A Message From Graham J. Cook, Chairman-President

What’s in store for Homesteaders in 2010?

Who could have predicted that while digging out of the worst recession of modern times, 2009 would shape up as the best financial year in our 104-year history? I won’t have the final numbers for a couple of weeks, but we are anticipating that 2009 will show significant growth in every measure… sales, earnings, surplus…you name it. I’ll cover this in more detail soon.

During 2010 we intend to build on this strength and momentum to ensure the success and security of our funeral home customers now and into the future. A priority item in 2010 is to focus on creating a technology infrastructure that provides customers easy access to the information they need to manage their business with Homesteaders. In fact you are viewing this message on an all-new homesteaderslife.com launched this year. Next quarter our funeral home customers and agents will be able to order custom marketing and communications items 24/7 via a new online marketing and supply order system. We’re currently testing a new online contracting system and will roll that out this year. Add these to our existing online claims and enrollment services, and improvements to myhomesteaders.com that allow you to better track and analyze your production. We’re serious about providing technology solutions that support your success.

Remember, our focus is on using technology to enhance your customer experience, not to replace quality customer service and contact. We remain 100 percent dedicated to providing touch points with Homesteaders through our Account Executive program as well as our Customer Service, Licensing and Compensation and Marketing Services teams. All of these folks -- and our company leadership -- are just a phone call or E-mail away and willing to provide you the support and answers you need.

We are grateful to the thousands of loyal customers who believe in Homesteaders and look forward to another year of mutual success!

Please click here to see our latest Financial Assurance document (prior year results typically released in Q1 of following year)