The last two months the staff has been working hard to get the MTMIC member dividends calculated and distributed. We are now nearing the end of that process for this year and as usual, it was great fun delivering checks to our member-owners. A few more pictures of the member delivery process are in this Newsletter. While the member dividend is clearly one of the most important benefits of being an MTMIC member, there are several others. Two of the most important are small case load for focused claims handling and hands on Loss Control Services. Both of those functions are helpful in achieving company results that allow for reduced premium and member dividends.
Today let me tell you about the MTMIC Loss Control services. Many of you probably know much about MTMIC Loss Control because you have a close relationship with your Loss Control Consultant. However, some operating details may be helpful. Consistent staffing and messaging give more predictable insurance results. Regarding staffing, the average MTMIC staff member has been with the company for 18 years. In 2016 we have had NO employee turnover. In 2015 there was NO employee turnover; the same in 2014. In 2013 we had a new hire and it was me. Gary Wood retired and I was hired by the Board of Directors in August, 2013. I remain the shortest tenured employee of the MTMIC staff. I should note that the MTMIC staff remind me of this on a regular basis.
The MTMIC Loss Control staff includes three veteran technicians with varying backgrounds and experience. One is the daughter of a physician, who grew up with a medical and mechanical emphasis, and two come actually from insured members shops overseeing shop safety. They have worked and know shop operations very well. The second strength of our Loss Control department is the focus that the Board of Directors give to this function. After all, if we want to pay member dividends, controlling losses is an integral part of making that happen. In a standard Michigan insurance company, it would be normal for one Loss Control representative to have in the vicinity of 3,000 members to take care of. The MTMIC approach is significantly different. We have one field Loss Control Consultant for every 270 members. Or said another way, each MTMIC Loss Control Consultant could visit all of their assigned accounts by visiting one a day. At the beginning of every year we review loss trends for MTMIC, individual accounts and then determine how many visits we think would be helpful for each member.
Another difference with the large insurance company approach, is that loss control is most often done by webinars, mass mailings, and newsletters. We think that our small, mid-sized shops need more than that. They need someone who will give them the onsite advice and be a sounding board and resource for issues at their shop. Those issues could be the recent accident, employee concern or MISOHA issues. The MTMIC Loss Control Consultant does not think of themselves as an outside advisor but rather an important component to our members shop operation. Just as you do, our/your Loss Control Consultant take their individual shop member responsibilities very seriously. Before closing, any time you see an MTMIC Loss Control Consultant please know that they are three of the states finest. The Loss Control Manager is Ruth Kiefer, and our two Loss Control Consultants are Chris Demeter and Travis Halsted. Until next time, have a safe and productive spring.
