THE President & CEO Letter New Member Profile LIFESTYLE A New Year, A New Decade; HEALTH Time for the Census CHAMBER The Southwest Indiana Chamber is pleased to introduce Lifestyle s we turn the page on a new decade, ASSOCIATION Health Plans as a unique health benefits program designed for Chamber we have a great opportunity; Dr. Uwe Krueger, President members to address the underlying causes of the rise in healthcare Aparticipation in the 2020 Census. Let's welcome Pia Automation as a new member to the Southwest Indiana Chamber. costs - employee health behaviors. This program is made available Every 10 years the Census counts every PROGRAM Pia Automation is located at 5825 Old Boonville through a partnership with NFP. person living in our 50 states, Washington D.C. and the five US territories. This Census Hwy. in Evansville and can be reached at (812) 485-5500 or online at www.piagroup.com. WHAT MAKES LIFESTYLE HEALTH DIFFERENT? provides a snapshot of our entire nation; Read on as Aaron Fulkerson, Vice President of • Level-funded major medical plan designs where we are growing, how funds for fire Operations, tells us more about • Underwritten by “A” rated carriers departments, schools, roads, and highways Pia Automation! • Member savings averaging 5-15% in most cases should be allocated, where Congressional • Integrated wellness incentives and cash-rewards District lines will be drawn. Hundreds of A message from Nicole Dych, • Up to a $500 deductible credit available to all wellness participants policy decisions that affect every one of us Vice President of • Integrated concierge telemedicine, outpatient lab and diabetic are based on getting a complete count of TARA BARNEY Finance supply benefits our population. Literally, billions of dollars President & CEO in federal funding flow into states and Tell us about PIA Automation WHAT IS LEVEL FUNDED? communities based on Census results. We and the services you offer. Level-funded plans are essentially pre-packaged self-insured health get our fair share when we have a complete PIA is a custom automation supplier creating and developing plans, with low attachment stop-loss coverage. For many groups, count. concepts that match the needs and requirements of each level-funded plans reduce healthcare spend significantly versus a We can’t afford to be undercounted! customer. PIA specializes in design and manufacturing of fully insured ACA small group plan. And because of their structure, level- Here in our region, we hope to grow a bit. We need more people complex automated assembly and testing equipment used for funded plans do not have the volatility in monthly cash flows, associated manufacturing. PIA will customize an automation solution from to fill the great jobs available in Greater Evansville. One way to every aspect including; concept, design, build, commissioning, with self-insured plans, that can cripple a small business. measure our progress is to do all we can to be sure that every installing, warranty, and having service readily available. PIA’s household completes the Census. Ten years ago, our Metropolitan systems and solutions make it possible for all of our customers to HERE’S HOW A LEVEL-FUNDED PLAN WORKS: Statistical Area—the Federal Government’s measure of our Level-funded plans are underwritten, health applications are required. produce the most advance safety systems used in automobiles, region’s size was decreased. We have an active campaign underway best medical diagnostics and highest quality of consumer goods. For larger groups applications can be avoided to reverse that setback; specifically, to bring Gibson County back What inspired you to invest your time and if two years of claims history into the Greater Evansville MSA. A bigger MSA positions us for can be provided. resources in this business? more growth. After touring PIA initially and seeing the quality of the machines You might ask why? Many businesses make decisions on where that are built at PIA, I knew that this was something that I wanted to locate or expand based on the population of our region; not to be a part of. Some of the equipment and machines that have just manufacturers and industry but retail businesses depend on been built by PIA have been in the field for 18+ years. Census data to decide where to expand. What career advice would you give the younger As your partner in building and sustaining a robust economic generation interested in this type of work? climate, the Chamber is asking you to do all you can: I believe that they should get their degrees in the technical fields • Complete the Census form for your household. It’s the law, and that they want to specialize in but I also feel that they should have it is easy. Starting in March, one can respond online in about 10 some emphasis on the project management side of the business. minutes. This will help them with not only their organizational skills but will • If you are an employer, encourage your employees to complete help them gain knowledge on budgets, timelines, communication the Census. with customers and working as a team. • If you know of special situations or households that might not In your opinion, what are three ingredients for FOR MORE get regular mail or emails, reach out, spread the word. Everyone success? INFORMATION, Counts. #1- Customer Service- providing a solid commitment to the CONTACT: Count on privacy. The 2020 Census is confidential. Specific customer. Making sure that all open issue items are closed and JESSICA ELLIOTT information is not shared with anyone, not even other that all aspects of the project that was quoted is fulfilled to the 812.422.4000 government agencies. customer’s satisfaction. #2- Employee retention- Growing a knowledge base and [email protected] The Census is important to our community. becoming more experienced as a team. FUN FACT: We Hoosiers play a special role in the Census Helping our #3- Quality- Building machines that last beyond the technology Count. All the data the Census Bureau collects is managed at the members thrive! that is put into them and allowing customers to be able to National Processing Center in Jeffersonville, Indiana. capitalize on their product and add to their investment due to the #TogetherWeThrive So get on board with securing our future; be counted. quality of work that PIA provides. Together we thrive! Tara Barney, [email protected] New Member Profile, continued MILESTONES MILESTONES he 2020 Legislative Session convenes in January as Legislators from across Indiana kick off a new Legislative Session. In even numbered years, they work through what is commonly called a “short Session,” because they do not have to do the time consuming work of crafting a budget (a 2-year state budget was passed in 2019). TThey will consider hundreds of other topics, though, and will likely tinker a bit with smaller budgetary items, all before they adjourn no later than midnight on Saturday, March 14th. As always, your Southwest Indiana Chamber will be actively working inside the Statehouse and with our area legislators and other leaders to advocate for legislative initiatives that impact our member-businesses and the region. And, even without a budget, there will be AMBASSADOR TRAVEL REHAB FOR LIFE AND CANINE several important issues to monitor. Ambassador Travel celebrated an expansion AQUATIC CENTER In October, members were invited to complete the annual Member survey asking about Rehab For Life and Canine Aquatic Center at 5250 Vogel Rd. in Evansville with a ribbon- celebrated a grand opening at 6215 E. issues and policies that impact your business. Our Government Affairs Committee reviewed cutting. Ambassador Travel is a full service Florida St., in Evansville with a ribbon- the survey results and used those opinions to shape our 2020 Public Policy priorities, which travel agency including a Corporate Services cutting. Rehab for Life provides personalized were then approved by the our Board of Directors. These include: division and Rejuvia Travel School. Contact them at (812) 479-8687 or online at effective rehabilitation programs for physical • COMPLETE I-69: Support swift completion of Interstate 69 in Indiana between the and occupational therapy. Canine Aquatic www.MyAmbassadorTravel.com. Center specializes in dog aquatics to assist Kentucky/Indiana state line on the southern border and Indianapolis on the northern border; with therapeutic and recreational swims. completion to include a new Ohio River bridge. Contact them at (812) 401-5210 or online at • FORTIFY OUR TALENT: Support local and state efforts designed to grow our www.myrehabforlife.com. talent pool, enrich the skills of our workforce, and to streamline the needs of employers and educators to align our state’s talent base with the needs of employers. LEGISLATIVE • EMBOLDEN REGIONAL SUCCESS: Support policies and projects designed to leverage public and private investment as part of a regionally-driven plan to make our communities even more livable and attractive, with the ultimate goal of growing our available PREVIEW: workforce. • UPGRADE INFRASTRUCTURE: Support investments that enable the movement of NORTH MAIN ANNEX GOURMET Turning our focus to the people, products and information around our region and around the world; from expanded CATERING & DELI services at Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) to water and sewer piping to increased North Main Annex Gourmet Catering & Deli celebrated a grand opening at 701 N. Main Statehouse as we broadband accessibility and capacity to all the other investments that make the economy THE HESTER GROUP St. in Evansville with a ribbon-cutting. North The Hester Group celebrated a grand flow. Main Annex Gourmet Catering & Deli is open opening at 3100 E. Walnut Ave. in Evansville turn the calendar • STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY HEALTH: Support policies and programs designed Mon.-Sat. 7am-2pm serving grab-and-go with a ribbon-cutting.