| President's Message |
President's Message
Bruce A. Tollefson, President
First of all, I want to thank the Board and Association members for the opportunity to lead this organization. This is a great opportunity for me, although I get my greatest source of excitement from the opportunities I see before MWCIA.
Change always provides opportunities. While change has become a constant in today’s economy, change is also very rapid and is occurring on many fronts. At the MWCIA, we are experiencing major changes. The most immediate change was the retirement of John Hildebrandt and my selection as the new president. In light of this, I believe a few comments are appropriate.
The transition to date has gone smoothly. One of the main reasons is that John, after 33 years of dedicated and effective leadership, with the help of his managers molded the MWCIA into a strong and very forward thinking data service organization. The foundation of the “building” is very strong. To enhance the transition, I have taken steps to initiate a job description/job grade review, am working on improving internal and external communications and have initiated regular management team meetings. These changes are primarily fine-tuning resulting from differences in leadership style.
Another important reason for the smooth transition is the staff. The MWCIA has a very loyal and dedicated group of employees. As true with any organization, it’s strength depends on a strong employee base.
Another significant change for the MWCIA was moving from the west side of France Avenue to the east side last fall. This was accomplished in a very effective and efficient manner. If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit our new offices, please stop by at 7701 France Avenue South, Suite 450.
This move will have a significant impact on facility and other related expenses for the future. The MWCIA was able to reduce the per square foot cost by $6.00. There were also other significant cost savings in telephone services and other more minor items. Credit for this smooth transition goes to Linda Hanson for her effective and efficient coordination of this major move. It was accomplished in a very short time frame with little, if any, disruption of service.
The changes occurring at the MWCIA are no different than those occurring to other entities in Minnesota, North America and the world. Companies are merging, offices are being consolidated and jobs are changing. Reading the major industry trade publications week to week, one can easily get a feel for what is happening in the property and casualty industry. It is very evident that change is playing a major role in our industry, just as it is in other industries.
Change can be a very good thing. Yet, it can cause doubt, worry and other concerns. It requires sound management and creditable information to lead and grow an organization successfully through periods of change. This is where the MWCIA can and does play a significant role in the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation market place. To continue in that role, the MWCIA has had to change internally, especially in the computer technology area. Through strong and effective leadership and vision, the MWCIA has started a number of significant initiatives.
John and the MWCIA played a major role in the formation of the American Cooperative Council on Compensation Technology (ACCCT) in 1996, and its development of the Spectrum and BEEP software packages. These products went into production in 1997.
Partners in the Spectrum joint-venture project include the North Carolina and Wisconsin workers’ compensation bureaus. Along with North Carolina and Wisconsin, the Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan and California bureaus worked together to produce the BEEP software package.
The development costs are shared through ACCCT, which significantly lowers the cost to each Association and bureau. Along with these development projects, the MWCIA is working on a number of other state specific computer-related initiatives. Additional information concerning these important software developments is contained within the following departmental reports.
Working with ACCCT and on its own, the MWCIA is responding and in many cases leading the development of computer related changes which will enable us to continue providing the types and levels of information needed by the state’s Workers’ Compensation industry.
The value of relationships, such as ACCCT, can be measured by results. Other such relationships, whether local or national, keep us focused on our objective of improving the overall system.
Another of my main focuses as the MWCIA goes forward is to continue to develop and nurture relationships with organizations involved in workers’ compensation, particularly with Minnesota entities and the public we serve. I look forward to continuing the excellent relationship the MWCIA has established with the Department of Commerce, Department of Labor & Industry and the Assigned Risk Plan, and with other industry groups such as the Insurance Federation, WCRA and Independent Agents Association.
I look forward to the MWCIA continuing to provide value to these publics, our members and Minnesota employers.
Bruce Tollefson
