Category Archives: Business

Press Releases from the Business World. Announcements, Product releases, Appointments.

Lynne Marie Finn Named to Business First’s Power 150 Women List


We are strongly committed to making our region a better place to live, work, and play, especially during these trying times, and it’s gratifying to have our efforts recognized.

Lynne Marie Finn, President and CEO of Broadleaf Results, a leading provider of talent management solutions, was recently named to Business First’s Power 150 Women list. This annual distinction recognizes our community’s most influential female leaders whose talent and influence fuel significant economic, social, and cultural growth.

“It’s an honor to be included in this group of such strong, influential women who have dedicated themselves to the success of Western New York,” said Finn. “The difference these women have made in our local community has been extraordinary. I’m sure I speak for all nominees that we are strongly committed to making our region a better place to live, work, and play, especially during these trying times, and it’s gratifying to have our efforts recognized.”    

The Power 150 Women list is compiled by the editorial staff at Business First. All of this year’s honorees have been featured in articles written by the publication over the past year.

In addition to her inclusion on the Power 150 Women list, Finn has previously been recognized as a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Woman of Distinction, named to the Staffing Industry Analyst (SIA) Global Power 150 Women in Staffing list, the SIA Top Staffing 100 list, and is a past recipient of the Athena Award.

The entire Power 150 Women list can be viewed online at Business First’s website.

About Broadleaf Results

Broadleaf provides value-driven total talent management services to a wide range of industries around the globe. As a WBENC-certified woman-owned business founded in 1965, Broadleaf’s team of experts specializes in managed service programs (MSP), recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), independent contractor compliance (ICC), statement of work (SOW) and procurement management, vendor management systems (VMS), and employer of record/payroll services (EOR).

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Alera Group Acquires Banasky Insurance Inc.


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Our firm has been supporting clients throughout Utah and the surrounding area for decades. We are excited to take the next step in providing outstanding insurance solutions for our clients by becoming an Alera Group company.

Alera Group, a national employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement services and wealth management firm, announced today that it has acquired Banasky Insurance Inc., effective August 1, 2020.

With locations in Price and Draper, Utah, Banasky Insurance creates property & casualty insurance solutions for their clients, including commercial, life & health, and personal lines solutions. With specific expertise in builder’s risk and commercial fleet coverages, the firm offers unique solutions for clients of every size and industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Banasky Insurance to Alera Group as we add our first Alera Group location in Utah,” said Alan Levitz, CEO of Alera Group. “With more than 60 years of industry experience, the Banasky team, led by Ryan Banasky, has a proven record of organic growth. Banasky will provide powerful collaboration opportunities for firms throughout the region. We look forward to the continued growth with Ryan and the entire Banasky team as an Alera Group company.”

“Our firm has been supporting clients throughout Utah and the surrounding area for decades. We are excited to take the next step in providing outstanding insurance solutions for our clients by becoming an Alera Group company,” said Ryan Banasky, President of Banasky Insurance. “As part of Alera Group, we will have access to national resources and expertise, expanding our ability to serve clients and grow our business.”

The Banasky Insurance 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.

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Elite Insurance Partners Ranks No. 1,827 on the 2020 Inc. 5000


“We are delighted to rank on the Inc. 5000 list for the third year in a row,” says Jagger Esch, CEO and co-founder of Elite Insurance Partners. “Thanks to our amazing team, we have continued to experience tremendous growth. We’re looking forward to continuing our success in the future.”

Inc. magazine today revealed that Elite Insurance Partners is No. 1,827 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“We are delighted to rank on the Inc. 5000 list for the third year in a row,” says Jagger Esch, CEO and co-founder of Elite Insurance Partners. “Thanks to our amazing team, we have continued to experience tremendous growth. We’re looking forward to continuing our success in the future.”

Previously, Elite Insurance Partners placed on the Inc. 5000 list at number 112 in 2018 and at number 549 in 2019. The company also placed at number 46 on the Inc. 5000 Series Florid list earlier this year.

Not only have the companies on the 2020 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists as well. The 2020 Inc. 5000 achieved an incredible three-year average growth of over 500 percent, and a median rate of 165 percent. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $209 billion in 2019, accounting for over 1 million jobs over the past three years.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are also being featured in the September issue of Inc., available on newsstands August 18.

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 come from nearly every realm of business,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “From health and software to media and hospitality, the 2020 list proves that no matter the sector, incredible growth is based on the foundations of tenacity and opportunism.”

The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring the companies on the list will be held virtually from October 23 to 27, 2020. As always, speakers will include some of the greatest innovators and business leaders of our generation.

About Elite Insurance Partners:

Founded in 2014, Elite Insurance Partners ranks in the top five Medicare brokerages. Representing over 30 carriers throughout the United States, their primary market is Medicare, but they also help with: dental, vision, cancer, heart attack, stroke, life, long-term care, and disability insurance. Assisting clients nationwide, their mission has always been simple: provide thorough education on all insurance options and help find the best plan(s) for the needs and budget of each individual.

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Mercury Insurance is Ready to Help Victims of California Fires


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Mercury is ready to help our customers who were forced to leave their homes due to the mandatory evacuation orders.

The sizzling summer heat wave has sparked dozens of fires across California, forcing local authorities to issue mandatory evacuation orders for residents. Mercury Insurance is ready to assist homeowner and renter policyholders who have had to leave their homes in response to those orders or whose property has suffered fire damage.

Mercury representatives are available to help address covered claims while following social distancing procedures. Representatives are also available to arrange temporary housing and provide assistance with living expenses if policyholders are forced to leave their homes in response to mandatory evacuation orders. Residents evacuating their homes should make sure they have the necessary supplies to keep themselves and their family safe during the evacuation.

“It’s important for everyone to get their families to safety by following the evacuation orders,” said Chris O’Rourke, Mercury’s vice president of property claims. “Mercury is ready to help our customers who were forced to leave their homes due to the mandatory evacuation orders, and they should contact their agents or call the Mercury Claims Hotline at (800) 503-3724 for help. Californians should keep their receipts for these additional living expenses as their homeowners or renters insurance policy can help them recoup this money.

“Mercury also recommends that policyholders report losses as soon as possible, so we can begin to assist with the rebuilding process.”

If a claim needs to be filed, O’Rourke advises policyholders follow a few simple procedures to help speed up the process and Mercury’s Claims Recovery Guide.

When filing a claim

  •     Contact Mercury immediately to report your loss.
  •     Be prepared to provide your policy number.
  •     Do not remove debris or damaged property that may be related to your claim.


Steps after filing a claim

  •     Prepare a detailed inventory of destroyed or damaged property.
  •     Offer photos or video tapes of your home and possessions to your adjuster, if these are available.
  •     Keep records and receipts for additional living expenses that were incurred if you were forced to leave your home and provide copies to your adjuster.


Follow Mercury Insurance on social media for updates and the company’s response to California wildfires.

ABOUT MERCURY INSURANCE

Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization predominantly offering personal automobile, homeowners and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia. Since 1962, Mercury has specialized in offering quality insurance at affordable prices. For more information visit http://www.mercuryinsurance.com or Facebook and follow the company on Twitter.

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Aptitude Software appoints Nick Nesbitt as EVP to lead international growth


Over the course of his career, Nick has shown a demonstrable track record of exceeding financial and operational KPIs in competitive environments.

Aptitude Software, a leading provider of financial management software, is excited to welcome Nick Nesbitt as Executive Vice President, International where he will drive business development across the APAC and EMEA regions.

Nick brings over 20 years’ experience in the Corporate Performance Management (CPM) and Regulatory Reporting market, building and managing large CPM technology practices and holding sales and delivery roles covering a wide range of industry sectors and customers. Nick joins from Vuelta where he was Managing Director, UK and Ireland, and Tagetik, where he was responsible for launching the Tagetik brand and business in the UK market for the first time. He has previously held roles at IBM, Oracle, and Accenture.

Despite the headwinds posed by COVID-19 in the first half of 2020, Aptitude Software announced an 11% increase in ARR and a 51% increase in software and subscription-based sales revenue. Aptitude also recently announced a new strategic partnership with Japanese firm, FIERTE Corporation to expand the company’s global presence. Nesbitt’s appointment indicates executive-level investment in the EMEA and APAC regions, as the momentum around financial transformations increases in the region.

Jeremy Suddards, CEO of Aptitude Software, states, “Nick’s experience directly aligns with our strategic objectives. Over the course of his career, Nick has shown a demonstrable track record of exceeding financial and operational KPIs in competitive environments. His expertise across sales, technology, delivery, and client services combined with the products and solutions we have to offer the EMEA and APAC regions leaves Aptitude well positioned for success.”

Nick officially joined the organization on August 17th and is based out of Aptitude Software’s London office. He will also sit on the company’s Senior Leadership Team.

He states, “I am very much looking forward to getting started in my new role and am energized by Aptitude’s opportunity in the market. The laser focus on the CFO office, which has largely been left behind in transformation projects, is now critical and timely as organizations approach issues like digital finance, complex regulatory compliance, and the need for absolute efficiency.”

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn or at nick.nesbitt@aptitudesoftware.com.

About Aptitude Software

Aptitude Software provides software solutions that enable finance professionals to run their global businesses, forecast decision outcomes, and comply with complex regulations. Uniquely combining deep finance expertise and IP rich technology, Aptitude gives finance leaders the tools they need to transform their business and achieve their ambitions. Aptitude is proud to have served the office of finance for over 20 years, delivering financial control and insight to create a world of financial confidence for our global clients. Headquartered in London, Aptitude Software is an operating company of Aptitude Software Group plc.

For more information, please visit http://www.aptitudesoftware.com

Contact Information Sarah Werner Aptitude Software http://www.aptitudesoftware.com +1 (419) 356-4102

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AssuredPartners Announces Acquisition of Hatter, Williams & Purdy Insurance Marketing, Inc.


AssuredPartners President and COO Tom Riley said, “Finding alignment with corporate culture and client-focus is essential to joining AssuredPartners. We are pleased to have found that with our newest partner Hatter, Williams & Purdy Insurance.”

AssuredPartners, Inc. is delighted to announce Hatter, Williams & Purdy Insurance Marketing, Inc. of Carlsbad, CA has joined AssuredPartners. The devoted team of 15 will remain under the operational leadership of Agency President Scott Purdy. The agency currently reports $2.5 million in annualized revenues.

Scott Purdy stated, “The primary focus of Hatter, Williams & Purdy is to provide outstanding customer service. We have never worked for the insurance company; we work for our clients. We have always represented a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies and with our new partner, AssuredPartners – we will be able to offer additional products and services to our clients and community.”

“Since their founding in 1947, Hatter, Williams & Purdy has been a staple in the North San Diego and Riverside County communities,” stated AssuredPartners Western Regional President Greg Van Ness. “Their decision to lead with their values has created a core client base that we are truly thrilled to welcome into our operations.”

AssuredPartners President and COO Tom Riley said, “Finding alignment with corporate culture and client-focus is essential to joining AssuredPartners. We are pleased to have found that with our newest partner Hatter, Williams & Purdy Insurance. Aligning our teams to deliver the best services for our clients with innovative insurance solutions is key to our partnership.”

For more information on Hatter, Williams & Purdy Insurance, please visit: http://www.hwpinsurance.com.

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 England. 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 190 offices in 30 states and England. For more information, please contact Dean Curtis, CFO, at 407.708.0031 or dean.curtis@assuredpartners.com, or visit http://www.assuredpartners.com.

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How to Use Online Auto Insurance Quotes and Save Valuable Money


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“Online quotes will help you find the best car insurance offers in your area,” said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Cheapquotesautoinsurance.com has released a new blog post that explains why using online car insurance quotes will help drivers save money.

For more info and free car insurance quotes, visit https://cheapquotesautoinsurance.com/save-money-using-free-car-insurance-quotes/.

Using online estimates will tell the policyholders if they still pay fair prices for their coverage. Comparing prices from multiple companies will help drivers have a better view of the market. When shopping online, it is important to follow the next tips:

  • Get online quotes at least once every six months. Insurance rates are based on multiple factors that may change a lot in 6 months. Legislation changes, recent callbacks, increased criminality or extreme phenomena frequency will change the rates. Also, major life events influence the costs. Getting married, for example, will help drivers get better rates.
  • Review the prices from multiple companies before renewing the contract. If the new rates seem too high, and there is no reason for that, ask the insurer to provide some explanations. Do not forget that some companies practice “price optimization” tactics. Getting online quotes will help drivers understand if they receive fair prices or not.
  • Online quotes will help drivers save money. Online forms will help drivers customize an affordable policy. These forms take into consideration multiple options and coverage limits. The user can simulate various coverage limits, extras and their respective price estimates.
  • Review all available discounts. Based on the added info, some questionnaires will highlight the available discounts. They will be automatically applied during the quote process. Safety gear, paying in advance or bundling policies are the most common discounts.
  • Customize coverage options. There is a wide range of discounts and customization options that will help drivers save money. For example, the Paid-In-Full discount may help drivers save as much as 10-15%. Bundling auto with home insurance can lower the costs by as much as 20%.

Cheapquotesautoinsurance.com is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

For more information, please visit http://cheapquotesautoinsurance.com.

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Element AI Helps Edelweiss Tokio Life Accelerate AI Transformation


Element AI and Edelweiss Tokio Life logo

“Insurers all over the world are addressing AI transformation to meet evolving customer expectations to optimize processes for increased efficiency with AI-driven solutions. Element AI is proud to begin that journey with Edelweiss Tokio Life.”—Luis Gonzales, Managing Director APAC at Element AI

Element AI, a global developer of artificial intelligence-powered (AI) solutions and products, today announced the Indian insurer Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance, as its newest client. Launched in 2011, Edelweiss Tokio Life has quickly become an important player in India’s life insurance market as one of the most innovative insurers with a product offering that fits today’s customer expectations.

The Element AI team will work closely with Edelweiss Tokio Life to create an actionable roadmap for strategic AI deployment for the company, which will ultimately support a detailed AI transformation plan. This work will utilize unique learnings and insights from Element AI to establish technical feasibility and identify AI use cases.

Commenting on the development, Nilesh Parmar, Chief Operating Officer, Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance said, “As an organisation, we are focused on building agility and scalability within our processes and systems. With a single-minded focus on delivering a seamless and superior customer experience, we want to empower ourselves with digital technologies like artificial intelligence that can help us better serve our customers. We are glad to have found a like-minded partner with Element AI to assist us in this transformation journey.”

Element AI helps organizations like Edelweiss Tokio Life accelerate AI adoption by:

● Identifying how AI can help address the key challenges facing a business and finding the unique AI investments that balance creating value today with building capabilities for tomorrow

● Assessing the potential of a company’s current data, technology and software infrastructure to deploy AI workflows and systems through a strategic lens

● Empowering employees to work smarter with AI by building an organization’s literacy and trust to work with AI

● Establishing a framework for trustworthy, explainable and responsible AI for now and the future

“Insurers all over the world are facing similar challenges to meet evolving customer expectations and to optimize processes for increased efficiency,” said Luis Gonzales, Managing Director APAC at Element AI. “As a leader in AI-driven solutions to solve these challenges, we are excited to work with Edelweiss Tokio Life to design and implement a strategic roadmap to prioritize their investments into AI.”

To learn more about Element AI for Insurance, visit: https://www.elementai.com/industries/insurance.

To learn more about Element AI Advisory and Enablement, visit:

https://www.elementai.com/products/advisory-and-enablement.

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About Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance

Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture between Edelweiss Financial Services Limited, one of India’s leading and diversified financial services companies and Tokio Marine Holdings Inc, one of the oldest and largest insurance companies in Japan. Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance launched its pan-India operations in July 2011, offering proprietary need-based solutions to help customers meet their life stage financial goals. This lineage brings together a deep understanding of customer needs and international expertise. The company is headquartered in Mumbai serving over 2.02 lakh customers through 43,681 personal finance advisors as of March 31, 2019 across 121 branches in 93 major cities.

About Element AI

Element AI develops AI-powered solutions and services that help people and machines work smarter, together. Founded in 2016 by serial entrepreneurs including JF Gagné and A.M.Turing Award recipient, Yoshua Bengio, PhD, Element AI turns cutting-edge fundamental research into software solutions that exponentially learn and improve. Its end-to-end offering includes advisory services, AI enablement tools and products that help large organizations operationalize AI for real business impact. Element AI maintains a strong connection to academia through research collaborations and takes a leadership position in policymaking around the impact of AI technology on society. https://www.elementai.com.

© 2020, Element AI Inc. All rights reserved. “Element AI”, “EAI” and the EAI logo are trademarks of Element AI, and may be registered or pending registration.

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Exelegent Appoints New CTO to Lead Cloud Security Automation and IT Risk Management


Andrew’s vision, along with the support of his 24/7 global team, positions us to disrupt the current landscape and create one of the strongest offerings on the cyber security market.

Exelegent, a 6-time Gold Microsoft Partner and a leader in cloud cyber security and IT risk management on the East Coast, has named Andrew Svintsitsky Chief Technology Officer. Svintsitsky will leverage his robust experience in technology and cyber security to build out a strong and diverse portfolio of technical solutions, manage the company’s R&D agenda, and ultimately ensure a high-quality user experience for Exelegent’s clients.

For over eight years Svintsitsky has been an essential Exelegent employee. Starting on the help desk in 2012, Andrew quickly demonstrated the aptitude and work ethic required to ascend through the company. For the past 4 years, Andrew has served as the technical lead for a variety of complex enterprise projects. Most recently, Svintsitsky led the development of the cutting-edge technology solution, TrustElements, a risk-based security and Microsoft 365 analytics platform, which is set to roll out by the end of 2020. Andrew is also spearheading the buildout of Exelegent’s new Managed Detection and Response (MDR) system.

“The Cyber Security industry is beginning to leverage more powerful ML and AI tools for early threat detection and response automation,” says CEO of Exelegent, Vasil Vykhopen. “Andrew’s vision, along with the support of his 24/7 global team, positions us to disrupt the current landscape and create one of the strongest offerings on the cyber security market.”

Holding a Master’s Degree in Mathematics, the distinction of a Certified Information Systems Security Practitioner (CISSP) and being a member of International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)², Andrew is consistently participating in the development of industry cyber security and IT risk strategies and solutions. By keeping up with the dynamic landscape of cyber threats, automating security responses and utilizing Machine Learning and Artificial intelligence, Andrew has positioned Exelegent to continue to be a leader in risk management and cyber security for years to come.

“I’ve been a part of Exelegent’s vibrant growth in technological and cyber security domains for almost a decade, and I am proud of what we have accomplished and all the clients we have been able to assist,” says Andrew Svintsitsky. “The focus on cyber security should always be proactive rather than reactive, therefore we are developing risk and compliance products to accommodate specific business goals, risk appetites and budgets for all of our customers.”

About Exelegent

Exelegent is a 6-time Gold Microsoft partner that specializes in cyber security, digital workplace implementation, and various compliance frameworks. Founded in 2009, the firm primarily served the healthcare sector with a focus on security and HIPAA compliance before extending their services to all industries. The firm has expanded to over 50 employees worldwide with offices in Freehold and Newark, NJ as well as an offshore team in L’viv, Ukraine.

For more information please visit http://www.Exelegent.com

Press Contact

Lorraine Riley

(973) 732-5230, ext. 2004

Lorraine.Riley@exelegent.com

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Management Connection Achieves AMC Institute Accreditation


Management Connection CEO Crystal Thomas, CAE, MCM, CHE

“We are very proud not only to have earned the rank of being one of 81 accredited AMCs worldwide but also to become the only accredited AMC in Southern California.” said Management Connection CEO Crystal Thomas

Among 500-plus Association Management Companies (AMC) worldwide, only 81 have achieved AMC Institute Accreditation, demonstrating the commitment and the ability to deliver the highest level of professional management services to association and not-for-profit clients. These AMCs are the recognized choice of association and not-for-profit organizations.

“We applaud Management Connection on this significant achievement,” AMCI Chair Bennett Napier said. “AMCI accreditation requires that association management firms demonstrate adherence to operational and ethical best practices, as outlined in the AMCI standard. Accreditation distinguishes Management Connection’s ongoing commitment to leadership in association management.”

Administered by AMC Institute, AMC Institute Accreditation is recognized and supported by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership and is based on the ANSI Standard of Good Practices for the AMC Industry. ANSI requires that this standard be reviewed and updated regularly in order for the standard to remain approved. Measurable performance practices include contracts and service delivery; employee recruitment, training and professional development; and financial management and internal controls, among others. AMCs must earn re-accreditation every four years, demonstrating to an independent outside auditor that they continue to meet the standard.

Management Connection CEO Crystal Thomas, CAE, MCM, CHE, commented, “We are so pleased to have met this industry standard. Our associations trust that we manage their affairs with excellence and integrity and meeting these stringent standards on an ongoing basis confirms that trust.” She continued, “We are a small team that is well-versed in association management. We are very proud not only to have earned the rank of being one of 81 accredited AMCs worldwide but also to become the only accredited AMC in Southern California.”

Crystal Thomas’ AMC has managed associations in the private club industry since 2005. The AMC updated its name to Management Connection in 2016 in order to clarify their branding as a company managing associations both inside and outside of the private club industry.

Crystal noted, “We have always prided ourselves in our work in membership management, membership marketing, all aspects of financials, meeting planning, education, conferences, golf tournaments, accreditation management, website management, newsletter production, communications, and partnership building. Pursuing and receiving accreditation in 2020 confirms that sense of pride and inspires us as we serve our associations with ever increasing excellence.”

Management Connection contact information:

Nick Bundra, COO

Office: (949) 484-7560

Email: nick@mgtconnection.com

Address: 1048 Irvine Avenue #772, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Association Management Companies specialize in managing associations and not-for-profit organizations, providing leadership and professional management services through experienced staff, best practices and shared resources. As AMCs manage multiple association and not-for-profit clients, their experience and knowledge base are broad and substantial, positioning AMCs as the preferred choice for full-service and specialized management services.

For more about AMC Institute accreditation, visit http://www.AMCInstitute.org/accreditation.

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