Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Dear Members,

As the new Chairman of the Ohio Plan Risk Management, Inc. (Ohio Plan), please allow me to express my sincere gratitude to each member as we move into our 21st year.  The Ohio Plan was created in June of 1988 with 2 founding members and has since grown to nearly 700 members.  In fact, over the past two years 160 of Ohio’s public entities have joined the Ohio Plan.  With that being said, I’m excited to report our member equity remains near $6 million.

It is through our excellent member loyalty and continued growth we are able to provide you with the service, coverage and member benefits we have prided ourselves on since 1988.  Highlights of just a few are outlined below:

• Ohio Plan Advantage is one of the many benefits which demonstrate why we are the preferred program in Ohio.  In 2008, the Ohio Plan gave back $817,000 in renewal credits to you, bringing the total to over $2,200,000 since Advantage’s inception in 2006.  We anticipate Ohio Plan members receiving over $850,000 in 2009. 
• Ohio Plan Education Reimbursement Plan awards up to $300 per member in a calendar year for qualified education training expenses (work, safety, and employment related).  In 2008, this program gave back to our members over $22,000.  We know many of you are experiencing budget cuts during these tough economic times, and it is a pleasure to see these benefits offering some financial relief. 
• Ohio Plan Preferred Vendors - I would encourage all members to take advantage of the Ohio Plan preferred vendors. 

• Provident Insurance has provided a blanket Accident & Health insurance policy for fire departments since 1928 and now offers blanket Accident & Health for police officers. 
• Industrial Appraisal and CBIZ provide property appraisal services and both offer discounts to Ohio Plan members.  

One of the most important membership benefits the Ohio Plan offers is excellent service. 

• Forty (40) Independent Agents state-wide are dedicated to serving our members and prospective members.  They continue to use their many years of experience and expertise to meet the needs of Ohio’s public entities. 
• Claim Services is provided by Hylant Administrative Services and consists of nine full time examiners dedicated to providing professional claim service to our members.  They have handled over 33,000 claims and are well versed in Ohio’s public entity law.

In the coming year, we look forward to welcoming the 700th member to the Ohio Plan.  The Board of Directors will continue to focus our attention on providing excellent service, coverage and member benefits to our members.

Sincerely,

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