Your Member News

President:          Mary Anne Dutro
Vice President:  Andrea Patterson
President Elect: Melissa Best
Treasurer:          Philita Wheeler
Secretary:          Pat Dusenbery
 

Welcome New Members!

 

Pair-A-Dice Rods & Kustoms

What's in YOUR Economic Outlook?
 

Group Rating for Workers Comp
 

 

Group rating allows companies in a similar industry to "group" their workers' compensation claims history together. By grouping companies with few or no claims, all businesses enrolled in the group can earn up to the BWC maximum discount on their premium.
Why should I join a group rating program?
Group rating enables companies to save significantly on workers' compensation premiums, up to the BWC maximum available discount. All programs have a sponsor organization, such as a trade association or chamber of commerce. Each program offers its own savings rate. You could potentially save significantly more with a CCI group program compared to other available programs.
How is coverage provided under a Group Rating Program?
Coverage is still provided by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Each participating employer maintains their own policy number and premium payments continue to be made to BWC.
Can you only enroll once a year, and is this true of all groups?
Yes, BWC regulations dictate this. Quotes are provided throughout the Fall with final actual enrollment taking place in February. We are currently accepting applications for the BWC plan year July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
Each member is charged an administrative fee to be in the program. By enrolling in a group rating program, you also receive cost control services provided by plan administrator CareWorks Consultants, Inc.(CCI). Details of the administrative fee will be provided along with the proposal. Also, you MUST be a paid member of the sponsoring organization.
If I am uncertain whether my company will qualify, should I apply?
Yes, each year BWC assigns each employer new rates based on their payroll and experience. A company who did not previously qualify may now qualify if their claim history has improved.
How will I receive my savings?
Coverage is with BWC and the premium statements from BWC will reflect the group discounted rate. The rate will become effective on July 1, 2010, and your first discounted premium payment will be paid in January 2011.

Learn at Lunch
 

JK Evans & Associates, a local human resource management consulting firm, is launching a new educational program for business people, and all chamber members are invited to attend. Join us for once a month mini training sessions on a variety of topics to help you "sharpen the saw".  September's program is designed for employers, managers, supervisors, and HR personnel. The DOL is cracking down.  Make sure your workers are classified correctly.

Topic:    Independent Contractor or Employee?
Where:   Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce Office
When:    Thursday, September 16, 2010
Time: 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cost:$20.00 per person [includes sack lunch]
 
Presented by: JK Evans & Associates LLC    Reserve your spot today! Call 740-454-0405 or 1-800-331-3974.
 

Lorena Sternwheeler Rides
 

 

Don't miss the opportunity to ride the Lorena Sternwheeler this summer. Remaining public rides will be offered at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on August 14, 18, 20, 28, 29, September 4, 18, 26, and October 2, 3, and 9. Rides will be offered at 2 p.m. only on October 16 and 17.

Public lunch cruises will be available on August 14 and 20 and September 10 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The cost for lunch cruises is $15 per person and includes a box lunch. 

Public dinner cruises are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 14, 18, 28, September 4, 10, and 18 and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on September 24. Dinner cruises include a Prime Rib dinner and cost $30 per person. Private lunch and dinner cruises are also available. Reservations are requried for all lunch and dinner cruises. 

Twilight cruises will be offered on August 20 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and cost is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for children.

Don't forget, the Lorena Sternwheeler is also available for charters and is perfect for parties, reunions and other gatherings. 

To request information or to make reservations, please call 455-8282.
 

Golf Outing Set for August 20

 

Sponsored By:

 

Century National Bank
Emeritus at North Hills
The Forker Company/Northwestern Mutal

The Quandel Group Inc.

The annual Chamber-Jaycees Golf Outing will be held on Friday, August 20 with a 12:30 pm shotgun start. Golf teams are of course being accepted and we are seeking hole sponsors for $50 each.  To reserve your team's spot or for more information contact Dana Matz at dmatz@zmchamber.com.

 

Facebook:  Its Not Just for Kids
 

 

Most business people think Facebook is just for kids.  Maybe it was before, but that is changing, and fast.  Use of Facebook and similar social media applications by businesses is growing at an incredible rate.  Why?  Because it is cheap - free actually except for your time - and it is an extremely efficient way to communicate, network, and increase awareness about your company and what it does.

Want to know more?  Check out this great report on the business uses of Facebook.

And while you are at it, check out the Facebook pages of the Chamber, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Zanesville Downtown Association.
 

Web-Based Services for Members
 

 

The chamber provides you with a complete set of useful web-based services, and you can use these without ever leaving your business. Here's a link to the menu of online services you can access as a member, including:
 

• Customized directory listing
• Hot Deals
• Events calendar
• Help Wanted listings
• Monthly surveys
• And more!

Again, visit this web page for more details on our package of web-based services.
 

Anthem Health Plan for Members

Health insurance can be your largest financial burden. Yet, you recognize the importance of healthy employees. Chamber Plan through Anthem offers health care options for small and mid-size businesses that mirror the benefits large corporations offer. Chamber members receive a discount and have access to over 100 plan designs, including health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement accounts (HRA's) and traditional PPOs. Chamber Plan may not be the most affordable option for every chamber member company, but it might pay off to check and see.  For a quote on Chamber Plan contact your local health insurance broker - they can tell you how the rates compare to what you are paying now.