Chair's Remarks
CEO and Chair
Becoming a leader in our industry calls for more than the development of the most comprehensive Plan possible: It calls for setting an example for Board accountability on issues such as ethics, policies, and procedures for objective, strategic decision-making. This is vitally important for the Plan in its mission to be your best provider of income protection and wellness services, and this is one of the Board's goals each and every year.
Leading the Way
Through 2009, sound investment management enabled the Plan to be financially successful and to better provide benefits for members. We can now leverage our financial strength in a number of other areas, particularly in managing claims costs.
Fair Benefits and Broad Coverage
During the year, we worked especially hard on a comprehensive Plan design to provide fair benefits to all members. As Trustees, we want what is mutually beneficial for Plan members and for the Plan's sustainability. This year's decisions on extending benefits were conscientiously made while keeping the full scope of the Plan in mind.
Strategic Planning
The trends in mental health and disability challenge us to plan now to maintain and continue the progress made thus far, as well as to anticipate tomorrow's potential problems and address them before they become critical.
While distinct strategies may change over time, the values that guide the Plan endure, and will continue to guide our work moving forward. The Board of Trustees has consistently reaffirmed that we must manage the Plan according to this long-term perspective: To always be here to help the hard-working Plan members and participating employers who may need our support.
Thanks to ongoing teamwork amongst the Board, Plan Sponsors, and management, and careful attention to detail, we can be confident that the Plan will be there when you need it.
Sincerely,
George L. Fox
Chair of the Board of Trustees