The state's benefits office was presented with the "Exemplary Efforts in Benefits Profession" Award from the State and Local Government Benefits Association (SALGBA) on April 28 at the group's 27th annual conference in Denver.
In announcing the award, SALGBA officials specifically mentioned the OK Health Mentoring Program, EBC’s long-time support of SALGBA, and presentations of timely, relevant topics at annual conferences. The award is presented to a jurisdictional entity in recognition of its implementation of a benefits program that has substantially reduced costs, increased member awareness, improved member education, and enhanced member wellness during the last calendar year. It is one of four awards presented by SALGBA and the only one that goes to a group.
For the second straight year, EBC Information Systems Administrator Frank Wade delivered an informative presentation at the conference. This year, he teamed with Mike Abkowitz, regional director for Great-West Retirement Services; and Ray Pool, SoonerSave administrator with the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System. Together they shared the successes of “The Oklahoma Experience: Partnering Open Enrollment for Employee Benefits and Deferred Compensation.” The presentation highlighted the advantages of including SoonerSave elections in the online enrollment process through the Benefits Administration System.
“Oklahoma’s Employees Benefits Council is one of SALGBA’s most respected group members,” said Rick French, president of SALGBA’s Board of Directors. “It is a benefits office that ‘thinks outside the box’ and demonstrates its commitment to continually improving the benefits for Oklahoma’s state employees. EBC is a leader in our industry, exemplifies how to effectively serve a large employer group, and they are most deserving of this prestigious recognition.”
“At the Employees Benefits Council, our focus is on meeting the needs of state employees and their families,” EBC Executive Director Philip K. Kraft said. “We’re honored to receive this award from a highly-respected national group of our peers that recognizes our value and the daily efforts of our tremendous staff. The award is confirmation of our tireless efforts to provide Oklahoma’s dedicated state employees with quality and affordable benefits choices.”