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“I know I’mpart of somethingbigger”“I feel goodabout helpingother members”ForesterslifelifInside – HowwFForestersorestersmember benefits helpthis family have fun andgive backForestersCommunityGrantsExperience all2014your membership financialhas to offer!highlightsMake an impact in yourown community andhave fun along the wayLearn about thousands ofdollars in member benefitsUsing our financialstrength to enrichfamilies like yours2014 Foresters Report1
Working togetherto improve familywell-beingAt Foresters , our members are theheart of our financial organization.Through your trust in our productsand your passion for giving backwe helped make a meaningful andlasting impact for our membersand their communities acrossCanada, the United States and theUnited Kingdom. Here are just a fewof the highlights1.
FinancialstrengthSupporting ourmembersSupporting membercommunities– Membership remained stableat 1,162,908– Insurance claims and benefitspaid were 320 million in the US, 148 million in Canada and 172 million in the UK– Foresters helped Cash for Kidsraise 10.7 million for the MissionChristmas Campaign, assisting314,987 disadvantaged childrenin the UK– 3 million total certificatesand contracts in force– Funds under managementgrew to 28.5 billion, an increaseof 16% over 2013– We received an A (Excellent)A.M. Best rating for the 14th yearin a row†– Total premiums across allthree countries increased by20% from 2013– With 4.8 million from theForesters Community Grantsprogram over 157,000 membersand guests enjoyed morethan 1,700 fun family andvolunteer events– Members affected by naturaldisasters or hard times weregranted almost 235,000 inEmergency Assistance– First time Branch Councillorsmade up 26% of all electedBranch officers– A record number of4,761 members used theLegal Link and Everyday Moneyhelplines, plus 2,222 memberstuned into free webinars onestate planning and moneymanagement– 1.8 million in funding wasawarded for more than1,100 Foresters CompetitiveScholarships in the US, Canadaand the UK– 1.5 million was invested tohelp build 15 new playgroundsthat will serve an estimated622,000 children and theirfamilies across North Americafor years to come– 36,000 members andtheir guests volunteered athundreds of Foresters membervolunteer events– Since 1990, Foresters has helpedraise over half a billion dollarsfor local children’s hospitalsthrough our partnership withCMN Hospitals – Foresters continued theTech Timeout challenge whichencourages families to takea daily break from electronicdevices and reconnect in amore personal way2014 Foresters Report3
Up close withour new CEOSince joining Foresters in May, I’ve been busy getting to knowthe organization and our employees, members, customers andsales partners. Every conversation inspires me and the moreI learn about Foresters, the more passionate I am about leadingour organization into the next phase of long-term profitablegrowth and lasting community impact.Executive Leadership Team(as of December 31, 2014)Anthony M. (Tony) GarciaPresident and Chief Executive OfficerEuan AllisonChief Executive Officer, United KingdomKasia CzarskiSenior Vice President andChief Membership and Marketing OfficerSharon GiffenSenior Vice President and Chief Risk OfficerBill LipkusPresident and Chief Executive Officer,First Investors Consolidated CorporationSuanne NielsenSenior Vice President and Chief Talent OfficerTony PooleExecutive Vice President and President,North America Life InsurancePaul ReaburnExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerKatharine RounthwaiteSenior Vice President and General Counsel,Chief Compliance Officer and Executive SecretaryBoard of DirectorsRichard M. (Dick) Freeborough, CanadaChairman of the BoardBrian A. Isabelle, CanadaInternational Fraternal PresidentSonia A. Baxendale, CanadaJames M. (Jim) Bowden, United StatesAnthony M. (Tony) Garcia, CanadaPresident and Chief Executive OfficerRobert E. (Bob) Lamoureux, CanadaFrank N.C. Lochan, CanadaMartha E. Marcon, United StatesLaraine J. Morris, United StatesDavid E. (Dave) Morrison, CanadaDavid R. (Dave) Saunders, United KingdomJohn B. Scott, United StatesMichael P. Stramaglia, CanadaChristopher J. (Chris) Stranahan, United StatesInternational Fraternal Vice PresidentWendy A. Watson, United States42014 Foresters ReportBased on my 26 years of leadershipexperience in the insurance and financialservices industry, I can tell you withoutreservation that Foresters distinguishesitself by its ability to deliver long-termprofitable growth and financial stability.We have received an “A” (excellent) ratingfrom A.M. Best Company for 14 consecutive years, our financial capital positionis well above industry standards and, in2014, our persistency – the length of timea certificate stays active – improved for thefourth consecutive year. With funds undermanagement of 28.5 billion, we continueto reap the positive benefits of strategicacquisitions such as First Investors andThe Children’s Mutual, as well as organicgrowth initiatives in our three countries.In 2014, Foresters demonstrated its commitment to the well-being of our membersas evidenced by the following results:As successful as Foresters has become,we are keenly focused on getting betterevery day. A key initiative for us in 2015will be creating the next generation oflong-term planning for the Forestersorganization. The focus of this effortwill be to create a plan that will greatlyincrease our ability to build on our strongfoundation to create a more vibrant andhealthier organization as we move towardsthe year 2025. We remain committedto growing our membership base withquality insurance and financial servicesproducts combined with differentiatedmember benefits.I want to thank you for making Foresterssuch a special organization by deliveringour purpose in the communities in whichyou live and work.Sincerely,– We invested 20.4 million inmember benefits– Our community programs created 9.6 million in investment in the areaswhere our members live and work– We paid life insurance claims andbenefits that totaled 640 millionEngaging more members in our sociallyconscious purpose is a personal goalof mine. As such, I was pleased to see thatyou submitted 2,039 Community Grantapplications and 157,000 members andtheir families participated in communityand member activities. We also had strongengagement in our governance process thisyear. Members nominated more candidatesthan ever before for Branch Councillor anda full 26 percent of our elected membersare first-time leaders. These results are soimportant for the long-term health of ourorganization because it ensures a continualinjection of fresh thinking for how weenhance family well-being.Anthony GarciaPresident and Chief Executive Officer
Tony Garcia became Foresters President and CEO in May 2014. Since then, he’s worked tirelesslyto learn about the organization and considers employees, members and sales partners amonghis best teachers. We asked Tony to share his initial impressions and future goals with members.1 Tell us about your first year as CEOIt’s been terrific! I arrived in the middle of our 140th anniversary celebration and I immediately knew that I had made theright choice. No organization lasts this long without a rocksolid commitment to customer service and financial security.There is an infectious energy in this organization, especiallywhen it comes to fulfilling our fraternal purpose.2 What attracted you to Foresters?I was impressed by Foresters staying power and financialstrength and excited by the challenge of leading a wellestablished organization into the future. On a personal note,I welcomed the chance to achieve business success whilealso giving back to families and communities. I’m a proudfather of five wonderful children so I value any opportunityto improve family life.3 You’ve held CEO roles in other organizations.How is this different?I’ve been fortunate to hold leadership roles in several greatfinancial services organizations but Foresters is an organization like no other. Other companies may add corporategiving to their business but the Foresters difference is thatwe exist solely to give back to families. At our core, we careabout the communities where we live and work and fromwhat I’ve seen so far, we practice what we preach.Report fromthe ChairThe Foresters Board of Directors worksto protect our members and the fundsthey invest with Foresters. The currentBoard was elected in 2013 with a mandateto oversee the strategic direction of ourorganization, maintain the integrity andtransparency of our financial reportingand ensure we comply with applicablelaws and regulations.We are also involved in successionplanning and in May 2014, aftera comprehensive search process,we appointed Tony Garcia to the roleof President and CEO of Foresters.4 What has been your best memory so far?My first playground build! I heard so much about them andI was convinced that I already knew what it would be likebut I wasn’t prepared for the amazing camaraderie of all thevolunteers and for the pride I felt watching Foresters staff,Board members, and our membership and sales teamscome together to assist an entire community.5 What are your key priorities for Foresters?I want to build on strengths that were in place whenI arrived to make Foresters better than ever. To do that,I’m focusing on three areas: 1) Improving our operationsto consistently exceed our members’ expectations;2) Developing employee talent to enable our people tobe their best; and 3) Mapping out a long term strategythat will help us profitably build our business, grow ourmembership and increase our community impact.6 If you could say one thing to our members,what would it be?First of all, thank you! Your family’s financial security is aprecious thing and we are privileged that you have put yourtrust in us. I also want to remind members that they haveaccess to a whole suite of member benefits and encouragethem to come out, get involved in our fraternal purposeand to participate in elections. You never know where itcould take you.With strong experience leadingtransformational change and drivingprofitable growth in the financial sector,Tony is an ideal choice to lead Forestersinto the next decade.Since joining Foresters, Tony has workedhard to understand Foresters placein the life insurance landscape andhas embraced our unique culture andfraternal purpose. In short order, he hasidentified the challenges as well as theuntapped opportunities and has alreadymade positive inroads towards long-termchange. I want to commend our executiveleadership team for their assistance withTony’s transition and for adapting to hisvision for the future.member leaders, member volunteers,employees and business partnerswho work so passionately to supportForesters purpose.Dick FreeboroughChairmanof the BoardI also take this opportunity to thank themen and women who serve with me onthe Board and recognize their hard workand valuable insights. On behalf of theBoard, I want to thank all of our tireless2014 Foresters Report5
The choice is yoursVolunteer activity or family fun day? With Foresters Community Grants,you get to choose. This unique member benefit lets you apply online forgrants so you can choose to organize and lead a volunteer or memberactivity that’s meaningful to you in your own local community.And because you’re creating events for allmembers to join in, you’re not only helping yourcommunity, you’re helping other membersby giving them a chance to give back, socializeand fulfill Foresters purpose. Applying is easy –we give you everything you need to create and 4.8 millionwas granted to help organize volunteeractivities and fun family events1,789events were held for members and their families36,140promote your own volunteer or family funevent. If you don’t have an event idea,we provide suggestions. And of course youdon’t have to organize events to participate.Check MyForesters.com for events organizedby members near you, show up and have fun.“We shared a sense ofpride serving 150 mealsto the less fortunate inour community— Wendy Schell,member organizerForesters volunteers supported local charitiesthrough 771 community activities120,000”members and their families attended eventsMembers lend a handSouthend-on-Sea,United KingdomNewmarket,CanadaBellingham,United StatesFort Atkinson,United States221506210Foresters membersbeautified the beachat Thorpe Bay, collectingmore than 65kg of litter.The beach is now a moreenjoyable place for familiesand a safer environment formarine animals.62014 Foresters Reportneedy andhomeless guestsof Inn from the Cold enjoyeda nourishing meal preparedby Foresters volunteers.kids from theWhatcom CountyBoys & Girls Clubs will benefitfrom summer camp activitykits compiled by a dedicatedteam of Foresters volunteers.The kits will be used toteach communication andcitizenship to campers.Foresters membersguaranteed winter funby creating care packagesincluding snow pants,mittens, boots and scarvesfor low-income families atthe Luther School.
Building our way to a major milestoneToday’s kids might be ‘digitalnatives’ but that doesn’tmean they don’t enjoy oldfashioned, unstructuredplay. Building a sandboxcity, climbing a playgroundstructure or starting animpromptu game of tagnourishes young minds andkeeps growing bodies healthy.That’s why, since 2006, Foresters has partnered with non-profitKaBOOM! to build safe playgrounds within walking distance ofcommunities across North America.On a sunny June afternoon, more than 200 volunteers cutthe ribbon on a brand new 3,500 square-foot playground forthe children at the Saint Paul Music Academy in St. Paul, MNand the surrounding neighborhood. But this was no ordinaryplayground build; it was the 100th playground built by Forestersand KaBOOM! and numerous community partners overa decade. In that time, over 6,000 volunteers have moved15,000 cubic yards of mulch and mixed 845 tons of concreteby hand to build fun and interactive places to play.To register for community activities andfun family events in your area, or to learnmore about applying for a ForestersCommunity Grant, visit MyForesters.com.Craig Sweet, Achievement Plus Coordinator at St. Paul MusicAcademy was delighted that his school was the site of our100th build: “We are so grateful for the support and energyof the Foresters members,” says Sweet. “The playground is usedevery day and has become a draw for the whole community.”100 playgrounds is a great accomplishment but we’re notfinished yet. By the end of 2015, Foresters will have investedover 10 million with KaBOOM! to build over 120 playgroundsacross the US and Canada, which, over their 15 year lifespanwill provide more than 4 million children and their families withan opportunity to spend quality time together and enhancefamily well-being.Members take a breakToronto,CanadaCardiff,United KingdomOntario,United StatesWoodridge,United States26081133267Foresters familiesgot up close withsharks, crabs and stingrays atRipley’s Aquarium, a worldclass attraction that providesenjoyment and education forkids of all ages.Foresters membersand their familiestalked to the animals at aproduction of Dr. Dolittle atthe New Theatre.Foresters membersand their familieswere thrilled with the chanceto see one of the NBA’s mostsuccessful teams in historyplay at a Los Angeles Lakerspre-season basketball game.The event was a slam dunk!members andtheir families were‘superhero for a day’ at ascreening of the feature film,Captain America.2014 Foresters Report7
“Forestersevents are the onething we always doas a family”A Foresters baby grows upOne of VanessaDi Ciacca’s fondest childhood memoriesis of the whole family waking up onSaturday mornings and heading out toa Foresters volunteer or family fun event.Her parents were Foresters Branchleaders who introduced Vanessa andher three brothers to the Foresterspurpose at a young age. Today, Vanessaand her husband Kevin keep the traditionalive by taking their three young childrento Foresters events in their community.82014 Foresters Report“We never felt pushed to volunteer aschildren. We just understood that it wasour responsibility to give back to peoplewho weren’t as lucky as us,” says Vanessa.“I love that Kevin and I are teaching thatsame philosophy to our own kids.”Vanessa is not only a Foresters member;she’s also an employee of Forestersand finds her job very rewarding:“I’m a manager in our Service Centerso I spend my days coaching staff onhow to provide the best level of servicefor members who need assistance.”Vanessa and Kevin decided to purchaselife insurance just before they marriedten years ago and the choice was clear:“As an employee, I know how great ourproducts are and I love what we standfor but even if I didn’t work here, I wouldstill choose Foresters because it’s reallyimportant for me to know that I’mpart of something bigger.”As working parents with three kids underthe age of 10, Vanessa and Kevin are busybut they pride themselves on attendingForesters events regularly saying “they’rethe one thing we always do as a family”.They’ve attended soccer games andtheme park days and they particularlyloved helping out at a playground build.“The playground build was a great way toshow the kids the power of volunteeringbecause they see the empty space whenthey arrive and at the end of the day,when the playground is complete, theyfeel that they’ve been a part of somethingamazing,” she enthuses.Although they haven’t used all ofForesters member benefits, Vanessaand Kevin feel reassured knowing thatthey’re there: “Life can change quickly soyou never know when you might needfinancial or legal advice,” says Vanessa.“And, with three kids close in age, we’ll befacing some hefty postsecondary fees ina decade so we will definitely apply forthe Foresters Competitive Scholarship”.Asked what she would say to fellowForesters families, Vanessa quicklyreplied: “Foresters is so much more thanlife insurance; it’s an opportunity to makeyour family life more fulfilling. We are allone big family and if we all get involvedin the purpose, we can create an evenbetter organization.”
A new membersteps up“We want ourdaughters to giveback withoutexpecting anythingin return”In 2010, Cinthya Barriosand her husband Joshuafulfilled a dream when theybought their first home andshortly after, they decidedto protect their investmentby purchasing life insurance.They reviewed variousoptions but when theylearned about Foresterscommitment to familywell-being, they knew theyhad found a provider that matched theirown values.Just a few years later, Cinthya ran in theBranch Council elections and was electedto a two-year term as a Branch Councillor.“I never considered myself a leader buta friend suggested I would be a goodcandidate because I always participate inthe events so I decided to run in the lastelection and I was elected to a two-yearterm,” she says. “I’m really enjoying therole. Foresters provides lots of support andI feel good knowing more about how theorganization shares its funds with membersand communities and the various ways wehelp others.”Cinthya and Joshua are devoted tocreating a positive future for theirdaughters, aged 13 and 11. In fact, she andthe girls leave home just before 6 a.m.every morning so they can get to schooland she can get to work: “The drive can behectic but it’s worth it for my daughters,”she says. “I do this because I know they willattend a good college one day and I wantto do everything I can to help them andensure a positive future for them. Forestersis a big part of that.”Although the family is relatively newto Foresters, they were quick to embraceour purpose and have volunteeredextensively at homeless shelters andhospitals. They also enjoy family funevents and as avid baseball fans, they werethrilled to attend a baseball game withother Foresters members.When other members are applyingfor Foresters Community Grants,Cinthya often helps them complete theapplications
Foresters Community Grants Make an impact in your own community and have fun along the way Foresters life I know I’m part of something bigger I feel good about helping other members Inside – How Foresters member benefits help this family have fun and give back es rs Ins
