The Town of Thorsby was awarded the Gold Risk Management Award at the annual Convention of the Alabama League of Municipalities in Huntsville on Monday, May 2.

Approximately 740 public entities participated in one or both of the Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) sponsored insurance programs, which are the Municipal Workers Compensation Fund (MWCF) and the Alabama Insurance Corporation (AMIC).

The board of directors of both insurance programs approved the establishment of a Risk Management Award system in 2002. The award system recognizes those members who have instated risk management and loss control activities in effort an to reduce their loss ratio.

“We received the bronze award last year, which is 20-40 percent,” said Mayor Dearl Hilyer. “Our loss ratio was below 5 percent last year for having insurance claims.”

Risk management and loss control activities not only benefit the member’s loss ratio but also the overall success of the League sponsored insurance programs.

Through the efforts of the Town of Thorsby, employee, property and liability losses are being minimized; and — most important— employees and citizens are reaping the rewards of a safer workplace and community.

Recipients of the President’s Risk Management Award, which included the top 5 percent of those members with minimal losses for a five–year period, received a specially designed memento.

Three additional levels of achievement – gold, silver and bronze were also recognized.

Recipients in these categories receive a plaque for the first year they are acknowledged and then a plate to be attached to the plaque for subsequent years.

The gold, silver and bronze levels were for loss ratios of below 5 percent, 5 to 20 percent and 20 to 40 percent, respectively.

The Alabama League of Municipalities was organized in 1935 and has served since that time as the recognized voice of the cities and towns in Alabama.

Through the years, the organization has steadily grown and now serves 442 municipalities.

This voluntary membership brings officials of cities and towns together in fellowship of public service – which strengthens and guides local government in a progressive, responsible fashion.

The primary purpose of the Alabama League of Municipalities is to promote understanding of municipal government and administration and thereby advance the welfare of the people of this state.