Mission of Woman's Life Insurance Society Re-stated at National Convention
Fraternal Monitor
October 1998

Janice E. Whipple was re-elected to her third term as national president and CEO of Woman’s Life Insurance Society at the organization’s 29^th National Convention, held August 9 - 11 in Minneapolis. Diane E. Lofquist, who had been appointed national secretary-treasurer during the last quadrennial term upon the retirement of Joseph Haselmayer, won her first election to office. Patricia Sterbenk was elected national vice president.

All but one member of the Board of Trustees will continue to serve the Society for the next four years. Margaret A. Paradise was chosen to succeed Mildred V. Eccker who has retired from office. Other trustees re-elected to another term on the Board are Donna E. Berryman, patsy R. Belongia, mary Ellen Gotchnik, and jean Ann Pyle.

The theme of the convention was "Tomorrow’s Future Begins Today." An enthusiastic crowd of more than 350 members and official delegates from across the United States and Canada attended the three-day event. One highlight of the convention was a highly complimentary keynote address by former First Lady Barbara Bush. Another was the quadrennial report delivered by Society National President Whipple, charting both progress and an even greater future. National Secretary-Treasurer Lofquist reported on the financial health of WLIS.

In her keynote address on Monday morning, August 10, Mrs. Bush called Woman’s Life a very special organization that deeply touched her in a way no other organization had done before. "You are not only about business and the bottom line; you believe in all the things that I hold most dear – family, community and literacy. Woman’s Life is not only changing the face of business, but is also improving our communities and families."

Ms. Whipple declared that "our task doesn’t end with the presentation of a check (for $29,000) and asked delegates and members to embrace literacy as an ongoing, national cause for the organization. She said: "As an organization whose mission is to excel at enabling women to become financially empowered and independent, Woman’s Life cannot overlook its compelling obligation to address literacy. The basic ability to read, write and speak is fundamental to our ability to help women take control of their financial futures ... to understand their problems and discover solutions."

Ms. Whipple continued: "It is our desire and belief that Woman’s Life will become the leading refuge for women, not just financially, but emotionally as well. That means putting products, policies and personnel in place dedicated to helping women and their families help themselves."

In her report to the convention, Ms. Whipple announced new initiatives, including: 1) establishment of a Web site by the end of this year; 2) creating a Woman’s Life resource center by 1999; 3) conducting an active campaign to gain the affiliation and endorsement of women’s groups which share WLIS’s passion to help women help themselves and others; 4) launching a new marketing campaign designed to increase awareness of the Society and its dedication to helping women take control of their financial futures.

National Secretary-Treasurer Diane Lofquist reported that, from 1993 to 1997, a total of $7,664,164 in dividends was credited to members and $13,500,620 was paid to beneficiaries of members as death claims.

Changes since the last convention included a name change for the society, from North American Benefit Association to Woman’s Life Insurance Society. Ms. Whipple said that not only does this change of name more clearly identify the Society’s mission, but it provides WLIS with a significant marketing advantage. She cited the 1997 Women in Insurance marketing report which stated: "The name Woman’s Life Insurance Society very evidently conveys a powerful message to women. It is automatically perceived as a company that recognizes women’s financial issues."

A.M. Best drew the same conclusion: "... the name alone provides the Society with a value-added operating synergy and growth opportunities." As justification for again rating WLIS in the "excellent" category, Best cited the Society’s new life and annuity products, its exceptional financial strength, its high-quality investment portfolio, and long-established presence as the "preferred provider of financial security to women."