Hello ,

 

Some years I am really sad to see the year come to an end. I am not sure I will be terribly upset to see 2009 go by, but I have to admit feeling some satisfaction at just surviving. I am willing to bet many of you can appreciate what I mean.
 
My focus has been on making sure your insurance pools and captives - the UC Trust, PCoRP, PComp, PELICAN and COMCARE PRO - have the resources to cover the risks they assume on your part. With the help and hard work from the governing boards for these programs, and especially from the CCAP Joint Investment Committee, I am pleased to report we have thus far weathered the economic recession in pretty good shape.
 
Each program saw severe reductions in investment income in 2008 and early 2009, and all lost money in their investment portfolios. Thanks to smart decisions and close monitoring by our investment committee and Pam Szajnuk, CCAP's Finance Director, we stopped adding cash to our investment portfolios at a very good time, and only started putting it back in once things had calmed down. The net result has been a nice rebound on the investment earnings side. As we approach the end of 2009, all your programs have higher assets levels or about the same amount of assets as they did at the end of 2007. Even more importantly, each program's level of surplus has returned back to where it was before the recession.
 
As you probably know, recent years of higher claims and other cost increases have led each of your insurance program's boards to establish strong financial planning and surplus goals, and this has a lot to do with why there was enough financing in place to allow the pools and captives to weather the investment roller coaster. Several programs are also experiencing "normal" claims years, and this is helping too.
 
My eyeglasses are not so deeply rose colored as to think the worst is over, nor do I expect that the economy and investments are back to normal. If we learn anything from the recent collapse it should be to expect the unexpected. Quite frankly, it is easier to deal with the unexpected when you have some financial strength. With your help and support we will continue to work to make sure the UC Trust, PCoRP, PComp, PELICAN and COMCARE PRO all have the resources to cover your claims and be available to protect you for many years to come.
 
And let's hope for a "normal" year in 2010!
 
Make sure you call us when you need help with something,

By Greg Cunningham, ARM, GSP, Loss Control Specialist
 
This time of year is always filled with running around, enjoying friends and family and just generally being busy! While we all look forward to a fun-filled and eventually relaxing time of year it is also important to keep your guard up when it comes to staying safe during the holiday season. The following are some issues to take into consideration while celebrating the season.
 
PERSONAL SAFETY
Shopping anyone? When you arrive at your destination attempt to park where there is plenty of lighting and lots of people around. While shopping do so with family or friends if possible; as the old saying goes there is 'safety in numbers'. If you find yourself carrying a large amount of bags/packages, return to your vehicle and lock them in the trunk while you continue to shop. If possible use a debit or credit card for your purchases so you are not carrying around large amounts of cash. When the shopping is done, make sure you know where you're going and leave the way you came in, no short-cuts or unfamiliar routes and be vigilant; look around and make sure no one is following you to your vehicle. Once there, always check your vehicle before you enter, especially the back seat. Have your keys ready BEFORE you get to your vehicle, enter the car, lock your doors and leave the area. Should you feel uncomfortable about the area ask a guard to escort you to your car.
 
HOME SAFETY
If you're like me, the home doesn't have enough lights on it until you can see it from space! Hopefully we're all using lights with a 'UL' listing so we don't have to call any firemen during the holidays. Always check the housing of the lights for cracks or other wear and discard any lights in question. Also, if you're a traditionalist and simply must have a live tree in your home be sure and keep it watered. Check the water supply every day and water as needed. If you've ever seen a dry pine tree burn you'll agree that these can quickly get out of control. If traveling is on the itinerary make sure you have appropriate timers on lights and a trustworthy neighbor knows your schedule and can pick up any mail/newspapers that would advertise your absence. Make sure all doors and windows are locked, the security system is armed and make sure presents aren't in plain view from someone looking into your home.  
 
DRIVING HOME (SAFELY) FOR THE HOLIDAYS
How appropriate, we have to get to Grammas' house for the holidays and a Nor'easter is bearing down on us. First off trust your instincts, if the weather is bad enough to consider postponing the trip, then it's probably a good idea to postpone the trip; at least long enough to give road crews time enough to properly clear and treat the roadways. The only thing worse than missing a few hours of the festivities is spending a few hours stuck in a snow bank! Before winter is in full swing, consider taking your vehicle to an empty, snow/ice covered parking lot and drive around (remember, you're not actually trying to crash here but rather lose some control of the vehicle!) to know exactly how your vehicle reacts when it's out of control; this information is vital out on the road because you'll already know what to expect. Equip your vehicle with a safety kit including road flares, an emergency blanket, snow shovel, jumper cables, flashlight and sand or kitty litter to help gain traction should you get stuck in the snow. During the winter it's also a good idea to maintain at least a half-tank of gas in your vehicle.
 
CHILD SAFETY
As it is, after all, a holiday that most children eagerly look forward to it only makes sense to help protect them from harm this season. Follow these tips to ensure the little ones have a great time too: 

• Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry plants, and other plants are commonly used as decorations during the holidays. Like many plants, these are considered potentially poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of kids.
• Tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, tinsel, and small toys scream 'touch me' to kids but all are potential choking hazards. The general rule of thumb is that if it's small enough to fit in the mouths of babies and toddlers, it's too small to play with.
• A lot of cooking goes on during the holiday season, so there are many opportunities for burns and scalding. Keep pot handles turned away from the front of the stove and keep the oven door closed when little people are about.
• Sledding accidents can be very serious. Young kids should be supervised and should avoid dangerous sledding areas, such as rocky areas, steep hills, and overly-crowded hills.