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Oklahoma
Published monthly by United Farmers Agents Association,
aka UFAA, Chapter 15 Eastern Oklahoma. The chapter meets the first Thursday of each month.
Next Chapter 15 Meeting will be Thursday December 6th 11:30 AM
Lone Star Steakhouse 101 E Albany St. Broken Arrow
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101 E Albany St. Broken Arrow
Chapter 15 Meetings have moved to the more elegant LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE (this is right off the B/A Expressway @ 161 E A just past entrances to BASS PRO). MAP Chapter 15 Meetings have changed from the first Wednesday to the FIRST THURSDAY of the month.
Non-members welcome
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Oklahoma UFAA Contacts:
UFAA Chapter 15 serving Eastern Oklahoma
President- Glenn Johnson 918/252-0561 Tulsa
UFAA Chapter 12 serving Central-Western Oklahoma:
President- Jeff Roberts -580-224-0808 -Ardmore
United Farmers Agents Assn. National Office 800-275-8668
UFAA Oklahoma Voice Editor
UFAA Oklahoma Voice Ads
To join an Oklahoma UFAA Chapter
choose one closest to you and
contact the chapter. Or, sign
up at the UFAA Website.
United Farmers Agents Association Web Site
UFAA Chapter 15 Newsletter Archive & Homepage
Letters to the Editor
Learn more about our advertisers in this issue. Ads are hot links to their websites.  As a result of several reader requests, we have changed most of the article background colors to white in the Oklahoma Voice to speed printing and use less ink.
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Greetings!
Join us December 6th at the Lone Star Steakhouse
for the UFAA Chapter 15 Monthly Meeting
Chapter 15 will hold the next monthly meeting on Thursday, December 6th 11:30 AM at the Lone Star Steakhouse 101 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow- located just past the driving entrance to Bass Pro. Exit B/A Exp. @ 161st E A aka (Elm PL) 101 E Albany St, Broken Arrow, OK Menu (scroll to bottom for lunch) Message From the President
AGENDA For December Chapter 15 Officer Elections. Members, please attend and vote. Latest info from company. Get your CSR approved & licensed. Special Guest speaker Mike Wagner From CompuKing. He knows Farmers Dashboard & how to maximize your FIG dashboard experience & minimize hassle & cost. Join us and let's make this fun!!!! Glenn Johnson, Chapter 15 President.
Please arrive for Lunch @11:30 - UFAA Meeting begins at Noon.
Non Members Welcome
Meeting attendees should prepare to order lunch upon timely arrival at 11:30 AM The staff will be prepared to take your order upon your seating and cooked to order. We will no longer order as a group as in the past as this has caused our meeting to run overtime.
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918-663-5848
Fire, Water, Storm Damage & Other Perils Full Service Mitigation and Reconstruction 10344-B East 58th St Tulsa, OK 74146
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 Greetings!
J D Powers 2012 U.S. National Homeowners Insurance Study examining five factors: billing and payment; claims; interaction; policy offerings; and price.
J D Powers, now in its 12th year, the study measures . Overall satisfaction with homeowners insurance companies averages 785 in 2012 (on a 1,000-point scale), the highest level in the history of the study, and improves by 16 points from 2011.
Additionally, satisfaction improves by 19 points among customers who bundle their auto and homeowners policies with the same insurer, compared with an improvement of 10 points among customers who have their auto policy with another insurer. Satisfaction is higher in all five factors year over year, with the greatest gains in the policy offerings and billing and payment factors (+35 points and +27 points, respectively). The gains in policy offerings are more pronounced among customers who bundle their auto and homeowners policies than among those who have their auto policy with another insurer (+39 points vs. +25 points, respectively). The competitiveness of discounts and the variety of coverage options are key differentiators among those customers who bundle their insurance.
 | | You may click on the rating graphic above to see details. Click on the new page graphic headings to view how each company ranks in the rated subjects. |
FYI: The above graphic did not make the November issue of the Okla Voice for your review.
Farmers JD Power ranking points were 755 in the year of 2011 and ranked #16 of 22 P&C companies. In 2012, Farmers improved by 5 points to 760 points and ranked #22 of 23 P&C companies while the industry average improved by 16 points.
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 | | Click here to obtain an Oklahoma UFAA Membership App |
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Click logo above to view the UFAA Website
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If you wish to be excluded from future mailings please let us know by emailing us at ufaa15@gmail.com or by using the Unsubscribe feature at the located within this document. Disclaimer - The Oklahoma Voice is published twelve times per year for the United Farmers Agents Association, Chapter 15 Northeastern Oklahoma. The United Farmers Agents Association and the editor neither assumes any responsibility for the accuracy of the articles or advertisers, nor any liability arising from reliance upon them. The Oklahoma Voice expresses its appreciation to the many members who assist in and support its publication,. Opinions in the Oklahoma Voice do not necessarily express the views of any single member or Chapter officer or UFAA organization. Products and services advertised are not endorsed by this Chapter or United Farmers Agents Association, Inc. Complaints or inquiries should be forwarded directly to the advertiser. All purchases and services are at the complete discretion of the consumer. Trademarks and/or logos are the respective products or trademarks of their respective owners. |
 Dear Member: Election Notice- Second Reminder
In accordance with our Chapter 15 and National Bylaws, this serves as official notice of our upcoming meeting and Chapter 15 Elections to be held at our usual meeting place on-
Thursday, December 6, 2012, at 11:30 AM at the Lone Star Steakhouse 101 E. Albany St. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Any regular member or chapter member emeritus in good standing may also announce their candidacy for one of these offices by notifying me by return email, prior to 8 AM, CST on the date of the election. If you cannot attend the meeting, you are encouraged to vote by email created by you. This or a future reminder may serve as your ballot information, but your vote by email must be received by 8 AM on the date of the election to be counted. << (first notice as printed in November Okie Voice)
However, this will be your final reminder prior to the election and if any new candidates appear the ballot will be updated and you will be duly notified.
The following names have been placed in nomination for Chapter Officers for 2013:
President- Glenn Johnson
Immediate Past Pres. Mike Ward
VP- Mike Gately
Secretary- Drinda Collins
Treasurer- Terry Wilson
Nominated Delegates to the National Convention in Las Vegas in June 2013:
Same as listed above.
If you agree with the nominations listed above, you should email me with your email subject of "Chapter 15 Elections" and state your agreement with those nominated... or file as an additional candidate for a position listed above. Your email must be received prior to the deadline stated in this election notice. My email link is shown below.
Sincerely,
Glenn Johnson Chapter 15 President
United Farmers Agents Association
Chapter15@ufaa.com |
 Ban on hurricane deductibles drives up insured losses from Sandy
Total economic losses from Sandy, which include losses that weren't insured, have been estimated at $50 billion to $55 billion. However, New York and New Jersey officials have said the storm's price tag at $41 billion and $29.3 billion, respectively. Robert Hartwig, president and economist with the Insurance Information Institute, an industry-funded group, said while there's no question that the absence of hurricane deductibles pushed up the cost of insured losses, it remains to be seen whether that will translate into higher premiums. Source: Star Ledger 11.26.2102 Read more here and see pic of 100 year old damaged home that still stands- barely.
Pulse of the Agents Poll |
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2011: Farmers Operating Profit Down - Management Services Profit UP
Farmers:
Farmers provides through Farmers Group, Inc. (FGI) and its subsidiaries non-claims related management services to the Farmers Exchanges. FGI receives fee income for the provision of services to the Farmers Exchanges, which are managed but not owned by Farmers Group, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group. This segment also comprises the Farmers Re business which includes only reinsurance assumed from the Farmers Exchanges by the Group. The Farmers Exchanges are prominent writers of personal lines and small commercial lines business in the United States.
Business operating profit for Farmers in 2011 decreased by 200 million to 1.5 billion, or by 12 percent. Farmers Management Services business operating profit increased by 5 million to 1.4 billion mainly driven by a reduction in operating expenses and 21st Century expenses in 2011 offset in part by lower revenues resulting from the planned run-off of the 21st Century agency auto book of business in the Farmers Exchanges, which are managed but not owned by Farmers Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group.
Farmers Re business operating profit decreased by 205 million to 116 million, or by 64 percent, reflecting the net reduction in the All Lines Quota Share reinsurance agreement (All Lines agreement) with the Farmers Exchanges, as well as high weather-related losses in the U.S. in 2011, higher loss trends, and reduced investment income.
Pulse of the Agents POLL
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Greetings!
Pulse of the Agents Polls from the November Oklahoma Voice
Do you believe that inexperienced agents are hurting our competitive position with low retention & loss ratios?
It's a management problem 16%
In regards to NB quotes bound, are you more or less competitive with the Sept fire rate increase? Less competitive 89%
More competitive 3%
About the same 9% In regards to big rate increases for homes, have you lost more homes than in previous rate increase periods? Yes 62% No 9%
About the same number 29%
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Security Breach Compromises Personal
Information of Oklahoma Customers
OKLAHOMA CITY - November 21, 2012 The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has been notified that the personal information of 534 Oklahomans may have been compromised during an online security breach at Nationwide Insurance Company headquartered in Columbus, OH. The computer network, used by Nationwide and Allied Insurance, was attacked on Oct. 3. "Protecting the privacy and security of consumers is a top priority," said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. The FBI is investigating the attack. An initial analysis has indicated that the compromised information included names and some combination of the customers' Social Security number, driver's license number and/or their date of birth and possibly their marital status, gender, and occupation, and the name and address of their employer. Nationwide officials have begun sending out notification letters to those whose personal information may have been compromised or involved in the attack. Although there has been no evidence that any personal information has been misused, Nationwide has arranged for free credit report monitoring and identity theft protection services to the affected customers for one year. Nationwide has opened a toll-free hotline to field questions from anyone who may have been affected. The number is 1-800-760-1125. Questions can also be directed toward the OID Consumer Assistance hotline at 1-800-522-0071
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Car crashes into Farmers Office building, killing office manager
Renton, WA.
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Oklahoma Agents Bite the Dust in 2012
Looks like another rough year with farmersagent email addresses returned marked non-existent addresses from these issues of the Oklahoma Voice.
February issue- 6
March issue- 0 -a first in 30 months.
April issue 3
May issue 2
June issue 4
July issue 5
August issue 1
Sept. issue 1
Oct issue 1
Nov issue 2
Dec Issue
Jan issue
Total for 2012- 25
*These figures may not match actual as it's based on returned email only.
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Learn more about our advertisers as you or your clients may need their services in the future. Educate yourself so you can give your clients more detail about the services they offer.
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ads rotated for 12/12 issue.
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Bethel Collision Center in Broken ArrowBBB Rated A+
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Farmers kept busy with catastrophes, public events and news releases
Here is a listing from Yahoo News
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Don't open any PDF files until you read this!
Unfortunately for Adobe and you, the hackers just found a way around Adobe Reader's sandbox. Even worse, they've added the information to the most popular hacker toolkit, so every hacker can use it. If that wasn't enough, Adobe doesn't know what the problem is yet, so it can't release a fix. Yikes! This is why I issued this really important security alert.
What that means for you is that opening PDF files is about to become very risky. You'll want to follow these rules to stay safe.
More on this issueOklahoma Voice has reprint rights. Copyright 1995-2012 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Reprinted with permission. No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. Visit Kim Komando and sign up for her free e-mail newsletters. KimKomando.com
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 Only in Oklahoma  Ten Commandments monument is installed at Oklahoma State Capitol
A Ten Commandments monument is up on the grounds of the state Capitol, but it didn't pass spell check. "Remember the Sabbeth day, to keep it holy," reads one. "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidseruent," reads the last one.
Rep. Mike Ritze, whose family paid for the monument that was put up Thursday, said the monument company has been contacted and will correct the errors to the words Sabbath and maidservant.
"It's a simple fix," said Ritze, R-Broken Arrow, who hasn't seen the installed monument. "Scribner's errors or misspellings are not uncommon with monument manufacturing."
The changes likely will be made well before a decision is made by the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma to file a lawsuit over whether the monument is a violation of separation of state. Ryan Kiesel, the organization's executive director, said a constitutional challenge is being discussed.
"It's premature at this point for us to say whether or not we're going to litigate this particular monument," he said. "It's something that we are keeping an eye on, and we are reviewing the circumstances of the monument being placed at the state Capitol."
Open Carry of firearms effective in Oklahoma November 1st
 | | Open carry in Okla Nov 1st |
OKLAHOMA CITY - Oct. 30th 2012 - Bryan Hull will soon strap his Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver to his hip and meet his armed friends at Beverly's Pancake House here. They have no interest in the cash register. They just want a late-night breakfast.
A new law takes effect on Thursday in Oklahoma - anyone licensed to carry a concealed firearm can choose to carry a weapon out in the open, in a belt or shoulder holster, loaded or unloaded. Five minutes after midnight Thursday, Mr. Hull and his friends - supporters of the Oklahoma Open Carry Association, a gun rights group - will mark the occasion by wearing their unconcealed handguns while dining at Beverly's, a 24-hour restaurant. "It's just a peaceful assembly," said Mr. Hull, 44, the association's co-director. "We're all licensed by the state to carry. We've all been trained and vetted. Why wouldn't somebody want to have that kind of a group do business with them in their establishment?" In a state with 142,000 men and women licensed to carry concealed weapons, the scene at Beverly's will most likely become commonplace as Oklahomans take advantage of the law by displaying their handguns while they shop for groceries, eat at restaurants and walk into banks. Advocates for gun rights said the ability to "open carry" would deter crime and eliminate the risks of a wardrobe mishap, such as when someone carrying a concealed weapon breaks the law by accidentally exposing the firearm. But the new law is a symbolic as well as practical victory. Supporters said there was no better advertisement for the Second Amendment than to have thousands of responsible adults openly carrying their weapons in a highly visible fashion. |
 | Commissioner John Doak
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Greetings!
 | | Marshall Virden |
November 7, 2012 Immediate Release Former Insurance Agent Headed to Prison for Defrauding Oklahoma Seniors OKLAHOMA CITY - Former insurance agent Marshall Virden has been sentenced to two years in prison for defrauding senior citizens in Wagoner County. The punishment comes after a lengthy investigation by the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). "Our Anti-Fraud Unit worked diligently to bring to light the full scope of Virden's criminal activity in the state of Oklahoma," said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak, who has made exploitation of the elderly a focus of his administration. "This heartbreaking crime cost several Oklahomans their life savings." Virden pled guilty to one felony count of exploitation of elderly. He received a ten year sentence with eight years suspended. He was also given credit for time served. District Attorney Brian Kuester said, "We are happy to get justice in this case. Mr. Virden received the maximum sentence, which includes prison time and probation, allowing the victims a chance to receive restitution." OID investigators discovered that Virden held investment seminars across the state. He would then convince these unsuspecting "customers" to cash in their life insurance and annuity products in exchange for precious metals such as gold and silver. Victims later learned that their investments were fraudulent and that Virden had fled the state. Thanks to the efforts of the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Marshals Service, he was eventually arrested in Florida. "This sentence is just the beginning," said Doak. "Virden faces charges in two other counties, and we believe there are more victims who haven't come forward. We encourage them to do so. We are determined to protect every Oklahoma senior against insurance fraud." Potential victims are encouraged to call the OID's Anti-Fraud Unit at 405-521-6614. |
OKLAHOMA CITY - Nov.19,2012. A safety checkpoint in Tulsa County on Saturday netted 31 citations for driving without auto insurance. Law enforcement officers towed 11 of those uninsured vehicles. The checkpoint was the result of a partnership between the Oklahoma Insurance Department's Anti-Fraud Unit and the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.  "This checkpoint was very enlightening," Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said. "One woman cited for driving under suspension said she couldn't remember the last time she had auto insurance. It highlights a major problem on Oklahoma roadways." Deputies wrote 60 citations during the 4-hour checkpoint in West Tulsa. More than half were insurance-related. The Oklahoma Insurance Department's involvement in the checkpoint was funded through the Anti-Fraud Revolving Fund, which is comprised of fines, penalties and awards from legal settlements. "The amount of citations issued this weekend was as impressive as it was disturbing," said Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz. "The fact that so many motorists are operating on our public roadways without insurance is an alarming trend and a quality of life issue. We, as law enforcement, must remain vigilant in enforcing traffic safety and compliance with the insurance laws." Several state lawmakers lauded the effort, saying the crackdown was much needed. "Commissioner Doak's efforts to get uninsured drivers off the road will save us all money," said Sen. Bill Brown, R-Broken Arrow. "And, best of all he found a way to do it without spending state taxpayer funds." Rep. Steve Martin, R-Bartlesville, authored the legislation that allows law enforcement agencies to tow uninsured vehicles. "Uninsured motorists are an enormous problem for our state," said Martin. "It costs every driver in higher premiums, even those drivers not involved in an accident. I, for one, am very glad to see the Insurance Commissioner doing something about the problem." "With up to 25% of the drivers on the road without insurance, something needs to be done," said Rep. Dan Kirby, R-Tulsa. "Commissioner Doak found a way to step up enforcement without using Oklahoma tax dollars. This is a huge step in the right direction." |
Greetings! Licensed agents can receive ten hours of continuing education credit by attending the 2013 National Tornado Summit in Oklahoma City.
The summit, held March 10-12, serves as a national forum for insurance professionals and regulators as well as international, national and state experts to exchange ideas and recommend new policies to improve emergency management. The goal is to improve disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in order to save lives and property. Summit highlights include: · Weather Fair: Our Weather, Your Life - A safety awareness event open to the public · A three-day tradeshow showcasing valuable resources, services, and products · General sessions with presentations on Crisis & Disaster Communications, Business & Home Safety, Disaster Stress, and Reinsurance · Over 25 breakout sessions featuring international, national, and state experts · Tour of the National Weather Center in Norman, OK · Cocktail reception Summit Registration Now Available at http://register.tornadosummit./ org |
Early Bird Registration (ends January 10, 2013)
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$175.00
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Regular Registration (January 11-March 5, 2013)
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$225.00
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Onsite Registration (March 6, 2013-Onsite)
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$265.00
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Special Government Rate
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$99.00
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 Greetings!
THE BUDDY DRIVE Now is the time to join the only Association of AGENTS HELPING AGENTSŪ Now until the end of December 31, 2012 if you and a buddy join both new members will receive $100 discount on FULL REGULAR MEMBERSHIP paid annually (that is a cost of $260), for those of you that would like to join as a FULL REGULAR MEMBER and pay semi-annually both buddies will receive a $50 discount ($25 at the time of joining and $25 at the 6 month renewal, which is $155 each time for a total cost of $310). Here are a few of the benefits of your membership: -
Discounted rate for our Errors & Omissions Protection
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Access to the members only section of www.ufaa.com
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Discounted rate for our new Disability Program
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Access to our legal library and assistance by our Legal Director
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Technology support and discounted technology pricing
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Access to an Exit Guide when leaving the agency force
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Access for qualified members to receive our Tax Guide
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New information to assist in the running of your Agency
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Attendance at our National Convention in June in Las Vegas
These are just some of the advantages. Take advantage of all we have to offer. Please call if you have any questions. To take advantage of the Membership Drive please write "Buddy" along with the other agents name in the "referred by" section at the bottom of the application. The fine print... These new members will be placed in a non-rebated category/chapter offering them the opportunity to move to a local chapter after one year of membership or they may request to be placed in the chapter 99, confidential chapter. Any local chapter requests prior to the completion of the first year of membership will not apply to this membership drive. To qualify for these discounts you must be joining as a FULL REGULAR MEMBER of the association and if you are rejoining you must have a membership lapse of more the 90 days. Regards, Cindy Eggert NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Get a member application here |
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Check out the UFAA Chapter 15 Home Page with more Farmers, industry news, lots of member benefit information, newsletter archives and breaking news too late or too large to publish above.
The Articles below are on our Home Page link this month
UPDATED: Okla. Company Comparison Rate Charts- Auto: 06/12 Home: 08/12
NEW 2012 OKLAHOMA INSURANCE LAWS
========================================================================== Quick reference Advertiser listing in this issue you can print or download for your office referral 
===================== Okla Ins Dept: Change of address or name more than thirty (30) days after the change occurred shall be $50.
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Did you know? As a member of UFAA you get:
1 hour of tech support a month
1 Free @ufaa.com email address
1 Free web page with your domain name
Call us today Toll Free, Primary # 1-866-441-8018 Alex Conger - UFAA Tech | | Click here to access the Oklahoma Membership app. |
Have you missed past issues of the Okla. Voice? If you missed past issues, you can access them and other article headlines on our Chapter 15 Home Page Link above.
Have you joined UFAA?
We just can't make it much easier. Just mouse the Join UFAA logo to obtain the a membership application. Fill it out and attached a check and mail or use the bank card option and fax it to 1-314-631-7963. United we stand. Divided we fall.
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