Chamber Sets Out to Establish
Healthcare Program for Members

There is no doubt that healthcare has been
a top issue of concern for many employers
and employees nationwide. With many
different issues evolving in the healthcare
sector, there seems to be many questions
and uncertainties flying about as to what
programs make the most sense or what
will even be affordable for businesses.
There is no doubt that every business small
or large is affected by healthcare in some
way or another for their employees. When
conducting a survey to our members a few
months back, we saw a growing trend in
employers who had either cut back on
healthcare coverage for employees or even
did away with coverage options all together
due to rising costs. The Chamber has taken
these concerns and, as stated at this past
year’s Inaugural event, we have started to
move forward and have formed an ad hoc
committee that is researching possibilities
to establish a healthcare program for our
Chamber members.
I, along with various members in the local
healthcare community, insurance and legal
sectors, will be gathering information and
sending out a Request For Information (RFI)
to begin gathering the details we will need
to find out what opportunities are available.
The goal is to establish a program that will
provide options for members at reduced costs
by opening it up to our entire membership.
There is no doubt that much of the work
still needs to be done and we are just in the
preliminary stages. But as a small business
owner myself, I can assure you that I realize
the impact healthcare has played for my own
staff and am committed to staying focused
on getting a program up and running that
will provide better options for our members.
I encourage you to stay alert to upcoming
notices and additional surveys the Chamber
will be sending out to gather information
that will help us in the process of setting up
this program to fit your needs. If you have
any suggestions or resources that may assist
the committee
in this progress,
I encourage you
to contact the
Chamber office at
(951) 683-7100.