FDLIC'S 2012
Sales Incentive Trip
ISRAEL
Steeped
in rich
history
and
religious
tradition.
Israel is a land that has captivated and drawn people from all over the world for thousands of years.
A melting pot of religious and cultural backgrounds, Israel is home to holy sites for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. For FDLIC's 2012 Sales Incentive Contest, we are thrilled to be able to take our top producing sales professionals, funeral homes, and marketing organizations to this beautiful and fascinating land.
From APRIL 26 TO MAY 4, 2013, we plan to tour all the well-known sites in this once-in-a-lifetime Israel experience. We will walk where Jesus and his disciples walked, wade in the Jordan River, wind our way through the Old City.Jerusalem is sure to surprise you at every corner with its bustling market streets, breathtaking cobblestone walkways, and beautiful gardens. Once you get there, you won't want to leave! Get ready to be swept away by thousands of years of history and culture in this aweinspiring, incredible journey to the Holy Land.
Tiberias
Return To Map
Tel Aviv
Return To Map
Jerusalem
Return To Map
Masada
Return To Map
Map Key
Interactive Map
Please explore this interactive map to take a closer look at FDLIC's 2012 Sales Incentive Contest trip to Israel.
‹‹ Click on one of the four locations to take a closer look
Our trip will begin with a brief stay in Tel Aviv and a visit to Caesarea Maritima (Herod's port city) and Elijah's Mountain (Mt. Carmel). Then, we will trek down to Nazareth Village for a first century experience, and wind down for a few nights in Tiberias. Then, on to an early morning boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, a trip down to Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes, with a stop along the River Jordan. Finally, we will make our way up to Jerusalem, and spend a few days taking in all the wonderful sights: Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Western (Wailing) Wall, Dead Sea, Masada, Ein Gedi, Via Dolorosa, Church of Holy Sepulchre, Pools of Bethesda, Garden Tomb, and the list goes on.
River Jordan
We will be sure to stop by for a look at the Jordan River, which runs along the eastern border of modern-day Israel.
The river extends from Mount Hermon through the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea and is a major water source for Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
In religious tradition, the Jordan River is a significant place. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River and Joshua led the people across the Jordan on dry land before the battle of Jericho (Joshua 3:14-17).
Click to view slideshow
Mount of Beatitudes
Outside of Capernaum, we will visit the site that is traditionally thought to be the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered his famous Sermon on the Mount.
Though scholars are uncertain of the exact location of the Sermon on the Mount, this particular hilltop (also known as Mount Eremos) has been celebrated as the Mount of Beatitudes for more than 1600 years.
In the 4th century, a Byzantine church and monastery were built at the foot of the hill and the remains of the church are still visible. A Franciscan chapel, the Church of Beatitudes, was built in 1939 and sits at the top of the hill, overlooking the fertile valley below and the glistening Sea of Galilee. Besides being a wonderful place for reflection, the hill offers a breathtaking panoramic view of all the areas where Jesus lived and worked while he ministered in Galilee.
Click to view slideshow
Capernaum
While in Galilee, we will explore the city of Capernaum, which is located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus spent much time teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, and many of his miracles were performed in this area.
Sites of interest include the remains of a 4th or 5th century synagogue whose foundation was built on an earlier synagogue dating back to the first century (perhaps the one Jesus taught in), a first-century dwelling traditionally known as St. Peter's house, and the Mount of Beatitudes nearby where Jesus gave his famous Sermon on the Mount.
Click to view slideshow
Sea of Galilee
No trip to Israel would be complete without a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, also known as Kinneret or the Lake of Gennesaret.
Located in the northern part of Israel, the Sea of Galilee is where Jesus spent most of his three years of ministry. This is the place where Jesus walked on water, calmed the storm, and called four of his disciples to follow him (Peter, Andrew, James and John). The nearby cities of Bethsaida and Capernaum are prominent in the four Gospels as places where Jesus taught and ministered.
The Sea of Galilee is a predominantly freshwater sea fed by the Jordan River to the north, with saline springs bubbling up from below. Following a tour of the area, we will stay for a couple of nights in Tiberias, off the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Click to view slideshow
Tiberias
While touring Galilee, we will stay for a couple of nights in the city of Tiberias, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Tiberias was founded in 20 AD and named in honor of the emperor Tiberius. The city of Tiberias is esteemed as one of the Four Holy Cities of Judaism along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed, known as the city where the Talmud was compiled by Jewish scholars. The city has also traditionally been a popular Christian pilgrimage site, as it is likely that Jesus performed many miracles in the vicinity of Tiberias.
Known today for its many attractions including hot springs, spas, hotels, historical sites, and lively fish market, Tiberias is a thriving tourist city nestled on the coast of the Sea of Galilee.
Click to view slideshow
Nazareth
From Mt. Carmel, we will make our way down to Nazareth.
Nazareth, the village where, according to tradition, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear a son by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the place where Jesus was raised from childhood.
Nazareth was likely a small village in Jesusalem time, but today, it is the largest Arab city in Israel, with over 200,000 inhabitants (59% Arab, 41% Jewish). Through the years, Nazareth became a popular pilgrimage site, and many ancient churches from the Byzantine and Crusader era can now be found throughout Nazareth, including the Church of the Annunciation.
We will be visiting a fascinating first-century recreation of the ancient village of Nazareth, complete with a small farm, carpenter's shop, winepress, synagogue, and more.
Click to view slideshow
Tel Aviv
On our first day, we will arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel's second-largest city, also known as the city that never sleeps.
This highly-modern metropolitan center is home to world-class restaurants, beach side cafes, open air markets, and thriving nightlife. Depending on flight times, you may be able to slip down to Tel Aviv's beautiful beach for a closer look at the gorgeous waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Our arrival is scheduled for Saturday, so most shops will be closed in observance of Shabbat, though some non-Jewish shops may be open.
Tel Aviv has grown over the years to merge with the old city of Jaffa (Joppa), mentioned in the Bible most notably as the port from which Jonah set sail for Tarshish. Many believe Jaffa has been a port city for over 4,000 years!
Click to view slideshow
Caesarea Maritima
On our second day, we will journey to the port city of Caesarea Maritima, about 45 minutes from Tel Aviv.
Caesarea Maritima was built by Herod the Great around 25 -13 BC. Named in honor of Augustus Caesar, the city became the Roman capital of the Judean province and the primary city of residence for government officials. In Herod's day, the city boasted the largest port on the Mediterranean Sea, an amphitheater, Herod's grand palace, and a sophisticated aqueduct system that brought fresh water to the city from the springs at the foot of Mt. Carmel 10 miles away.
Caesarea is mentioned in the book of Acts as the home of Cornelius the centurion, the first Gentile converted by Peter (Chapter 10). Paul also travels to Caesarea on several occasions (9:30, 18:22, 21:8) and is later held in prison there before being sent to Rome (23:23, 25:1-13).
Click to view slideshow
Elijah's Mountain
We will continue our tour north of Caesarea, toward Elijah's Mountain (Mt. Carmel), which stretches 13 miles from the Mediterranean Sea across northern Israel.
Mt. Carmel is the site where Elijah defeated the priests of Baal by calling down fire from God on a sacrifice he had soaked with water (I Kings 18:20-40). To the east, there is a wonderful view of the fertile Jezreel Valley, known as the bread basket of Israel. The Megiddo valley sits to the south, where the great battle of Armageddon in Revelation 16:16 is prophesied to take place.
Click to view slideshow
Garden Tomb
The Garden Tomb is located outside the Jerusalem city walls close to the Damascus Gate.
Very near what is thought to be ancient Golgotha, the rock-hewn tomb is considered by some to be the site of Jesus' burial and resurrection. In the 19th century, several biblical scholars questioned the validity of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the site of Jesus' burial and resurrection, and the Garden Tomb was proposed as a potential alternate site. Although many scholars also raise questions about the validity of the Garden Tomb, the site remains a place that many Christians visit in order to reflect upon the burial and resurrection of Jesus.
Click to view slideshow
Pools of Bethesda
The Pool of Bethesda, located in the Muslim Quarter, is a pool of water referred to in the Gospel of John.
It is located in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate, surrounded by five porticoes or covered colonnades.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus heals a man who had been lame for 38 years, who had been waiting to be put into the healing waters. Archeologists could find no evidence outside of John's Gospel for the existence of the pool for many years, and many scholars argued that the gospel was probably written by someone who purported to be John but had no first-hand knowledge of the city of Jerusalem. However, in the 19th century, archaeologists finally uncovered the remains of a pool that is now referred to as the Pool of Bethesda, matching the description in John's Gospel.
Click to view slideshow
Garden of Gethsemane
Literally meaning "oil press" the Garden of Gethsemane is at the foot of the Mount of Olives outside of Jerusalem.
It is thought that this was a garden that Jesus and his disciples frequently visited, allowing Judas to find Jesus and betray him with a kiss on the night before his crucifixion. According to Luke 22:43-44, Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane that night was so severe that "His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground." Jesus was arrested in the garden and afterward taken before the high priests to be questioned and put on trial.
Click to view slideshow
Via Dolorosa
Winding through the Muslim Quarter, the Via Dolorosa (Latin for "Way of Grief"�? or "Way of Suffering") represents Jesus' path as he carried the cross on the way to his crucifixion.
The path begins to the west of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and is about 2000 feet long. Franciscan friars began conducting tours of the Via Dolorosa in 1350. The route that is traveled today was established in the 18th century and is marked by nine Stations of the Cross. To this day, a procession is led through the Via Dolorosa by Franciscan monks every Friday.
Click to view slideshow
Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives, also known as Mount Olivet, is a mountain ridge that lies east of Jerusalem's Old City.
In antiquity, olive groves covered the slopes of the mountain, giving it its name. The mount has also been used as Jewish burial grounds for thousands of years.
In the Christian tradition, the Mount of Olives is celebrated as a significant place. When they were in Jerusalem, Jesus often taught his disciples on the mountain. On the night of his arrest, Jesus and his disciples were found in the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Perhaps most significantly, the Mount of Olives is the place where Jesus last spoke to his disciples and the ascended into heaven, according to Acts 1:9-12.
Click to view slideshow
Church of Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (or the Church of the Resurrection) is traditionally believed to be built over the place of Jesus' death, that is, Golgotha or the Hill of Calvary.
The church is also said to contain the tomb where Jesus was buried (the sepulchre). The church was built by the Roman emperor, Constantine and his mother, Helen.
According to tradition, during construction of the church, Helen discovered the true cross and the tomb of Jesus nearby. For Christians, the church has been a pilgrimage site since as early as the 4th century, venerated as a place commemorating the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Click to view slideshow
Western (Wailing) Wall
The Western Wall or Wailing Wall is on western side of the Temple Mount, facing the Jewish Quarter.
It is a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounded the Temple courtyard, dating from roughly 19 B.C. The wall is honored as the last remnant of the Holy Temple, and is the closest Jews are permitted to the holy site of the Temple and the Foundation Stone, which lies on the Temple Mount.
Many Jews believe that it would be a sin to step on the Temple Mount because they might unknowingly step where the Holy of Holies once stood. The Western Wall is a sacred site where Jews and many others come to pray and insert written prayers in the cracks and crevices of the walls. Jews have come to the Western Wall for prayer and pilgrimage since as early as the 4th century. More than one million written prayers are inserted into the wall every year.
Click to view slideshow
Jerusalem
Modern Jerusalem is a large sprawling city, but the ancient section of Jerusalem, or the Old City,still stands in a small area on the eastern side.
We will spend several days exploring the Old City and surrounding countryside, including the Mount of Olives and the Dead Sea area. The Old City is divided into four sections: the Jewish Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Armenian Quarter and the Muslim Quarter. The Temple Mount, where the Jewish Temple once stood, is the holiest site for Jews and the third-holiest site for Sunni Muslims. The al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock were constructed on the site in 692 A.D. The Dome of the Rock is very near the area where the Bible says that the Holy Temple was built. Other notable sites we will visit include the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (built on the site of the traditional tomb of Jesus), the Garden Tomb, another possible tomb where Jesus may have been buried, and the Western Wall, to name a few.
Click to view slideshow
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is located east of Jerusalem and extends south.
The main source of water into the Sea is from the Jordan River, however, the salt deposits in the area make the Dead Sea one of the saltiest bodies of water, with salinity levels at about 33.7% (8.6 times saltier than the ocean). The salt content of the Sea makes it difficult for flora and fauna to survive in these waters, thus its name. Because of the buoyancy of the salt water, swimmers are able to float luxuriously in reclining position. The high mineral content of the Dead Sea waters are also thought to have healing properties.
Pillars of salt (one is called "Lot's Wife") can be seen on along the mountains that rise above. In the Dead Sea area, fresh water springs can be also be found, including the oasis of En Gedi, where David sought refuge from Saul (1 Samuel 24). The Dead Sea is also known for the archeological site of Qumran, where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered in a cave at the northwestern tip of the Dead Sea.
Click to view slideshow
Ein Gedi
On the shore of the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi is an oasis in the middle of the wilderness with freshwater springs and waterfalls, modern spas, and green gardens.
Ein Gedi is a landmark for the Jewish people. This is one of the locations where David sought refuge from King Saul (1 Samuel 24) and where Jewish rebels fled after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Tourists come to Ein Gedi for its hot springs, mineral waters, mud baths, and lush vegetation in stark contrast to the surrounding desert. A nearby kibbutz features a botanical garden with plants and trees from all over the world.
Click to view slideshow
Masada
While we are touring the Dead Sea area, we will visit the ruins of Masada (Hebrew for fortress) , an ancient desert fortress situated atop a cliff overlooking the Dead Sea.
According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Herod the Great built the fortress of Masada between 37 and 31 BC. As the story goes, Herod furnished this fortress as a refuge for himself. It included a wall surrounding the plateau, storehouses, large rainwater cisterns, barracks for soldiers, palatial quarters for King Herod, and an armory. After the destruction of the Temple and the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, about a thousand Jews sequestered themselves at Masada and fought bravely against the Romans until their tragic end in 74 BC.
Click to view slideshow
Check back often for the latest News and Updates.
-
Congratulations to those that have Qualified for FDLIC's 2012 Sales Incentive Trip!
QUALIFIERS
Trip Qualifiers
Congratulations to those listed below who have sold the net volume required to qualify for the FDLIC Sales Incentive Trip!
Sales Professionals
- Joanne Abbs
- Nick Alleshouse
- Jessica Ceille
- Ann Deal
- Becky Donahue
- Robert Finley
- Jim Foster
- Terri Gish
- Bob Groves
- John Hardy
- Meg Heintze
- Diana Hewett
- Brenda Hornick
- Pat Jordan
- Kathy Klein
- Adam Kraut
- Betsy Mahn
- Joe Mahn
- Nancy Matancsi
- Nikki Meyer
- Steven Moore
- Jackie Novisky
- Ben Pawlitschek
- Kim Pugh
- Jessi Rinne
- Sydney Smith
- Dana Stratton
- Barbara Thibodeaux
- Karla Tukua
- Colleen Vice
Funeral Homes
- Broussards
- Carriage Services
- Dobratz-Hantge
- Evergreen
- Funeral Homes of Texas
- Greenlawn
- Gwen Mooney Funeral Home
- Heritage Funeral Chapel
- Krause Funeral Home
- Legacy Funeral Group
- Mahn Family Funeral & Cremation Services
- Mayes Family Services
- Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home
- Paxus Services
- Sunset Funeral Homes
- Vertin Company
- Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels
- White Funeral Home
Marketing Organizations
- Bay Area Insurance
- Beeson Consulting Services
- Foresight Family
- Harrisburg Group
- Laker Planning Service
General Information
Rules and Regulations
Business Accepted for Contest Qualification
Qualification Requirements
Rules and Regulations
For those qualifying for the trip, an IRS form 1099 or W-2 will be issued, as required by law. No cash compensation and no trade or other compensation of any kind will be given in lieu of the trip.
Business Accepted for Contest Qualification
All insurance or annuities sold and processed, excluding cancel/re-writes, trust conversions, trust annuities, whole life insurance, and dollar for dollar annuities that exceed age limit or are terminal. Qualifying volume will be determined on net, new business sold and processed. Net new business is defined as gross new business production less lapses, cancellations, and deaths that occur during the standard chargeback period.
Qualification Requirements
In order to qualify for the incentive contest trip, a sales professional, funeral home or marketing organization must hold an agreement and be producing with FDLIC, FAI or KFDLIC at the time of the trip departure. If this is not the case, the trip will be forfeited and no alternative compensation will be provided.
$700,000 net new business = One Double Occupancy Spot on Trip
Pro-Rated amount to qualify based on the date of the first contract written:
Since February 1, 2012:
Minimum of $665,000
Since March 1, 2012:
Minimum of $632,000
Since April 1, 2012:
Minimum of $600,000
Since May 1, 2012:
Minimum of $570,000
Sales
Professionals
$1,250,000 net new business = One Double Occupancy Spot on Trip
$3,750,000 net new business = A Second Double Occupancy Spot on Trip
$6,000,000 net new business = A Third Double Occupancy Spot on Trip
These spots will be awarded provided you meet the qualifications below:
85% or better persistency
All preneed insurance business must be written exclusively with FDLIC
Funeral
Homes
$2,500,000 net new business = One Double Occupancy Spot on Trip
$5,000,000 net new business = A Second Double Occupancy Spot on Trip
$7,500,000 net new business = A Third Double Occupancy Spot on Trip
These spots will be awarded provided you meet the qualifications below:
85% or better persistency
All preneed insurance business must be written exclusively with FDLIC
Marketing
Organization
Incentive Trip Qualification Standards
* In all matters pertaining to the contest, including interpretation of the rules and/or qualifications, the decision of the Executive Management Team shall be final.
Funeral Homes / Marketing Organizations
Funeral homes and marketing organizations will be awarded spots on the trip based on the
qualification standards established by the Executive Management Team and published at the
beginning of the incentive contest. The following stipulations apply to funeral home and
marketing organization spots:
•The funeral home or marketing organization will select an individual to attend the trip
who is a key person in the organization, for example, an executive or a supervisory level
employee.
•The selected trip attendee plus one guest will be invited to attend.
•For any transfers or awarding of spots that do not meet with the first stipulation, an
official request must be brought to a member of the Executive Management Team for approval.
•The trip may not be awarded to a full-time sales professional who had the opportunity to
qualify for the trip based on his/her sales production. (This does not honor the efforts of
those sales professionals who did achieve their goals and were able to win the trip based on
their own individual net production.)
Sales Professionals Sales Managers
Sales Professionals and MSPs as well as MCMs, DSDs, and RSVPs will be awarded a spot on the
trip based on the qualification standards established by the Executive Management Team and published
at the beginning of the incentive contest. The following stipulations apply to the sales professional
and sales management spots:
•The sales professional or sales manager plus one guest will be invited to attend.
•If the sales professional or sales manager does not wish to attend, the trip may not be
transferred to a family member or friend.
Buy-Ins
FDLIC will allow buy-ins for the trip based upon availability of space and at the discretion of
the company.
The following stipulations apply to those who wish to buy-in:
•Only funeral homes and marketing organizations are eligible for buy-ins. Full-time sales
professionals
who could have qualified for the incentive trip based on their own individual production may
not buy-in or attend
in a funeral home or marketing organization slot. (This does not honor the efforts of those
sales professionals
who did achieve their goals and were able to win the trip based on their own individual net
production.)
•Buy-ins should not expect to have a guaranteed spot on the trip until an official request
has been made
to the Executive Management Team and the funeral home or marketing organization has received
notification of
approval.
•While we wish to accommodate as many buy-in requests as we are able, please be aware that
we are always
limited by the availability of space. As is only fair, precedence for purchasing additional
spots on the trip out
of pocket will first be given to those who have qualified for the trip and wish to bring more
than one guest.
•The buy-in amount will be a pro-rated amount based on net new business sold and processed
during the
qualification period. The amount will be calculated based on the percentage attained toward
the qualification goal.
For example, if a funeral home has achieved 70% of the qualification goal, the buy-in amount
would be 30% of the total value of the incentive trip prize package.
Incentive Trip Qualification Standards
Funeral Homes / Marketing Organizations
Sales Professionals / Sales Managers
Buy-Ins
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Contact Information
If you have questions regarding the rules and regulations of this contest, please contact your FDLIC manager.
Rules of the Game
Every FDLIC sales professional is automatically in the running to participate in the tournament. The total gross sales volume from January 1st - March 31st of every sales professional will be reviewed, then the top 128 sales professionals will be eligible to go on to compete for Top Dog!
• To remain eligible
for bracket play, an agent must stay in good standing with FDLIC (maintain
current license, keep reserves in the positive, write good business, etc.). If
an agent loses good standing with FDLIC, he or she will be disqualified from the
tournament. An agent may be disqualified for violating any of the terms in his
or her agent agreement.
• Volume updates and monthly winners will
be posted on www.fdlicincentives.com.
• In the event of a tie in
any bracket, gross year-to-date production will determine the winner.
• Award checks will be issued by FDLIC monthly.
*In all matters
pertaining to the contest, including interpretation of the rules and/or
qualifications, the decision of the Executive Management Team shall be
final.
Rounds and Prizes
Our top 128 sales professionals will be seeded #1 through #128 and matched up for the first round in April. Seed #1 will compete against seed #128, seed #2 will compete against seed #127,and so on. After the first round, the sales professionals who win their first match will move into the Championship Bracket, and the remainder of the sales professionals will compete in the Consolation Bracket. Competitors in both brackets will receive cash prizes as they advance through each round.
| CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET | CONSOLATION BRACKET | |
| APRIL | 64 Winners (Receive $50 each) | 64 Losing Sales Professionals |
| MAY | 32 Winners (Receive $100 each) | 32 Winners (Receive $25 each) |
| JUNE | 16 Winners (Receive $150 each) | 16 Winners (Receive $50 each) |
| JULY | 8 Winners (Receive $200 each) | 8 Winners (Receive $100 each) |
| AUGUST | 4 Winners (Receive $250 each) | 4 Winners (Receive $150 each) |
| SEPTEMBER | 2 Winners (Receive $500 each) | 2 Winners (Receive $200 each) |
| OCTOBER | 1 Champion (Receives $1000) | 1 Champion (Receives $500) |
News and Updates
November 1, 2012 Championship Results Consulation Results
October 25, 2012 Championship Results Consulation Results
October 18, 2012 Championship Results Consulation Results
October 11, 2012 Championship Results Consulation Results
October 4, 2012 Championship Results Consulation Results
October 1, 2012 Championship Results Consulation Results
September 27, 2012 Championship Results Consulation Results
September 20, 2012 Championship Results Consulation Results
September 13, 2012 Championship Results Consulation Results
September 6, 2012 Championship Results Consulation Results
Top Dog Tournament
Championship and Consolation Brackets
Rules of the Game
How to Qualify for Top Dog
Rounds and Prizes
Understanding Bracket Play
News and Updates
Latest Info and Previous Brackets