If it ain’t broke…Association healthcare plans are working

By Jim DeWalt,
Associated Industries President/CEO

In 1995, the Legislature passed a law to open up a more competitive market for small employers seeking to provide affordable, comprehensive health benefits to their employees and their families. This law allows greater access to health insurance coverage through association healthcare plans.

Few anticipated the tremendous success that would flow from this forward-thinking policy to broaden healthcare access for Washington’s employees.

Today, it is estimated that over a half million employees have healthcare coverage through their employer under association healthcare plans. It has opened doors that were essentially closed to many small businesses. In fact, some associations report that more than 40 percent of the employers participating did not previously offer health benefits.

While there is much room for improvement in our healthcare system, association healthcare plans are working.

To our members: I want you to know, throughout this current session, we will be keeping Associated Industries’ business owner-members informed if legislative proposals adversely impact your ability to provide healthcare for your employees through our association plans.

To our State legislators: As our policy leaders in Washington State, we encourage you to preserve and protect our critically important association plans that make healthcare available and affordable for hundreds of thousands of Washington families.

Our best wishes for a productive legislative session,

– Jim DeWalt
President / CEO

Oregon Did It, Why Can’t We?

By Don C. Brunell, President
Association of Washington Business

State Auditor Brian Sonntag reports that our workers’ compensation system is unsustainable ― that huge premium increases are needed to keep the program solvent. But those increases, which must be paid mainly by employers, will cripple our ability to recover from the recession.

In the midst of our nation's $1.4 trillion deficit and crushing unemployment, the issue of workers' compensation might not seem all that important. It is. Abuses and expanded benefits are draining employers of money they could otherwise use to create jobs.  They also impact workers who pay a fraction of the insurance premiums.

READ MORE

Announcing three valuable ways to invest in your employees and give them the tools to succeed 

Legal team Morning Briefing: Handbook policy update
The use of company handbooks has become more commonplace in recent years, and there are advantages and some drawbacks to their use. Well drafted, up-to-date policies may be used to effectively communicate your workplace standards, and may even serve as a defense in the event of legal action. On the other hand, poorly drafted or sporadically applied policies that don't reflect your actual practices, may create liability for your business.

Whether you are a large or small employer, this Morning Briefing is not to be missed. The A.I. Legal team will discuss the pros and cons of using an employee handbook, drafting and updating your policies, tips for evenhanded application, and the essential policies every employer should consider.

Interactive Leadership Training

Employee morale has never been as important as it is right now. Empower your leaders and managers to not only develop their skills and confidence but to also create a positive impact on all your employees.  Enroll them now in Associated Industries' valuable 10-part course "Interactive Leadership" today!  

Along with steps to enhance employee morale, those who participate will gain: greater confidence and effectiveness, stronger employee relations and powerful tools for high-stakes challenges such as performance intervention, conflict resolution, planning, problem-solving meetings, performance reviews and much more. Space is limited! Register today.  For more information, click here.

The Effective Lead-Worker (Two-Part Series)
This two-part workshop is designed for lead-workers and others (perhaps your new supervisor, senior production worker or future leader) who typically have some responsibility for work beyond their own production but do not have the full range of authority of a supervisor. The program will focus on two main areas to increase the overall performance of today’s lead-workers:

Associated Industries Bright Promise Program applications now available
Would-be applicants encouraged to apply as soon as possible

Associated Industries is excited to announce that applications are now available for scholarships from the Associated Industries (A.I.) Bright Promise Program for the 2011/2012 school year.

With a specific focus on individuals pursuing an education in business, technology, manufacturing technology or health sciences, the A.I. Bright Promise Program aims to provide students with education in fields that are vital to the Inland Northwest’s success. 

READ MORE