Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Dear Ohio Plan Member,

As President of Ohio Plan Risk Management, Inc. (“Ohio Plan” or the “Plan”), I would like to thank and congratulate each Ohio Plan member as we finish our 22nd year. The Plan, which was created in June of 1988 with two founding members, has grown to nearly 750 members. In the last three years, the Ohio Plan has experienced more growth than any other public entity program in Ohio.

As the fastest growing program in Ohio, the benefits of membership are apparent by the increase in new members.  Our retention of Ohio Plan members remains over 98% year after year.  With job turnover and newly elected officials, it is important to periodically review the benefits of membership.  Here are a few key reasons for our excellent retention and membership loyalty:

• Ohio-Based:  Ohio Plan Board Members are from Ohio entities, the Plan Administrator (Underwriters, Risk Management Representatives, and Claim Adjusters) are headquartered in Toledo, and Agent Representatives are all Ohio headquartered in communities near you. 

• Ohio Plan Advantage rewards members for their efforts in minimizing or eliminating claims.  The Ohio Plan Advantage has credited over $3 million to the membership since 2006.  By the end of fiscal year 2010, the Plan is projected to credit nearly $900,000.

• Ohio Plan Safety Allowance program provides members an annual credit of $300 for qualifying expenses.  The program has credited over $65,000 to members in the last year.  The plan continues to offer members additional ways to qualify for the annual credit. I encourage each member to participate.  A few of the items that qualify include training, conference fees, automatic electronic defibrillators (AED’s) and Personal Protective Equipment. A complete list of qualifying items can be found at: www.ohioplan.org/education.html

• Superior Claim Service: We are here when our members need us the most. Lake Township in Wood County, a member for 21 years, had their administration building destroyed by a tornado on June 5th at 11:20 p.m.  The building also housed their police department, dispatch center, and fire department sleeping quarters.  Claim representatives were on-site with restoration personnel by 5:30 a.m. the next morning. Ground breaking for the new township building took place October 15th and construction is scheduled to be completed by May 2011.  Township officials are pleased with the Ohio Plan’s rapid response and support provided following this disaster.

• Lexipol Subscription Subsidy Program is the newest benefit being provided to our members.  The Ohio Plan Board Members have created a subsidy program which will assist members with the Lexipol subscription costs.   Lexipol brings valuable risk management tools including over 150 state level model policies and daily training bulletins to Ohio’s law enforcement agencies.

It’s easy to see why the Ohio Plan is the program of choice for public entities in Ohio.  We continually seek additional program enhancements and welcome any suggestions to better serve you, our members.  If you have any ideas how the Ohio Plan can assist you, please send your suggestion(s) to info@ohioplan.org.

Sincerely,

Michael T. Hinnenkamp
Chairman
Ohio Plan Risk Management, Inc.