Barkley Risk Management strengthens our agriculture vertical and helps us expand our presence into coastal California.

DEERFIELD, Ill. (PRWEB)
April 21, 2020

Alera Group, a national employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement services and wealth management firm, announced today that it has acquired Barkley Risk Management & Insurance (Barkley), effective April 1, 2020.

Founded in 2000, the Barkley team serves clients throughout California and the surrounding region, providing safety and risk management, claims management, business and insurance risk and more. The firm has unique risk expertise in the agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality and entertainment industries.

“Barkley Risk Management is a strong addition to Alera Group, and we are excited to welcome them as the latest addition our growing firm,” said Alan Levitz, CEO of Alera Group. “The firm, built by Al and Griff Barkley, strengthens our agriculture vertical and helps us expand our presence into coastal California.”

“We are excited to join Alera Group, and look forward to the powerful impact of national resources, expertise and partnership,” said Griffin Barkley, President of Barkley Risk Management & Insurance. “Barkley Risk Management is committed to active partnership with every client, designing comprehensive, innovative solutions for their unique needs. As an Alera Group company, we’ll be able to do that more than ever before.”

The Barkley team will continue serving clients in their existing roles. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Alera Group

Based in Deerfield, IL, Alera Group’s over 2,000 employees serve thousands of clients nationally in employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement services and wealth management. Alera Group is the 15th largest privately held firm in the country. For more information, visit http://www.aleragroup.com or follow Alera Group on Twitter: @AleraGroupUS.

M&A Contact

Rob Lieblein, Chief Development Officer

Email: rob.lieblein@aleragroup.com

Phone: 717-329-2451

Share article on social media or email:

“We have found that TIA Advisors values and principals align with our vision and we are delighted to form our new partnership. We welcome the clients and staff to AssuredPartners,” stated AssuredPartners President and COO Tom Riley.

LAKE MARY, Fla. (PRWEB)
April 21, 2020

AssuredPartners, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Transportation Insurance Advisors, LLC located in Sanford, FL. The team of 55 will remain under the operational leadership of Scott Light, in addition, the agency currently reports $14 million in annualized revenues.

“Transportation Insurance Advisors (TIA Advisors) is more than an insurance provider, we are a business advisor who guides trucking companies all over the nation in sound business decisions. We give clients a road map that takes their businesses down the path of success,” stated Scott Light. “Our partnership with AssuredPartners will allow us to continue to deliver the highest level of service with the best solutions our clients expect from us.”

AssuredPartners Regional President Jack Suber stated, “Having TIA Advisors join AssuredPartners is a fantastic fit for our National Trucking Practice. TIA Advisors will be a great asset to our continued growth. This group of specialized brokers is fully dedicated to the trucking industry and has developed strong business connections with the best carriers in the country.”

“At AssuredPartners we’re not just in the insurance business, we are in the business of developing strong, lasting relationships. We have found that TIA Advisors values and principals align with our vision and we are delighted to form our new partnership,” stated AssuredPartners President and COO Tom Riley. “We welcome the clients and staff to AssuredPartners.”

For more information on Transportation Insurance Advisors, LLC, please visit: tiadvisors.net

ABOUT ASSUREDPARTNERS, INC

Headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida and led by Jim Henderson and Tom Riley, AssuredPartners, Inc. acquires and invests in insurance brokerage businesses (property and casualty, employee benefits, surety and MGU’s) across the United States and in London. From its founding in March of 2011, AssuredPartners has grown to over $1.5 billion in annualized revenue and continues to be one of the fastest growing insurance brokerage firms in the United States with over 180 offices in 30 states and London. For more information, please contact Dean Curtis, CFO, at 407.708.0031 or dean.curtis@assuredpartners.com, or visit http://www.assuredpartners.com.

Share article on social media or email:

Winners of the 2020 Spring Create Real Impact Contest have been announced.

We continue to support this important initiative because it saves lives.

SAN MATEO, Calif. (PRWEB)
April 21, 2020

Students and schools across the country have won $12,500 in educational grants through the 2020 Spring Create Real Impact Contest, sponsored by Impact Teen Drivers and California Casualty.

The Create Real Impact Contest gives enrolled students, ages 14 to 22, the opportunity to win prizes for their original works showcasing creative solutions for preventing reckless and distracted driving.

Almost 2,000 submissions were received. Prizes are awarded by a panel of qualified judges based on the following weighted criteria: 25% concept/creativity; 25% execution of the idea; 50% effectiveness of the message emphasizing solution(s).

The following students will receive $1,500 grand prize educational grants for their entries:

• 
  Raul H., Sacramento, CA, in the video category for the work titled, “The Road Aint No Game”
• Margarita R., Pomona, CA, in the graphic design category for the poster “Distracted Driving Kills”
• Everen G., San Diego, CA, in the music category for “Fractures”
• Hallah H., Salem, OR, in the creative writing category for the piece “Constant Distraction
• Porter C., Provo, UT, in the Spanish language category for the video “Nuestra Responsabilidad”

Their entries can be seen by visiting the Create Real Impact homepage at http://www.createrealimpact.com.

A $1,000 grant was given to schools with the most student entries: Liberty High School in Hillsboro, OR; Village Academy High School in Pomona, CA; and West Campus High School in Sacramento, CA.

Three Liberty High School (LHS) health teachers taught 12 classes, training every sophomore at LHS with the Impact Teen Drivers lessons. This is the third award Liberty High School students have won for their school by entering the Create Real Impact contest.

When told about the $1,000 Create Real Impact award to Hillsboro’s Liberty High School, Health Teacher Laurie Jenkins who coordinated the training, said, “Thank you for the wonderful news! It’s been a “trying” few days with our staff taking the crash courses in online learning platforms…the news just gave me the chills.”

The winning entries can be viewed at http://www.createrealimpact.com.

“The objective of the Create Real Impact Contest is to allow young people to engage, educate and empower their peers with strategies to stop the number one killer of teens – car crashes – particularly those caused by reckless and distracted driving,” said Kelly Browning, Ph.D., Executive Director, Impact Teen Drivers.

Impact Teen Drivers has reached more than two million teens since 2007 and the Create Real Impact contest began in 2009. California Casualty is a founding partner of the nonprofit and continues to provide support for the contest.

“The importance of this contest can’t be overstated,” said California Casualty Chairman Beau Brown. “While insurance can replace a mangled vehicle, we can’t replace a teenager’s life. In a split second, everything for that family changes forever; it’s a terrible tragedy that no one should endure.”

The 2020 Fall Create Real Impact contest will kick off in August. Fall entries will be taken at http://www.createrealimpact.com. For more information on how to get schools and students involved, please contact info@impactteendrivers.org.

Founded in 1914, California Casualty provides auto and home insurance to educators, firefighters, law enforcement and nurses across the country. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, with Service Centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas, California Casualty has been led by four generations of the Brown family. To learn more about California Casualty, or to request an auto insurance quote, please visit http://www.calcas.com or call 1.800.800.9410.

Share article on social media or email:

With outstanding national collaboration throughout the Alera Group organization, Cambridge will continue to provide exceptional client experience and even greater resources for industry-leading solutions.

DEERFIELD, Ill. (PRWEB)
April 20, 2020

Alera Group, a national employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement services and wealth management firm, announced today that it has acquired Cambridge Benefit Solutions, effective April 1, 2020.

Cambridge Benefit Solutions, located in Chandler, Arizona, was founded in 1998 by current president Don Fechter. Since the beginning, the firm’s mission has been to provide businesses throughout Arizona and the surrounding states with innovative, valuable benefit offerings. Through local partnerships and decades of industry expertise, the firm brings unique expertise and cost-cutting strategies to their clients.

“We are excited to have Cambridge Benefit Solutions join Alera Group and our local firm, Benefit Commerce Group in Scottsdale,” said Alan Levitz, CEO of Alera Group. “Don and Scott have known each other for many years. I believe their long standing relationship will make for a rapid and seamless integration.”

“As an Alera Group firm, we’ll be able to offer our clients more than ever before,” said Don Fechter, President of Cambridge Benefit Solutions. “The strength of national resources and power of local relationships will allow us to grow as an organization as we continue to serve our clients with excellence.”

“We are pleased to bring Cambridge Benefit Solutions into Alera Group,” said Scott Wood, Managing Partner and Principal of Benefit Commerce Group. “As Alera Group expands, we look for like-minded, quality benefits firms to join our ranks. With outstanding national collaboration throughout the Alera Group organization, Cambridge will continue to provide exceptional client experience and even greater resources for industry-leading solutions.”

Cambridge Benefit Solutions joins Alera Group through Benefit Commerce Group. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Alera Group

Based in Deerfield, IL, Alera Group’s over 2,000 employees serve thousands of clients nationally in employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement services and wealth management. Alera Group is the 15th largest privately held firm in the country. For more information, visit http://www.aleragroup.com or follow Alera Group on Twitter: @AleraGroupUS.

M&A Contact

Rob Lieblein, Chief Development Officer

Email: rob.lieblein@aleragroup.com

Phone: 717-329-2451

Share article on social media or email:

California Casualty Music and Arts Grant

We are proud to help provide more creative opportunities for students and schools.

SAN MATEO, Calif. (PRWEB)
April 20, 2020

California Casualty continues to inspire public school creativity with its 2020 Music and Arts Grant program. K-12 administrators, instructors and educational support professionals with a financial need for their performance, artistic, or classroom program can apply at http://www.calcasmusicartsgrant.com.

The benefits of artistic opportunities in schools are plentiful. Involvement in music and art instills confidence, improves students’ academic achievement and enhances social skills. Unfortunately, arts education is often the first area jolted by school budget cuts.

California Casualty understands the value of creative projects in schools and the challenge of securing funding for such programs. The grant aids choir, band, dance, film, theater, computer arts and graphics or any K-12 curriculum that employs art for learning. California Casualty’s 2020 Music and Arts Program entry deadline is June 30, 2020, with grants awarded in September.

“The importance of arts education can’t be overstated,” said California Casualty AVP Brian Goodman. “We are proud that we can help teachers provide more creative opportunities for students and schools.”

California Casualty wants to make sure as many students as possible get a chance to learn music, act in a school play, or hone their artistic talents, by providing $250 for worthy projects.

Last year, public schools in 31 states shared $35,000, which went to:

• Purchasing adaptive instruments for students with special needs
• Providing recorders for music class students
• Buying a camera and photo equipment to allow more students to participate in a photography class
• Supplying costumes and other necessities for dance theater

What is your need? Educators at public K-12 schools can apply for a $250 Music and Arts Grant at http://www.calcasmusicartsgrant.com. Applicants must be a current member of the state NEA affiliate or one of the other participating educator associations including ACSA, CASE, COSA, KASA, NASA or UASSP.

Founded in 1914, California Casualty has been providing educators trusted auto and home insurance since 1951. As the endorsed benefit partner for educator and administrator groups across the country, California Casualty offers members exceptional rates, waived deductibles for vandalism or collisions to your vehicle parked at school, holiday or summer skip payment options and free Identity Theft resolution. Learn how to save by getting a quote at http://www.calcas.com, or by calling 1.800.800.9410.

Share article on social media or email:

Everest Group

“[S]ome leading TPAs have showed signs of change, making intensified digital investments in more new-age partners and technologies, such as the use of IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, predictive image analytics, telematics and predictive modeling.”

DALLAS, Texas (PRWEB)
April 20, 2020

Some third-party administrators (TPAs) are building the requisite capabilities in talent, technologies and data to address the changing needs of the insurance industry, but most TPAs lag behind. Everest Group reports that the top 10 US TPAs suffered a significant drop in year-on-year revenue growth, falling from 20% for 2017-2018 to 5-10% for 2018-2019. Everest Group predicts the slowdown will continue in the year ahead under the impact of the COVID-19 crisis as TPAs look to battle against the falling demand and the changing requirements of insurers.

“Insurers’ extreme focus on employee and customer experience is forcing TPAs to adapt their offerings beyond commoditized services,” said Skand Bhargava, practice director at Everest Group. “Most of the digital-led use cases that TPAs have implemented thus far are low on the sophistication scale when compared to the use cases implemented by insurance IT or Business Process Outsourcing providers. However, some leading TPAs have showed signs of change, making intensified digital investments in more new-age partners and technologies, such as the use of IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, predictive image analytics, telematics and predictive modeling. As a result, these more innovative TPAs are reaping differentiation in the market and positioning themselves for success amidst recessionary pressures because of the greater value they are providing for their clients. Going forward, those TPAs who deliberately commit to well-executed digital transformation will not only deliver a more progressive value proposition to clients but also secure the relevance of the overall industry, especially considering the current environment.”

Third-party administrators are commonly used by health insurance providers as well as enterprises or healthcare organizations who fund their own health plans for employees. TPAs assist these organizations with claims administration as well as premium billing, customer enrollment, and other day-to-day operations of insurance programs.

Currently, the Top 10 TPAs in the U.S command only 3-5% of a $270 billion market, with some of the largest TPAs functioning on single-digit operating margins and very few keeping pace with digital transformation. By leveraging digital technology, TPAs can improve margins, drive differentiation, address operational challenges, enhance talent throughput and ensure client retention. In the longer term, digital adoption can help TPAs adjust to changing risks and move up the value chain to manage critical tasks.

Everest Group shares these findings in its recently published report, Third Party Administrator (TPA) State of the Market Report 2020: Industry Facing an Urgent Mandate to Transform. This report examines the global TPA market, particularly the property and casualty (P&C) and workers’ compensation insurance segments, including changes in client demand patterns and delivery requirements from TPAs, and the role and adoption of digital levers.

Additional Findings

• For property and casualty (P&C) and workers’ compensation insurance, TPAs are primarily restricted in the value chain to end-to-end claims management.
• For employee benefits—both life and pension (L&P) and health insurance—TPAs play a more end-to-end administration role.
• While there are multiple growth drivers for the TPA industry, such as expansion in the scope of services and carrier outsourcing, there are a number of impending challenges as well that restrict the growth opportunities.
• Intelligent automation, mobility, predictive analytics, drones, and cloud-based modern claims platforms are the five key digital and technological enablers for the transformation of the TPA industry.

***Download a complimentary abstract of this report.***

About Everest Group

Everest Group is a consulting and research firm focused on strategic IT, business services, engineering services, and sourcing. Our clients include leading global enterprises, service providers, and investors. Through our research-informed insights and deep experience, we guide clients in their journeys to achieve heightened operational and financial performance, accelerated value delivery, and high-impact business outcomes. Details and in-depth content are available at http://www.everestgrp.com.

Share article on social media or email:

“NFP will make us even more effective in helping employers enhance their competitiveness by designing attractive benefits and engagement programs for their employees,” said Simon Fletcher, CEO of Johnson Fleming.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
April 20, 2020

NFP Corp., a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement and individual solutions, today announced the acquisition of Johnson Fleming Group Limited and Johnson Fleming Future Life Planning Limited (together, Johnson Fleming). The transaction closed January 17, 2020.

Johnson Fleming, based in Bromsgrove, U.K., is a pensions specialist and employee benefits and group risk adviser to employers and pension arrangement members. With a focus on three specialized areas – consultancy, administration, and engagement – the Johnson Fleming team works as an extension of a client’s internal team, creating programs that better position them to recruit, reward, and retain the best talent. Simon Fletcher, CEO of Johnson Fleming, will report to Matt Pawley, NFP’s senior vice president, international benefits consulting. Johnson Fleming principals Iain Chadwick (consultancy director) and Tom Claridge (customer services director) will continue to lead their respective practice areas as part of the transaction.

“We are thrilled to welcome Johnson Fleming to the NFP family as we further expand our U.K. footprint,” said Matt Pawley. “The team brings expertise, capabilities and relationships in the benefits and pension markets that will elevate our scale and create new paths for growth. I look forward to their energy, insight and collaboration, all of which will bring additional value to our clients.”

“Joining NFP, and gaining access to a new level of resources and support, is a great step for our organization and the companies we serve,” said Simon Fletcher. “NFP will make us even more effective in helping employers enhance their competitiveness by designing attractive benefits and engagement programs for their employees. We appreciate the opportunity to work with Matt and his team and contribute to NFP’s growth and client service focus.”

About NFP

NFP Corp. is a leading insurance broker and consultant providing specialized property and casualty, corporate benefits, retirement and individual solutions through its licensed subsidiaries and affiliates. NFP Corp. enables client success through the expertise of over 5,600 global employees, investments in innovative technologies, and enduring relationships with highly rated insurers, vendors, and financial institutions. NFP Corp. is the 5th largest benefits broker by global revenue, 6th largest US-based privately owned broker, and 8th best place to work in insurance (Business Insurance); 10th largest property and casualty agency (Insurance Journal); and 13th largest global insurance broker (Best’s Review).

Visit http://www.NFP.com to discover how NFP Corp. empowers clients to meet their goals.

Share article on social media or email: