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February 15, 2024

Dear OpenCircle Communication Manager,

 

Last month, I celebrated my one-year anniversary as CEO of OpenCircle. It has been an interesting and challenging year, but also a year of opportunity. I am excited about the future of our organization and how we can better serve our Members. This letter is my opportunity to share with you some of the things that have been happening, what we’ve done, where we’re going, and how you, as a Member, will continue to be supported by OpenCircle.

 

Rebrand of OpenCircle

OpenCircle recently underwent a significant rebranding and business reorganization. We shifted our focus towards initiatives that would better serve our Members, as employers and employees. Some of these new initiatives will be launching soon and I am truly excited about how they will support our Members and transform the benefit landscape.

 

One thing I have learned in my conversations with many of you is that we could have done a better job of talking about these changes with you - explaining how we will continue to serve our Members through our activities, our purpose, and our future. We are working hard to correct this misstep and it is my commitment to you to continue the conversations and share information and updates with you.

 

Expanding our Member Base across the Country

One rumour I have heard is that through our transformation to OpenCircle and expanding our Membership across the country, we have left the construction industry behind. Nothing can be further from the truth. I can assure you that OpenCircle remains committed to supporting the construction industry and you will continue to enjoy the full suite of services we offer you as Members of OpenCircle.

OpenCircle is committed to advancing the priorities of our Members and their employees through advocacy and policy engagement.


We will continue to provide world-class training opportunities and benefits programs uniquely tailored to the needs of those who work in the construction industry.


We are committed to enhancing our communication with Members to articulate the value OpenCircle delivers.


We will continue to offer exceptional and innovative solutions to Member companies that are cost-effective, simple, accessible, and tailor-made for hourly, seasonal, and salaried workers.

Hour Bank

Construction companies have been, and will remain, the backbone of our business. The Hour Bank plan is a unique benefit program that helps support construction companies in an innovative way.

 

Another rumour I have heard is that OpenCircle pockets the money from any hours that are reported above our program maximum. This is simply not true.

 

The hours above our maximum are reinvested back into our plan to make it less expensive for Members and to increase the long-term sustainability of the plan. Major insurers cannot administer an hour bank plan - eligibility must be constantly administered, and we are proud to offer this service and ensure your privacy in ways that large insurers simply cannot.

 

Benefit Premiums

As a non-profit organization, we keep long-term benefits costs lower by passing along all value earned to our Members, and we continue to subsidize rates to keep your costs lower and predictable.

 

Claims Processing

In recent months, we know our benefits program has not met the high level of service you have come to expect, with many Members experiencing claim delays. While we take responsibility for this, please know that we are working with our provider as they struggle with service levels and times.

 

I share your disappointment and concern and apologize for this. We assure you we are working closely with all our providers to ensure we once again exceed our service standards.

 

Staying Competitive

Through the strength of our 50,000 employees in benefit, OpenCircle can subsidize rates to help keep your costs down. We did this in 2021 and 2022, when we experienced inflationary pressures and increased benefit plan utilization. We are proud to be able to offer this advantage to you as we understand the pressures of your business in a challenging economy.

 

I would also like to share that some of our competitors are promising prices and services that are simply not possible. Some competitors who have recently entered Alberta are using rates based on claims experience in other provinces, and those are not applicable to our industry. Our long-standing claims experience allows us to smooth out the impacts on our benefit plans.

 

Please contact me if you receive an offer that seems too good to be true - it might be, and I am happy to discuss it with you openly and honestly.

 

Staying Connected

While we embark on this journey of improvement, I am committed to opening the lines of communication to ensure your voice is heard every step of the way.

 

I have initiated an outreach program to connect with business leaders and hear from you what we’re doing well and where we need to improve. With so many Members, it is impossible to connect with everyone in a short period of time, but if you would like to chat, please reach out to me at anytime and my office will be more than happy to set up a quick conversation.

 

Email: lporfon@opencircle.ca

Phone: 780-455-5999, extension 184

 

We are also planning Member connect events in the coming weeks where we want to hear directly from you. Please keep an eye out for more information in our newsletters. I also want to hear about what you think about the contents of this update and ask that you fill out the form linked at the bottom of this letter.

 

OpenCircle appreciates our Members

Our Members are at the core of what we do. I want to express my sincere gratitude for your continued partnership and trust in OpenCircle. Your feedback, insights, and commitment have been instrumental in shaping our journey thus far.

 

We will continue to offer exceptional and innovative solutions to Member companies that are cost-effective, simple, accessible, and tailor-made for hourly, seasonal, and salaried workers.

 

As a non-profit organization with over 35 years of trusted experience, OpenCircle proudly serves and represents construction industries in Alberta and across Canada. The construction industry is the backbone of our organization, and we are strongly committed to our roots.

 

Thank you for your trust. I look forward to the journey ahead.

 

Line Porfon, MAIS

Chief Executive Officer

OpenCircle Membership Services and Workforce Development Association &

OpenCircle Benefit Services

LPorfon@OpenCircle.ca

780-455-5999, extension 184

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