Chamber launches healthcare and Blue Economy programs

Cordova Harbor. (Aug. 4, 2020) Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times

The Cordova Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Small Association Leadership Alliance (SALA), is launching what it calls a comprehensive, cost-effective healthcare option to Cordova businesses this week.

In the competitive hiring market, officials say the Cordova Chamber Choice Healthcare Program can help businesses provide the valuable employment benefit of affordable, high quality healthcare support, Chamber officials said. Available to all Chamber member businesses and employees, members have the flexibility to enroll as a group or an individual and customize their plan.

To support economic growth sectors, the Cordova Chamber of Commerce is also launching new Blue Economy driven support programs, which encourage collaboration between businesses and industries.

The Chamber Choice Healthcare program is open with rolling enrollment to Cordova Chamber member businesses and employees, whether full-time, part-time or seasonal. Containing multiple components that offer options for preventative care, prescription drugs and cost-sharing for larger, unforeseen medical expenses; the program also includes 24/7/365 telemedicine access and 2nd.MD. second opinion service. Dental coverage may be added on.

“We are excited to be able to offer this program as one solution to the high cost of healthcare in our region and as a employee recruitment tool for our business members,” Chamber executive director Cathy Renfeldt said. “With competitive participant rates and the freedom for employers to determine their own contribution levels, the Cordova Chamber’s new Chamber Choice Healthcare Program is an affordable and effective insurance alternative that is working well in the market.”

A recent survey of SALA healthcare program participants revealed 91% of respondents are very or extremely satisfied, 99% found SALA support to be extremely responsive, and participants reported saving as much as 50% monthly when compared to traditional health insurance.

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Sugar kelp harvest at Gravina, with Tyler Quales on the skiff. Photo courtesy of the Native Conservancy

Cordova Chamber is also broadening its support for maricuture, seafood harvesting, and ocean-based businesses with a new suite of “Blue Economy” programs, which are free to Chamber members. Some of these expanded offerings include collaborative content creation sessions, dockside sales support, restaurant/retail/harvester sample sessions, customer acquisition support, and business and social-media trainings. For more information, contact Renfeldt and Karen Deaton Perry at 907-424-7260.

Ribbon kelp (Alaria marginata). Photo courtesy of Sean Den Adel of Noble Ocean Farms

The Cordova Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization comprised of a diverse group of local and regional business members. In addition to operating the Cordova Visitor Center, the Chamber’s work is divided into four main program areas: economic development, business support, quality of life enhancement, and destination marketing.

To learn more about this healthcare program and Chamber membership, visit cordovachamber.com/membership-benefits, email cathy@cordovachamber.com or call 907-424-7260.

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