b'Brother Knights,It is an honor and privilege for me to be here with you all on Jekyll Island for our 119th Annual meeting and Convention.We have all been through so much this past year and its good to gather with you once again.I am so proud of how we all have adapted to the challenges facing us during this pandemic. Councils have been quite creative in their activities while serving the parish and community.Most meetings and Fraternal Benefits Presentations continue to be held virtually.Speaking of which, the Agency held two very successful State-Wide presentations (Long Term Care and Awareness & Planning for Families with Special Needs.) I would like to thank our State Council and especially State Webmaster, Ladd Rosipal, for the technical support with these valuable presentations. Our Field Agents have also made a successful transition of being able to meet our Members virtually. I can confi-dently report that this technology has allowed our Field Agents to meet with more Members than ever before.In addition, most applications can now be submitted electronically.This is not only convenient for our Members, but also allows us to place much needed protection for our families sooner.There is no doubt that Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney would be proud of what we are now able to do for Catholic Families. I recently read something that he wrote regarding the Knights of Columbus and would like to share it with you:We have set the wheel in motion, and with willing cooperation in a work that tends so much to our own welfare, we venture to say that soon, very soon, the Order of the Knights of Columbus will hold a prominent place among the best Catholic cooperative corporations in the Union.Unity and Charity is our motto. Unity in order to gain strength to be charitable to each other in benevolence whilst we live and in bestowing financial aid to those whom we have to mourn our loss.Letter to The Connecticut Catholic, Aug. 25, 1883With that being said, the Knights of Columbus Insurance program is one of the most financially secure life insurers in North America. This year especially, despite the pandemic and lockdowns, the KOC has set another record in sales. The Order now has more than $121 billion of life insurance in force, manages over $28 billion in assets, and - just last year alone - paid out nearly $750 million in benefits to members and policyholders in dividends and death claims.We also continue to expand our portfolio to ensure that the Knights can provide financial solutions that meet our members needs. Earlier this year, we began the process of rolling out a full suite of mutual funds. I expect to have our mutual funds available here in Georgia on September 1, 2021.Members can now take advantage of the same Cath-olic investment strategy that the Supreme Council uses and have the comfort of knowing that their money is being managed in a way that is consistent with their values. It is with great pride that I serve all of you and all the Membership here in Georgia. My team of highly trained, pro-fessional, and compassionate Field Agents represent the best of what we are about. I cannot think of a more rewarding way to serve the Knights of Columbus.As we head into a new Fraternal year, I look forward to working with you all and to also continue the mission that our founder began.On a very personal note, my wife and I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the countless prayers and acts of love for our sweet daughter Josephine.She was a precious gift from God and was with us on earth for only four months, but she impacted so many. Although we continue to mourn and miss her beyond words, we know that your support continues to lift us up.Thank you and may God bless you and your families.Stephen ZnojGeneral Agent875 OLD ROSWELL ROAD C-300ROSWELL GA 30076DIRECT: (770) 231-2519OFFICE: (678) 869-5006STEPHEN.ZNOJ@KOFC.ORG128'