Montana Chamber of Commerce - PRESS RELEASES

M.A.C.E. Officers elected at Fall Meeting in Big Sky

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:27:02 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of

Contact: Jessica Nolan at 406-442-2405 ext. 100 or Jessica@montanachamber.com

October 25, 2012 Contact: Jessica Nolan

M.A.C.E. Officers Elected at Fall Meeting in Big Sky

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local chambers across Montana elected Wade VanEvery as the 2013 President of the Montana Association of Chamber Executives (MACE) recently. The fall meeting of the organization was held October 4-5 in Big Sky, Montana, with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce hosting this annual meeting. MACE is the professional development, continuing-education effort of chamber of commerce in Montana. VanEvery serves as 1^st Vice President through the end of 2012. Other 2013 officers elected were Mike Mergenthaler of the Helena Chamber as 1st VP and Bruce Solberg of the Bigfork Chamber as 2nd VP. Steve Malicott of the Great Falls Chamber will finish his current year as President and serve as Immediate Past President next year. Webb Brown and Jessica Nolan of the Montana Chamber of Commerce were re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. The meeting included over 30 attendees from 14 chambers. Keynote speaker Jeff Kline, President of Accrinet Corporation, brought his wealth of social media experience to help members keep current with technology and member communication. Other presenters included the US Chamber of Commerce on national issues, Montana Chamber of Commerce on healthcare, and panels on local chamber members and membership sales and retention. Members also participated in roundtables on a variety of topics.
Northwestern Energy and Montana Chamber Choices health insurance program sponsored the meeting in Big Sky, along with organizational sponsors BlueCross BlueShield of Montana, PPL Montana, Allied Waste Services, Liberty Mutual, Montana State Fund, and Mountain West Companies. The next meeting will be in May, 2013 in Sidney.

For more information, go to: www.MontanaChamber.com and/or contact Jessie Nolan at 888-442.MONT (6668) ext. 100 or Jessica@MontanaChamber.com.

MACE Elects Nolan as Secretary

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:47:41 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of June 1, 2012 12:00 am

Contact: Jessica Nolan at 406 442-MONT (6668) or Jessica@montanachamber.com

MACE elects Nolan as Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 6, 2012 Contact: Jessica Nolan

The members of the Montana Association of Chamber Executives (MACE) elected, Jessica Nolan as secretary of the organization at their 2012 spring meeting, held May 31 and June 1, 2012 in Great Falls.

Jessica is a Montana native spending most of her childhood in Havre and graduating from high school in 2007 from Whitefish. She attended college at San Diego State University, studying International Security and Conflict Resolution. She transferred to the University of Montana in spring of 2010 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, International Relations in May of 2011.

Jessica started work for the Montana Chamber of Commerce on February 1, 2012.

MACE, administrated by the Montana Chamber of Commerce, strives to provide an all – encompassing learning experience for the executives, other staff, and volunteers of Montana chambers of commerce to maintain the sustainability and strength of businesses across Montana. MACE brings together chambers from all across the treasure state to join in furthering their education and professional –development.

Baucus Launches "I Hire Veterans" Initiative

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:02:01 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of March 28, 2012 9:00 am

Contact: Webb Brown at 888-442-MONT (6668) ext. 101 or Webb@MontanaChamber.com

Baucus Launches “I Hire Veterans” Initiative

After Passing Vets Jobs Tax Cut

Montana's senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus is teaming up with the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, veterans and businesses to encourage Montana employers to hire veterans. Baucus is asking businesses who currently employ veterans to display the 'I Hire Veterans' logo in their windows and front offices and help spread the word about the Vets Jobs Tax Credit he passed last year to help even more employers hire veterans.

"A deep sense of duty and patriotism runs through all Montanans," Baucus said. "We had more Montanans volunteer for service after 9/11 than any other state in the country, per capita. And many of our Montana businesses have stepped up as well by supporting Guard and Reserve members on their staffs and hiring our veterans when they come home. I'm proud to have veterans on my staff, and I'm proud to display this sign in my office. I'm asking Montana businesses to join me so that together we can help spread the word and encourage other folks to do the same. Businesses who don't have any veterans on staff right now, should know they can get a tax credit to help them hire a vet. And if Montana businesses have other idea about ways we can make it easier for them to employ vets, I want to hear them. So please call or write my office."

Baucus has multiple veterans employed on his full time staff and also sponsors the Defenders of Freedom Fellowship for Montana veterans interested in working in his Washington office.

"The job market is a tough place to be right now for everyone, and it can be especially challenging for our veterans returning from service and trying to adjust back into civilian life. They've gained valuable skills and an unmatched work ethic, but they've been out of the game for a while. So policies like Max's Vets Jobs Tax Credit and support from the business community through campaigns like this one can make all the difference," said Great Falls veteran Pete Olsen.

Olsen is in Washington this week to highlight issues like veterans unemployment with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Olsen served two tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division, US Army.

"So many Montana employers are already doing a fantastic job supporting Montana Guard and Reserve members and hiring veterans across Montana. The 'I hire vets' sign will be a symbol to their workers and customers of just how proud they are to provide these jobs and encourage other business to follow their lead. It's a great addition to the veterans jobs fairs and other outreach the Chamber is already doing across the state," said President/CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce Webb Brown.

"Reserve Component members, their spouses and veterans are huge assets to Montana employers because they bring such great training and education to the workforce, and now Max's a tax credit makes it even more beneficial to hire veterans. I encourage employers and job seekers to get involved and check out our online resources at h2h.jobs," said Mike Flaherty, State Chair of the Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

"As a veteran myself, I know firsthand the invaluable skills our service members bring to the workforce. I was proud to serve my country in Iraq and Afghanistan and I'm proud to do my part to support today's troops by providing good-paying jobs when they get home. I encourage all Montana businesses to hire a vet and display this sign proudly. Your business and our country will be better for it," said Rod Alne, owner of The Peak in Butte, Montana. The Peak specializes in extreme environmental training and performance enhancement.

http://www.baucus.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=965

State Chamber Forms "Employers for Montana's Military"

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 20:49:22 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of March 30, 2012 2:00 pm

Contact: Webb Brown at 888-442-MONT (6668) ext. 101 or Webb@MontanaChamber.com

State Chamber Forms "Employers for Montana's Military"

Focuses on Economy, Jobs and Business

The Montana Chamber of Commerce announces a new focus on support for the military in
Montana. "We see the need for a statewide organization to promote and protect all our military
missions and the jobs of nearly 11, 000 men and women in uniform," noted Webb Brown,
President/CEO of the statewide business organization.

The State Chamber will work with existing groups, such as the Montana Employer Support for
the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Committee, Citizens for Montana's Military, Central Montana
Defense Alliance, Military Affairs Committees of local chambers of commerce, Montana's
Congressional delegation, state leaders, and all businesses on this effort.

Under immediate consideration are efforts to ensure the new C-130 mission and "rally the
troops" for the next Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiative. Brown was quick to point
out that Montana's military presence extends far beyond Great Falls. "Every corner of Montana
benefits from the military, whether it is National Guard service men and women or defense
contractors."

The State Chamber will continue to support a military workforce, such as the "Hiring Our
Heroes" campaign of the U.S. Chamber, upcoming job fairs in Libby and Kalispell, and
promoting entrepreneurship among military and veterans.

The Montana Chamber hopes to offer more tours and educational opportunities, such as "Boss
Lifts" with ESGR. Additional tasks will also include greater awareness/education of defense
contracting opportunities.

"The military is big business in Montana," added Brown. "The state's leading business advocate
will play a greater role in supporting all the services across all of Big Sky Country."

For more information, contact Webb Brown at 888-442-MONT (6668) ext. 101 or
Webb@MontanaChamber.com. The website for the new military focus is:

http://www.montanachamber.com/about-us/Montana-Military

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State Chamber Releases 2012 Judicial Review

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 20:42:16 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of March 27, 2012 12:00 am

Contact: Jon Bennion at 888-442-MONT (6668) ext. 104 or Jon@MontanaChamber.com

State Chamber Releases 2012 Judicial Review

Biennial Report Covers Montana Supreme Court and Work Comp Court

The Montana Chamber of Commerce is pleased to release its biennial Judicial Review of the Montana Supreme Court and the Montana Workers' Compensation Court. The Montana Chamber has produced the Review every two years since 2000 and also produces a biennial Voting Review for the other two branches of government - the Executive and Legislative branches.

The 2012 Review analyzes cases from 2010-11 that had an impact on economic development in the state. Fifty-one cases were selected in the 2012 Montana Supreme Court study. Each justice received a rating based on the justice's position in each case. To view the 2012 Judicial Review, click here.

"The Montana Chamber is one of the only organizations that examines the performance of the Montana Supreme Court," said Webb Brown, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber. "As the third branch of our state government, it's just as important to watch the activity of the judiciary as it is to monitor the legislative and executive branches."

Overall, the Supreme Court received a 41% rating for its decisions in crucial business cases. Receiving the highest individual rating was Justice Jim Rice at 69% (lifetime score of 78%). Other ratings of Court members include a 40% for Chief Justice Mike McGrath (45% lifetime), 28% for Justice Jim Nelson (38% lifetime), 21% for Justice Bill Leaphart (37% lifetime), 40% for Justice Pat Cotter (31% lifetime), 42% for Justice Mike Wheat (42% lifetime), and 39% for Justice Brian Morris (41% lifetime). Newly-elected Justice Beth Baker, who participated in just twenty-two cases, because she was elected to the Court half-way through the study period, received a 50% rating.

Over the past two years, the Court has made some important decisions - both good and bad. One case, Alexander v. Bozeman Motors, where the Montana Chamber filed as an amicus, the Court upheld the constitutionality of the exclusive remedy exceptions in workers' compensation, but also left the door open to future lawsuits against employers for workplace injuries.

The Montana Chamber also conducts a review of important Workers' Compensation Court cases every two years. In the 2012 Review, Judge Jeremiah Shea received a 54% (61% lifetime). To view the Work Comp section of the Judicial Review, click here and go to page 18.

The Montana Chamber of Commerce conducts the biennial Judicial Review under the auspices of its Montana Justice Coalition. The Montana Justice Coalition is a collection of business leaders, attorneys and association directors tasked with keeping track of the liability climate in the state, monitoring important cases that come out, and developing new legal reform measures that should be enacted into law. The Montana Chamber oversees this Coalition and brings its members together as needed. For more information on the Montana Justice Coalition, click here.

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Safety Choices Reduces Work Comp Costs

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 21:15:52 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of March 16, 2012 3:00 am

Contact: Webb Brown at 888-442-MONT (6668) ext. 101 or Webb@MontanaChamber.com

SAFETY CHOICES REDUCES WORK COMP COSTS . . . AGAIN!

Customers of Montana Safety Choices (MSC), the endorsed work comp insurance and safety program of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, are now receiving checks equaling nearly 8% of their work comp premiums from last policy year.

"Our work comp insurance and safety program has returned nearly half a million dollars to participating employers in the first two years of its existence," noted Webb Brown, President/CEO of the State Chamber. "That's on top of the significant relief many employers saw following our reform of the work comp system in the last Legislature."

Liberty Northwest recently announced an overall retro rating adjustment of 7.8 percent in premium adjustments and premium surcharge savings. The savings are now being distributed to the 200+ MSC member companies participating in the July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011 policy year.

The Montana Chamber joined with Liberty Northwest in 2009 to offer the Montana Safety Choices group workers’ compensation insurance and safety program. Created to support businesses with a commitment to safety and the well-being of their employees, the MSC program helps businesses manage workplace risks. That in turn helps control costs, reduce losses, and in a favorable performance year, earn premium back through a retrospective rating return.

Participating employers work with Liberty Northwest personnel throughout the year to establish and maintain comprehensive loss prevention plans and safety training for management and employees. These employers may also qualify for a five percent premium credit for maintaining an approved drug-free workplace program during a policy period.

“Our success this year is not the end," said Brown. “We still have more work to do to provide a safer work environment and to control overall work comp costs.”

Montana employers can learn more about the Montana Safety Choices group workers’ compensation insurance and safety program by contacting Pete Burwell at the Montana Chamber - 888-442-MONT (6668) ext. 103 or Pete@MontanaChamber.com; their local independent insurance agent; or by contacting Denise Moore, Liberty Northwest’s Association Programs Director at 800-275-5600 ext. 789-7328 or Denise.Moore@LibertyNorthwest.com. There is also more information online at www.MontanaSafetyChoices.com.

UPS honors Montana Drivers for 25 years of safe driving

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:27:51 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of February 27, 2012 7:27 am

Contact: UPS

BILLINGS, Mont., Feb 23, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- UPS /quotes/zigman/251269/quotes/nls/ups UPS +0.22% today announced eight elite drivers from Montana are among 1,235 newly inducted worldwide into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have achieved 25 or more years of accident-free driving.

Montana boasts 36 active Circle of Honor drivers with a combined 1,031 years of accident-free driving. John Reynolds of Great Falls is Montana's senior safe driver, with 36 years of accident-free driving under his belt. There are 412 total UPS drivers in Montana.

Globally, 5,842 active UPS drivers are members of the Circle of Honor. Collectively they've racked up 161,746 years and more than 5.3 billion safe miles during their careers, or the equivalent of circling the earth more than 212,000 times.

The number of new inductees represents the largest increase in new members in a single year in the company's history.

"I'm very proud of these men and women," said Nancy Koeper, president, UPS Northwest District. "To go at least a quarter century without an accident is a testament to the pride they take in their work and to the training they receive. My thanks go to all of them for the countless lives they've saved."

Globally, the most seasoned UPS Circle of Honor driver is Ron Sowder of UPS's Ohio Valley District, with 50 years of driving without an accident. Thomas Camp of the Great Lakes District is next in line with 49 years of safe driving. Twenty-seven others have logged at least 40 years without an accident.

UPS's 102,000 drivers are among the safest on the roads, logging more than 3 billion miles a year and averaging less than one accident for every million miles driven.

UPS invested $175 million in 2011 on safety training and employs its own comprehensive driving course called "Space and Visibility." All UPS drivers are taught safe driving methods beginning on the first day of classroom training through the company's defensive driving platform. The training continues throughout their careers.

Founded in 1907, UPS has a rich history of safety and training. The company issued its first driver handbook in 1917 and began recognizing safe drivers in 1923. In 1928, UPS recognized its first five-year safe driver, Ray McCue, with UPS founder Jim Casey presenting him a gold and platinum watch. UPS formally established the Circle of Honor in 1955.

More information on UPS's commitment to safety is available at http://www.pressroom.ups.com/safety .

UPS /quotes/zigman/251269/quotes/nls/ups UPS +0.22% is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com and its corporate blog can be found at blog.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

** NOTE: The following pages list local drivers by hometown and UPS center. If you're interested in interviewing or riding along with a local driver, please contact Dan McMackin at 404-828-4188 or dmcmackin@ups.com.

Following is a list of Montana drivers inducted this year to the Circle of Honor.


        
             Driver          Hometown     UPS Work Location
        ----------------   -----------   -----------------
            Hal Bauer        Kalispell        Kalispell
        ----------------   -----------   -----------------
          Gloria Jansen      Cut Bank          Cutbank
        ----------------   -----------   -----------------
         Douglas Jenkins       Havre            Havre
        ----------------   -----------   -----------------
         Eugene Konecny      Missoula         Missoula
        ----------------   -----------   -----------------
        Raymond Kramlich      Laurel          Billings
        ----------------   -----------   -----------------
           Mark Pehler       Billings         Billings
        ----------------   -----------   -----------------
          Robert Politz     Great Falls      Great Falls
        ----------------   -----------   -----------------
         Nick Siebrasse        Havre            Havre
        ----------------   -----------   -----------------

Exports Break Record

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:45:08 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of February 26, 2012 1:45 pm

Contact: Webb Brown at 888-442-MONT (6668) ext. 101 or Webb@MontanaChamber.com

EXPORTS BREAK RECORD

Montana's exports reached an all-time record high in 2011, according to figures just released by the Montana Department of Commerce. Montana companies sold a historic $1.6 billion in manufactured products internationally, a 13.4% increase over the state's last record set in 2008.

"We’re delighted to see our efforts rewarded so well," noted Webb Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “The State Chamber has made international trade a focus the last decade, resulting in business success, more jobs, and improved relations around the globe.”

The top export destinations in 2011 for manufactured exports remained the same, with Canada coming in first, followed by the Republic of Korea, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Japan and Germany as the primary buyers. Mexico moved up from sixth place to number three with an increase of 61% over 2010 due to their interest in ores and specialty grains. The Republic of Korea maintained its number two position with a 21.5% increase, due mainly to continued strong sales of coal, which is Montana’s number one export to Korea.

Exports to Germany saw a 68% increase, due primarily to an increase in industrial machinery exports. Coal exports experienced a 60% increase from the previous year, with $175 million sold around the globe. Korea is by far the largest importer of Montana coal, followed by Spain, Australia, Switzerland, China, and Japan.

Other exports showing strong increases over 2010 are specialty non-bulk specialty grains at 127%, ores at 41%, and edible vegetables (legumes) at 207%.

Final analysis is not complete for the state's 2011 bulk wheat exports, but analysts have pegged annual crop values to exceed $1.3 billion. Traditionally the top destinations for Montana wheat are Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, with eighty percent of the crop being sent to Asia.

Overall, bulk wheat remains Montana's leading export commodity, followed by coal and oil, inorganic chemicals, industrial machinery, vehicle parts, cereals, and ores.

“We’re taking Montana to the World,” said Brown. “The Montana Chamber intends to meet or beat President Obama’s ‘National Export Initiative’ of doubling exports by the end of 2014 – and we’re well on our way!”

The Montana Chamber of Commerce is the state’s leading business advocate, representing over 1,500 businesses across Montana, from small to large of all industries. For more on the Montana Chamber’s international efforts, go to: www.montanachamber.com/about-us/our-international-programs

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Montana Chamber Endorses LR-119 on Primary Ballot

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:22:25 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of February 3, 2012 8:22 am

Contact: Jon Bennion at 406-442-2405 ext: 104 or jon@montanachamber.com

Montana Chamber Endorses LR-119 on Primary Ballot
Referendum Will Change How Supreme Court Justices Are Elected

The Montana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has endorsed Legislative Referendum 119 (LR-119). This referendum, which will be on the Primary Election ballot, will change elections for Montana Supreme Court justices from statewide elections to elections by district.

The Board made the decision following presentations from individuals who support and oppose the referendum. After hearing both sides, and discussing the arguments, LR-119 received the Board's endorsement.

"LR-119 will change the way we elect members of our highest state court. We believe those changes will create more competition in Supreme Court elections, more recognition among the electorate of these judicial contests, and membership on the Court that brings together jurists from all around the state," said Webb Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber.

More than half of the judicial elections over the past few decades have been uncontested. In addition, only one sitting justice was voted out when challenged during that time period, which means judicial incumbents have a better chance of winning compared to incumbents in elections for other statewide offices.

"Even in the limited circumstances when there is a choice between two candidates, polls often show high undecided levels among voters when asked about Supreme Court races," explained Brown. "They don't have a lot of information about the candidates. Localizing the races to districts will encourage candidates to run from their area and allow voters to make more informed choices about these important positions."

LR-119 is scheduled to be on the 2012 primary election ballot. The Montana Chamber Board of Directors will have interviews and presentations on all of the other statewide races, initiatives and referenda at its June board meeting, prior to the General Election.

The Montana Chamber of Commerce, through its Montana Justice Coalition, addresses issues in the state's legal system. This includes monitoring judicial branch activity, intervening in important cases, evaluating judicial decisions at the Montana Supreme Court and Workers' Compensation Court levels, advocating for appropriate legal reform, and interviewing and endorsing candidates and nominees for Montana's highest court.

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Business Days a Big Hit

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:54:38 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of January 24, 2012 3:54 pm

Contact: Webb Brown or webb@montanachamber.com

BUSINESS DAYS A BIG HIT

Although the weather didn't cooperate (do we detect a trend with Business Days and bad weather?), Business Days at the Capitol 2012 (BD@C'12) is now one for the history books. From the Opening "State of Business" address to the Concluding "Power of Broadband" talk, there was something for everyone.

Lyle Knight proved once again why he is one of Montana's top business leaders, and was given an "over-sized" reminder of that he can display in his retirement!

Thanks to the entire Congressional delegation for stopping in to offer their perspective. Ditto, Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger for an update from the Administration. The Eggs & Issues Breakfast, featuring leadership of the Economic Affairs Interim Committee was right on the mark, discussing job growth for the future. Our afternoon and morning presentations, while sometimes depleted due to the weather, still enjoyed attentive audiences and important information.

Besides that, there was plenty of networking and other activities. Plans are already underway for BD@C'13 to be held at the start of the 2013 Legislative Session, January 3-4. After the success of BD@C'12 and recognition that we sold out the banquet at BD@C'11, we already have sponsors reserving for next time!

Knight to Keynote Business Days

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:52:14 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of December 11, 2011 1:00 am

Contact: Webb Brown or webb@montanachamber.com

Knight to Keynote Business Days

Lyle Knight, President/CEO of First Interstate BancSystem, based in Billings, will keynote the Lawmaker Appreciation Banquet of the State Chamber’s 2012 Business Days at the Capitol. Knight will speak Thursday night, January 19, 2012 at the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel.

Business Days at the Capitol is the largest annual event of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, occurring even when there is no legislative session. Business Days features two days of programs about business issues, along with the traditional “State of Business” address by the Montana Chamber Board Chair, the Banquet, the Eggs & Issues breakfast, and concluding luncheon, this coming year, January 19-20.

Knight is retiring in 2012, following over 40 years in the banking industry. He and his wife Toril have lived in Montana since 1998, when he was selected to run the First Interstate BancSystem. During that time, Knight also served on the Board of Directors of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, and as Chair of the organization from 2003-2004. He also served on the Board of the Montana Chamber Foundation and as Chair, 2005-2007.

“We are delighted to have Lyle provide our keynote address this coming Business Days,” said Webb Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “He has given a lot to this organization and Montana and we look forward to his remarks.”

Sponsors for Business Days at the Capitol currently include BlueCross BlueShield of Montana, Liberty Northwest, Montana State Fund, Mountain West Benefits, MWI Benefits Group, and NorthWestern Energy. More information can be found at http://Events.MontanaChamber.com.

Big Work Comp Savings for Montana Employers

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:49:30 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of January 27, 2011 5:30 pm

Contact: Webb Brown at 406-431-9508 or webb@montanachamber.com

Montana Safety Choices Participants See Nearly 28% Retro Rating Adjustment

Customers of Montana Safety Choices (MSC), the association work comp insurance and safety program of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, will soon receive checks of nearly 28% of their work comp premiums. At a time when the cost of work comp is being talked about, including the Governor’s State of the State address, this relief will be welcomed in the business community.

It’s no secret that Montana has been struggling with a staggering number of workplace injuries. In addition to having the highest average workers’ compensation rates in the nation, a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Montana nationally as having the highest fatality rate in the workplace per 100,000 workers. The Montana Chamber of Commerce joined with Liberty Northwest in 2009 to offer the Montana Safety Choices group workers’ compensation program.

Today, Liberty Northwest announced an overall retro rating adjustment of nearly 28 percent in premium adjustments and premium surcharge savings totaling nearly $280,000. This savings will be distributed to the 100 MSC member companies participating in the July 1, 2009 to July 1, 2010 policy year. During that year, the MSC program recorded a loss ratio of just 7.5 percent, the lowest loss ratio yet for a Liberty Northwest workers’ compensation group safety program in its first year.

Created to support businesses with a commitment to safety and the well-being of their employees, the MSC program helps businesses manage workplace risks. That in turn helps control costs, reduce losses, and in a favorable performance year, earn premium back through a retrospective rating return. Participating employers work with Liberty Northwest personnel throughout the year to establish and maintain comprehensive loss prevention plans and safety training for management and employees. These employers may also qualify for a five percent premium credit for maintaining an approved drug-free workplace program during a policy period.

“Teaming-up with the Chamber to offer this group program to Montana employers is a great fit, as we share the same goals and objectives,” said Julie Burnett, president and chief executive officer, Liberty Northwest. “We can’t ignore increases in workplace injuries and fatalities as we’ve seen in Montana. With the positive results we’re seeing from Montana Safety Choices program, we’re definitely taking steps in the right direction and welcome more Chamber members.”

“Liberty Northwest has demonstrated its commitment to our great state by partnering with us to help improve workplace conditions for Montanans,” said Webb Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “Happy as we are with the retro return, we’re prouder of the excellent safety success this first year.”

Montana employers can learn more about the Montana Safety Choices group workers’ compensation program by speaking with their local independent insurance agent or by contacting Ms. Denise Moore, Liberty Northwest’s Association Programs Director at 800-275-5600, ext. 789-7328 or denise.moore atlibertynorthwest.com. There is also more information on the program website at Montana Safety Choices.