“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”
– Thomas Jefferson
The quote unravels the vitality of self-awareness. By being honest about who we are and owning our strengths, weaknesses, and areas that need improvement we open the doors to exponential growth. Jefferson’s words remind us that wisdom begins with self-reflection and the courage to face our own truths, ultimately guiding us toward becoming wiser individuals.
It’s that time of the year again when I reach out to you all with reflections on everything we’ve accomplished together and express my deepest gratitude to the amazing people who make Edcor what it is—our incredible employees, partners and our supportive Clients. This year has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with achievements, milestones, and plenty of hard work, and I couldn’t be prouder of the journey we’ve shared.
One of the many highlights of 2024 has been the recognition we’ve received for the work we’re so passionate about. Being honored with the BenefitsPRO 2024 Luminaries Award was truly special. It’s not just an award; it’s a celebration of how we’re transforming the benefits industry and staying true to our mission to make it more human and connected. Adding to the gusto was the CX Leaders Awards 2024, where we were named a finalist in the “Team of the Year” category. This recognition for our customer experience team speaks volumes about the kind of people we have at Edcor—dedicated, empathetic, and always ready to go the extra mile for our Clients and their employees.
At Edcor, I’ve always believed in leading with heart, even as we embrace cutting-edge technology. In a world where AI chatbots are becoming the norm, we use technology to make our services more efficient, but we don’t believe it should replace the human touch. Our fully staffed contact center is proof of that belief. When Clients and end-users reach out, they meet real people who listen, empathize, and offer guidance. I believe this isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. I personally feel that there are moments when a chatbot simply can’t capture the nuance or the emotion of what someone’s going through. That’s where our incredible customer service team steps in, supported by the latest technology to enhance—not replace—their work.
Nonetheless, looking ahead, it’s clear that AI will continue to reshape the way we work. Studies show that up to 50% of work tasks could be automated by 2060, and we’re already seeing this shift. Our Critical Pathways programs are designed to prepare your employees for the jobs of the future, with courses in fast-changing fields of information technology like cybersecurity, data analytics, and machine learning. We’ve partnered with regionally and nationally accredited institutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for learners, and we’re here to guide them every step of the way.
However, we haven’t stopped at just offering programs. We’ve played a consultative role for our Clients, helping them design education benefit strategies that are tailored to their workforce needs. We believe in a “holistic” approach—one that combines tuition assistance, student loan repayment support, and scholarships to create a benefits package that truly resonates with employees at every stage of their careers. Education benefits have always been a smart investment, with high ROI for employers and life-changing potential for employees. It’s not just about recruitment and retention, but also about engagement, growth, and creating opportunities for people to thrive. It’s our way of giving value.
Like all other years, it’s the time of the year when we’re in the Busy Season at Edcor and also the Season of Giving. We deeply believe in community service and contributing to organizations locally. This year too we supported local charities like the Daisy Project for families with special needs, Michigan Animal Rescue League, Food Drive at Gleaners, Lake Orion Musical Band, Regina Catholic High School, and more. We encourage our employees to volunteer through our volunteering time off benefit, and we’ve tried to embody the spirit of giving. Every act of kindness adds up, and I’m so proud of how our team has embraced this philosophy.
As we wrap up 2024, I want to say thank you—to every Edcor employee who brings their passion and dedication to work every day, and to every Client who trusts us to support their people. Together, we’ve built something truly special.
Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy and a new year full of possibilities. Let’s continue to dream big, push boundaries, and make a difference—together.
Think Edcor. Think Possible!
Adrienne Way, CEO, Edcor
Edcor is a woman-owned business and is the benchmark in education benefits administration. For 40+ years, our customized service and solutions have allowed Fortune 1000 Clients to use education benefits programs for employee recruiting, retention, and development. Please feel free to reach out to us!