Dixie Escalante

The Year of the Cooperative By NANCY FOLBRE

Nancy Folbre is an economics professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She recently edited and contributed to “For Love and Money: Care Provision in the United States.“

We live in a competitive world. Yet much of our competition is team-based, requiring cooperation among team members. The biologist Edward O. Wilson describes the resulting tensions as a central dilemma facing all social species – humans as well as ants.

TODAY’S ECONOMIST
Perspectives from expert contributors.
Economists haven’t quite caught up with the implications. Further, they haven’t quite caught on to the reality that cooperative enterprises play an enormously important role in our economic system, one that is likely to grow in decades to come.

Whether set up as worker-owned businesses, consumer memberships, financial institutions or marketing/distribution networks, co-ops pursue more complex goals than maximizing profit. They often put a high priority on democracy, education and the sustainable development of their communities.

Since 1930, cooperative enthusiasts have proclaimed October National Cooperative Month to help publicize their efforts. This year, the United Nations proclaimed the International Year of Cooperatives. The month that begins today promises a grand cooperative convergence, with a number of important events scheduled worldwide.

From Oct. 6 to 11, the city of Quebec will play host to an International Summit of Cooperatives, informally described as the “Davos of the Cooperative Movement,” a reference to the annual gathering of the global elite officially known as the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

In 2011, the membership and entrance fee for the Davos meeting was $71,000. Registration for the 2012 International Summit on Cooperatives is $1,300. The conference program reveals a lineup clearly aimed at the international business community. The list of sponsors is topped by the Canadian government and features many big names, including Microsoft, I.B.M., Google, McKinsey, Ernst & Young and Deloitte.

The summit Web site challenges the common assumption that co-ops can’t grow out of small neighborhood niches, contending that the 300 largest cooperatives worldwide (including the famous worker-owned Spanish manufacturing concern Mondragon) generate total revenue equal to $1.6 trillion, “an economic power equivalent to the world’s ninth-largest economy in 2008.”

The summit also offers a cooperative leadership training program, particularly significant since most business/management programs give this topic short shrift. The only institution in North America offering a master’s of management specifically for cooperatives and credit unions is St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Cooperative businesses seem to be expanding, perhaps because of disillusionment with more conventional business models and growing interest in a more do-it-yourself economy.

Whether they ever become a significant competitive threat to the Davos elite, cooperatives are likely to remain a mainstay of global food production. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, sponsoring more October celebrations, notes that agricultural cooperatives account for a large share of dairy, coffee and cotton production in several countries.

Even in the United States, known for its huge agribusiness corporations, cooperatives account for 80 percent of dairy production. And they are moving into the ice cream sector.

In 1999, several former Baskin-Robbins franchisees who were cut loose by the parent company decided to form their own franchise operation, the Texas-based KaleidoScoops cooperative. They offer their owner-members relatively low start-up costs along with the opportunity to shape company policy.

I e-mailed them last week to ask how they plan to celebrate National Cooperative Month. Greg Ziolkowski, the president, reported that they are planning a members’ convention in Dallas to go over financials, marketing plans and new ideas.

Cooperatively scooped ice cream seems like an idea that should make both humans and ants very happy. I hope they’ll be scooping some at the international summit.

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/01/the-year-of-the-cooperative/?ref=economy

When is a lighting fact not necessarily factual? When it’s on an LED box.

The Federal Trade Commission has mandated a “Lighting Facts” label for LEDs since January. Similar to the “Nutrition Facts” labels for food, the lighting facts cover things such as estimated yearly energy cost.

And there’s the line labeled “Life,” which in this case covers not just the LED, but the entire system.

“This information comes from the manufacturer. Each manufacturer might have their own way of determining what life is,” said John W. Curran, president of LED Transformations, who has 26 patents to his credit.

“Take that number with a grain of salt, because, unfortunately, that particular number is not defined in a uniform way,” Curran told the Touchstone Energy® webinar “Fact or Fiction: The LED Promise of Energy Savings.”

It’s one of several challenges facing electric cooperatives and their members looking to buy LEDs. LED life is just one of many concerns.

“People get so hung up on how long the LED lasts, but you’ve got a whole system here,” Curran said. There’s the driver, the housing, the controls.

“Any of those elements fail and your system could fail. And in many cases it doesn’t matter how long the LED lasts because the LED is not going to be the thing that fails.”

Curran cited one manufacturer’s study of why luminaires failed. LEDs were to blame just 10 percent of the time. Failures of the driver—which regulates power to the LED system—were responsible in more than half the cases.

“Check out what the warranty is on the driver,” Curran said. “Expect a five-year warranty. If the manufacturer is not offering that, maybe find someone else who does,” he added, noting that seven- and 10-year warranties are not unheard of.

“Also, since it’s likely the driver will fail before the LED, ask the manufacturer to show you how hard it is to replace the driver,” Curran said.

“For example: a streetlight. You may not want to throw the whole thing out. You obviously want to go up there and repair it. So how hard is it to pull that driver out and put in a new one?” Curran said.

“If he can’t show you how to do it, or, in fact, you have to throw the whole thing out as you would with a replacement lamp, keep that in mind.”

But Curran also urged co-ops to keep something in mind when working with commercial members on lighting: “Not only does it have to be efficient, it has to be useful to people in the building.”

“If you wind up getting energy savings on the lighting, but you make the environment worse, a very small percent decrease in the performance of the people in the building can totally wipe out any kind of energy savings you would get by having more efficient lighting.”

By Michael W. Kahn | ECT Staff Writer
For the complete article click the link below
http://www.ect.coop/emerging-technologies/r-d/leds-lighting-facts-label/49995

We are going to share with you 10 Easy Home Winterization Projects. Make your home feel warmer without turning up the heat this winter. You can save energy without spending much money.

1-Dodge the Draft(s)
According to the
U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Start simple and adopt that old Great Depression fixture — the draft snake, which you can easily make yourself. Just place a rolled bath towel under a drafty door, or make a more attractive DIY draft snake with googly eyes, felt tongues and the like. You can use any scraps of fabric — even neckties — and fill with sand or kitty litter for heft.

Make sure drafts aren’t giving your thermostat a false reading too.

2-Change Furnace Filters
Yes it’s easy to forget, but it’s important t
o replace or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand. Here’s a worry-saving tip: mark a monthly check on your calendar.

Better, consider switching to a permanent filter, which will reduce waste and hassle. Did you know that disposable fiberglass filters trap a measly 10 to 40% of debris? Electostatic filters trap around 88%, and are much better at controlling the bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen that cause illness and irritation. They cost $50 to $1,000 or more. Another good choice is a genuine HEPA filter which can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles. HEPA filters are based on Department of Energy standards. But avoid “HEPA-like” filters, which can be vastly less effective.

3-Run Fans in Reverse
Most people think of fans only when they want to
be cool, but many ceiling units come with a handy switch that reverses the direction of the blades. Counterclockwise rotation produces cooling breezes while switching to clockwise makes it warmer: air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space – cutting your heating costs as much as 10%!

4-Winterize Your A/C and Water Lines
This one’s really easy, and it wi
ll even save you a few pennies next summer, too: Simply drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes, and make sure you don’t have excess water pooled in equipment. If your a/c has a water shutoff valve, go ahead and turn that off.

Similarly, make sure any hoses are drained and stowed away neatly. Turn off exterior water spigots. It’s also a good idea to seal any water leaks around the place — and don’t forget to remove any window A/C units and store them so you don’t invite cold drafts all winter.

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, the federal government will reimburse 30% of the cost for an efficient central air system, up to $1,500. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous.)

5-Winterize Your A/C and Water Lines
While many conventional water hea
ters are set to 140 degrees F by installers, most households don’t need that much steam, and end up paying for it — in dollars and the occasional scalding burn. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees F (or lower) would reduce your water heating costs by 6% to 10%.

10 Easy Home Winterization Projects in 10 days. Make your home feel warmer without turning up the heat this winter. You can save energy without spending much money.

6-Give Your Heating System a Tune-Up
You probably already know that ca
rs need periodic tune-ups in order to run their best. Well the same is true for heating equipment. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5% of heating costs.

The good news is many utilities offer free annual checkups by qualified technicians — but you often have to call early, as HVAC crews get backed up once heating season starts. Some furnace manufacturers and dealers also offer free or discounted inspections.

7-Put Up Some Plastic
For just a few dollars, pick up a window insula
tion kit at your local hardware or discount store. Don’t worry — properly installed, window plastic is essentially invisible. Adding a buffer against drafts and extra still air space can give a nice boost to your home’s ability to hold heat.

Save even more by hiring a pro to install a high-tech “low-e” film directly to the window glass.

8-Use Caulking and Weatherstriping
Simple leaks can sap home energy e
fficiency by 5% to 30% a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That means it pays to seal up gaps with caulking and weatherstripping.

Take a close look at places where two different building materials meet, such as corners, around chimneys, where pipes or wires exit and along the foundation. Use the incense test: carefully (avoiding drapes and other flammables) move a lit stick along walls; where the smoke wavers, you have air sneaking in. And heating or cooling sneaking out.

In another method, have someone on the outside blow a hair dryer around each window while you hold a lighted candle inside. If the candle flickers or goes out, you need to caulk or weather strip around the frame.

9-Seal Those Ducts
Moving even deeper into your home’s infrastructure
… one encounters ductwork. Studies show 10% to 30% of heated (or cooled) air in an average system escapes from ducts.

Therefore, it could pay to hire a professional technician to come out and test your duct system, and fix any problems. Properly sealing ducts can save the average home up to $140 annually, according to the American Solar Energy Society. Plus, you’ll have better protection against mold and dust.

10- Insulate Your Pipes
Pay less for hot water by insulating pipes. Th
at can also help decrease the chance of pipes freezing, which can be disastrous. Check to see if your pipes are warm to the touch. If so, they are good candidates for insulation. (Use the same method to determine if your hot water heater would benefit from some insulation.)

You can get pre-slit pipe foam at most hardware stores. Cut it to size and fasten in place with duct tape. Ideally, choose the insulation with the highest R-value practical, which is a measure of its heat-blocking power. Pipe insulation is often R-3 or, for batt styles that you wrap around, a stronger R-7.

For more tips on how to winterize your home or for any of the tips we shared check out the link below from the daily green.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/winterize-home-tips-energy-461008#ixzz2BUkOFYdS

Electric cooperative line crews stepped up the process of restoring power to tens of thousands of consumer-members along the East Coast, even as a massive hybrid storm pushed inland and pummeled parts of the Midwest.

Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall south of Atlantic City, N.J., late Oct. 29, produced record storm surges along the Atlantic coastline, and caused an estimated $10 billion to $20 billion in damage to parts of 16 states.

More than 7 million utility customers were without power as a result of the storm, and at least 16 storm-related deaths were reported.

The most damaging fallout was in the Northeast, mostly in areas served by investor-owned utilities.

In New York City, 670,000 customers of an investor-owned utility were without power Oct. 30, and the 108 year-old subway system was partially inundated by floodwaters when a 13-foot storm surge slammed into the city. More than 40,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas.

But the remnants of Sandy caused major problems for electric cooperatives, and co-op crews from Mississippi to Florida moved east and north to help out in areas hard hit by the foul weather. The 15 co-ops in South Carolina responded with more than 100 personnel.

“This is a major mobilization of personnel on our part,” said Todd Carter, vice president of loss control and training at The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina. “In terms of storm assistance, this is the largest number of workers we’ve sent out of state in recent memory.”

From Virginia to Vermont, line crews and rights-of-way workers put in 12- to 16-hour shifts, in hazardous conditions, as stiff wind gusts and pelting rains from Sandy continued for a third day.

VIRGINIA

More than 53,000 co-op consumer-members were without power early Oct. 30.

“It’s bad enough trying to see with rain spraying in your face,” said Mason “Skip” Hollcroft, manager of line technicians for Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, which had nearly 19,000 meters out of service before daybreak, Oct. 30. “When you add nighttime, lower temperatures, high winds and high-voltage electricity to the mix, you can understand why we’re concerned about safety.”

In the 22-county service territory of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, 17,300 meters were out of service early Oct. 30, as crews from the Fredericksburg-based co-op were joined by other co-op crews from Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.

“Damage has occurred at many points along our distribution system,” said William M. Carter, the co-op’s director of operations and construction services. “Repairs must begin with major facilities such as substations and main circuits that supply power to distribution lines serving the largest number of customers.”

Northern Neck Electric Cooperative had crews working to restore power to more than 2,000 members. Crews from Alabama and North and South Carolina were among those from five states working with personnel from the Warsaw-based co-op to try to restore all service, Oct. 30.

“If you see our linemen working on the roadsides, please slow down and look carefully until you have passed the construction area,” said Jim Moss, the co-op’s vice president of operations. “We appreciate your patience during power outages.”

Tasley-based A&N Electric Cooperative, which initially reported about 15,000 outages, reduced that number to just over 700 by early Oct. 30. Broken poles and 50 spans of conductor still needed to be replaced and crews were still removing trees from lines, officials said.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Less noticed in media coverage that centered on metropolitan areas was New Hampshire Electric Cooperative. But the co-op reported major damage. Plymouth-based NHEC was buffeted by high winds that sent trees and limbs slapping into power lines, causing more than 21,000 outages, more than one-quarter of its meters.

Eighty-five co-op lineworkers, tree trimmers and contractors were expected to step up restoration efforts as damage assessments were completed, said Seth Wheeler, the co-op’s communications manager. “Thirty line crews from electric co-ops in Illinois are on their way to New Hampshire to bolster NHEC and contract line crews.”

MARYLAND

Choptank Electric Cooperative had crews working to restore power to nearly 12,700 of its consumer-members spread across its nine-county service territory. The co-op expected to have crews out Tuesday morning “as long as conditions are safe to travel,” said Anne Whaples, manager of cooperative communications for the Denton-based cooperative, late Oct. 29. “As soon as a preliminary damage assessment has been made, we hope to be able to give out an estimated restoration time for our members.”

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative crews grappled with nearly 5,800 outages spread across four counties, said Austin J. Slater Jr., president and CEO of the Hughesville-based co-op. He cautioned that repairs could take time. “We urge our customer-members to take the necessary precautions to prepare for an extended outage restoration period.”

DELAWARE

Delaware Electric Cooperative had nearly 1,400 meters down, primarily in Sussex County, where substantial beach flooding occurred. The Greenwood-based co-op had reported more than 9,000 without power the evening of Oct. 29, as the worst of the storm began moving through its service territory.

“The wind kept our folks from doing bucket work much of the time but they did the best they could in the given conditions,” said Jeremy Tucker, the co-op’s communications manager. The plan was that on Tuesday morning “we will be rolling full force to get to that magic number of zero.”

NEW JERSEY

Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative reported more than 10,000 outages early Oct. 30. Crews from South Carolina were assisting with repairs to the co-op’s system, but full damage assessments were still in progress.

“It is too early to give estimated restoration times,” said Tom Tate, manager of marketing and member services for the Sussex-based co-op. “Further outages are possible due to rain-soaked soil and continuing winds.”

PENNSYLVANIA

Gettysburg-based Adams Electric Cooperative was busy restoring service to about 4,300 of its meters after 60 mph winds blew through its service territory.

Repair efforts for co-op members were slowed by power supply problems to Adams Electric’s substations, and crews faced high water and flash floods in many areas, officials said. Contractors and co-op crews from South Carolina were pitching in with repairs.

VERMONT

Johnson-based Vermont Electric Cooperative made good progress overnight as crews reduced the number of outages on its system from 4,000 to 400 by 5 a.m. Oct. 30.

“Full restoration expected by early to mid-afternoon,” said Elizabeth Gamache, manager of corporate services. “Then we will provide mutual aid to other areas still recovering from the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy.”

NORTH CAROLINA

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative, based in Buxton, was directly affected by Hurricane Sandy, but crews worked through Oct. 29 to restore service to all but 500 of its consumer-members after a circuit was damaged by flooding.

Co-ops in the western part of the state continued to watch their systems as the remnants of Sandy pushed inland.

WEST VIRGINIA

Crews from Harrison Rural Electrification Association were evaluating the extent of widespread outages in the eastern portions of its service territory, Oct. 30. At least two inches of snow were reported throughout the Clarksburg-based co-op’s territory, but as much as three feet of snow accumulated in mountainous areas, officials said.

For direct article click link below

http://www.ect.coop/weather-effects/response/co-ops-mobilize-to-restore-power/49863

 

Here are “Seven Cooperative Principles” that help you to learn why a co-op is good to be a part of.

1-Voluntary and Open Membership — Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2-Democratic Member Control — Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

3-Members’ Economic Participation — Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4-Autonomy and Independence — Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

5-Education, Training, and Information — Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

6-Cooperation Among Cooperatives — Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7-Concern for Community — While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

To read more click the link below
http://www.touchstoneenergy.com/about/principles/Pages/default.aspx

Take special care when you are near power lines.

Here are 20 tips for you to be aware of at home, work or play while around any powerlines.

1-Antenna Installations near the lines or those that could possibly fall on a line.
2-Low clearances around new construction or streets, driveways, or buildings.
3-Meter installations that have been damaged or exposed wires.
4-Tree which children might climb and contact wires
5-Persons trimming where limbs can hit a line.
6-A swing set that would enable a child to climb up an overhead wire.
7-Excavations near underground electric or gas lines.
8-Bare secondary wires in a tree.
9-Broken Ground wires.
10-Cranes or drill rigs working near the lines.
11-Building activity under a line, or a mobile home being set up under a line.
12-Navigable waters under lines where clearances could allow a sailboat post to hit the line.
13-Persons installing antennas or other equipment on power poles.
14-Swimming pools built under lines.
15-Persons working or preparing to work near lines with conductive tools or devices such as paint roller handles, aluminum ladders, antennas or other equipment on our poles.
16-Metallic Kites or kite strings.
17-Motorized airplanes.
18-Children playing on towers or climbing substation fences.
19-Picking fruit out of trees near lines.
20-Farm operations with augers, elevators, loaded trailers, combines, etc. under or near lines.

IMPORTANT WE NEED YOUR HELP TODAY! (by June 25)

Thank you for supporting the Our Energy, Our Future campaign (www.ourenergy.coop) through your local electric cooperative to keep power affordable, safe and reliable. Your past and continued support, along with tens of thousands of individuals like you across the country, plays an important role informing legislators and government officials about the impact government policies can have on you.

Today, we have another critical issue that needs your attention. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced misguided regulations of carbon dioxide emissions from new coal-based power plants. Unfortunately, the EPA proposal takes our nation’s energy and environmental policy in exactly the wrong direction.

Tell EPA you oppose this proposed standard for power plants. www.ourenergy.coop

The EPA plan has effectively outlawed coal as a fuel source for the next generation of power plants — quite contrary to the bi- partisan goal of an “all of the above” energy policy. The proposed standards would require new coal plants to install a technology that is not yet commercially available called ‘carbon capture and storage.’ Because the technology is not yet available, this rule would eliminate coal as a fuel source and reduce America’s fuel diversity.

Electric cooperatives support a comprehensive energy and environmental policy that embraces all fuels (nuclear, natural gas, renewable, and coal), maximizes energy efficiency, and emphasizes the development of technologies that continue to improve our environment.

Comments to the EPA are due by June 25. Please join the thousands of Americans like you who are concerned about how energy policy is decided — send your message of concern to EPA today by visiting www.ourenergy.coop.

Sincerely,
LaDel Laub
CEO
Dixie Escalante Electric

Dixie Escalante Electric is a member-owned non-profit cooperative because we give back the profits to our members in the form of capital credits.  We still pay all business taxes such as property taxes, sales taxes, and employer taxes – we just don’t pay income taxes because of the capital credits refunded to our members, hence the legal status of “non-profit”.

Each year the company’s margin (revenues less expenses) is determined and then allocated proportionately to all members based on their individual revenue to the company (power bills they are billed).  This allocation is then recorded in a separate capital credit account for each member and reflects the investment of each member into the plant facilities of the cooperative.  As long as you are a member and the company has positive margins, you will receive a capital credit allocation.  That allocation is turned into actual cash when the Board of Directors declares a capital credit refund.  That is done close to the end of the year when the financial condition of the company is apparent.  Refunds are done as a percentage of a member’s entire balance.

Allocation Certificate:  Notice of your credits recorded in a capital credit account.

Refund:   Actual cash being refunded from your capital credit account.

Example of Capital Credit Allocation Certificate:

CAPITAL CREDIT ALLOCATION CERTIFICATE

Member Number: 1234567

Year: 2008

Amount: 15.42

Total All Years: 106.48

For the past five years, the Board of Directors has refunded 5 percent of the total balance.  In the example above, the allocation notice for 2008 capital credits recorded was mailed out in 2009.  Later that same year, the Board of Directors approved refunding 5 percent of the total capital credits recorded or “Total All Years”.  Five percent of the example above was $5.32 making the Total All Years new total $101.16.  Each year the total will change when adding the allocations and subtracting the refunds.

Only one more week before the Dixie Escalante Electric Kite Festival 2012 and hopefully all the rain is coming today so next weekend will be nice and dry. This is a fun day out sponsored by Dixie Escalante Electric, it helps encourage kids to read and benefits our local schools.

We have collected the main details below, the best way to find out about any changes to the plans below is to go to their site - http://www.dixiekitefestival.com/

The Dixie kite festival 2012 runs from 10am until 9pm, Kite redemption runs from 10am until 7pm.
Open Kite flying is available all day long at the East end of the field

Dixie Kite Festival Saturday April 21st 2012
The festival is at the Sun River Golf Course , exit 2 of the I-15 . Free parking just off the freeway.

10.00 AM- Festival Begins

10.00AM Coral Canyon Elementary

10.30AM  Three Falls Elementary

11.00AM Sunset Elementary

11.30AM Riverside Elementary

12 Noon Red Mountain Elementary

12.30PM LaVerkin Elementary

1.00PM Behunin Sisters

1.30PM Bella Voce

2.00PM Giovane Voce

2.30PM Dixie Arts and Conservatory

3.30PM Coral Cliffs Elementary

4.00PM Panorama Elementary

4.30PM West Side Studio

5.00PM Dance Alliance

6.00PM Washington Elementary

6.30PM Ace Martial Arts

7.00PM Voce Company

8.00PM The HubCaps Concert 

9.00PM Fireworks

Just remember that this is a fun day out for all the family, bring your kids and grandkids and make a day of it. There will be continuous entertainment throughout the day and concession stands will be open from 10am at the West end of the field.

The Dixie Escalante member Connections Card now offers more savings, the new Healthy Savings Discounts include savings on:-

• Vision
• Dental
• Chiropractic
• More health savings

They have also added a way for you to get cash back just by doing the shopping you normally would.

New cards with the healthy Saving Discount Logos are being send out from the beginning of April so you can save more money than ever before