Benefits of Membership

Benefits at a glance...

Political Advocacy – Our goal is to protect your best interests. As a WIBA/KIBC member, you will have a voice in our political advocacy process. By way of member polling, a registered lobbyist and volunteer committees, WIBA/KIBC has become a recognized resource, taking a proactive stand on city, county, state, and federal legislation that impacts the operation and profitability of independent businesses. If you would like to get involved contact our Governmental Affairs Committee. This committee monitors issues, legislation, regulations and ordinances on the federal, state and local levels that have an impact on independent businesses. They recommend positions or actions they feel WIBA/ KIBC should take, or not take, as an organization or alert members so that they can contact their representative, senator, or local official. Any recommended action needs executive committee approval to be presented to the WIBA/KIBC Board of Directors.

Networking Opportunities – The most dynamic group of business people in our region are available for networking at events throughout the year – providing you with potential new business opportunities. Our monthly luncheon offers you the opportunity to network with other members and to stay informed on local, state and national issues. Our luncheon is held the second Tuesday of each month at the Wichita Boat House, 515 S. Wichita, Wichita KS (parking available across the street).
The WIBA Women’s Leadership Alliance (WWLA) luncheon is held the first Tuesday of each month (also at the Wichita Boathouse). This luncheon gives independent business women – both WIBA members and non-members – an opportunity to come together to discuss timely business topics, seek solutions to problems, bounce ideas around the table and share their experiences of being a business leader – and female. The last, but certainly not the least, addition to the networking opportunities provided by WIBA/KIBC are the “Business Your Way” mixers. There is no fee to attend this event, and it is also open to non-members. WIBA members in attendance are given the opportunity to give a brief “advertisement” about their business. This is an ideal environment for making business connections and an excellent way for potential members to get a good look at us
Member Support– Join other members who share your concerns regarding independent business. WIBA/s have a wealth of information and resources, all of which they are willing to share with you.
Online Resources– By logging on to WIBA/KIBC’s comprehensive Web site, www.wiba.org;you gain access to the latest WIBA/KIBC information, as well as access to Web sites of WIBA/KIBC companies. We can also be found on Facebook and Twitter!
Complimentary Monthly Newsletter– Each month, you will receive a copy of the WIBA Issues, which will alert you to the next month’s luncheon speaker, legislative issues, business management information and other upcoming WIBA/KIBC activities.
Membership Directory – This complete membership resource guide provides quick access to a multitude of companies in Wichita and throughout the state
Continuing Education – Throughout the year, we keep you informed and educated by offering monthly seminars and workshops as well as the speakers at our monthly luncheons Annual Meeting – This is another opportunity for WIBA members to network and enjoy special entertainment. The Annual Meeting Committee plans, organizes and carries out the organization’s premier event with the assistance of the WIBA staff.
Insurance programs Group Health Insurance– As you review health insurance information and look to secure the best match for you and your employees, please feel free to contact Karen Fillenworth, our manager of insurance services, with any questions. She will be happy to create an individualized quote for your business. (Businesses must have two or more employees in order to qualify for group coverage). Individual health and dental plans are also available for the sole-proprietor. WIBA Insurance Services, Inc., is a full-service insurance agency within WIBA. Give us a call, and let us help you with your group or individual insurance needs. Individual Health Insurance– For healthy employers or employees who may be seeking individual coverage, WIBA/KIBC can provide that as well. We can obtain a quote from a number of other insurance carriers (including United and Coventry just to name two) to help you tailor your coverage if one of our group plans doesn’t fit. Limited Benefit Plans– American Sterling Insurance Services will administer the limited medical indemnity benefit plan, which will utilize the ProviDRs Care Network. This network is the only physician owned and managed PPO in the state - working in partnership with insurance agents, brokers, carriers, employers and other providers and facilities to deliver cost effective health services. As an indemnity plan, it does not reimburse for services rendered; it pays a set amount for specific services. The plans are designed to be very affordable. Plan benefits are first-dollar indemnity benefits. The plan does not include co-pays or deductibles except for the prescription drug benefit, which is for generic only. Eligible employees must work a minimum of 15 hours per week and there must be at least five enrolled for the program to be offered to your group. Supplemental Insurance Plans– We have arranged through a member agent to provide AFLAC cancer indemnity insurance, hospital protection, personal disability income protection and a personal accident indemnity plans to WIBA members. These policies pay cash benefits directly to the subscriber, regardless of any other insurance you may have. Dental – Group dental insurance is provided through Delta Dental Plan of Kansas, Inc. for businesses of two to nine employees. Dental insurance is Delta Dental’s only business. When you choose them, you become aligned with the nation’s largest dental insurance specialist and network of dentists. Delta Dental contracts with its participating dentists to assure you and your employees will be charged the dentist’s lowest fees. On your part, as an employer, there is virtually no paperwork except paying the premium and submitting your employees’ eligibility. Other plan designs are also available for WIBA/ businesses with 10 or more employees. Long-Term Care – The greatest threat to the financial security of middle income Americans is the cost of long-term medical care. Through WIBA/KIBC, you can apply for affordable long-term care benefits. Plans are available for non-smoker preferred, lowest possible rates, as well as plans for those with chronic health problems such as diabetes, asthma, etc. Vision Care – Surency Life and Health, and EyeMed Vision Care have aligned to provide WIBA members with the best vision product possible, offering access and the choice of providers that today’s consumers demand. Features of your plan include: • Comprehensive Eye Exam • Overall material savings of up to 40% off • Choice of any product eyewear – Members will not need to choose frames from “towers” or “boxes” • Convenient access to vision care needs 7 days a week • Savings on eye care and eyewear all year long
Business Insurance– WIBA/KIBC offers nine lines of property and casualty insurance to its members, including workers compensation. This benefit was added because of continued requests from member surveys for this type of business coverage. The lines are: Property (building, business personal property); Inland Marine (mobile equipment coverage, Bailee coverage, installation coverage, sign coverage); Surety (bid and performance bonds, fiduciary bonds, license and permit bonds); Workers compensation (employee medical); Specialty (directors and officers, malpractice); Liability (commercial general liability, employee benefits liability, employee practices liability); Crime (employee theft, money and securities); Automobile (commercial liability, comprehensive/collision, garage keepers, uninsured/underinsured motorists); and, Umbrella (excess liability).
WIBA Military Discount Program - As a special thank you to military personnel, WIBA and the chambers of commerce for Andover, Derby, and Wichita offer a special discount program. Members of these organizations may participate in the Air Capital Military Medallion program by providing at least a 10 percent discount on 80 percent of total sales/services to active duty military, guard, and reserve members of the armed forces, their families and military retirees. McConnell Air force Base will list all participating businesses on the McConnell site.