From ChamberChoice & Smart Business Pittsburgh
Benefits costs and employee expectations continue to rise. So, the expertise offered from your benefits broker is a critical consideration.
“Most employers struggle to maintain insurance coverage and a healthy financial bottom line. Historically brokers earned your business by representing the lowest price. But in today’s employee benefits landscape, you need experienced representation that delivers beyond the lowest price insurance plans. Premium and fee pricing differentiation represented by agents and brokers is largely marginal.
“Today, the balance between coverage and cost is achieved by differentiation in consultative services, supplemental benefits and complementary products and services,” says Dennis Spingola, vice president of operations at JRG Advisors.
Smart Business spoke with Spingola about getting the most from the employee benefits broker relationship.
What can a consultative broker offer?
A consultative broker can do much more than just place your coverage. A consultative broker is a partner who learns about your challenges and needs, and supports you with a variety of resources and services.
Serving in an advisory role, a consultative broker develops the customized multiyear strategic plan to achieve your objectives now and into the future. The plan may include streamlining HR operations, implementing wellness platforms, and accessing data to support plan designs and funding alternatives. Above all, a consultative broker is your partner, educational resource and champion of your initiatives and requirements.
What is an example of a results-driven strategy?
An alternative premium funding arrangement is a popular strategy that supports health risk management and wellness initiatives. A consultative broker will carefully consider the many options of funding to ensure there is a plan to meet long-term goals for the business, while minimizing disruption to the workforce.
The inclusive funding approach can lead to informed, engaged and healthier employees and family members. Not only does this curb the costs of health care, it can lead to less absenteeism due to illness, more productive employees and improved morale. The consultative broker can combine the funding arrangement that works for you with a wellness program that includes everything you need to implement, monitor and measure outcomes.
How might a consultative broker handle risk management and HR support?
Proper management of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and Affordable Care Act compliance requirements is of significant importance. The consultative broker will remove the burden of complicated mandates and mitigate the risk of costly fines associated with a Department of Labor audit. Education is paramount in this area, so timely bulletins explaining new and changing rules and regulations are key. Working with a consultative broker who makes available an ERISA attorney is another differentiator for peace of mind and reduced overall costs.
HR responsibilities and benefits administration can be daunting. HR professionals are asked to do more than ever before. A consultative broker provides access to employee newsletters and benefits announcements, as well as sample documents and expert advice for crafting policies, forms, benefits summary statements, handbooks and more. Providing technology for online 24/7 access to an array of resources, coupled with an employee self-serve benefits portal, is a game changer.
Employers are faced with a variety of issues when it comes to running a successful enterprise. Choose a benefits professional who is consultative and equipped to provide the range of solutions and creative strategy that solves your challenges and supports your business objectives.
Insights Employee Benefits is brought to you by JRG Advisors
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
A severance tax initiative that was introduced by the Wolf administration in February and is opposed by the PA Chamber was formally introduced as legislation last week. Gov. Tom Wolf’s office issued a press release touting H.B. 1585 and S.B. 725 as a way to pay for numerous community projects throughout the Commonwealth that address infrastructure, blight, environmental cleanup and more. However, the plan calls for $4.5 billion in immediate taxpayer-funded borrowing that would be paid back over decades through another punitive tax on the state’s natural gas industry – a move that could result in gas companies slowing their growth or reducing their presence in Pennsylvania, costing jobs and billions of dollars in economic opportunity.
Furthermore, the state’s existing impact tax has already generated $1.7 billion, which has been allocated toward the same types of projects that Restore PA would fund. Rather than Harrisburg lawmakers determining how the money is best spent, the impact tax is distributed at the county level and has helped to fund important community projects in all 67 counties.
The PA Chamber is now in its fifth year of leading a coalition of broad-based and diverse advocacy groups against an ill-advised tax on the state’s burgeoning natural gas industry. Through the website, www.StopNewEnergyTaxes.com, we are leading the charge to keep the existing impact tax structure in place and highlighting the voices of various business and community stakeholders who recognize what Pennsylvania stands to gain by encouraging the industry to remain competitive.
Legislative leaders are also not keen to the concept of a targeted tax on the natural gas industry, with Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre, telling Capitolwire last week that the issue will not be addressed as part of the budget negotiations this month and will likely be discussed in the fall while lawmakers consider alternative options to investing in the state’s infrastructure. “To me, this whole Restore PA thing is more about him [Wolf] getting a severance tax” than it is about infrastructure, Corman told the media outlet.
Corman also noted that the hotly discussed topic of whether to raise the minimum wage – another Wolf administration proposal that the PA Chamber stands opposed to for the negative impact it would have on the business community – will also very likely not be a part of the 2019-20 budget discussions
Every child deserves an equal opportunity to a quality educational foundation that will prepare them to grow, learn, and succeed.
Infant and toddler brains form and grow from the millions of neural connections made every second. At no other time will the brain develop with such speed or intricacy. In fact, all later learning, behavior, and health depend upon this time according to the Harvard Center on the Developing Child.
Today, more than 50% of children birth to age five in Pennsylvania are in the care of someone other than their parent for at least 10 hours per week. While a child’s parent is their first and most important caregiver, it is essential that their family has access to an affordable, high-quality child care program. In Columbia and Montour counties, only 16% (197) of eligible children under the age of five are being served by the Commonwealth’s child care subsidy program. And less than eight percent of those children are enrolled in high quality child care programs.
Inadequate child care costs the Commonwealth $2.5 billion annually in lost earnings for both families and businesses and lost tax revenue to local and state governments according to a report released in April by the PA Early Learning and Investment Commission and Ready Nation PA.
With increased access to affordable, high quality programs, we can ensure the healthy development of our youngest citizens and give their parents peace of mind while they are contributing to the economy with gainful employment.
It’s time to act – 77% of Commonwealth residents support increased funding for child care programs, while 82% believe the government needs to do more to make high-quality programs affordable for families. We urge our legislators to invest $50 million additional state dollars in high-quality child care so every child in Pennsylvania can “start strong”. Additionally, our legislators can also support Governor Tom Wolf’s budget proposal to use federal funds to increase capacity. By doing so, an additional 1,000 infants and toddlers will access high-quality child care programs.
The United Way of Columbia and Montour County Early Learning Investment Committee
Tammy Benscoter, First Columbia Bank & Trust
Jeffrey Emanuel, Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber
Fred Gaffney, Columbia Montour Chamber
Bryne Lewis, SEKISUI SPI
Adrienne Mael, United Way of Columbia and Montour County
Holly Morrison, Central Susquehanna Community Foundation
Candy Ryan, Bloomsburg University
Diana Verbeck, Danville Child Development Center
Cassie Weaver, Columbia Child Development Program
More than 400 businesses and organizations belong to the Chamber to receive benefits and support efforts to strengthen their businesses and our region. Increased membership allows us to offer additional programs and benefits, have a stronger voice in advocacy and be involved in more activities and initiatives in our communities. The Chamber welcomes its newest member, Walmart, to help us fulfill our mission.
Previously a member that the Chamber is excited to welcome back, Walmart is the largest retailer and employer in the United States, and the largest retailer in the world as well. It is also one of the largest employers (#8 as of 4Q 2018) in Columbia County. The Bloomsburg Walmart Supercenter is located at 100 Lunger Dr., just off the Buckhorn exit off I-80, and is open 24 hours. On Tuesday, June 25, it will begin offering online grocery shopping with free grocery pickup. Additionally, there are currently a limited number of coupons at the Chamber office for discounts on this new service. The Chamber will also be on hand for a ribbon cutting to mark the launch of this service at the Bloomsburg store on Tuesday, June 25 at 8 a.m. Walmart’s Bloomsburg Supercenter can be reached at 570-389-5750, or visit its website or Facebook page.
- Local motorists are advised that Norfolk Southern Railroad Co., plans to replace the railroad crossing on Route 54 (Elysburg Road) just off the Danville-Riverside bridge in Riverside Borough. The crossing replacement is scheduled to start this Friday, June 14, at 9 a.m. Work includes removing existing concrete panels to inspect the track, and repaving. A detour will be in effect for all eastbound Route 54 traffic using Route 11, Route 42 and Route 487. Westbound Route 54 car traffic will use Third Street, Chestnut Street and South D&H Avenue. Westbound trucks will use Route 487, Route 42 and Route 11. Motorists should consider taking alternate routes, as heavy congestion and slow-moving traffic is expected in and around Riverside Borough. Work is expected to be completed by 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 18.
- The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation held its annual Berwick Area Appreciation Luncheon on May 31 at Rolling Pines Golf Course.
Event speakers, pictured above: Back row L to R: Dave Kovach, Columbia County commissioner and Stuart Tank Memorial Association Fund representative; Kara G. Seesholtz, CSCF chief advancement officer; Samantha Dyer, Patrick J. Mattucci Memorial Scholarship Fund and Berwick Health and Wellness Fund scholarship recipient; Holly Morrison, D.Ed., CSCF president and CEO; Amanda Stutzman, Berwick Health and Wellness Fund Advisory Committee member. Front row L to R: Tom McLaughlin, Stuart Tank Memorial Association Fund representative; Ferne Krothe, Dale and Ferne Soberick Krothe Fund and Dale A. and Ferne S. Krothe—Veterans Scholarship Fund representative and former Foundation board member; Laura Knorr, Berwick Theatre and Center for Community Arts executive director; Adrienne Mael, United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties president and CEO; Jim Mattucci, Patrick J. Mattucci Memorial Scholarship Fund representative.
The event celebrated the 20 years of work the Foundation has done in the Berwick community, and highlighted the many ways donors, fund holders, nonprofit organizations and local residents have contributed to the Foundation’s impact.
- Service 1st Federal Credit Union recently opened its 12th branch location in Elysburg, and beginning next Monday, June 17 and continuing through Saturday, June 29, they will be hosting a Grand Opening Celebration during regular business hours. Individuals are invited to stop by to enjoy refreshments and a chance to win great prizes. Additionally, on Wednesday, June 19, there will an official ribbon cutting ceremony at the Elysburg branch at 11 a.m. Service 1st’s Elysburg branch is open Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Later this year, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, the Elysburg branch will also host a Chamber Business After Hours.
- The Ronald McDonald House of Danville invites all to join them in celebration of 38 years of service with a “Luau Party” on its patio on Monday, June 24, from 4-7 p.m. There will be a special guest appearance from Boomer, the Williamsport Crosscutters’ mascot, from 5-6 p.m. The Pine Barn Inn will be among the organizations on site with prizes and food samples for guests. Guests are also welcome to donate any gift cards for RMHD guests. Donations can be brought to this event, or dropped off prior in a special donation container at the Chamber office. For information, visit the Facebook event page. To register for this event, contact Ginnetta Reed by email or at 570-271-7937.
- The Children’s Museum will host Families with Special Needs Night on Friday, June 28, from 6-8 p.m. at the museum located at 2 West 7th St., Bloomsburg. This evening is specially for families with special needs individuals and features a reduced number of visitors, space and freedom to explore at your own pace, adapted exhibits, a quiet area, fun craft and sensory activities and an opportunity to network with other families. This quarterly event is free to all families with special needs members.
- The Bucknell University Small Business Development Center will hold its annual Celebration of Small Business breakfast on Friday, July 26 at 8 a.m. This annual event celebrates entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial leaders and also features awards. There is no cost to attend. Register online or call 570-577-1249.
- The Regional Impact Fund of the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation recently announced its second competitive grantround of $50K for projects that address current areas of unmet needs throughout the CSCF’s service area, which includes Columbia and Montour Counties. This year’s grantround will consist of an exciting new application process and opportunity for the public to get involved. Interested nonprofits will first submit a Letter of Inquiry introducing their organization, needs, service area, and budgetary request. Those proposals selected by the CSCF Grants Committee will then be invited to submit a full application and participate in The Nonprofit Narrative on Monday, July 29, at 8:30 a.m. at the Danville Area High School auditorium. The Nonprofit Narrative is a platform for these groups to share their grant requests and stories of regional impact—the joys, challenges, dreams and requests each face as they serve our neighbors, communities, and region at large. For more information on the Regional Impact Fund, competitive grantround or The Nonprofit Narrative, visit csgiving.org/rif.
The Chamber’s annual golf tournament and inaugural Spring Social were held on May 30 at Rolling Pines Golf Course & Banquet Facility, and once again, the Chamber would like to extend a big thank you to all of the sponsors, tournament participants, social attendees, volunteers and those that donated prizes for their valuable contributions and support of this event. It is the continued support of these organizations and individuals that helps the Chamber fulfill its mission of offering programs and benefits to its members, giving its members a stronger voice in advocacy and being involved in more activities and initiatives in our communities.
Thank you to the following sponsors:
Event Sponsor
Williams
Social Sponsor
Roto-Rooter
Beverage Sponsor
Atlantic Broadband
Lunch Sponsor
Commonwealth Health – Berwick Hospital Center
Hors D’oeuvre Sponsor
Geisinger
GordnerCoombs Insurance
Lucy’s Craft Catering
Hole Sponsors
A. Pickett Construction/Pickett Facilities Maintenance
Berwick Dental Arts, Inc.
Bodnar Sales & Service
Farmhouse at Turkey Hill
First Columbia Bank & Trust
First Keystone Community Bank
Hutchison Insurance
Inn at Turkey Hill
Ken Pollock Ford Lincoln
North Shore Railroad
PenTeleData
Pine Barn Inn
Press Enterprise
Safelite Auto Glass
Service 1st Federal Credit Union
Service Electric Cablevision
Steph’s Subs
Traditional Home Health Care
Turkey Hill Brewing Co.
Tulpehocken Mountain Spring Water
Walker’s Jewelers
Zimmer Insurance
Hole-in-One Sponsor
Alexander Family Buick GMC Truck
Silent Auction/Prize Sponsors
CSS Industries
Central Susquehanna Community Foundation
Dixon Golf
First Keystone Community Bank
Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital
GordnerCoombs Insurance
Hutchison Insurance
Inn, Farmhouse & Brewery at Turkey Hill
Quaker Steak & Lube
Ronald McDonald House of Danville
Steph’s Subs
Additionally, the Chamber would like to thank the staff at Rolling Pines and Lucy’s Craft Catering for their efforts in putting on the event, especially with the event being moved up to earlier in the day just 24 hours prior due to the weather forecast. Finally, thanks to the volunteers who took time out of their day to help out with the many duties associated with running a golf tournament: Ginnie Kocher of First Columbia, Lisa Makara of Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, Jamie Shrawder of Providence Engineering Corp., and Melanie Zeigler of Atlantic Broadband.
From Penn State World Campus
Note: Employees of all Columbia Montour Chamber members, their spouses and dependents are eligible for a 5% discount on tuition through the PSU World Campus.
In today’s business world, marketers have an abundance of data at their disposal. However, they can struggle to analyze this volume of information and maximize the data to their companies’ benefit.
A new master’s in marketing from Penn State can help with that challenge.
Penn State is accepting applications for the new master’s degree in marketing analytics and insights that can help marketers leverage data to drive successful business decisions. The degree is being offered exclusively online through Penn State World Campus and led by the internationally ranked Penn State Smeal College of Business.
“A lot of this data is flowing in toward the marketing group, about customers and prospects. The biggest skill gap currently for marketers is how to actually handle and analyze the data to make better decisions on what you get out of it,” said J. Andrew Petersen, associate professor of marketing at Smeal and the director of the new program. “This degree was designed to address that skill gap in the market.”
Petersen said marketers traditionally have relied on their past experiences and intuition to drive their decision making. In the era of big data, though, marketers can more accurately quantify the value they’re going to generate.
“What we’re teaching is how to turn a marketing or sales question into something that leads into what data you should look at and what tools you should use,” Petersen said. “You want to be able to go back to your business to say here’s the decision I want to make and quantify what needs to happen.”
Petersen said the 30-credit degree program is comprehensive, covering topics including but not limited to digital marketing analytics, customer analytics and brand analytics.
The curriculum includes eight required courses within the field of marketing analytics, such as driving business success using marketing analytics, customer acquisition and retention, and data visualization and integration. Other required courses are in ethical leadership and marketing in a global environment.
Students will choose two electives to complete the degree from courses in business analytics, supply chain management, corporate innovation, strategic management and more.
Students who complete the core marketing analytics courses can also earn the 12-credit graduate certificate in marketing analytics, which can serve as an additional credential for those marketers looking to advance their careers.
The degree is being offered by the Smeal College’s Marketing Department, which consistently ranks among the top 20 worldwide in research productivity in marketing, according to the University of Texas at Dallas Top 100 Business School Research Rankings.
“Students have the opportunity to learn from leading faculty in this field,” said Shubha Kashyap, director of academic affairs for World Campus. “We are pleased to offer this graduate marketing degree online to serve our working professional students who want to expand their education and skills.”
Visit the Penn State World Campus website for more information about the new master’s in marketing analytics and insights.
From ChamberChoice
The cost of childcare is a growing burden on families across the country, but employers can address this cost to some extent by making a Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) available to employees as a benefit funded through pre-tax salary deductions through a cafeteria plan. DCAPs are also sometimes referred to as dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligible expenses for reimbursement through a DCAP include any amounts the employee pays for the “care” of dependents. These expenses may include day-care fees and amounts paid to in-home care providers. The DCAP can reimburse these expenses provided that the employee and spouse (as applicable) are gainfully employed – a DCAP may not be used to pay a spouse who provides childcare to his or her own children.
DCAPs funded through pre-tax payroll deductions must follow the requirements in the Internal Revenue Code Section 125 for cafeteria plans. Since they are generally not considered group health plans, they are not subject to HIPAA, ACA, and COBRA. Also, DCAPs that reimburse employees for their dependent care costs are not required to follow ERISA. For example, these benefits do not have to be listed or mentioned in the ERISA Wrap Plan Document, Wrap Summary Plan Description, or reported on the group’s Form 5500. Additionally, an employee participating in a DCAP benefit may also make contributions to a health savings account.
Employers who sponsor DCAPs or who are considering adding one to their existing employee benefit package will need to comply with the nondiscrimination requirements applicable to cafeteria plans and to DCAPs specifically. An employer needs to assure that the benefit is not discriminatory in favor of key employees and/or highly compensated employees. Discrimination generally will not jeopardize the overall tax-favored status of the plan; although egregious violations might cause a plan to be “disqualified”. In most cases, discrimination problems usually cause only the value of plan benefits to become taxable income to the affected key employee or highly compensated employee. There are generally three nondiscrimination requirements the plan must meet. Annual nondiscrimination testing can help to identify and remedy discrimination issues before they result in adverse tax consequences.
This article gives a basic overview of recent regulation as in effect on the date of the article. Please be aware that the determination of the requirements and the application of these rules to each employer may differ due to a number of variables. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice.
The Arconic Foundation and Kawneer have partnered with the SME Education Foundation to make available education opportunities for students of Central Columbia High School, in a collaboration formed through the Foundation’s Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education (PRIME) schools initiative.
SME PRIME schools directly address the manufacturing and engineering talent shortage by partnering with industry to inform and provide modern equipment, tailored curriculum and hands-on training to high schools across the country. The national program provides students with practical experience, knowledge and skills using state-of-the-art technology and equipment, while allowing companies to support the career direction of youth through mentoring, internships and job shadowing. Central students have already received certification in precision measurement through the donation of Starrett tools. The most recent training tool for students is a FANUC robotic arm, which was recently set up at the school.
At an event to talk about the partnership on June 5t, Axel Heinrich, plant manager at Kawneer’s Bloomsburg facility, expressed optimism for the future of manufacturing in America. This program helps young people understand that modern manufacturing is a collaborative and creative environment, not dirty and repetitious. “After 27 years in manufacturing, I still get excited,” said Heinrich.
Other area manufacturers represented at the event included Bloomsburg Carpet, CSS Industries, Girton Manufacturing, and SEKISUI SPI.
“The launch of this partnership marks our continued commitment to preparing students for future opportunity in manufacturing,” said Harry Mathias, superintendent of the Central Columbia School District. “The support we’ve received from our business community and local leaders has been phenomenal, and we’re encouraged by this partnership to help our talented students thrive.” Since 2011, SME PRIME schools have reached more than 50,000 students in 47 communities across 22 states. 84% of graduating SME PRIME students intend to pursue careers in manufacturing, and 60% of those students planned to pursue postsecondary education in a field directly related to manufacturing.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
The 2018-19 fiscal year is rapidly coming to a close. With four weeks to go before the June 30 Constitutional budget deadline, legislative leaders and the Wolf administration continue to emphasize finding common ground on the spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, with both sides of the aisle expressing optimism that a final agreement will be reached on or before the constitutional deadline of June 30.
Compared to previous years, current budget negotiations have been relatively smooth, mostly due to several months of larger than anticipated revenue collections. In a revenue update briefing at the end of May, the state’s Independent Fiscal Office estimated that the Commonwealth will collect more than $860 million in revenue above what was originally projected. This increase in revenue is largely thanks to the corporate tax and sales tax, both of which have performed well throughout the year. (It’s important to note that much of the unexpected revenue has already been spent via a $500 supplemental appropriation request from Gov. Wolf to cover Medicaid costs and $200 million related to a proposed fund transfer that has been denied by the courts).
This positive fiscal news is being touted by both the governor and legislative leaders. The parties at the negotiating table seem to be in agreement that any additional revenue should go to the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help Pennsylvania withstand any future economic downturns. This pragmatic approach falls in line with warnings from the IFO that while the state is projected to see further growth in real GDP, jobs and private sector profits in the coming year, the Commonwealth is unlikely to see significant revenue surpluses as was the case this year. The PA Chamber is advocating for elected officials to enact pro-growth policies that will help to build upon this positive momentum and put the Commonwealth on a firmer fiscal footing. We are strongly urging lawmakers to take a page out of the federal government’s handbook and bring some much needed reforms and clarity to the state’s Tax Code, as well as supporting changes to the Commonwealth’s regulatory and legal climates. As elected officials discuss the state’s long-term fiscal outlook, we are reminding them that a thriving private sector is the driving force of a strong economy.
We are also continuing to monitor proposals that would impose a mandated wage hike on employers. We have cautioned lawmakers that numerous studies have found that such policies lead to a negative impact on jobs and that small businesses face the biggest hurdles when complying with government mandated wage increases. According to a recent IFO analysis, increasing the minimum wage to $12 an hour – as has been pushed by Gov. Wolf and certain elected officials – could lead to the loss of 34,000 jobs throughout the state.
With legislators scheduled to return to session this week, the timing is perfect for the 2019 Chamber Day at the Capitol, which took place June 4. We are proud to have joined our partners at the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals to host this annual event, which featured a dynamic day of thoughtful discussion with more than 90 state and local chamber representatives from around the Commonwealth. The program featured several panel discussions focusing on a wide range of topics, including workforce development; transportation and infrastructure in the Commonwealth; and community revitalization; as well as a budget update from the four appropriations chairs and a keynote lunch address by state Treasurer Joe Torsella.