2013 was a strong year financially and fraternally for Rock Island-based Modern Woodmen of America, according to recently released results for the year ending Dec. 31, 2013.

Life insurance in force grew by more than $1 billion for the third straight year. Assets surpassed the $13 billion mark, and surplus exceeded $1.5 billion, an increase of 13.7 percent.

"In addition to having a strong year financially, I'm proud of the fraternal contributions Modern Woodmen made to our members' lives, their families and their local communities in 2013," W. Kenny Massey, president of Modern Woodmen, said. "Through our fraternal benefits for members and fraternal programs that enrich members' lives and communities, Modern Woodmen's fraternal expenditures grew to $20.04 million."

Continued growth in life insurance in force

Life insurance in force, the total amount of life insurance owned by members to protect their families in case of premature death, increased to $36 billion. This is the third year in a row in which life insurance in force has increase by more than $1 billion.

"Unfortunately, the fact is Americans today are underinsured," said Massey. "It's important for our financial representatives to help individuals and families acquire the life insurance coverage they need and protect their loved ones."

Assets exceed $13 billion

Modern Woodmen's assets increased 8.2 percent over 2012, reaching nearly $13.4 billion. Assets are primarily invested in high-quality, low-risk corporate and government bonds.

"Our first obligation is to be fiscally responsible," said Massey. "We must protect the promises made to our members nationwide."

Annuity assets under management equaled $7.6 billion.

Total life insurance and annuity certificate reserves, which are funds held to guarantee future benefits to members, increased 5.7 percent to nearly $10.5 billion. Compared to 2012, variable annuity certificate sales increased 52 percent, and variable annuity premiums increased by 79 percent.

Strong operational results

Total premium income was $1.05 billion in 2013.

Payments and benefits to members in 2013 increased 6.2 percent to $756.9 million. This includes death benefits, annuity payments and surrender benefits. An additional $14.1 million in dividend payments was refunded to life insurance and annuity certificates.

Net gain from operations after dividends was nearly $31 million with total net income surpassing $104 million, an increase of 10.7 percent in 2013.

Total surplus and special reserves surpassed $1.52 billion; an increase of 13.7 percent over 2012. Surplus and special reserves provide additional safety for members and ensure Modern Woodmen's ability to meet unforeseen events, continue the organization's fraternal programs and provide funds for future growth.

Modern Woodmen's solvency ratio of 112.75 percent means that for every $100 of liabilities (promises made to members), Modern Woodmen has $112.75 of assets to back up those promises.

Fraternal programs support communities nationwide

Modern Woodmen has a nationwide membership of more than 770,000. Fraternal expenditures supporting Modern Woodmen's family-oriented member benefits and programs grew to $20.04 million. These benefits and programs include disaster relief assistance, college scholarships, social and volunteer service programs by adult chapters and youth service clubs nationwide, and educational programs for schools and youth groups.

Key fraternal results included:

- More than 1.5 million people attended social, educational and volunteer events sponsored by Modern Woodmen chapters.

- 195,137 hours of volunteer service were recorded by youth service club members and 312,472 hours of volunteer service were reported by chapter and Summit chapter members.

- 1.7 million children were educated through free Modern Woodmen youth educational programs.

- $9.5 million was contributed through Modern Woodmen's Matching Fund Program. The Matching Fund Program meets needs in member communities across the country. The fundraising projects, matched by Modern Woodmen, were conducted by the organization's 2,162 adult chapters, 249 Summit chapters and 916 youth service clubs.

Modern Woodmen of America is a member-owned fraternal financial services organization. Since 1883, the organization has brought people together, supported families and strengthened communities nationwide. Modern Woodmen - touching lives, securing futures.

Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America

The Quad Cities River Bandits' opening day is Thursday, April 3, at the #1 Minor League Ballpark in the country, according to USA Today. Modern Woodmen Park in downtown Davenport, Iowa, is consistently ranked among the top minor league ballparks for its stunning view of the Mississippi River.

Niabi Zoo opens on Monday, April 7, 2014, for their season. Get a passport to Africa to see the graceful giraffes, the King of the Jungle lion, colobus monkeys and more, or take an Australian Walkabout with wallabies and lorikeets. Visit the Jungle Trek for hands-on activities about rainforests and the place for frog-lovers. Niabi Zoo, 13010 Niabi Zoo Rd. in Coal Valley, Ill., is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and longer hours in the summer.

The 850-person capacity Celebration Belle riverboat starts its cruises the first week of April. It is the largest non-gaming luxury excursion vessel on the upper Mississippi River. The boat offers lunch and dinner cruises, big band cruises, sightseeing, and specialty cruises. Contact 800-297-0034 or celebrationbelle.com for its schedule and more information.

The Twilight riverboat offers two-day overnight cruises from LeClaire, Iowa, to Dubuque, Iowa. Cruises include all meals, activities, and lodging.

Walnut Grove was a Scott County cross-roads settlement and stage coach stop in the 1860s. The Walnut Grove Pioneer Village now includes 18 historic buildings to tour, some relocated from rural Scott County. It is open daily April through October 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Village is located in Scott County Park, 18817 290th Street, Long Grove, Iowa.

According to folklore, springtime is the BEST season for pixie spotting! Children are invited to the Pixie Tea on Sunday, April 6th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island, Ill. In the lush enchanted garden, find tea and pixie treats. There will be magical crafts for the children and the gift of a pixie wand for remembering the day! (Reservations are required.)

Ballet Quad Cities premieres their interpretation of Igor Stravinsky's famous Rite of Spring, one of the most inspiring and challenging ballets ever written. International renowned director and choreographer Elie Lazar will also premier his new piece set to Appalachian Spring. Performances are Saturday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with live music provided by Orchestra Iowa at the Adler Theatre, 136 E. 3rd Street in Davenport, Iowa.

Join in the inaugural Tour de Brew of the Quad Cities on Saturday, April 12. Registration starts at 12 noon at the Front Street Tap Room at the Freight House, 421 W. River Dr. in Davenport. This bicycle ride follows the bike trail to visit 5 different stops before returning to Front Street by 5 p.m. It's a poker ride format with a donation of your choosing to the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

Look for spring crafts at the German American Heritage Center in Davenport on Saturday, April 12, during their Eiermarkt (Egg Market) and Spring Craft Fair. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local and regional vendors sell their springtime wares including decorated eggs, carvings, baked goods, and more!

Celebrate with the Easter Egg Scramble 5K Run on Saturday, April 19. The 9:00 a.m. start/finish is in the Historic Village of East Davenport. Those who choose to run or walk the event will receive a swag bag. Brunch-style breakfast items will be available along with your typical refreshments. A live band rocks the 11th Street Precinct, and don't forget photos with the Easter Bunny. There is also an Easter Egg Hunt for children 8 years of age and younger.

The annual free Stroll Through Springtime is Saturday, April 26th from 7:00 a.m. until noon at the Black Hawk State Historic Site, 1510 46th Ave. in Rock Island, Ill. All events are free, and participants can come for any or all of the events. Birds will be the focus of groups going in the field from 7-9 a.m. Expert leaders will help to locate both resident and migratory birds. At 9 a.m., enjoy refreshments inside the Lodge, including wild violet jelly and a short program about invasive plants. At 10:00 a.m., participants will walk outside to observe and identify wildflowers.

It remains one of the greatest travesties in the history of American business: In 2001, the 85,000 employees of one of the world's largest accounting firms began losing their jobs in droves. Their employer had become tainted by its loose association with Enron  Corp., a financial house of cards that was imploding and taking with it billions of dollars in employee pensions and shareholder investments.

In 2002, accounting firm Arthur Andersen was convicted of charges related to Enron's fraudulent practices. The charges had nothing to do with the quality of their auditing - or any of Enron's illicit practices. The conviction was appealed, and in 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court struck it down in a unanimous vote. But the damage had already been done.

To date, despite millions of records being subpoenaed, there is no evidence Arthur Andersen ever did anything wrong. Still, perceptions are everything: Most people are not aware that the accounting firm, which led the industry in establishing strict, high standards, became a government scapegoat.

When I speak to groups across the country, I ask the following questions. Below are the typical responses I receive - and the actual facts.

1. What do you remember about Arthur Andersen?

Typical Response: They were the ones that helped facilitate the Enron fraud. They deserved what they got.

Fact: Arthur Andersen was the largest and most prestigious firm in the country. It was considered the gold standard of the accounting profession by the business community.

2. For what was Arthur Andersen indicted?

Typical Response: They messed up the audit of Enron and signed off on false financial statements.

Fact: They were indicted for shredding documents. These documents were drafts and other items that do not support the final product. All accounting firms establish policies for routinely shredding such documents.

3. How long was it between the Enron blowup and when Arthur Andersen went out of business?

Typical Response: One to three years.

Fact: The largest accounting firm in the world was gone in 90 days.

4. Was the indictment upheld?

Typical Response: Yes, that is why they went out of business.

Fact: No. The Supreme Court overruled the lower court in a 9-0 decision, and came to the conclusion within weeks, making it one of their quickest decisions ever.

5. How many people lost their jobs as a result of the false accusations?

Typical Response: Have no idea, but the partners got what they deserved.

Fact: Eighty-five thousand people lost their jobs and only a few thousand were partners. Most were staff people and clericals who made modest sums of money.

6. Who benefited from Arthur Andersen going out of business?

Typical Response: Everyone - we finally got rid of those crooks and made a statement to the rest of business to operate ethically.

Facts: It was not the Arthur Andersen people; they lost their jobs. It was not the clients; they had to go through the stress and expense of finding a new auditing firm. It was not the business world in general: It now has fewer firms from which to choose and rates increased. It was their competitors who benefited- they got Andersen's best people and clients and were able to increase their rates and profitability.

7. What accounting firms now have ex Arthur Andersen partners playing leadership roles in their firms?

Typical Response: None

Facts: The "big four," all the large middle-tier firms and many small firms have former Arthur Andersen partners in leadership positions. Finally, many members of the new Public Accounting oversight Board (PCAOB), which oversees these firms, now have former Arthur Andersen people involved in reviewing the quality of these firms.

About Larry Katzen

Larry Katzen, author of "And You Thought Accountants were Boring - My Life Inside Arthur Andersen," (www.LarryRKatzen.com), worked at Arthur Andersen from 1967 to 2002, quickly rising through the ranks to become a partner at age 30. His new memoir details the government's unjust persecution of a company known for maintaining the highest standards.