V. Scalzo 5/5; D. Schlosser 5/5; L. Stoller 5/7; M. Vanderhoff 5/8; C. Krenz 5/11; L. Kuch 5/12; L. Paullesen 5/13; K. Graner 5/14; K. Boehm 5/14; S. Helgeson 5/15; B. Hummel 5/17; S. Wanner 5/17; A. Balanga 5/17; S. Owens 5/18; A. Thinnes 5/19; B. Kilber 5/21; T. Brooke 5/21; C. Schaf 5/24; N. Roth 5/26; K. Bartsch 5/26; S. Chaussee 5/27; B. Gawryluk 5/28; D. Morris 5/28; P. Sick 5/28; T. Heidt 5/30.

MISCELLANEOUS

 

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions the 555 voice mail box is once again up and running. The items we get will be addressed in the What's Happening each month, or if you would like to leave your name, it will be addressed individually.

 

ACCOLADES

A big thank you to Elija Kirby for bringing his musical instruments for a Pride Production jam session. The highlight of the day was when Neal did his Elvis impersonation. We just Thank God that Yvonne didn’t try to sing. Whenever we noticed her warming up her throat, we just banged the tambourine a little louder!!  Again, thank you, Elija, that was fun!!

 A great big “thank you” to Michelle, Lori, Eva, & Yvonne for covering for me when I was out on medical leave, it made my recovery so much easier.  I appreciate everything you did…Thank you…Jo

Pride, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan Highlights

Eligibility All Contributions: You must work 1,000 hours within 12 months and be at least age 21 to contribute to the Plan.

Initial Entry Dates All Contributions After completing the eligibility requirements, you will enter the Plan on the following January 1 or July 1, whichever comes first.

Contributions  Employee Pre-Tax Contribution Limits: Up to 100% of your compensation, not to exceed $15,500. If you are at least age 50 by December 31, you may contribute an additional $5,000 in catch-up contributions (2008 limits).

Changes to Contribution Amounts: Changes are permitted quarterly upon written notification to the Employer.

Employer Matching Contributions: Your Employer will match 100% on the first 4% of compensation contributed.

Employer Discretionary Contributions: You must work 1,000 hours during the year and be employed on June 30 to receive the discretionary contribution, if one is made.

Rollover Contributions: A tax-free rollover from a former Employer's qualified retirement plan or a traditional IRA is permitted prior to satisfying the Plan's eligibility requirements.

Vesting: You are always 100% vested in your contributions and roll-over balances. Employer matching and discretionary contributions vest according to your "years of service." A Year of Service is a year that you work at least 1,000 hours.

Year(s) of Service                                Vesting Amount 1…………………………………………………….25% 2…………………………………………………….50% 3…………………………………………………….75% 4……………………………………………………100%

Distributions Distributions: During employment you may withdraw from your account due to hardship or upon reaching age 59 1/2. You may also withdraw your full account balance upon termination of employment, death or disability.

Investment Options Investment Options: Information about the investment options for this Plan is included in the packet.  Prospectuses are available on the individual funds website or by logging on to your account at www.statebanks.com.  Changes to investment instructions can be made online or by calling either the SBT Customer Service Line or voice response unit (VRU).

Refer to the Summary Plan Description for detailed information about the Plan.

 

VACATION/PTO HOURS

You cannot carry over more than 240 hours vacation/PTO hours from one fiscal year to the next fiscal year. At the end of the fiscal year you will lose any hours in excess of 240. It is your responsibility to check the number of hours you have on your remittance advice (pay stub). If you are not sure, you may check with the Business Office. You should check regularly, since leave must be approved by your team leader. Don't wait until the end of the fiscal year! (June 30^th)

 

MILEAGE SHEETS

All mileage forms must be turned in to your supervisor by the 15^th of the month. The forms are then due into the Business Office by the 20^th. Any forms received after the 20^th may not meet the payroll deadline and will then go on to your next month's paycheck.

 

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

The school at Pride Manchester is asking that everybody save their box tops from General Mills products. The box tops are then turned in and vouchers are received to be used to buy school supplies, go on field trips/activities, or whatever the children desire. There is a drop off spot at the Missouri office and at Pride Manchester.

 

BENEFITS ENROLLMENT/CHANGES

Please remember that you have 30 days from your Eligibility date or a qualifying event to meet with the Business Office to complete the Paperwork for all benefits. This included the HWB (Higher rate of pay option). A change of status determines your eligibility date and a list of qualifying events can be provided by the business office. If you do not enroll within the 30 days, you must wait until you have a qualifying event to enroll or change your benefit options.

 

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

The school at Pride Manchester is asking that everybody save their box tops from General Mills products. The box tops are then turned in and vouchers are received to be used to buy school supplies, go on field trips/activities, or whatever the children desire. There is a drop off spot at the Missouri office and at Pride Manchester.

 

Other Info/Updates

Pride Manchester is looking for mentors.  If you are interested in mentoring a child one hour per week, please contact Mindy, Family & Volunteer Coordinator at 223-5600.

 Pride Manchester is also selling cookbooks for $5.  Please see Lacy if you are interested.

 CONTRACTS

We no longer have the Doublewood housekeeping contract.  The crew has moved to three other sites, Sidelines, Select Inn, and Ramkota crews.

STAFF CHANGES

Lynette Wetzstein’s last day at Pride, Inc. will be April 30^th.  We wish her the best of luck with her new adventure in Arizona.  We will miss you.

Mavis Huber will be taking over Lynette’s early morning crew.  Congratulations on your new crew.

Welcome to Adam Christ, Lenette Kraft, and Denise Kitson as DSP’s.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Judy Huston who will be retiring from one of the Ramkota Housekeeping Crews.  We thank her for 26 years of service working on various crews over the years.  She will be missed.

 

JOKE OF THE MONTH

Walking can add minutes to your life.  This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7000 per month.

 My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60. Now he’s 97 years old and we don’t know where he is.

 I have to walk early in the morning before my brain figures out what I’m doing.

 I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks.  Haven’t lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.

 We all get heavier as we get older, because there’s a lot more information in our heads.  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

 

---

 

MANDATORY policy review and insurance open enrollment meetings

 To:            All Team Members                                   

From:        Jess Sayler, HRC                     

Date:         April 29, 2010

Subject:    Open Enrolment

 It is that time again for MANDATORY policy review and insurance open enrollment meetings.  ALL team members must attend one meeting regardless of your level status.  There will be several different meetings.  Please call me at (701)258-7838 ext 114 or email me at jessicas@prideinc.orgto sign up for one of the following meetings.  Each meeting has a capacity of 40 people so please sign up early!

 Ben Weidman from America’s TPA (health & dental coverage), Charlie Wittenberg from State Bank & Trust (401K & retirement), Colleen Gill from Aflac, and Tanya Long from Family Heritage Life (cancer insurance) will be available at the May 18^th meetings for questions.

 May 18^th at 10:00-12:00pm in the training room at 1200 Missouri Ave

May 18^th at 2:00pm-4:00pm in the training room at 1200 Missouri Ave

May 18^th at 6:00pm-8:00pm in the training room at 1200 Missouri Ave

May 19^th at 1:00pm-3:00pm at Redwood Village in Wilton

May 20^th at 12:30pm-2:30pm in the training room at 1200 Missouri Ave

How does the new health law impact my HSA?  This newsletter answers the top 10 questions.    1.       Does the new law eliminate HSAs?  No, the new health law does not eliminate HSAs and you can continue to use your HSA as you have - at least until the end of 2010. 2.       What are the specific changes to HSAs in the new law?  Starting in 2011, the 10% penalty for non-eligible (non-medical) distributions is increased to 20% and you can no longer use your HSA for over-the-counter drugs. 3.       Can I continue to contribute the same amount to my HSA?  The new law does not change the HSA contribution limits.   However, new rules on the definition of what is a Qualified Health Plan could change your eligibility to contribute to an HSA in 2014 or later. 4.        Can I still use my HSA for over-the-counter drugs?  Yes, for the rest of 2010.  No, starting January 1, 2011, over-the-counter drugs are no longer considered eligible medical expenses.    This is your last year to buy aspirin,  non-prescription cold medicine, contact lense cleaner and other over-the-counter items tax-free and penalty-free with your HSA.  5.       I heard that FSAs are now limited to $2,500, does that rule apply to HSAs? No.  The new law will limit Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) contributions to $2,500 starting in 2013, but that new law does not apply to HSAs.  6.       Did the penalty increase for HSAs?  Yes, the 10% penalty for using your HSA for non-eligible medical expenses will increase to 20% in 2011.  7.       Will the law change my HSA in the future?  Other than items discussed, the new law does not directly change HSAs.  Indirectly, however, the new law may eliminate the ability to make contributions in the future.  Starting in 2014, the new law requires Americans to buy Qualified Health Insurance that offers an Essential Health Benefits Package.    Your current High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) required to be eligible to make a contribution to your HSA may not qualify as a Qualified Health Plan.  In other words, you may have to buy different insurance coverage in order to avoid taxes and penalties.   Regulatory agency rulings and interpretations will provide more information on this point over the coming months.  8.       What happens to my HSA balance in the case where I can no longer contribute new money? You can continue to use any amounts in your HSA for eligible medical expenses or save it for later even if you are no longer eligible to contribute more to your HSA.   This is important to know in case you do change insurance plans to a non-HSA eligible plan to comply with the new law.  The HSA remains one of the best tax favored options available.  One good strategy is to accumulate assets now in the HSA to prepare for whatever happens.  9.       Should I change anything based on the new law?  The new law is a foundational change to our health care and insurance system and mostly likely will impact everyone.  For now; however, the combination of a High Deductible Health Plan and HSA remain very competitive and a good choice for many businesses and consumers.  10.   How do I keep up on the changes as they take place?  Watch for your HSA Resources newsletters.  We will send you additional information as we learn more.

---