Calendar Note, 2013 Spring is in the Air...Can Summer Be Far Behind?
Save this date: ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION EVENT Friday, August 9th, ARBOR CREST WINERY. More info to follow!
March 4 2013 Safety Services News
It’s been shown that absenteeism drops when companies put into practice effective safety programs. Investing in a good safety program brings with it other benefits too. When employees feel safe, they are able to better focus on issues such as quality and customer service. If you want to learn more, find out about the latest safety training information here: Safety TRAINING and NEWS. Or to find the latest safety news, check out Safety MATTERS.
February 28 2013 A.I. in the News
With a specific focus on individuals pursing an education in business, technology, manufacturing technology or health sciences at one of the Spokane Community Colleges, or transferring to Eastern Washington University, the A.I. Bright Promise Program scholarship pays for approximately 50 percent of one year’s typical tuition. To date the A.I. Bright Promise Program* has provided over 134 scholarships to students attending Community Colleges of Spokane and Eastern Washington University. Click Here for information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for the 2013-2014 school year.
February 14 2013 A.I. in the News
Val Fields, director of human resources, Associated Industries:Whether loved or loathed by employers, the acronym PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) has certainly become the most recognizable abbreviation of the decade. However, when asked what changes the PPACA will bring to their company, many employers report they have little information on exactly how health care reform will play out.Some Associated Industries members say they view upcoming PPACA changes with trepidation. However, most tell us that our country is headed in the right direction. In fact, employers who currently provide adequate benefit coverage and who employ 50 or more mostly full-time workers tell us they have little concern about PPACA's coming changes. (Spokane Business Journal)
February 14 2013 A.I. in the News
Deb Brady, director of AET Benefits, Associated Industries: Wellness initiatives generally involve health-risk assessment and healthy activities, such as walking challenges, health-awareness seminars, and other events that promote an active lifestyle. A health-risk assessment often starts with employees of participating companies undergoing a biometric screening, which tests cholesterol, blood-sugar levels, and other risk factors that can be identified through blood tests. Once the person receives those results, he or she fills out an online survey containing questions about the results of the blood work, height, weight, waist circumference, and health-related behaviors. The program then makes recommendations to improve the worker's health. Brady says it makes people more aware of their wellness. There have been some life-altering changes in people's health as a result. (Spokane Business Journal).
January 1, 2013 A.I.member Offers MetLife
Associated Industries Member companies and your employees can now access group discounts through MetLife Auto & Home ® !! Employees of your company get valuable benefits, as members of a participating group! In addition to the many discounts and features available on our standard auto policies, due to your employer's membership with Associated Industries you get:
Attractive group discounts that could save you up to 10%
Auto insurance Deductible Savings BenefitSM
Superior Driver Discounts up to 12%1
Glass repairs without a deductible4
Identity Protection Services at no additional cost2
Employee tenure can qualify you for additional discounts — up to 20%
Click Here for more information. Get price quotes today. Gather your current policies and call Michelle Walczak today at 1.888.468.6792 or email
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Associated Industries announces partnership with ODS Health
SPOKANE, WA. (Oct. 18, 2011) — Associated Industries announced today a partnership with ODS Health Plan, Inc., (ODS Health) a Pacific Northwest health company, as our member companies' health plan provider across the state of Washington. “Making the switch to ODS Health makes sense,” said Jim DeWalt, AI President /CEO. “We are impressed by the responsiveness they have to the people they work with. And we are excited to partner with a company that shares our same values of service, flexibility and community partnership. “Our goal is to provide reliable, flexible and effective healthcare that delivers the right care, with the right outcomes. ODS Health will help us deliver on that promise.”
(November 10, 2011, Spokane WA.) Associated Industries recently announced 36 fortunate recipients of the 2011-2012 Associated Industries Bright Promise Program scholarships – which fund approximately one-half of one year’s tuition for each student. This brings the list of recipients to just over 100 for the three-year-old program..
This year’s recipients were recognized at a reception held in their honor at the Associated Industries headquarters in Spokane, Wash., on today. Major donors, selection committee members, college representatives, A.I. Board members and staff and honored guests were on hand to meet the recipients and their families. The guests were treated to a video highlighting the scholarship program, its newest recipients and A.I's newest partner, ODS Health.
The Associated Industries Bright Promise Program scholarship was established to recognize and reward outstanding students attending the Community Colleges of Spokane or transferring to Eastern Washington University from the Community Colleges of Spokane to pursue post-secondary education and training in full-time undergraduate programs.
The scholarship focuses on students pursuing one of these four core areas of study are eligible for the scholarship: Health Sciences, Business, Technology, or Manufacturing Technology.
"I think that everyone has a challenge to get through school. If you don't you are a very fortunate person. I think if we help each other get educated and learn more, it would probably make things a little bit better for everyone."
Terra Donley: 2nd-year AIBPP recipient
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 December 2012 23:28 )
Associated Industries receives national award: Associated Industries (A.I.) selected as recipient of 2010 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility
“It is obvious that Associated Industries serves as a business model for us all,” said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers as she presented the award to A.I. President/CEO Jim DeWalt and Human Resources Manager Vall Fields at the Good Morning Greater Spokane Breakfast, Friday September 10. “It is my pleasure to join our community in recognizing you for your outstanding achievements with the Sloan Award.”
This national award ranks Associated Industries, an organization that provides business services to approximately 650 member companies in the Inland Northwest, in the top 20% of employers nationally in terms of its programs, policies and culture for creating an effective and flexible workplace.
“I am so pleased to except this prestigious award,” says DeWalt, “because it recognizes our efforts to use flexibility as part of an effective strategy to achieve business goals. Just as important, it benefits our employees by helping them meet their responsibilities both on and off the job.”
The selection process is rigorous, DeWalt says. “First, our responses were measured against national data from Families and Work Institute’s National Study of Employers. But what makes this honor outstanding is that our employees were then surveyed on their access to flexible work options, company culture and A.I. management supportiveness.”
The company’s and employee’s responses are then nationally tested against measures of workplace effectiveness. Associated Industries will be highlighted in an upcoming national publication, Guide to Bold New Ideas for Making Work Work, which compiles innovations and practices from all 2010 Sloan Award recipients.
Associated Industries has also been recognized recently as 2010 Winner of the AWB Community Service in Education Award and the “Best Places to Work” Award from Inland Business Catalyst publication.
Associated Industries (A.I.) has been selected as a recipient of the 2010 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility.
“It is obvious that Associated Industries serves as a business model for us all,” said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers as she presented the award to A.I. President/CEO Jim DeWalt and Human Resources Manager Vall Fields at the Good Morning Greater Spokane Breakfast, Friday September 10. “It is my pleasure to join our community in recognizing you for your outstanding achievements with the Sloan Award.”
This national award ranks Associated Industries, an organization that providesbusiness services to approximately 650 member companies in the Inland Northwest,in the top 20% of employers nationally in terms of its programs, policies and culture for creating an effective and flexible workplace.
“I am so pleased to except this prestigious award,” says DeWalt, “because it recognizes our efforts to use flexibility as part of an effective strategy to achieve business goals. Just as important, it benefits our employees by helping them meet their responsibilities both on and off the job.”
The selection process is rigorous, DeWalt says. “First, our responses were measured against national data from Families and Work Institute’s National Study of Employers. But what makes this honor outstanding is that our employees were then surveyed on their access to flexible work options, company culture and A.I. management supportiveness.”
The company’s and employee’s responses are then nationally tested against measures of workplace effectiveness. Associated Industries will be highlighted in an upcoming national publication, Guide to Bold New Ideas for Making Work Work, which compiles innovations and practices from all 2010 Sloan Award recipients.
Associated Industries has also been recognized recently as 2010 Winner of the AWB Community Service in Education Award and the “Best Places to Work” Award from Inland Business Catalyst publication.
Associated Industries recognized by the Association of Washington Business for contribution to higher education
(May 11, 2010, Seattle, Wash.) Associated Industries was one of 21 Washington employers recognized for their organizations’ volunteerism and community service by the Association of Washington Business (AWB) Community Services Awards.
At the Annual AWB meeting, held in Spokane, President and CEO Jim DeWalt accepted the 2010 Community Service Award for A.I.’s contribution to education provided through its Associated Industries Bright Promise Program established in 2009 to provide half tuition scholarships to students attending either Eastern Washington University or The Community Colleges of Spokane.
Associated Industries was one of only four organizations recognized for their contributions to Washington State education. The three other companies – Amgen, a biotechnology company; the Office Depot Foundation and Wal-mart Stores Inc. – are all international corporations. Associated Industries – headquartered in Spokane – was the only local company to be recognized for its educational contribution.
“A couple years ago, we saw a need and stepped up to help meet it. I’m exceptionally proud of the work A.I. has done the last two years,” said DeWalt, “providing around 60 scholarships to date. But the need is still strong. I would encourage others – whether a business or an individual – to consider what they might do to help ensure that our region continues to have the talented and skilled workers it needs for years to come.”
The AWB Community Service Awards are AWB’s acknowledgement of member companies – from across the state – for outstanding contributions to their communities. “Even during a deep recession, Washington businesses have found ways to give back to their communities,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “For these employers and their employees, giving back is integral to who they are and what they do. It’s part of how they do business,” he said. “Thanks to their volunteer efforts, the lives of thousands of men, women and children in our state have been a little better this year.”
Greater Vancouver Chamber to offer AET healthcare benefits 04-10
(April, 2010 Spokane, Wash.) Kim Capeloto, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) President & CEO, announced this week the GVCC has joined a statewide alliance offering an employee benefit program through Associated Employers Trust (AET).
“Approximately 80 percent of our Chamber members are small- to medium-sized businesses,” Kim Capeloto explained, “providing affordable healthcare employee benefits is rated as one of our members’ top business concerns. We are so pleased that – through our alliance with AET – we will now be able to give our members the buying power and affordable options they need to attract and retain a quality workforce. And in the process, we’re helping our small businesses succeed.”
Associated Employers Trust, founded in 1952, is headquartered in Spokane,Wash.“AET was established as an innovative alternative for small employers to purchase medical coverage,” offered Senior Vice-President Ted Blotsky. “Since then, the Trust has grown to offer numerous benefit plans covering medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, wellness, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment and more.”
AET’s services now extend to over 600 member companies insuring thousands of their employees and families throughout Washington State, Blotsky said. “Some of our members have been with the Trust for more than 40 years.”
“GVCC member companies who employ 5 to 199 employees will have access to a full range of employee benefits from some of the state's most respected carriers,” said Capeloto. “AET will handle all the administration, including enrollment, eligibility updates and customer service.” The new member benefits will be available starting June 1, 2010. Enrollment information is available by contacting Darcy Altizer at 360-567-1051 or
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. More information is available online at www.vancouverusa.com (Click on Member Services/Insurance & Employee Benefits.)
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce has served the Southwest Washingtonbusiness community since 1890. The Chamber is an alliance of member businesses, individuals and organizations who join together to support business. The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is the heart of the ClarkCountybusiness community. For more information about our organization, visit www.vancouverusa.com. The GVCC office is located in beautiful downtownVancouver,WAUSA at 1101 Broadway,Suite 100.
Hundreds of member companies – representing thousands of employees and their families throughout the Inland Northwest – contract with Associated Employers Trust (AET) to provide their employees with quality healthcare through ODS Health. Associated Employers Trust also administers Cafeteria 125 plans, Transportation Benefit plans and Health Reimbursement Arrangement plans. For more information about our organization, visit www.aetbenefits.com. The AET office is located in downtown Spokane, WA at 1206 N. Lincoln, Suite 200.
A.I. News
It’s been shown that absenteeism drops when companies put into practice effective safety programs. Investing in a good safety program brings with it other benefits too. When employees feel safe, they are able to better focus on issues such as quality and customer service. If you want to learn more, find out about the latest safety training information here: Safety TRAINING and NEWS. Or to find the latest safety news, check out Safety MATTERS.
With a specific focus on individuals pursing an education in business, technology, manufacturing technology or health sciences at one of the Spokane Community Colleges, or transferring to Eastern Washington University, the A.I. Bright Promise Program scholarship pays for approximately 50 percent of one year’s typical tuition. To date the A.I. Bright Promise Program* has provided over 134 scholarships to students attending Community Colleges of Spokane and Eastern Washington University. Click Here for information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for the 2013-2014 school year.
Val Fields, director of human resources, Associated Industries:Whether loved or loathed by employers, the acronym PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) has certainly become the most recognizable abbreviation of the decade. However, when asked what changes the PPACA will bring to their company, many employers report they have little information on exactly how health care reform will play out.Some Associated Industries members say they view upcoming PPACA changes with trepidation. However, most tell us that our country is headed in the right direction. In fact, employers who currently provide adequate benefit coverage and who employ 50 or more mostly full-time workers tell us they have little concern about PPACA's coming changes. (Spokane Business Journal)
Deb Brady, director of AET Benefits, Associated Industries: Wellness initiatives generally involve health-risk assessment and healthy activities, such as walking challenges, health-awareness seminars, and other events that promote an active lifestyle. A health-risk assessment often starts with employees of participating companies undergoing a biometric screening, which tests cholesterol, blood-sugar levels, and other risk factors that can be identified through blood tests. Once the person receives those results, he or she fills out an online survey containing questions about the results of the blood work, height, weight, waist circumference, and health-related behaviors. The program then makes recommendations to improve the worker's health. Brady says it makes people more aware of their wellness. There have been some life-altering changes in people's health as a result. (Spokane Business Journal).
Associated Industries Member companies and your employees can now access group discounts through MetLife Auto & Home ® !! Employees of your company get valuable benefits, as members of a participating group! In addition to the many discounts and features available on our standard auto policies, due to your employer's membership with Associated Industries you get:
Associated Industries receives national award: 
Inland Northwest, in the top 20% of employers nationally in terms of its programs, policies and culture for creating an effective and flexible workplace.
“It is obvious that Associated Industries serves as a business model for us all,” said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers as she presented the award to A.I. President/CEO Jim DeWalt and Human Resources Manager Vall Fields at the Good Morning Greater Spokane Breakfast, Friday September 10. “It is my pleasure to join our community in recognizing you for your outstanding achievements with the Sloan Award.”
Associated Industries recognized by the Association of Washington Business for contribution to higher education
