Equity Sharing
Effective December 31, 2001 CLCA members who have been purchasing their eligible insurance from one of Golden Oak’s endorsed programs have become fully vested in the Equity Sharing program. The ten most frequently asked questions and the answers are listed below.
Members who are corporations or partnerships must notify Golden Oak if the distribution of eligibility rights are to be assigned to one or more individuals. This can be done by utilizing one of the two forms on the next page, which should be reproduced on your company letterhead.
FAQ's
The main features and requirements of the Plan are summarized below:
Who is eligible?
Any regular member of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) who purchases their General Liability, Business Auto, Umbrella, Workers Compensation, and/or Personal Lines (Homeowner’s, Personal Auto, etc.) insurance through a program endorsed by Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation.
How is it calculated ?
Gross eligible premium paid by employer member divided by total premium (all eligible vested premium for qualified members) times eligible equity (GEP÷TEP x EE) = Equity Share.
When will a member be eligible ?
After 5 consecutive years of contributing eligible premium an employer member will be eligible to share in equity. Once a member reaches the 5-year milestone, then all ensuing eligible premiums count 100% toward their equity share, as well as the first four years of premium. Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation began January 1, 2000. For eligibility purposes the most recent prior three years (1997, 1998 & 1999) have been “grand-fathered”, and premiums paid by members during those years will count towards earning an equity share.
When can an “equity share" be taken ?
An equity share may be requested upon retirement from the landscape industry. Either by selling the business, retiring, death or otherwise alienating oneself from the industry. A person may not simply quit the insurance program or CLCA and by eligible for the “equity share”.
When is Equity Share Value calculated ?
Equity Shares Value is calculated on or about June 30th of the year following the qualifying year.
How is Equity Share Payout distributed ?
An Equity Share is paid out beginning six months after the calculation for payout and may, at the Board of Directors discretion, be paid over a three (3) year period.
Are there other Payout Restrictions ?
An Equity Share may only be paid to the member as identified on the rolls of CLCA and participating in the insurance programs that qualify the member. Should the member wish to assign the Equity Share rights to an individual other than the member a notarized statement must be sent to Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation notifying the Co-Op of this assignment.
What if an Equity Share is not claimed ?
Should an Equity Share not be claimed it would be held in reserve until it is claimed. The disadvantage of not claiming in the year of retirement is that the value of the share may be diluted as the total premium grows.
Which Policy Premiums count ?
General Liability, Business Auto, Umbrella, Workers Compensation, and/or Personal Lines (Homeowner’s, Personal Auto, etc.) insurance, (or any other programs to be added as Directors see fit), purchased through a program endorsed by Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation.
How is the Value of Net Assets determined ?
The value of net assets are determined by the Board of Directors who may at times solicit services of outside consultants. This determination will be the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.
Approaching retirement ?
Call Golden Oak for more information
