Need to communicate persists; Benefit programs require constant effort to inform employees.(Brief Article)

SAN FRANCISCO-Operating an effective benefit communication process is like painting the Golden Gate Bridge, says a plan administrator: ``It just never ends. Once you finish, you've got to start all over again.''

Bonnie L. Maraia, administrator of the Pasadena, Calif.-based Airconditoning & Refrigeration Industry Joint Trust Funds, discussed her organization's communications program during a session at the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans' 47th annual employee benefits conference earlier this month.

Benefit plans currently are offering more choice, which makes them more difficult to communicate, said Ms. Maraia, who also moderated the session.

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