|
|
by George N. Juba
As I prepared this article, I learned that snow covered some portion of 49 states in our nation. Our area, in particular, has been hit extremely hard, and we even broke a record in February as the snowiest month in history! When I walked around, I thought… it’s hard to believe that under this more than 3 feet of white, snowy cover is green grass, flowers and shrubs. All of those colorful things are buried from our sight for now.
This sort of reminded me of what some people may be doing with their personal savings—putting them under the mattress or hidden in a cookie jar, or some other unproductive place. Or perhaps you have your savings at an institution where you are earning 1% or even a small fraction of 1%. I invite you to compare our GCU Annuity products with those you have now and those offered by institutions around you. Just go to the Home Page on our web site and click “Current Rates.” After that you just have to send us an email or call toll free at 1.800.722.4428 and our staff will cheerfully assist you in getting a great return on your savings.
Please
do not hesitate to contact me directly if you should have any
questions or additional concerns. Email gjuba@gcuusa.com or
call toll free at 1-800-722-4428.
|
Optimistic Results for the Year 2009
by Judy Gula
 It is my privilege to announce we have completed the 2009 GCU Annual Statement. Currently we are in the process of mailing our Annual Statement or Brown Book to the various States where we are licensed. Our numbers are very positive showing a net income of $4.8 million. We are proud of all that has been accomplished in 2009.
These numbers will be available to you for your review on our web-site in the very near future. They will also be printed in the April or Annual issue of the GCU Magazine.
It has been a very trying year not only for the GCU but for entire world and the global economy. We at the GCU had to make difficult decisions, but we did this to strengthen our GCU for today and for the future. We will continue in 2010 to make conservative expenditure decisions, to strengthen our portfolio increasing our interest earnings and to grow our assets through increased sales of our products.
I would like to thank our President, the Board of Directors, our Managers and Staff for their dedication and their courage to make difficult decisions. I especially wish to thank our members who were patient and understanding during these trying times.
The GCU has endured once again and is strong and will remain strong for many years to come. Thank you once again for your support.
|
by George Lopata
 Several months ago the GCU announced the creation of our GCU Foundation. This 501(c)(3) charitable foundation offers a great legacy planning opportunity. You can make tax deductible contributions to the GCU Foundation and direct the funds be used for your church, religious order or other charitable cause of your choice.
Although you could choose to make a direct contribution to the Foundation, you may want to consider multiplying your gift by using a life insurance policy. For example, a $5,000 gift from a person age 70 can instantly become a gift of $8,000 or more in the future to support your favorite charity.
To find out more about this opportunity, please feel free to contact the Marketing Department at the GCU.
|
|
|
by John P. Harbist
For these past six months or so, GCU has been the recipient of quite a large volume of business. I believe that this is a direct result of very competitive rates along with an increase of appointed agents which ties in with our business plan. These newly appointed agents are selling GCU products in areas around the country where we have never had a presence.
As greatly as this increased business has impacted the financial sheet, it has begun to present a dilemma within the Membership Services Department. Be aware that with this large volume of business, policy issues have slowed considerably. Presently, I have asked my staff for a 10 day turnaround from time of issue to production of policy to mailing out the policy to member. We are still within those guidelines through hard work and shifting of duties. Furthermore, I am looking to expand my staff through part time help in the near future as I do not see the volume of business slowing.
Rest assured that my number one goal is customer service. My team and I are working diligently in this regard. We ask your patience at this time while we figure out the right mix in staffing and reassignment of workload. Thanks.
|
by Christie Petty
Just a couple of reminders of activities underway for this month:
Art & Photo Contests are still open to entries. Please make sure to follow the guidelines for each contest, which are open to 2 different age groups. The Art Contest is open to members ages 12 & under; the Photo Contest is open to members ages 13-23. Show us your talent and submit your entries by Monday, April 5, 2010. Details are available by clicking here: http://www.gcuusa.com/PDF/ArtContestFlr10.pdf).
Annual Jr. Bowling & Jr. Hoops Contests are taking place in most Districts in March. Check out the details for your specific area by clicking on your District’s page at http://www.gcuusa.com/districts.htm. If you need an application mailed to you, or have questions, just call 1-800-722-4428 ext. 217. Wishing you an early and active Spring!
|
|
On January 12, 2010 tragedy struck the small island nation of Haiti in the form of an earthquake in the magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale. In the days following, nearly 30 aftershocks have continued to rock this land, many measuring above a 5.0 level of ferocity.
The death toll is expected to reach 100,000+
Nearly 3 Million people will be in need of medical aid and supplies
We are so far from this nation…how can we help?
In response, the GCU Foundation has formed the Haiti Relief Fund and will be collecting donations at Our Home Office until March 15, 2010. Donations can be made on an individual or group basis. Once we have received these funds, a lump sum donation (including a donation from the Home Office) will be made to the American Red Cross’ International Relief Fund from the Members of the Greek Catholic Union of the USA through the GCU Foundation. Please make your check payable to the GCU Foundation and send it to this address:
GCU Foundation - Haiti Relief Fund
Fraternal Department
5400 Tuscarawas Rd.
Beaver , PA 15009
We ask you to mobilize the members and non-members of your communities to join us in this expression of fraternal solicitude. Your donations and any other relief efforts you may wish to initiate within your lodges will be appreciated.
*Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for a special tax relief provision, enacted January 22nd by Congress. Cash contributions made to the GCU Foundation Haiti Relief Fund after January 11th, 2010 and before March 1st, 2010 are eligible to take their contribution to this fund as a charitable donation in 2009.Taxpayers have the option of deducting their contribution on either their 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both.
|
After what has seemed like an endless winter, Seven Oaks Country Club reopens Thursday, March 4. The club will be open Thursday through Sunday throughout March.
Many exciting improvements have taken place over the winter months. The former Men’s Card Room is now a Sport’s Bar with a bar, bar stools and tables for you to dine while watching your favorite event. A room near the Men’s Locker Room was renovated for a Fitness Room with various cardio equipment, barbells and a weight lifting machine for men and women 18 years of age and over.
The bar and dividing wall in the Main Dining Room was removed to open up this space for larger private parties and member events. In addition to extra space this gives the room more natural light and a great view of the golf course. New Ballroom and Main Dining Room chairs will be delivered at the end of March. There is an Open House on Thursday March 18 when Seven Oaks staff will be available to answer any questions that you may have on the Fitness Center membership and the other projects that took place this winter. Call the club for additional information.
|
May 2010 is a few months away, but here’s some planning that you should do now...
GCU’s 74th Annual National Bowling Tournament returns to Las Vegas , the entertainment capital of the world in 2010. Bowling and accommodations are at The Orleans Hotel/Casino/Bowling Center
Bowling will be on Monday (team event) and Tuesday (doubles and singles).
Newly Reduced Hotel rates:
$75 per night Friday and Saturday-May 14-15
$40 per night Sunday through Wednesday-May 16-21
Hotel reservations are now being accepted.
To reserve your room, call 1-800-675-3267 (1-800-ORLEANS) and inform the reservationist that you are with the GCU National Bowling Tournament – Code: 9 GCU C05.
*Anyone who has already reserved their rooms under this code will receive an adjustment to match the above rate on their reservation.
Deadline to submit Bowling Registration to the GCU Home Office is April 16, 2010.
|
|
The GCU Magazine April/Annual Report print edition, a more comprehensive report of business operations, events and activities held throughout the GCU World, will appear in mid-April. We advise all contributors that the deadline for all copy is Thursday, March 25.
|
Looking ahead you may want to reserve Thursday, July 22, 2010 as Byzantine Catholic Family Day at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, PA, suburban Pittsburgh. This event takes place every year and is co-sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and the GCU. Tickets are discounted and will be available from GCU lodges at local parishes and through the GCU Home Office. Stay tuned for details but mark your calendar now.
|
|
For more information please send an email to: gcuwebresponse@gcuusa.com
In the Subject Line type: Request for Access
In your email include the following:
Full Name
Birth Date
We will then respond back with the Access Instructions.
|
|
Focus on Fraternalism 
