Each year the Alliance looks for ways to give you more of the services and products you need for your families and your small businesses. This year was no exception.

In 2008, we introduced a new membership package—Consumer Advantage—designed specifically to meet the health and personal needs of families and individuals.

The Consumer Advantage Membership provided access to new benefits such as flood coverage and ambulance expense reimbursement, as well as longtime popular benefits such as roadside assistance and a discount dental plan. In all, Alliance Members enjoyed potential savings of $11,480* a year with the Consumer Advantage Membership.

In addition, we enhanced many benefits in our existing Business Edge Membership to give these members more value and more savings. With the Business Interruption Expense Program, Business Edge Members received monetary assistance if they became disabled because of on- or off -the-job accidents. We increased coverage for the Emergency Room Benefit and the Hospital Confinement Accident Benefit. The Business Edge Membership offered a potential annual savings of $18,620.*

In 2008, the Alliance did more than deliver the valuable services and products that our members need. We also actively advocated on your behalf. We brought Alliance Members together with their elected legislators to discuss issues important to small businesses and families. These face-to-face meetings gave Alliance Members the opportunity to voice their ideas and opinions to policymakers in Washington, D.C.

And in 2008, the Alliance Scholarship Program set a record. We awarded $325,000 to 202 students. This was the most financial assistance that the Alliance has ever provided to dependents of our members.

On behalf of the Alliance board of directors, I want to thank all of you for your participati on and support in 2008. It is a privilege to have you as members. We look forward to working for you and with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Paul H. Pevsner, M. D.
President