In this issue of our Newsletter we want to look ahead to 2009 and what the current economic times may mean to the Disability Management and Vocational Rehabilitation fields. We will also look at what ORGOC is doing to prepare for 2009 and how we may best meet the needs of our customers in the coming year. 2009 started with exciting economic growth and a strong Loonie, but finished in a recession and a weaker dollar. For 2009 it looks like the opposite should occur, starting weak and gaining strength as the year goes on. One of my favorite ex-CEO's Jack Welch indicated at the World Business Forum in September that he believed the recession would last 2 quarters and then begin a slow climb out of this slump in the second quarter of 2009.

Disability Management

During times like these many companies are looking at reducing their expenses. One such expense for our customers and perhaps others is the cost of employing a third party service provider. In our case we had a company who was questioning the expenditure on our Disability Management program. When provided with concrete numbers on the cost savings we generate the point became moot. While it may look like an expense, third party disability management providers, if they are doing what the programs are meant to do, should be considered an asset. ORGOC has a positive history of providing cost savings to its customers and will continue to seek means of increasing those savings in a concrete manner.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Companies will also be looking at downsizing, otherwise known as lay-offs. We've seen this in Eastern Canada already as well as some other regions. We believe that given the tenuous unemployment potential we'll see an increase in disability claims, both short and long term. As well insurers and employer's may be looking to provide vocational rehabilitation for individual's unable to return to their previous employment as the result of disability or unavailability. This being the case ORGOC's Vocational Rehabilitation, or Positive Transitions, division is gearing up for a busy and exciting 2009. We are able to provide employment preparation, transferable skills analysis, labor market information, work experience and employment search for our clients.

Mental Health/ Addictions

ORGOC is set to launch its new HEAD START program. This is a new stage one assessment and intervention program which will be launched January 19, 2009. More information will be forthcoming in the next newsletter and there is a brief description on the website under Mental Health, in the Vitality program description.

ORGOC is blending all of the mental health/psychological programs under the Vitality Initiative so you can look for that to be happening further in 2009

ORGOC staff would like to offer our sincere wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all our subscribers, customers, clients and friends. Be safe this New Years and for the coming year.