The Louisville Employee Benefits Council (LEBC) was organized in 1959 as a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among professionals in the field of employee benefits. Lee Steiden and Doug Stegner, the founders of the organization, organized monthly luncheon meetings at the Old House Restaurant. During the 1960s, LEBC formalized its organization structure, meeting format and bylaws. This is the same structure in which we operate today. In addition, to facilitate a budget process, annual dues were collected.

Following the passage of ERISA in 1974, LEBC experienced growth in membership and programming. Not only did the number of traditional members grow, the group became more diversified with the addition of several corporate benefits managers during the mid-70s. LEBC also began sponsoring an annual employee benefits seminar often in conjunction with other organizations.

The LEBC has become a visible and viable force within the local and national employee benefits communities and is able to attract speakers of national note and support their appearance with often two-thirds of membership in attendance.

As far as we know, the LEBC is the oldest formally organized employee benefits council in the country. Its traditions are well established and have provided the patterns for sustained and substantial growth. We are confident those same traditions of professionalism will carry and guide the LEBC to even greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

LEBC's Purpose

LEBC is a non-profit corporation designed to educate and inform its membership on employee benefit related matters. We do not engage in lobbying efforts, however, we do communicate our views on employee benefits issues to the appropriate elected officials. LEBC has become a visible and viable member of the local and national employee benefit communities. Our reputation attracts nationally noted speakers and our membership supports their appearances with consistently high levels of attendance.

LEBC's Membership

To be considered for membership in LEBC, prospective members should be professionals working substantially (at least 30% of the time) in the field of employee benefits. Currently, our membership is 238 strong and comprised of 68 plan sponsors, 42 legal members (attorney and paralegal), 36 consultants, 29 insurance agents, 21 trust employees, 9 investment advisors, 13 plan administrators, 8 accountants, 6 actuaries and 6 life members.

LEBC's Programming

LEBC sponsors several types of educational programs -- monthly lunches, seminars and Sub-Councils. In addition, the LEBC sponsors at least one social function such as a "Day at the Downs."

Luncheon Meetings. Except for the months when special events or seminars are scheduled, monthly luncheon meetings with noted speakers address employee benefit related issues.

Sub-Councils. In 1996, to keep pace with the changing needs of the membership, the LEBC adopted a Sub-Council program. Each Sub-Council holds three meetings per year. LEBC members, on a voluntary and rotating basis, bring one or more topics (within the topic area of that Sub-Council) for discussion, and facilitate that meetings' discussion. Sub-Councils provide a forum in which to share ideas and informally ask questions on topics of specific interest. In 2006, the Sub-Councils addressed three topics: Health and Welfare Plans, Nonqualified Plans and Qualified Retirement Plans. In 2006, each Sub-Council meeting was attended by between 15 and 40 LEBC members.

LEBC POLICY

LEBC has a strict non-solicitation policy. Membership in the council may not be used for the purpose of soliciting business. No member of the council may use membership in LEBC in any form of advertisement for solicitation of business.

HOW TO JOIN LEBC

If you need more information, please contact Debby Coons, Membership Chair, at 502-561-1530, or by email Debby_Coons@aon.com. In addition, any one of the following Executive Committee Members will be glad to answer questions or assist you in joining. They are: Jeff Hamilton - President; Valerie Mayer - Vice President; Linda Weber - Secretary; Debby Coons- Membership Chair; Jean Watson- Treasurer; and Ben Evans - Sub-Council Coordinator.