Background – The Think Tank is a small group of employee health management (EHM) experts who interact regularly to exchange ideas, expertise, and recommendations in order to solve problems and react to opportunities.  The intent is to create and disseminate reliable EHM national policy, strategy, leadership, and infrastructure. 
 
The Membership – The Think Tank is employer driven.  Joining the employers are selected health-benefits consultants, major universities, health care providers/plans, and EHM/disease management providers.  The Think Tank membership is small by design.  A limited number of members is necessary in order to create high levels of candor, confidence, and respect across the entire Think Tank membership.  The end result is an environment where well informed and experienced corporate and provider thought leaders can interact, agree to disagree, then identify areas of consensus that advance the Think Tank mission.  To review the Think Tank members and the individuals who represent these organizations, click on the Members List link. 
 
Think Tank Operations - The Think Tank facilitates two meetings per year:  A one and one half day meeting in February and a dinner meeting in conjunction with the HERO Forum.  Often, discussion develops along these lines: 1). identification of the most pressing EHM needs and opportunities, 2). determination of specific projects the Think Tank can develop that advance the mission, and 3). prioritization and activation of specific projects.  These efforts are developed through the Think Tank Innovation, Education, Research, and Membership Committees.  Each Think Tank member has the opportunity to serve on one or more of these committees.
 
HERO Accomplishments - In a little over four years, the Think Tank has developed and successfully launched the following highly recognized projects:

• The HERO Think Tank

• The HERO Forum for Employee Health Management Solutions

• The HERO Best Practice Scorecard in Collaboration with Mercer

All of these projects were created, designed, and operated by the Think Tank members.
 
HERO Member Benefits - Being a member of the Think Tank is not for everyone.  Membership is for those who want to have a hands-on, major role in the creation and dissemination of national EHM policy, strategy, leadership, and infrastructure.

• Membership allows your organization and you to be at the epicenter of a dynamic evolutionary process that enhances the sophistication and credibility of EHM.

• Network with and get to know the Think Tank members who are recognized EHM corporate and provider executives and thought leaders.

• With any effort, there are leaders and followers.  As a member of the Think Tank you are part of the leadership group that is rapidly moving EHM forward to new levels of acceptance and accountability.

In summary, Think Tank membership is an unusual opportunity for professional development that directly impacts your knowledge and skills as an EHM professional.
 
Become a Member - For more information on membership, click on the Become a Member link. You may also call 205.969.2680, or email info@the-hero.org
 
Pictured is the February 2009 Think Tank members meeting.  You are invited to become a Think Tank member and be part of the next meeting, which will be in February, 2010.  We look forward to seeing you there.