GROUP HEALTH PLAN BEING EXPLORED
Coudersport chamber hopes to offer members group insurance option

Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has been investigating the possibility of offering Chamber members a new benefit: access to a group health insurance plan arranged through a third-party carrier.

Members who currently offer their employees health insurance may be able to save money on their premiums, while those that don't now provide insurance may be able to do so through the group plan.

Several options have been presented to the board. Board members agreed on Monday to ask all 125-plus Chamber members to fill out a questionnaire that will help them assess the demand for health insurance. A questionnaire is being sent to each member and should be returned to the Chamber office by Friday, Jan. 25.

"After we have compiled the information on our members' needs, we expect to move forward and request specific proposals from health insurance providers," said Chamber President Stan Swank. "Our goal is to have such a service available to our members later in the year."

The Chamber Board also agreed to reinstitute the Community Development Fund-Raiser Raffle.

A drawing will be held at the beginning of each monthly membership meeting to award three prizes: $100, $50 and $25. Each $5.00 ticket has up to 36 chances to win.

The raffle has been a successful program in the past. Proceeds will be used to help defray the cost of the Falling Leaves Festival, Saturdays on the Square, the Easter Festival and several other activities that help to make Coudersport a vibrant community.

Directors held their annual election of officers on Monday. Chosen were Stan Swank, president; Alanna Huck, first vice president; Mark Moore, second vice president; Doug Morley, treasurer; and Paul Heimel, secretary.

Other board members are Pam Karhan, Carol Jackson, Jane Metzger and Walter Baker.