016)
(803,745)
749
Capital Infusion................................... 3,395,720 —
2,428,224
967,496
—
12/31/2014 Net Worth.........................$7,635,240 $393,717 $2,394,159 $4,793,067 $54,297
GCU SUBSIDIARY OPERATIONS YEAR—2013
GCU U
& Susidiaries Holding Co. Estate Co. Country Club Agency Inc
Beginning Net Worth 1/1/13...............$5,482,125 $496,820 $339,617 $4,592,851 $52,837
Profit or (Loss) for the Year.............($1,282,054)
(57,801)
(366,489)
(858,475)
711
Capital Infusion................................... 929,763 —
34,823
894,940
—
12/31/2013 Net Worth.........................$5,129,834 $439,019 $ 7,951 $4,629,316 $53,548
GCU SUBSIDIARY OPERATIONS YEAR—2012
GCU U
& Susidiaries Holding Co. Estate Co. Country Club Agency Inc
Beginning Net Worth 1/1/12............$ 5,701,401 $544,896 $461,344 $4,643,217 $51,944
Profit or (Loss) for the Year.............($1,455,497)
(48,076)
(232,848) (1,175,466)
893
Capital Infusion................................. 1,236,221 —
111,121
1,125,100
—
12/31/2012 Net Worth.......................$ 5,482,125 $496,820 $339,617 $4,592,851 $52,837
15
SEVEN OAKS BALANCE SHEET
(000’s omitted)
12/31/201512/31/201412/31/2013 12/31/2012
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash.............................................................. $ 292 $ 124 $ 220 $ 275
Accounts Receivable......................................... 318 792 526 467
Inventory............................................................. 86 83 70 59
122 Other............................................................
154 125 104
Total Current Assets..................................................$ 818 $1,153 $ 941 $ 905
Fixed Assets.................................................. 5,037 5,132 5,038 4,966
Total Assets...............................................................$5,855 $6,285 $5,979 $5,871
CURRENT LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCES
Accounts Payable
46 54 42 43
Other
871 1,438 1,308 1,235
Total Current Liabilities
$ 917 $1,492 $1,350 $1,278
Fund Balance
4,938 4,793 4,629 4,593
Total Liabilities & Fund Balance
$5,855 $6,285 $5,979 $5,871
17
SEVEN OAKS INCOME STATEMENT
(000’s omitted)
12/31/201512/31/201412/31/201312/31/2012
INCOME
Dues & Initiation Fees..................................$ 839 $ 749 $ 678 $ 578
Carts.................................................................. 257 239 249 203
Green Fees........................................................ 101 83 89 77
Dining Room/Lounge.................................... 1,261 1,111 1,093 804
Cigar Sales............................................................ 7 5 Pro Shop . ......................................................... 148 132 144 110
Tennis Courts & Swimming Pool....................... 11 14 11 12
91
Other.............................................................
99 116 70
Total Income.............................................................$2,715
$2,432
$2,380 $1,854
EXPENSES
Cost of Goods Sold......................................$ 591 Payroll & Employee Benefits Expens ...........1,476 Other Admin. & General Expenses............... 1,010 Sub-Total Expenses.................................................. $3,077 Net Income (Loss) before Depreciation..................... (362)
Depreciation................................................. (285)
Net Loss after Depreciation..................................... ($647)
19
$ 571 1,441 951 $2,963 (531)
(273)
($804)
$ 511 1,407 1,035 $2,953 (573)
(285)
($858)
$
419
1,309
1,011
$ 2,739
(885)
(290)
($1,175)
21
(000’s omitted)
20152014201320122011201020092008 2007 2006
Total Assets
1,354,927 1,196,637 1,080,115 977,169 852,673 810,810 659,675 618,183 591,295
574,567
Life Reserves
64,188
62,593
62,200
60,997
58,598
53,443
50,403
49,664
48,817
47,662
Annuity Reserves
1,144,611 1,015,735 919,392 837,061 735,572 712,663 573,609 547,667 494,305
477,196
Asset Valuation Reserve
13,218
11,664
9,943
9,498
8,373
7,680
5,929
127
6,368
4,825
Interest Maintenance Reserve
16,735
16,114
14,129
9,823
8,661
8,703
4,765
7,430
8,088
8,429
Surplus (Net Worth)
90,740
71,825
50,492
37,168
28,428
21,453
18,167
6,410
26,556
29,058
Solvency Ratio
107.18% 106.39% 104.90% 103.95% 103.40% 102.70% 102.80% 101.00% 104.70%
105.30%
Life Insurance in Force
221,078 219,471 225,736 225,318 223,615 216,648 212,988 220,215 219,002
216,822
Members
44,728 43,742 43,247 42,694 40,874
40,501
38,165
38,396
38,344
38,807
Life Premium Income
3,185
2,228
2,563
3,660
6,453
4,306
1,672
1,705
1,907
1,587
Annuity Premium Income
207,468 144,109 131,635 146,413
93,709 172,755
69,553
77,832
37,704
30,747
Annuity Exchanges
32,134
19,049
18,046
10,669
13,465
18,465
12,154
3,540
23,252
58,101
Investment Income
71,779
64,872
59,794
54,269
48,895
43,239
36,414
30,531
28,735
28,422
GCU Net Income
22,064
18,166
18,521
12,190
8,326
3,930
4,804
-5,341
1,277
3,453
Seven Oaks Net Income (Loss)
-647
-804
-858
-1,175
-1,237
-1,211
-1,170
-879
-1,090
-620
GCU TEN YEAR HISTORY
Minutes for Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Convention Secretary’s Note: The printed minutes of the 2016 Convention present all matters
of significance and importance. The minutes summarize the essence of the discussions and list
all action taken. All proceedings were recorded and the tapes will be on file at the GCU Home
Office. Exhibits are available upon request.
For convenience purposes the following usages will be followed throughout these minutes:
GCU = Greek Catholic Union of the USA
D = District
L = Lodge
GHRL = Greater Hazleton Regional Lodge
Greek Catholic Union of the USA
Atlantic City, New Jersey – Tropicana Hotel
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Chairperson Trbovich called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Archbishop William Skurla offered the opening prayer.
Chairperson Trbovich called on Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest John S. Kachuba who stated that he
misspoke on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 and the delegate number was correct at 253. He then gave
the Credentials Committee report and stated there were no additional delegates and the voting
number remains at 253.
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest Kachuba made a motion to accept the report of the Credentials
Committee, Greg Barkowski, L92 seconded. Motion carried.
Chairperson Trbovich announced that the minutes are available in the back of the room and
delegates are to review the minutes and submit any changes or corrections in writing and give to
the minute keepers.
Marketing Director George Lopata reported that there were changes to the Ballot Committee.
William D. Dzuricsko, L258 is now the Vice Chairman. He then reviewed the voting instructions
and procedures.
Marketing Director George Lopata announced that there is a scheduled break at 10:45 a.m. with
Liturgy to follow at 11:00 a.m.
The delegation then proceeded to vote at 9:14 a.m. The formal meeting reconvened at 9:55 a.m.
Chairperson Trbovich called on President George Juba to give the Fraternal Report. (Exhibit
Wed-1) President Juba asked to entertain any questions and there were no questions.
1
Chairperson Trbovich asked for a motion to accept the minutes of Tuesday’s proceedings.
Motion made by Georgia Lehman, L625, Paul Suche, L211 seconded. Motion carried.
Chairperson Trbovich then called on Board Chairperson Greg Vladika who read a resolution
naming retiring National Director Martha Seech as an Honorary National Officer effective
December 31, 2016. (Exhibit Wed-2)
The Chair recognized National Director Martha Seech, who reflected on her 38 years as a National
Director and thanked the delegation for their kindness and support.
Chairperson Trbovich recognized retiring National Director Roger Embley.
National Director Embley addressed the delegation and thanked them for placing their faith, trust
and confidence in him through his 16 years of service.
Chairperson Trbovich called on Marketing Director George Lopata for the first balloting results.
There were 253 eligible delegates with 4 ballots not picked up. 249 ballots were cast. The
absolute majority number is 125.
The election results are as follows:
National Director
Mary K. Bannworth - 87
John Gregory Duch - 79
Dorothy Ann Foran - 145
Lisa Gulibon - 202
Michael W. Karaffa - 170
George Kofel - 209
Barbara J. Kushner - 188
Georgia J. Lehman - 72
Melanie Niskach-Basl - 111
David A. Oleksa - 193
John W. Oslick - 184
John J. Urban - 201
Gregory N. Vladika - 187
George Kofel, Lisa Gulibon, John J. Urban, David A. Oleksa, Barbara J. Kushner, Gregory N. Vladika,
John W. Oslick, Michael W. Karaffa, and Dorothy Ann Foran were declared as National Directors.
2
Supreme Tribunal
Gregory N. Barkowski - 131
Very Reverend Archpriest Dennis M. Bogda - 161
Rev. Frank A. Firko - 186
John J. Gula - 162
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest John S. Kachuba - 199
Kathy Olack Kapaldo - 104
Kimberly A. Kolesar - 117
John Morenko - 104
Margaret Pajer Russell - 127
Julia A. Weitzel - 138
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest John S. Kachuba, Rev. Frank A. Firko, John J. Gula, Very Reverend
Archpriest Dennis M. Bogda, Julia A. Weitzel, Gregory N. Barkowski, and Margaret Pajer Russell
were declared as members of the Supreme Tribunal with Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest John S.
Kachuba being declared as Chairperson since he received the most votes.
Mary K. Bannworth, John Gregory Duch, Georgia J. Lehman and Melanie Niskach-Basl will be on
the second ballot for National Director. George Lopata, Marketing Director asked if there were
any withdrawals. There were no withdrawals. The second ballot would be the first order of
business following lunch.
Vice Chairperson Urban announced that the next order of business would be proposed
Constitution and Bylaw revisions, not amendments. Definition of revisions means grammatical,
typographical and verbiage changes in nature.
Vice Chairperson Urban stated that the majority of the revisions have already been
preliminarily approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
Vice Chairperson Urban made a motion to suspend the normal reading of the Bylaws, title by
title and paragraph by paragraph. Monica Sertik, L109 seconded. Motion carried.
Chairperson Trbovich addressed questions from Andrea Harhai, L2 and Cordelia Kondas, L94
clarifying Constitution and Bylaw voting and discussion procedures.
The Constitution and Bylaws will be attached as an Exhibit and only discussions will be listed.
The following delegates made comments regarding the revisions to Par. 1 of the Constitution
and Bylaws:
-
George Nagrant, D11 commented that the name change to GCU is significant and he is
concerned about losing our heritage.
3
-
Andrea Harhai, L 2 expressed concern over the loss of our heritage.
-
RoxAnn M. Savka, L94 voiced her opinion on the exclusion of the word Catholic and how
this may be misleading.
Chairperson Trbovich and President Juba reinforced that nothing has been removed and that
the official name on our charter is Greek Catholic Union of the USA and referred to Par. 155 of
the Constitution and Bylaws.
The convention recessed at 10:48 a.m. for Liturgy. The meeting will resume with a second vote
for National Director.
The meeting reconvened at 2:10 p.m.
George Lopata, Marketing Director was called upon to resume the voting process and reported
that delegates should vote for one position for National Director. Four names are on the ballot
and an absolute majority is required to be elected.
Chairperson Trbovich asked for the report of committees.
Cecilia Roman, L94, Chairperson of the Appeals and Grievances Committee reported there were
no grievances.
Legal Committee Chairperson Theodore Trbovich reported there were no legal issues.
Rev. James A. Ragan, Chairperson of the Resolutions Committee, stated that there was one new
resolution submitted from Lodge 94 Wexford, PA to old Par. 38 of the Constitution and Bylaws
requesting an increase of payment for disability losses. Chairperson Trbovich recommended
that the content of the resolution be addressed by the Board of Directors for consideration of
being a fraternal benefit. Judy Gula, L255 withdrew this resolution.
Marketing Director George Lopata gave results of the second ballot for National Director.
Melanie Niskach-Basl – 95
Mary K. Bannworth – 74
John Gregory Duch – 47
Georgia J. Lehman – 28
246 ballots were cast and none voided. The absolute majority of votes cast to be elected is 124
which was not reached by any of the four candidates. A third ballot will be cast and will require
only a simple majority. Marketing Director Lopata asked if any candidates wish to withdraw
and all candidates remained.
*Minute keeper’s note-variance of two – 246 votes were cast but 244 registered.
4
Convention Vice Chairperson Urban resumed with an overview of proposed Bylaw changes.
The following delegate made comments regarding the revisions to Par. 14(e) of the Constitution
and Bylaws:
George Nagrant, D11 commented on the membership qualifications. He was concerned how
they would relate to acquired fraternal societies.
Chairperson Trbovich recommended that Par. 14(e) of the Constitution and Bylaws read as
follows: Be a member of an acquired Fraternal Benefit Society that meets the above
qualifications.
Vice Chairperson Urban reminded the delegation that Par. 40 of the Constitution and Bylaws
would be deleted and addressed as a fraternal benefit.
and Bylaws:
George Nagrant, D11 needed clarification on Par. 45 of the Constitution and Bylaws regarding
the authority of the Board. President Juba responded that the Board cannot dissolve a District.
The District must dissolve themselves.
and Bylaws:
Mary Bannworth, L340 expressed concern that there were too many loopholes and felt that
more qualifications were needed.
Judy Gula, L255 and Andrea Harhai, L2 agreed with the Board’s revision.
Cecilia Roman, L94 questioned in reference to Par. 116(c) of the Constitution and Bylaws if a
member resided in an area without a Byzantine Church and was baptized in a Byzantine Church,
are they still qualified?
Alice Keil, L17 questioned if canonically means just baptized? Vice Chairperson Urban discussed
this issue with Spiritual Advisor Very Rev. Richard I. Lambert, and they decided this issue needs
further investigation for clarification.
Vice Chairperson John Urban called upon our Spiritual Advisor Very Rev. Richard I. Lambert for
clarification of Par. 116 (c) of the Constitution and Bylaws.
Vice Chairperson John Urban stated that the deletion of Par. 123 of the Constitution and Bylaws
was the official removal of the National Vice President position in the Constitution and Bylaws.
5
Vice Chairperson John Urban stated that new Par. 154 of the Constitution and Bylaws allows
the Board to make grammatical, typographical or verbiage changes with no change to the
intent, unless directed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
George Nagrant, D11 wanted confirmation that Spiritual Advisor Lambert would investigate the
canonical issue discussed previously regarding Par. 116 (c) of the Constitution and Bylaws.
Chairperson Trbovich said this would be investigated.
Pamela Kapaldo, L10 stated spelling and grammar needs to be reviewed, specifically Slav and
Rusyn.
Kenneth Krown, L271 stated his lodge is not in support of the name change to GCU in Par.1 of
the Constitution and Bylaws.
Vice Chairperson Urban made a motion that the Bylaws become effective no sooner than
October 1, 2016, with approval by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
Seconded by Mike Mokay, L17. Motion carried.
Vice Chairperson John Urban made a motion to accept the Bylaw revisions. Seconded by Diane
Richey, L302.
Chairperson Trbovich reported the standing count was 157 in favor of Bylaw revisions and 34
opposed to Bylaw revisions.
Stephanie Hennessy, L15 questioned that according to Roberts Rules of Order, that abstentions
should be acknowledged on the vote? Parliamentarian Rosenthal stated that abstentions need
not be acknowledged.
Marketing Director George Lopata stated we would be having the third ballot for National
Director. This would be a simple majority. Marketing Director Lopata asked if any candidates
wish to withdraw and all candidates remained.
Marketing Director George Lopata reported on the results of the third ballot. There were 253
eligible voters with 9 ballots not taken and 1 ballot taken but not cast.
*Minute keeper’s note – variance of two votes – 243 eligible voters – 241 votes cast.
The results are as follows:
Melanie Niskach-Basl - 98
Mary K. Bannworth - 84
John Gregory Duch - 37
6
Georgia J. Lehman – 22
Chairperson Trbovich declared Melanie Niskach-Basl as National Director.
Chairperson Trbovich requested the ballots be sealed and retained for one year.
Motion made by Bernadette Baron, L255 and seconded by Marilyn Davis, L252. Motion carried.
Board Chairperson Vladika was called on for new business. There was none.
Chairperson Trbovich announced the Minute Approval Committee is to meet tomorrow at
10:00 a.m. in the Board Room.
Members of the Committee are:
Theodore Trbovich, Convention Chairperson
Barbara Kushner, Convention Secretary
Catherine Cherevka, Honorary Officer
Elizabeth Harbist, D15
Kathleen Meddaugh, L316
Thomas Petty, L15
John L. Minarish, L250
Linda Oslick, L255
George Seech, L10
Robert Suflita, L47
The committee will be remunerated $50.00 fee and $75.00 for food. Motion to approve by
Chairperson Trbovich, seconded by Paul Lebanik, L994. Motion carried.
Board Chairperson Vladika thanked the delegation and congratulated all newly elected officers.
He congratulated the delegates for their attentiveness and changes to the Bylaws will chart the
course of GCU over the next 4 years.
Chairperson Trbovich thanked Convention Director Basil Wahal, Marketing Director George
Lopata, and all staff for a well-organized convention.
Chairperson Trbovich made a motion to dissolve all committees except the Minutes Approval
Committee. Seconded by Victor Bukovecky, L254. Motion carried.
Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest John S. Kachuba administered the Oath of Office to National
Spiritual Advisor Very Rev. Richard I. Lambert.
Spiritual Advisor Lambert administered Oath of Office to the newly elected National Officers.
7
Chairperson Trbovich called on Spiritual Advisor Lambert to lead the delegation in singing the
Hymn to St. Nicholas.
Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Chairperson Trbovich asked for a motion to close the
proceedings. Motion made by Monica Sertick, L109, seconded Paul Dunda, L945. Motion
carried.
Respectfully submitted,
-s- Barbara J. Kushner, Convention Secretary
8
Exhibit Wed-1
Fraternal Report of the National President and Chief Executive Officer
Our current active Lodges and Districts do an outstanding job in support of the GCU’s Mission
Statement. Today we have 60 active Lodges and 6 Districts continuing to serve the needs of our
Byzantine Catholic parishes, their local communities and their members through financial
support, a wide array of fundraising and volunteer programs, and sponsoring social and athletic
events for the benefit of their members. Each issue of the GCU Magazine contains an abundance
of articles and photos supporting the fact that fraternalism in the GCU is alive and well. Over the
past four years the GCU funded over $200,000 to our lodges and districts through the GCU’s
Matching Funds Program with over $ 800,000 in total being donated to various causes. Your
Board of Directors expanded this program in 2015 allowing for additional $1,250 matching fund
events in support of the Byzantine Catholic parish their lodge is based at, a second allocation for
community fundraising events and a third as a parish outreach program for other neighboring
Byzantine Catholic parishes that do not have a GCU Lodge affiliation. We have also been
offering Byzantine Catholic parishes the opportunity to participate in the parish outreach
program working directly with our Communications and Fraternal Department. Your Board of
Directors also increased the Matching Funds amount to $1,500 per program that went into effect
January 1st of this year. In addition to our Matching Funds Program and the annual subsidy
funding, our Lodges and Districts can petition the Home Office for additional funds through the
Grant Program and Special Events Program to assist in defraying costs of various events.
On a National level, many programs and events are sponsored to appeal to all age groups,
interests and families. Many of our popular programs include our academic and athletic
scholarships, our art and photo contests, theater events, professional sporting events and our
Byzantine Catholic Family Days held at various amusement parks. As our participation has been
declining for our National Bowling and Golf Tournaments, we have teamed up with another
fraternal benefit society, Slovak Catholic Sokols, for our bowling tournament over the last two
years and will be also having a joint National Golf Tournament with them in August. We are
continually researching the market and interest of our members for additional programming that
may be of interest.
For now, the fraternal side of the GCU as we know it today is holding its own. However, as I
reported at the 2012 Convention there lies a grave concern about the sustainability of our current
model of our Lodges and Districts. Since our 2012 Convention, 2 Districts have disbanded and 7
Lodges have merged. The struggle lies in the inability to engage other members of their
respective Lodges to step up to become officers. Many Lodges experience only officers attending
meetings and the additional members attending are up in age. We would only be fooling
ourselves if we believe that our current fraternal lodge structure will sustain itself into the future.
And this concern is not only within our Society but a concern among all fraternals. The
American Fraternal Alliance is very much involved in this challenge as well and are looking at
undertaking a branding initiative of their own that will assist all fraternals to find the answer or
silver bullet on how best to get more of our members involved in our fraternal efforts.
I have presented to each District since the last Convention for consideration the Regional Lodge
Concept that would combine lodges together but continue to operate under the current
1
established Rules and Regulations for Lodges and Districts. This concept was well received and
created additional thoughts and ideas on how to better restructure our current lodge system.
District #6 was the first to adopt this new structure. This transition was flawless and working
from my viewpoint to perfection. I congratulate each of the four Lodges for their decision to
form the Greater Hazleton Area Regional Lodge. I do believe that additional lodges will opt for
this structure in the very near future. We must realize that this new concept is not the solution to
the current problem we are faced with in attempting to lure more members into participating in
the fraternal side of our business. This concept only serves as strengthening our current lodge
structure and model that has been in existence since our founding. Society has changed, interests
have changed, purposes have changed and if we do not change, the GCU continuing as a
fraternal benefit society is not realistic. For now, as long as our existing Lodges and Districts
comply with the Rules and Regulations to maintain an active status, as long as members of our
lodges continue to volunteer as an officer of their respective lodge, we will continue to support
each of our Lodges and Districts as we have been.
We are in the process of developing an alternative structure in an attempt to attract more of our
members into participating in the fraternal side of our business. We must realize however, that
not everyone one is into philanthropy, volunteering, fundraising or participating in social events
for that matter. Many are just interested in the great life premium and excellent annuity rates the
GCU offers, period. On the other hand we must promote what the GCU is all about. We are not
just a great life premium and excellent annuity rate, but we must continue to tell our story of
what “fraternal” means – Family & Community, Main Street not Wall Street. Our Mission
Statement alone tells our story but we must educate our current members, prospective members
and agents about who we really are. We must build a better data base, knowing what our
members’ interests are, are they volunteers, what is their “personal mission,” or maybe they
don’t have one which is fine.
We must also come to realize that new members coming into our Society may be intimidated and
have no interest to attend a Lodge meeting, with most meetings conducted in a Byzantine
Catholic Church Hall or Social Center. Because of this obstacle, we are also in the process of
researching the prospects of developing “State Lodges”. Studies by the American Fraternal
Alliance and our own experience reveals that the label “Lodge,” is misconstrued by many, liking
fraternals as a “secret, close knit private club - secret hand shake and all” such as “The Loyal
Order of Water Buffalos” of which Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble were members of or “The
International Order of the Friendly Sons of Raccoons” that Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton of the
Honeymooners were members of.
For example, we may want to consider our state lodge for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
take on the label of being the “Keystone State Convocation” or the state of New Jersey being
named the Garden State Convocation, noting that the U.S. Coast Guard refers to a group of
eagles as a “convocation.” Per Paragraph 2 of the GCU Bylaws, the emblem of the GCU is an
eagle in flight holding the American flag in the talons of its right claw and a 3-bar cross in its left
claw. Just an idea for consideration.
A “Cause of the Quarter” can be promoted for our stat convocation members to participate in
whether it’s volunteering to existing causes, participating in a habitat for humanity build, running
2
in a 5 K race or whatever organization the GCU opts to participate with as a cosponsor. State
Convocation members would also have the capability of making a donation to the “Cause of the
Quarter” as well.
Our state convocations would operate strictly via the internet in its entirety, the promotion of the
various events, all reporting requirements, making donations, holding meetings and many other
aspects of operating a state convocation all being handled in an electronic format. Social media
would also play a most important part in this new structure. This new structure would target the
X, Y and millennial generations to participate in the fraternal side of our business as we need to
make this new structure “cool” and “attractive” to the younger members of our society that will
get them involved fraternally as their initial introduction to the GCU. Additional financial
business will no doubt follow. This structure is still in the developmental stage with much more
research and discussion.
This issue as I stated is also a challenge for all fraternals as well. One Society that has been
successful in their efforts to have more of their members involved is Thrivent Financial, one of
the largest fraternals in the United States in terms of assets and membership. They have been
most cordial in sharing many of their newest programs and successes. We also have some ideas
of our own that we will be sharing with you today at our luncheon about our challenges and the
new GCU Go Give Program. We must realize that we have transformed to “taking care of
others” in addition to “taking care of our own”!
We will also be researching the prospects of developing GCU Community, creating relationships
with various venues for discounted pricing for sporting events, theater events, cultural and art
venues and other opportunities to offer discount pricing to our members as an added benefit of
GCU membership
I personally am very excited about many of our new ideas and am confident that we will attract
more of our members to participate in our fraternal programs through these new programs.
I have spoken about this concern numerous times in the past, and now, that we are in the
strongest position financially in the history of the GCU, we must take action to revitalize and
make known, that the GCU is a fraternal benefit society, because being fraternal was a most
important part of our “Past” and must be a most important part of our “Future” because:
We are the GC – YOU!
“Investing in the Goodness of Community”
Thank you!
3
Exhibit Wed-2
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Martha Seech is a lifelong member of the Greek Catholic Union with participation at the
Lodge, District and National levels, and
WHEREAS, she has participated in the fraternal activities, events and meetings of Lodge 10 in Aliquippa,
Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, she has participated in the fraternal activities, events and meetings of District 15 and prior to
that District 1; and
WHEREAS, she is a parishioner and staunch supporter of St. George Byzantine Catholic Church in
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, she was appointed to the GCU Board in 1978 as a member of the Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, at nine subsequent National Conventions she was re-elected to this office; and
WHEREAS, she has distinguished herself by serving on many Board Committees; and
WHEREAS, effective September 30, 2016 she will be retiring as a member of the Board of Directors of
the Greek Catholic Union; and
WHEREAS, after 38 faithful years of service, Martha Seech’s tenure as a GCU Director will conclude;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors acknowledges the loyalty, dedication and
service of Martha Seech; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in recognition of her more than 38 years of service to the Greek Catholic
Union as an elected National Director, the distinction of Honorary National Officer, whereby she enjoys
the rights and privileges of that honor as so stated in the By-Laws of the Greek Catholic Union is
bestowed upon Martha Seech.

Convention Protocol - Greek Catholic Union

Transcription

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