Today. Spring Germania Credit Union at 25, Pg. 3 Meet the Directors, Pg. 4

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1 Today Spring 2011 Germania Credit Union at 25, Pg. 3 Meet the Directors, Pg. 4

2 A Message from the President This issue of Germania Today is when I traditionally provide you with a wrap-up of the previous year s results. I m happy to report that 2010 ended on a positive note, with a policyholder surplus of nearly $180 million, ongoing growth and another year of A (Excellent) rating by the A.M. Best Company. More importantly, we fulfilled our promise to thousands of families, coming to their aid when they needed us most. In this 115th year of Germania Farm Mutual, Local Chapter officials and agents will once again participate in our annual April meetings. Many of our members have woven these events into the fabric of their social lives, just as Germania s products have been woven into their family s financial protection for generations. David Sommer, President Local Chapter meetings demonstrate the unqualified difference between Germania and other insurers. You are not just a policyholder to us, not a number on a spreadsheet. You vote on how Germania is run; you help govern our Association. Most importantly, you contribute to an extended family that shares each other s interests in the Association s success. I encourage you to attend your meeting and get involved in your Association s business. Many of you will vote on your Local Chapter officials and District Directors; all of you will meet your fellow members. You ll hear about Germania s products a greater array than ever before and how you can save when you expand your Germania coverage to include life insurance or coverage for your boat, car, home or travel trailer. You ll experience the sense of unity that sets Germania Insurance Companies apart from all others. Afterwards, I believe you ll agree that it was time well spent on a business model well executed for 115 years. This year marks the 25th year anniversary of Germania Credit Union, a separate association upholding the same shared values of Germania Farm Mutual. GCU has grown to help thousands of individuals who appreciate its stability and attention to personal service. I m proud to be a member myself. If you are in the Brenham area, I urge you to stop in and congratulate the small, hardworking staff for all they do in our community and take advantage of all they offer. After our frosty winter, I m sure you re as happy as I am that spring is here. I wish you all the warmth and renewal the season brings, and look forward to Germania serving you as The Insurance Texans Trust. Sincerely, Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association 507 Hwy. 290 East Brenham, Texas GermaniaInsurance.com Spring 2011 Volume 37, Issue 1 David Sommer Paul Ehlert Gary Weiss Derrell Krebs Laura Popp Julia Rosenfeld James Pharaon President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Secretary/Treasurer Marketing Communications Manager Contributing Writer Design Germania Today (USPS ) Published quarterly by Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association Postmaster: Send address changes to Germania Today at P.O. Box 645, Brenham, TX Periodical postage paid at Brenham, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription price is 50 cents per year included in yearly premium. 2 Germania Today

3 Dollars and Sense 25 Years of Better Car Deals This year marks the 25th anniversary of Germania Credit Union, and in looking back, we ve certainly seen some changes in the way Texans buy and finance vehicles. Then: The average term for an auto loan was 36 months. Now: Almost all loans are 60 months, and in many cases, we provide 72 month loans. Then: We closed 2-4 loans a month for a total of less than $100,000 a month. Now: GCU finances more than 20 loans a month for totals in excess of $500,000. Then: Auto loan interest rates were around 10%. Now: Interest rates are 3-4% for members with good credit scores. Then: A pretty nice pickup truck might cost around $15,000 in the 1980s. Now: New trucks sell for $35,000 - $40,000, with some priced at $50,000 or more when loaded with extras. What hasn t changed in 25 years is Germania Credit Union s focus on getting you a better deal every time you buy a new or used car. Financing isn t a game with GCU unlike many dealers we won t make you wait around for approval. We will always provide you with a clear comparison of payment schedules so you can choose the terms that are right for you. And because we are your direct lender, you won t have to sign a contract with a third party as you would with dealer financing or worry about someone selling your loan. Visit with Germania Credit Union and get pre-approved for your next vehicle purchase. Let us put you in the driver s seat just as we have for thousands of car buyers for 25 years. Germania policyholders are eligible for GCU membership, as are many of their relatives. Visit GermaniaCreditUnion.com for rates and other information. Visit us at Spring

4 District Directors Seeking Election During April Local Chapter Meetings Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association will hold elections for six District Director positions during Local Chapter meetings held in April Upon election, each District Director will serve on the board for a term of three years and may seek re-election. District 2 Henry D. Lehmann (Hillsboro) Henry D. Lehmann has been a broker for Lehmann Real Estate since 1982 and an agent/owner of Lehmann Insurance Agency since Prior to the real estate and insurance business, he farmed and ranched in Hill County. A graduate of Bynum High School, he attended Hill College, McLennan Community College and UT at Arlington. Mr. Lehmann is a member of Christ Lutheran Church, where he has served as congregation president. He has served on the Brandon-Irene Water Supply Board, was a trustee of Bynum Schools for 11 years, and has served as a Board of Regent for Hill College since Mr. Lehmann has served on the board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association since 1999 and has been active District 3 Don McAfee (Mabank) A graduate of Mabank High School, Don McAfee continued his education during his 23 years as a multi-line insurance agent. He is co-owner and agent of McAfee Insurance Agency, Inc. in Mabank, where he represents multiple insurance carriers specializing in life, home, commercial and auto. Mr. McAfee currently serves as vice-chairman of the Henderson County Appraisal District Board of Directors and is a member of the Mabank Economic Development Corporation. He is also involved in numerous other community organizations and activities. Mr. McAfee has served on the board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association since 1999 and has been active District 5 C. H. Herring, Jr. (Breckenridge) C. H. Herring, Jr. formed Germania Local Chapter 298 in Breckenridge in 1977, adding Herring Insurance Agency in 1980 as agent/partner. He continued his education during his years as a multi-line insurance carrier. Prior to his career in insurance, he worked in retail sales as assistant manager of an auto/truck tire sales store; for 32 years he worked in customer service for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring in Mr. Herring has previously served on the Board of Directors of Breckenridge Kiwanis Club and on the Stephens County Child Welfare Board. He is a current member of the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Herring has served on the board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association since 1994 and has been active District 15 Ralph A. Beadle (Lubbock) A graduate of Lubbock s Monterey High School, Ralph Beadle continued his education at Texas Tech in Lubbock. In 1972 he joined the Lubbock Fire Department and retired as captain after 23 years of service. 4 Germania Today

5 He founded Beadle Insurance Agency in Lubbock and has represented Germania for more than 30 years. Mr. Beadle has served on the board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association since 1993 and has been elected by that board to serve on the subsidiary board of Germania Insurance Company as well as many committees. The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies has also certified him with its education program with the Farm Mutual Director He also serves as the current president of Germania Purchasing Group which provides errors and omissions coverage for Germania agents and has served on this board since its inception 15 years ago. District 16 Dwayne W. Herring (Amarillo) Dwayne Herring is managing officer of A Herring Agency in Amarillo; and was owner of Dwayne Herring Agency from Prior to his insurance career, he was a realtor, worked in retail sales and many management positions. Mr. Herring is a graduate of Munday High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He was also active in the Knox County 4H where he was a Gold Star recipient for his work with livestock and crops. During Mr. Herring s professional career, he has served on church councils, as a United Way director and as an alderman for the Village of Timbercreek in Canyon. Mr. Herring has served on the board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association since 1984 and has been active District 17 Russell C. Janecka (Victoria) Upon graduating from Victoria High School, Russell Janecka attended Russian Language School and served in the US Air Force Security Service in Berlin, Germany, earning the USAF Commendation Medal. While overseas, he received his business education from the University of Maryland and later from Victoria College. Mr. Janecka stepped into the family s independent insurance agency in He earned the insurance industry s LUTCF and CIC designations. As an active leader in his community, Russell has chaired the boards of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement of Victoria and the Victoria Ballet Theatre. Mr. Janecka has led classes as a JA volunteer mentor and continues to educate others on the topic of insurance. He has also served on the Victoria City Planning Commission and currently serves on the board of Victoria County United Way. Mr. Janecka has served on the board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association since 1987 and has been active District 17 Louis E. Butch Harding (Raymondville) Butch Harding attended schools in Manor, Texas. After graduation from high school, Mr. Harding received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University. He began working in the insurance industry in 1986 and in 2001 became owner/agent of Harding Insurance Agency in Raymondville. His professional designations and certifications include Life Underwriters Training Council, Personal Estate & Retirement Planning, LUTCF designation and many insurance achievement awards. Mr. Harding is active in his community having served in leadership positions in many organizations, including president and secretary of the Lyford Lions Club, president of the scholarship committee of the Lyford FFA Alumni Association, director and vice president of the Raymondville- Willacy County Chamber of Commerce, committees of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and the Willacy County Livestock Show Board and has served as a member of the Willacy County Appraisal District Review Board. As a member of the United Methodist Church in Lyford, he is currently serving as a member of the administrative council and has served in other church leadership roles. Spring

6 Matters of Life Buying Life Insurance: When Experience Counts There s an old story about an established business, Ed s Barbershop, in the center of a small town. One day, a new barber comes to town and sets up shop right across the street from Ed s, unfurling a sign announcing Home of the $5 Haircut. Ed s business dies down for a few weeks, then a new trend crops up: His old customers come back asking for him to repair their damaged $5 hairstyle. So Ed unfurls his own sign, We Fix $5 Haircuts, and regains all his business and renewed respect. Germania Life fixes a range of unfavorable life insurance policies, turning them into solutions that provide a greater level of protection for your family. Whether you bought a policy from a flashy internet life insurance ad, or need to convert a policy you received as part of an employee benefits package, Germania s life insurance experts can help turn a bad haircut into great style. When you shop for life insurance, it s good to know the agent and company writing the policy, says Pete Newman, manager of Germania Life production. How well do you know the company that s writing the policy? Are you confident that they ll be around to stand behind the policy in years to come? he asks. With the range of products from Germania Life including term life and whole life you know you re buying a solid policy, backed by years of financial stability, from a Texas company you know and trust. Your Germania Life agent can help you convert an existing policy or design a new one for your situation and stage of life. Ask for a review or a no-obligation quote at or glife@germaniainsurance.com. 6 Germania Today

7 Make Your Voice Heard Local Chapter Meetings Set Last April, nearly 20,000 Germania members gathered across the state at their annual Local Chapter meetings, sharing a sense of responsibility and pride in helping shape their Association. These annual meetings give Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association members an opportunity to voice their opinions, ideas and suggestions, vote on Local Chapter officials and District Directors within set election terms and socialize in a friendly local forum. When you take part in Germania s unique community gathering you ll see why Texans have passed the legacy of membership to generations of their families. Spring Storm Survival Tips The ever-changing Texas weather doesn t always give us time to prepare for extreme conditions. Spring hail and wind storms are spotty events that don t hit every part of town equally. You may drive through hail to arrive home where everything is safe and sound or drive through clear weather only to find havoc at home. Natural disasters reinforce how beneficial it is to have Germania Insurance. For 115 years we ve been bringing Texas families comfort after storms, making lives whole again after devastating damage. April Local Chapter meetings are an essential part of our memberowned farm mutual insurance concept, setting Germania apart from most other insurers. Your personal invitation with details will arrive in the mail within the next few weeks. Your response is an important element in the claims process. Note the date and approximate time of the storm. If your vehicle was damaged by a storm, record the exact location of the vehicle at the time of the loss (i.e. address, city, etc). If you were operating your vehicle, note the highway you were travelling on and the nearest city. If you suspect your property has damage due to the storm, make a list of the items you want the adjuster to inspect. A Germania adjuster will inspect your roof for damage. Here for You Contact your local agent to file a claim after a storm or call Germania directly at You can report a claim 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit us at 7 Spring

8 PERIODICAL PO Box 645 Brenham, TX Spring Meringue Cookies 2 egg whites at room temperature ½ teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2/3 cup sugar 1 cup chocolate bits ½ cup chopped nuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy. Add cream of tartar and beat until fluffy but not dry. Gradually add sugar a little at a time. When you ve added ½ the sugar, add the vanilla, then continue beating and slowly add the remaining sugar. Beat until all the sugar is dissolved and mixture is shiny and holds tightly together. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts. Use a teaspoon to place cookies onto the baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between cookies. Place both sheets into preheated oven and immediately turn the oven off. Allow the cookies to remain in the oven, without opening the door, for at least 2 hours or optimally overnight, until they are crisp and dry.