News
December is Health Insurance Open Enrollment
Posted on November 25, 2008
The month of December is Open Enrollment for the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce Health Insurance Plans. This is the only time during the year when an existing Chamber member can make changes to their existing health plan or add employees. There have been a number of changes to the plans we will be able to offer in 2009. If you are currently a Chamber member and enrolled in a health insurance plan, please pay close attention to the changes listed below as they may require you to enroll in a new plan as many plans have been discontinued.
BlueCross/Blue Shield
If you or your employees are currently enrolled in the POS 150D or 104 Plus plan through BC/BS you can remain in that plan. However, you cannot add additional employees to the plan. And, you will only be able to offer two of the four plans to your employees and if you have employees remaining in the POS 150D or 104 Plus plans, that counts as one of the two plans. So, if you currently have employees in the POS 150D plan and the 104 Plus plan and they remain in those plans, you will not be able to offer one of the new plans as you are already offering two plans.
Independent Health
Flex Fit Select is the only plan option available through Independent Health this year. If you have employees enrolled in the Passport Select of Encompass Essentials, they will be losing their coverage as of 12/31/08. Therefore, they will need to select a new plan. If they would like to remain with Independent Health and participate in the Flex Fit Select Plan they will still need to fill out a new application to enroll in the plan. They will not automatically be moved into the Flex Fit Select Plan.
Univera Health
Simply Univera is the only plan option available through Univera this year. If you have employees enrolled in the Univera Solutions plan, they will be losing their coverage as of 12/31/08. Therefore, they will need to select a new plan. If they would like to remain with Univera and participate in the Simply Univera plan, they will still need to fill out a new application to enroll in the plan. They will not automatically be moved into the Simply Univera Plan.
Preferred Care
As of now, we do not have confirmation as to changes in plan offerings from Preferred Care. However, it appears as though we will still be able to offer the Basix 220 plans as well as the TriVantage 250 plans.
Excellus Premier 25
This plan has been discontinued by Excellus. If you are currently on the Premier 25 plan you will need to switch to another carriers plan as the Chamber will no offer any plans through Excellus in 2009.
Rivellino Realty Expands Services to Attica
Posted on October 22, 2008
Joe Rivellino has been about growth since day one. Having acquired Donato-Layman Realty in 2004, Joe has grown his real estate firm into the quality, service minded firm it is today. This sound base, business practice and ethics has allowed Joe to continue the expansion of his firm with the purchase Judith Walter’s Real Estate in 2007. Joe recognized early on that he and Judith mirrored each other in many aspects making the alignment of the two companies a natural seamless fit.
Following the initial purchase, the expansion progressed with the move to 190 Main St. in Attica as a way to increase Rivellino Realty’s presence in the Attica area. Joe was able to retain Judith Walters on staff as an Associate Broker, as well as retain Julie Bayliss, Associate Broker and Ann Whitton, Associate Broker and Sales Manager for the Attica Office. Hiring three new agents - Lynn Sepor, Karen Boddy and Tom Moynihan, rounded out the staff of the Attica office.
According to Joe, “We have hand picked a great staff and we are looking forward to providing high quality service.”
“Joe is about vision and that’s what it takes to succeed in business today,” stated Chamber Executive Director Jim Pierce. Pierce continues, “The fact that Joe is able to expand his business and service during a time when the housing market is in such flux, speaks to his vision and commitment to bringing quality service to his clients.”
View the Fall 2008 Newsletter
Posted on October 16, 2008
The Village NP Brings Medical Care to the Village of Wyoming
Posted on October 16, 2008
Sarah Schaffer, The Village NP, has brought a much-needed service to the village of Wyoming - medical care. After 10 years as a Register Nurse, Schaffer went back to school at Daemon College and earned a Masters of Science as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult health. She knew she wanted to practice in a rural setting and was fortunate enough to do her clinicals in such a setting; preparing her to practice in Wyoming. “Rural medicine is so different than urban medicine. You really need to be creative and have connections,” stated Schaffer. On August 25, 2008 the Village NP officially opened for business.
The Village NP is located in the former Kramell Meat Store at 6 Main St. in Wyoming. “The building was in need of a lot of TLC but it was the perfect size for what we needed,” stated Schaffer. She continued, “We hired a graphic designer who redesigned the front of the building, allowing us to add an inconspicuous wheel chair ramp. She also provided the design for the interior and then I worked long hours with my family to complete the work ourselves.”
At maximum capacity, Sarah will see 15 patients per day. There are two exam rooms and three chairs in the waiting room. “I like to take time to listen to my patients and hear their story. I allot one hour for new patient visit.” Sarah welcomes Medicaid patients and is working through the red tape to accept all major insurances. Her office hours are Monday - Friday starting at 9:00am with evening hours on Tuesday and Thursday
“It’s great that Ms. Schaffer can bring adult medical care to the residents of Wyoming and surrounding areas. It’s extremely important to be able to offer quality medical care close to home. We’re happy to welcome Sarah to the medical community of Wyoming County,” stated Chamber Executive Director, James Pierce.
Chamber to Host Wyoming County Farm Tour on September 20th
Posted on August 15, 2008
Farming and agriculture have always been the way of life in Wyoming County. However, as people drive to and from work every day, do they think about the magnitude of the farms and dairy operations in the County? Do they see the 80,000 plus mature milking cows in the County the same way the farmer does? Do they think about the business side of farming? Do they think about the number of workers employed by the farms and agribusinesses that operate in the County and what this means to their quality of life and the overall economy of Wyoming County? And have they ever stepped back to think about what Wyoming County would be like without its world-class farms and agricultural industry?
The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee will host the Pride of Wyoming County Agriculture Farm Tour on Saturday, September 20, 2009 to address these exact questions and to help the non-farming community begin to understand and appreciate what is in their backyard.
The tour will leave from the Warsaw High School parking lot at 9:00am and return by 3:00pm. Two separate tour buses will each visit Emerling Farms, Stoney Ridge Farm, Olin’s Apple Hill Farm, and McCormick’s Potato Farm.
“We wanted to create a diverse tour and include large and small scale operations as well as showcase one of Wyoming County’s organic farms,” stated Committee Chair, David DeLaVergne. DeLaVergne continued, “A great deal of thought and discussion went into the selection of the farm for this year’s tour. In addition to increasing general awareness of agriculture in the County, we wanted participants to see and hear about different farming practices and philosophies.”
Included in the $10 admission for the tour is a boxed lunch with local products. “Farmers have been out harvesting for the past couple of months and it’s important to feature their products on a tour that celebrates and recognizes their hard work,” stated Jim Pierce, Chamber Executive Director.
The tour is open to Chamber members and their employees. Advance registration is required to participate in the tour. Please call the Chamber office at 585-237-0230 or register online by September 6th by clicking here http://www.wycochamber.org/index.php/programs/register/ .