From The SPJST Executive Committee

January 17 and 18, 2023, Minutes of the Regular Meeting of SPJST Executive Committee held at the SPJST Home Office Temple, Texas

PRESIDING

The meeting was called to order by Chair of the Board of Directors John Engelke on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 10 a.m.

ATTENDING

Board of Directors—Donnie Victorick - District One/Vice Chair of the Board of Directors; Jesse Pospisil - District Two; John Engelke - District Three/Chair of the Board of Directors; Bobby Davis - District Four; Bradley Stavinoha - District Five; Annie Vahalik - District Six; Regina House - District Seven.

Executive Officers—Brian Vanicek, President/CEO; Delisle Doherty, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Melanie Zavodny, Vice President of Communications; Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer; Roy Vajdak, Controller.

Recording Secretary—Linda Hill, Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer.

Opening Of Meeting

The meeting was opened by Chair of the Board of Directors Engelke with a welcome to all. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed in respect for our departed members. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty led the Executive Committee in an opening prayer with an extra blessing for SPJST Honorary District Seven Director Robert “Bob” Bayer, who passed away on November 26, 2022.

Resolution Of Respect

A Resolution of Respect was read by Chief Financial Officer Mikeska in honor of SPJST Honorary District Seven Director Robert “Bob” Bayer. Director House made a motion, seconded by Director Victorick, to accept the Resolution of Respect, and it carried unanimously.

WHEREAS the SPJST Executive Committee and the SPJST membership was saddened to learn of the death Bob Bayer; and,

WHEREAS Brother Bayer left surviving him to mourn his departure, his wife Polly; son John Bayer and wife Peggy; daughter Roxanne and husband Larry Bertrand; daughter Wendy Pruski; grandchildren Kevin, Josh (Donna), Zach, and Hope Bayer, and Lian (Robert) Lynn; great-grandchildren Colt and Tillie Lynn, Atlas Bayer, and Jack Bayer; sisters MaryAnn (Al) Henke, Ruth Bayer, and Linda (Don) Johnson; brothers-in-law Erich Bielefeld, Joe Bob (Laura Lea) Pavliska, James “Pee Wee” (Leysa) Pavliska, Richard Blubaugh, Jeff (Carol) Pavliska; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom, with all the members of the SPJST Executive Committee, mourn his departure: and,

WHEREAS the Board of Directors of SPJST desire to record their sorrow at the death on November 26, 2022, of Honorary District Seven Director Bob Bayer, who had worked harmoniously and diligently for the good of the Society and served SPJST in the capacity of District Seven Director for 34 years and as Supreme Lodge Chairman for four years. Brother Bayer was also president of Lodge 107, Floresville for more than 30 years and a sales agent. He will be missed and remembered by his many friends mourning his passing. Brother Bayer leaves an enduring legacy of loyal service to the members of SPJST.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of SPJST meeting as a body in session on January 17, 2023, hereby gives its formal expression of sympathy and does hereby note in its records the passing from this life of a loyal member, who was respected by his associates and loved by his family and friends.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be tendered to the family as an expression of heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement.

For The Spjst

Board of Directors

Brian Vanicek, President/CEO

Leonard Mikeska, Chief

Financial Officer

Announcements

President/CEO Vanicek announced the visitors who would be joining the meeting: Larry White and Stephen Gonzalez of AQS Asset Management at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17; Rob Clift, executive director of Camp Kubena, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18; and Kristy Davis, CPA of JRBT Certified Public Accountants at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18.

Approval Of Executive Committee Minutes

The October 18 and 19, 2022, minutes of the regular meeting of the Executive Committee were reviewed. Director House moved to accept the minutes as presented. Director Pospisil seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Management Team Meeting Notes

The management team meeting notes were reviewed. Director House moved to accept the team meeting notes as written. Director Victorick seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Special Called Meeting Minutes

The Special Called meeting minutes were reviewed. Director Victorick moved to accept the minutes as presented. Director House seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Old Business

President/CEO Vanicek, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty, Chief Financial Officer Mikeska, Controller Vajdak, and Vice President of Communications Zavodny each presented a report on their old business. Each officer’s report was accepted as presented.

Lodge Operations Manual

The lodge operations manual was discussed in detail. Director Victorick made a motion to approve the manual as presented. Director Stavinoha seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Selling Of Lodge Hall Buildings

A motion was made by Director Davis that when a lodge sells its building, all the money received would be placed in the lodge management fund. Director House seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Third Quarter Investments

Chief Financial Officer Mikeska presented the investments for the third quarter. Director Vahalik made a motion to accept the sales presented, seconded by Director House. The motion carried unanimously.

Czech Heritage Museum Advisory Committee

Director Victorick made a motion to establish an advisory committee for the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center. Director Stavinoha seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Members of the committee are Director Pospisil, Director House, Director Vahalik, President/CEO Vanicek, Vice President of Communications Zavodny, and Chief Financial Officer Mikeska.

The Czech Heritage Museum building is now owned by SPJST, and the building is covered by insurance.

RESOLUTION FOR CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST STATEMENT

A resolution was adopted concerning the conflict-ofinterest statement. Director House made a motion to adopt the presented resolution, and it was seconded by Director Pospisil. Motion carried unanimously. All directors, officers, and employees are asked to complete and return the statement.

DIRECTORS’ AUDIT REPORT

Director House gave the report of the directors’ audit report. All accounts were in order. Human Resources Administrator Nancy Miller has the written notes.

Recess was from 10:57 to 11:10 a.m.

Aqs Investment Report

Larry White and Stephen Gonzalez of AQS presented a report on SPJST investment performance and reported on book yield increase from 4.37 percent to 5.16 percent since January 1, 2021.

On the IPS (Investment Policy Statement), no changes were made. A motion was made by Director House and seconded by Director Pospisil to leave it as is. Motion carried unanimously.

Recess for lunch was from 12:12 to 1:12 p.m.

District Meeting Revitalization

Director Victorick made a motion to increase the incentive per member attending the district meeting from $10 to $20 per member, second by Director Vahalik. The motion carried unanimously. This incentive replaces the previous district funding.

DIRECTORS’ REPORTS

All directors’ reports were accepted as presented.

Recess from 2:25 to 2:45 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS

The Executive Officers each presented a report on their new business.

Lodge Meetings

Lodge 13, Dime Box has requested permission to meet bi-monthly. Motion made by Director Victorick to approve the request was seconded by Director Vahalik. Motion carried unanimously.

Lodge 87, Temple has requested permission to meet on a quarterly basis. We have received a written request from Dan Kacir. Motion made by Director Pospisil to approve the request was seconded by Director House. Motion carried unanimously.

Investment Report

Chief Financial Officer Mikeska presented his report of investments. Motion was made by Director Pospisil, seconded by Director House, to ratify the investments for the period beginning October 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. The motion carried unanimously.

Interest Rates

Changes to interest paid out on annuities as of February 1, 2023, were presented. With a motion by Director Victorick, seconded by Director House, the changes were unanimously approved. The three-year annuity has been increased to 4.25 percent. Motion carried unanimously.

Director Victorick moved, seconded by Director House, to leave interest payout rates on all other certificates unchanged from February 1, 2023, to April 30, 2023. The motion carried unanimously.

Universal Life Product

Director House moved, seconded by Director Vahalik, to leave interest payouts rates on universal life certificates unchanged from February 1, 2023, to April 30, 2023. The motion carried unanimously.

Real Estate Delinquencies

Chief Financial Officer Mikeska, reported on three delinquencies. They are being managed as presented.

2024 Convention

Concerning the Convention, it was discussed to possibly have a prize drawing (similar to the ‘125 Prizes for 125 Years’ drawing held in 2022). A motion was made by Director Victorick, seconded by Director House, to table the item until the April meeting for further discussion. Motion carried unanimously.

Recess for the day at 5:10 pm.

Chair of the Board of Directors Engelke reconvened the meeting at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty led an opening prayer.

New Business Continued

Controller Officer Roy Vajdak discussed the 2023 SPJST budget.

It was noted that there would be 125 delegates eligible for the 2024 SPJST Convention.

Youth Program Revitalization

A motion was made by Director Pospisil, seconded by Director Davis, to give a vote of confidence to Vice President of Communications Zavodny and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak concerning the updates to the youth program. Motion carried unanimously.

Recess from 10 to 10:20 am.

Camp Kubena

Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift presented a comprehensive report on camp operations.

Executive Session

The Board of Directors entered executive session from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Recess for lunch was from 12 to 1 p.m.

Kristy Davis, CPA from JRBT Certified Public Accountants, discussed the program that they will be using when they begin their audit at the Home Office on April 10, 2023.

Directors expressed how successful the meeting was and thanked everyone for a great meeting.

Adjournment

With no further business, Director Davis moved for adjournment. Director Pospisil seconded the motion, and the motion to adjourn carried unanimously.

Chair of the Board of Directors Engelke adjourned the meeting at 2:50 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Executive Committee will begin at 8 a.m. on April 18, 2023. Fraternally submitted by, Linda R. Hill, Recording Secretary Leonard Mikeska, CFO —SPJST—

DISTRICT DIRECTORS’ REPORTS

District One Director

Donnie Victorick

Activity Report

November—Lodge 9, Snook meeting; Camp Kubena Strategic Planning meeting in Temple; Meeting with Brian, Melanie, Frank, and Victor Mendez, president of Lodge 186, Caldwell, to discuss revitalization of lodge.

December—Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center Banquet honoring SPJST in La Grange; attended Honorary District Seven Director Bob Bayer’s rosary in Floresville; Executive Committee meeting at Home Office; Lodge 9, Snook meeting; Lodge 67, Schulenburg Christmas social; Lodge 9, Snook Youth Club Christmas program and social; Lodge 141, Sealy meeting and Christmas social. Fraternally,

Donnie Victorick

District One Director

District Two Director

Jesse Pospisil

Activity Report

October—attended Lodge 29, Taylor monthly meeting; attended SPJST Executive Committee Meeting; attended sales agents’ ethics class (online); attended District Two Fall Fun Day; attended sales agents’ annuities class (online).

November—attended lodge refunds committee meeting (online); attended Lodge 29, Taylor Christmas meeting; attended Special Called Executive Committee meeting; attended Lodge 24, Cyclone Christmas party and installed lodge officers; delivered discretionary checks to Lodges 20, Granger, 15, Buck- holts, 80, Holland, and 87, Temple; attended Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Christmas party and installed lodge officers; attended sales meeting with Kerry Herrington at Home Office; attended Lodge 18, Elgin monthly meeting; attended SPJST Home Office Staff Christmas party.

Fraternally, Jesse Pospisil

District Two Director

District Three Director

John Engelke

Activity Report

October—Lodge 66, Waco meeting; Cars and Guitars at Camp Kubena.

November—Lodge 54, West meeting and elections; Lodge 6, Cottonwood meeting and elections; Camp Kubena meeting in Temple; deliver checks to Salvation Army and Caritas in Waco; prize drawings in Temple; Lodge 66, Waco meeting and elections; take checks to West Historian dancers; take prizes to Lodge 25, Ennis winners.

December—Lodge 180, Burleson meeting and party; Lodge 84, Dallas party; Lodge 6, Cottonwood meeting and party; Executive Committee meeting at Home Office; Temple Christmas parade; Lodge 35, Elk meeting and party; Lodge 66, Waco meeting and party at Pivovar; check presentation to History of West Museum; funeral for Valerie Barta’s mother; take desserts to Home Office.

January—Camp Kubena meeting in Temple; take prizes to Mesquite; audit at Home Office; Board meeting at Home Office.

Fraternally, District Three Director

John Engelke

District Four Director

Bobby Davis

Activity Report

October—Executive Committee Meeting in Temple; Executive Committee meeting (online); Wichita Falls - meeting with lodge and Ray Esparza.

November—Lodge 49, Rowena meeting; work with Leonard Jansa; lodge refunds committee meeting (online); Wall for Lodge 160, San Angelo annual meeting; lodge refunds committee meeting (online).

December—Lodge 157, Lubbock meeting with lodge officers; Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas party; Special Called meeting at Home Office; meeting with Ralph Juarez and agent; Lodge 230, Midland meeting; Lodge 229, Abilene Christmas party; meeting with San Angelo Chamber of Commerce.

January—Lodge 73, Seymour meeting; visit SPJST Cemetery; visit Lodge 76, Wichita Falls by phone; attended San Angelo Chamber of Commerce meeting; Chamber of Commerce meeting on com- munity project; agent training with Ralph Juarez and agents.

Fraternally, District Four Director

Bobby Davis

District Five Director

Bradley Stavinoha

Activity Report

November—Committee meeting, Lodge 88, Houston meeting; State Czech Heritage Society meeting in Rosenberg; Legislative conference in Austin; Lodge 81, Needville meeting; lodge refunds committee meeting.

December—Country Christmas in Needville; Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center banquet; Lodge 88, Houston Christmas party; bond market investment meeting in Sugar Land; Lodge 88, Houston meeting; Lodge 142, Houston meeting; youth group - decorate assisted living windows and lodge meeting in Needville; Lodge 81, Needville meeting

January—Portfolio review - Madison investments in Sugar Land; Executive Committee meeting.

Commentary

I am excited to see what 2023 holds for SPJST. In just a couple of years, SPJST is up 110 basis points on the book yield and one year investments are at 6 percent. We are just under 38,000 members and now at $261 million in assets.

I also look forward to our new district get-togethers or “spring fling.” We hope to increase participation and attendance. Lots of changes are coming for these get-togethers. The board also looks forward to the new lodge incentive program. We believe the changes will make your lodge more successful.

Here is a small amount of perspective at this moment that is similar to the time SPJST was formed in 1897. Joe Rogan, the famous podcaster, had an interesting article that I will share with you:

Imagine you were born in 1900. When you are age 14, World War II starts, and ends on your 18th birthday with 22 million people killed. Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until age 20 with 50 million dead from it in two years.

When your 29, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25 percent, global GDP drops 27 percent. This runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy. When you turn 39, World War II starts and you’re still not over the hill yet.

When your 41, the United States is fully pulled into World War II. Between your 39th and 45th birthdays, 75 million people perish, and the holocaust kills 12 million. At age 52, the Korean war starts with 5 million dead.

At 64, the Vietnam War begins, and doesn’t end for many years with 4 million dead from the conflict. Ap- proaching your 62nd birthday, you have the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on planet Earth could have ended. Great leaders prevented this.

As you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends. Still have looming nuclear threat from Russia. Think of everyone on the planet born in 1900. How do you survive all of that? A kid in 1985 didn’t think their 85-year-old grandparent understood how hard school is. Yet, those grandparents/great-grandparents survived through everything listed above.

Perspective is an amazing art. As 2022 ends, let’s try and keep things in perspective. Let’s be smart. Help each other out, and we will get through all of this. In the history of the world, there has never been a storm that lasted. This too, shall pass. Fraternally, District Five Director

Bradley Stavinoha

District Six Director

Annie Vahalik

Activity Report

October—Cars and Guitars and Camp Kubena

November—Lodge 184, Moulton quarterly meeting; Lodge 32, Victoria quarterly meeting; Lodge 4, Hallettsville quarterly meeting; Lodge 41, Port Lavaca quarterly meeting; drawing for 125th anniversary raffle prizes at Home Office; Lodge 8, Weimar quarterly meeting.

December—Lodge 97, Placedo Christmas brunch; Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center Gala in La Grange; Lodge 23, Moravia quarterly meeting and Christmas party; Executive Committee Special Called meeting in Temple; Lodge 32, Victoria Christmas party; Lodge 4, Hallettsville Christmas party; Lodge 151, Wharton quarterly meeting, 50-year member recognition; checked on Velehrad Cemetery.

Commentary

Happy New Year! 2023 is off to a great start at SPJST. We’ve had another busy meeting and with excellent reports from all the officers and information presented, we made decisions that will continue to move SPJST forward.

Thank you to the Fraternal Department for the 42 Progressive Domino Tournament. It had a good attendance, and everyone appreciated how well organized it was. The Insurance Department has had online training and continues to give its agents the information and tools they need to be successful as they serve our members and bring in new members.

I am excited about the upcoming year and look forward to participating in all the projects and activities with our members.

Fraternally,

Annie Vahalik District Six Director

District Seven Director

Regina House

Activity Report

October—Visit Honorary District Seven Director

Bob Bayer in hospital; attended District Seven Fall Fun Day hosted by Lodge 185, New Braunfels; special called meeting; online meeting; attended and assisted at Cars and Guitars at Camp Kubena.

November—Meeting for lodge refunds committee (online); Lodge 107, Floresville meeting; Lodge 79, Corpus Christi meeting; lodge refunds committee meeting (online); attend funeral for Bob Bayer; Lodge 117, Robstown meeting; Lodge 202, Jourdanton meeting and Christmas party; Lodge 258, Seguin meeting and Christmas party; Lodge 133, San Antonio meeting and Christmas party; attend Home Office Staff Christmas party; Lodge 185, New Braunfels holiday meeting/party.

January—Lodge 107, Floresville meeting; Lodge 79, Corpus Christi meeting; Audit Committee meeting; Executive Committee meeting.

Commentary

Thank you to all the officers, staff, and fellow directors for another great board meeting. A lot of good discussions were held concerning the upcoming changes in the fraternal and youth department, and I feel confident that we are heading in the right direction.

I also want to thank Rob Clift for his presentation and for tirelessly working to improve Camp Kubena. I’m looking forward to a great camping experience this summer.

Many thanks are also given to AQS for its continued dedication to making SPJST’s investment portfolio a positive one.

Fraternally, District Seven Director Regina House —SPJST—

March 16, 2023, Minutes of the Special Called Meeting of SPJST Executive Committee held via online conference

PRESIDING

The meeting was called to order by Chair of the Board of Directors John Engelke on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 11 a.m.

ATTENDING

Board of Directors—Donnie Victorick - District One/Vice Chair of the Board of Directors; John Engelke - District Three/Chair of the Board of Directors; Bradley Stavinoha - District Five; Annie Vahalik - District Six; Regina House - District Seven.

Executive Officers—Brian Vanicek, President/CEO; Delisle Doherty, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Melanie Zavodny, Vice President of Communications; Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer.

Opening Of Meeting

The meeting was opened by Board Chair Engelke, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A moment of silence was observed in respect for our departed members.

President/CEO Vanicek announced the meeting was primarily an informative session to bring the Board up-to-date on various matters.

President/CEO Vanicek informed the Board that an SPJST lodge failed to renew its ad valorem (property tax) exemption. As a result, it ended up owing a considerable amount to the county in property taxes. Because the delinquency had been allowed to continue for two years, the county was preparing to take legal action in order to collect. President/CEO Vanicek indicated that he was able to secure a one-month grace period before the county would take legal action. Efforts to involve the lodge in the matter were largely unsuccessful, and a decision was made by Home Office management to intercede and pay the taxes in order to retain the property. President/CEO Vanicek indicated that it would likely be necessary for the lodge to sell its property in order to reimburse the Home Office for its expenses. He recommended that the Home Office take such steps as necessary to follow existing protocol relating to the sale of the lodge property.

Director Engelke moved that the lodge be asked to put the building up for sale. Director House seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

President/CEO Vanicek shared information on plans for a sponsored tour of the Czech Republic for SPJST members. He shared details of the 11-day tour which will be limited to 48 participants. The fee for any non-members guests will be $100 more than the member fee as the member will receive a membership discount. Airline and hotel are included.

President/CEO Vanicek announced the Texans of Czech Ancestry (TOCA) appreciation banquet in La Grange on March 25. SPJST will sponsor a wine and cheese reception, and President/CEO Vanicek asked for volunteers from the Board to assist in hosting the event.

President/CEO Vanicek gave an update on Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje and that lodge’s ongoing efforts to proceed with the sale of its building and property. It was agreed by common consent that the lodge should proceed posthaste with the hiring of a licensed appraiser – lowest bid – to furnish the lodge with a certified appraisal of its property.

There being no further business, Director House moved for adjournment. Director Vahalik seconded the motion, and the motion to adjourn carried unanimously.

Board Chair Engelke adjourned the meeting at 11:55 a.m.

Fraternally submitted by, Leonard Mikeska

Chief Financial Officer

—SPJST—

From the Desk of Delisle L. Doherty SPJST Vice President of Sales and Marketing