Why a Website for Multiemployer Trusts?

The site comprises the backbone of the Trust Funds' Internet communication strategy to streamline administration, reduce costs, and improve communication. This involves building the necessary infrastructure for meeting trustee and participant developing needs.

Trustee Needs

• Making Benefits more Visible and Appreciated
• Timely Announcements to Participants
• Mass Distribution of SPD/SAR/SMM
• Participant Database Maintenance
• Employer Reporting of Hours and Contributions

Participant Needs

• Easy-to-Use Plain Language Summary of Benefits with Hypertext Links
• Access to Personal Database Information on a 24/7 Basis
• Updated Accrued Benefits/Vesting Status
• Projected Benefits (Normal/Early/Optional Forms) Under Various Assumptions

Interactive Features

• With Trust Office
  - Update Announcements Section "On-the-Fly"
  - Update Participant Data
  - Periodic Reports on Site Activity
• Participant "Self Service"
  - Communicate Personal Data Updates to Trust Office
  - Open Enrollment
  - Provider Lookup
  - Applications for Retirement, Loans, Survivor Benefits
  - Statements of Activity, Intent to Work, Request to Work

• Legal Considerations
  - The site should contain strong disclaimers directing participants to personal communication with the Trust Office for official determinations.
  - The site will require review by Trust Counsel periodically.
• Security
  - Participant data will be secured by a Firewall, Password Protection (PIN's), and a Secure Server.
  - Implementation will require distribution of PIN's to Participants through a direct mailing.

• Setup and Implementation
  - Initial Consultation
  - Graphics Design
  - Interpretation and Summarization of Plans
• Initial and Recurring Expenses
• Static Forms Conversion
• Interactive Design/Database Implementation
• Dynamic Forms Development
• "Bells and Whistles"
  - Benefit/Options Calculators
  - Benefit Projections Annual Support and Updating

• Time, Time, Time
  - Telephone, Correspondence, Data Entry
  - Frees resources for high priority functions
• Printing, Postage, Paper Costs Reduced
• Intangibles - may be the most important elements of all

In Conclusion
The site should contain all of the Trusts' current static data (i.e. SPD, Plan, rules, forms, etc.) The Database should contain up-to-date participant data such as hours history and account balances The site will be designed with expansion in mind. "Anything is Possible"