In July of 2018, MTM and Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) began a partnership. This partnership seemed natural and in fact past due. Both entities have “manufacturing” as the key word in their organization’s name. Both entities have a long history of supporting Michigan manufacturers and both constantly search for ways to improve the working environment for Michigan manufacturers. The goals of each organization have been to constantly strengthen the organizational support for manufacturers in the state of Michigan.

I can say that after nearly a year and a half of the partnership, we have met our short-term goals. Our organizations talk every week and share data to strengthen each others’ activities. Recently, MTM and MMA have co-sponsored these events with additional events to be scheduled for 2020:

• Reasonable Suspicion Drug & Alcohol Training for Supervisors in Livonia and Lansing
• Drugs and Alcohol webinar available on the MTMIC portal

On November 7th, MMA held their annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards gala with over 300 people attending the event and celebration of Michigan Manufacturers. Here’s a list of the awards of the evening;

• Manufacturing Emerging Leader Award
• Manufacturing Community Impact Award
• Manufacturing Talent Champion Award
• Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award
• Michigan Manufacturer of the Year
• Manufacturing Woman of the Year
• Coolest Thing Made in Michigan – People’s Choice Award
• Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award

Each of these awards included a story that was fascinating and educational. I recommend that you put this event on your checklist as a must-do for 2020. If you would like more information on the MMA and their events calendar, please contact Megan Brown @ megan.brown@mtmic.com/blog or (248)715-0012.

As this newsletter arrives we have already “enjoyed” our first single digit temp day. November was a bit early, but now we are ready for the cold snaps of winter. Let’s stay warm.

By Donna Motley, Vice President of Claims 

The path an injured worker’s claim can take, can go in many directions.

The perfect claim would be: an employee sustains an injury in the course of employment; it is reported immediately to the employer (supervisor or Human Resources) per company protocol; the injured worker is immediately sent to the Occupational Clinic for an evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan; the claim is filed with the MTMIC Claims Department within 24 hours of the injury; the injured worker may be off the “rest of shift” and return to work the next day, with or without restrictions; the injured worker returns to the clinic, the injury has resolved, a full release and discharge from care has been given; medical bills are forwarded to MTMIC for payment; and the claim closes in 90 days or shortly thereafter!

It may sound somewhat “drawn out” but, basically, this is an example of a “simple” claim.

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We are pleased to announce that MTMIC has joined forces with Graphic Media Alliance as of November 1st. Graphic Media Alliance (GMA), is the supported Printing Industry of America (PIA) affiliate servicing Michigan. GMA provides programs, offers services, and promotes a cooperative environment which assists members in improving profitability, adapting to the future and supporting the printing and graphics industry. Member-influenced programs are refined by GMA to best serve the needs and pain points of the industry professionals in our area. These programs range from insurance to temporary workers, from education to 401K, and many, many more.MTMIC policyholders that join any of our Association partner programs are eligible for an additional association discount on your workers’ compensation insurance premium. Please contact Megan Brown for more information: megan.brown@mtmic.com/blog or (248) 715-0012.

By Chris Doebler, CPA, MTM Chief Financial Officer

On December 5th, the MTM Board Finance Committee will have their year-end meeting. The Committee is made up of 6 MTM member representatives. This meeting is to put in place a couple items for 2020, the MTM 2020 Budget and most importantly an early look for available 2019 profits to be used for 2020 member dividends. To clarify timing, the Finance Committee and Board declare an MTM dividend based on an “early look” of 2019 profits. The details of the member dividend and exact amounts are confirmed at the February Committee and Board meetings. We declare a dividend amount in December to avoid paying taxes on the dividend amount. If we did not declare the dividend in December the amount of money available for member dividends would be reduced by taxes. Our declaration in December reduces (but does not eliminate) MTM taxable income for 2019. So December is a busy time in the MTM finance department. Our goal this year is the same as our prior 43 years. Bring as much value and financial rewards to MTM members as we possibly can.

Here is the MTM dividend history for the last 5 years:

• 2014 (paid March 2015) – member dividend – $2,500,000
• 2015 (paid March 2016) – member dividend – $3,500,000
• 2016 (paid March 2017) – member dividend – $3,500,000
• 2017 (paid March 2018) – member dividend – $4,000,000
• 2018 (paid March 2019) – member dividend – $4,437,920

I will have more to report after the Board Finance Committee.

By Gary Wood, Past President of MTMIC

T’was the month before Christmas and all through the place,
renewals were filling my desk, every space;

The adjusters were moving their claims to redemptions
with hopes that the state will approve, no exceptions;

Loss Control spent all their time early on
trying to make sense of MiOSHA’s next bomb;

Accounting was compiling their numbers with speed
to complete the filings required by need;

Sales efforts are running at full blast
in attempts to beat the numbers of the past;

When what to my wondering eyes appeared
but the end of the year and all that we feared;

The season is over and I can’t recall
that it even passed or what happened to fall!

(My apologies to Henry Livingston)