WHIPPANY, N.J. – The New Jersey District Committee of the Ukrainian National Association (UNA) held its fall organizational meeting at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey (UACCNJ) in Whippany on Sunday, November 12, with representatives from UNA Branches 25, 37, 42, 76, 133, 155, 171, 234, 269 and 287 in attendance. The UNA Corporate Board of Directors (CBD) was represented by UNA President and Chief Executive Officer Roman B. Hirniak and UNA National Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Steven Woch.
Maria Drich, district chairperson and secretary of Branch 42, welcomed all in attendance. After acceptance of the agenda and verification of a quorum, Oksana Stanko, secretary of Branch 37 and member of the UNA’s Fraternal Advisory Board, was selected to chair the meeting, while George Stanko, president of Branch 37, was tasked with taking the minutes. Ms. Stanko read the minutes from the previous organizational meeting held in November 2022, which were accepted as read.
Ms. Drich reported on this year’s district life insurance sales through October 31, which were slightly lower than in 2022. However, it was noted that, despite the lower nominal sales, the total volume and face amounts were higher than in 2022. Annuity sales were significantly up over 2022 with premiums increasing by 258 percent.
She thanked all of the district secretaries and organizers for their efforts, especially as they related to life insurance sales.
The UNA continues to be a visible presence at tri-state area festivals and events. As New Jersey District Chairperson during 2023, Ms. Drich organized UNA representation at the following area festivals: St. Thomas Sunday observances on April 22-23 in South Bound Brook, N.J.; the Soyuzivka Heritage Festival on July 14 in Kerhonkson, N.Y.; Connecticut State Ukrainian Day on September 10 in Stamford Conn.; the 36th Ukrainian Festival held on September 17 in Passaic, N.J., and the 14th Ukrainian Festival held on September 23 at the UACCNJ in Whippany, N.J. Ms. Drich acknowledged with much appreciation all of the volunteers who participated in these events.
In addition to area festivals, the UNA had Home Office representation at the following New Jersey events: the UCCA community event “United for Ukraine” held on April 30 in Passaic, N.J., with Mr. Hirniak and Ms. Drich attending; the 50th anniversary celebration of UNWLA Branch 75 held on October 21 in Whippany, N.J., with Nadia and Ihor Salabay (Branch 155) representing the UNA; and the 70th anniversary of the Ukrainian Educational Council UCCA banquet held on October 28 in Whippany, N.J., with Ms. Valentina Kaploun (Branch 269) representing the UNA.
The discussion then turned to projected fraternal activities for 2024. Earlier this year, the members of the Fraternal Advisory Board conducted a survey of all secretaries by district to gain insight into issues they face when selling UNA products. Ms. Stanko presented the results from the New Jersey district interviews.
One of the main challenges was selling to young adults age 30 to 45 who conduct all their business online using their devices. Mr. Hirniak mentioned that the UACCNJ has a “35 and under” group that meets regularly with people up to age 40 attending.
It was agreed that the district needs to find ways to better communicate with this demographic group, some of whom have young families and would be a prime market for both life insurance and annuity products.
As to where and how to promote UNA products, it was also agreed that secretaries should once again actively do presentations at their area churches before and after Divine Liturgies or at parish functions as was done pre-COVID. The Home Office will assist with sales materials. Mr. Woch distributed samples of personalized bilingual flyers, which are available upon request.
Mr. Hirniak reported that roughly 90 percent of the UNA’s current sales are annuity products. The Corporate Board of Directors’ objective is to offer a good return on investments. The UNA has some of the best rates in the industry, after four instances of rate increases since July 2022, as well as excellent commission rates.
Annuities are the primary choice for UNA’s independent agents. The UNA is a business and, while life insurance is still a major part of that business, the emphasis should be on annuity sales. The CBD is also exploring new possibilities to make UNA life insurance products more attractive and relevant in today’s market.
Mr. Hirniak concluded by noting that in May of this year the UNA received a clean exam from its New Jersey regulators. He reaffirmed the need to establish the UNA’s relevance in the community and his support for standard, regular communications to the branches.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Hirniak welcomed Andriy Wowk as the new secretary for Branch 234. Mr. Wowk is replacing Eugene Oscislawski, who after 30 years of dedicated service to the branch has retired and moved out of the state. Mr. Oscislawski’s long-time service as secretary of Branch 234 will be formally acknowledged by the Home Office.