WVFA Mountain State Forestry Summer 2020

THE WEST VIRGINIA LOGGERS COUNCIL (WVLC) continues to work on a variety of issues that directly impact loggers in WV specifically, and the forest products industry in general. Following are brief updates of each issue we are working on: Workers’ Compensation Solution WVLC has been working on a workers’ compensation solution for loggers over the past two years. After many starts and stops, the steering group has settled on a captive insurance alternative, which is an insurance company owned and controlled by its shareholders and managed by a Board of Directors. Premiums are paid to the captive while losses and expenses are covered by the collected premiums, making the captive self-sufficient. Any profits will be passed along to participating loggers in the form of lower rates or dividends. The current roadblock has been securing funds to complete the process in creating the captive. The steps to be completed include: hiring a third party law firm to determine the optimum structure of the captive that minimizes liability to the captive and meets the necessary government regulations; and conduct a feasibility study, which is required by the state and includes a business plan, premium rates, pro forma financial statements, etc. The first part of the feasibility plan has been funded, in part, with a grant from the Natural Capital Investment Fund through the Woodlands Development Group in Elkins. We plan to continue partnering with the Woodlands Development Group to secure additional funding to complete the remaining steps in forming the captive. Health Insurance WVLC has been working with HUB International to secure an association health insurance program exclusive to members of the WVLC/WVFA. The insurance carrier, United Healthcare, has been very interested in developing one of the only such programs in the state. In order to develop the most competitive plan, United Healthcare has requested data from five companies currently offering a health plan program to their employees. Unfortunately, we have been unable to find companies with at least five employees to step up and provide the data. Our expectation is that at a minimum this potential program will provide some of the lowest premiums in the state, but the exact percentage will be based on the information from the five companies providing information. Additionally, you will still be able to work with your current agent on this new program. WVLC is aware that there are many logging companies and other forest products companies that are interested in health coverage, but until we are able to secure the company data noted above, we are unable to offer a health insurance program. If you currently have at least five employees and are offering them a health insurance plan, please contact Eric Carlson, WVFA Executive Director (681.265.5019 or email at eric@wvfa.org) or Curt Hassler, West Virginia Loggers Council Update W V L O G G E R S C O U N C I L N E W S 28 West Virginia Forestry Association Mountain State Forestry  | Summer 2020 www.wvfa.org