Benefits

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Martin Schmidt has joined Buck Consultants as Director in its Chicago office.
Schmidt joins Buck from MAS Advisors. His expertise includes defined contribution plan design, vendor selection and management, plan implementation and administration, M&A issues, and product development. In addition to 401(k) plans, Martin has consulted in the 403(b) and 457 plan markets.

Cost of Co-Pays for Formulary and Generic Drugs Increases in Georgia
As the weather heats up, many employees are packing their bags for a summer vacation.

AGILITY HR Launch's HRXpert
A proprietary assessment tool helping businesses improve compliance and avoid employment litigation

Agreement Provides Services for 15,000 Pension Plan Members
ExcellerateHRO Signs Contract Extension with TOTAL in the UK for Benefits Administration Outsourcing

Poor Employee Health Costlier Than Employers Think
Large multi-employer study shows that the full costs of poor health dwarf those of direct medical spending alone; musculoskeletal problems, depression, fatigue and other workplace health conditions are significant contributors

Career Experts Says Interview Style May be to Blame for Blunders
The interview is the most important 60 minutes of the job search. Yet it takes only seconds to botch a first impression. In his recently released assessment, John Liptak helps job seekers discover how their interview style may be keeping them from winning job offers.

HR XCEL Names Janet LeClair as President
Former Wachovia HR leader replaces founder, who steps down as president of Charlotte-based HRO firm.

Convergys Corporation Reports Second Quarter Results and Updates Guidance
Convergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG), a global leader in providing customer care, human resources, and billing services, announced today its financial results for the second quarter of 2007.

Former Wachovia HR Leader Replaces Founder, Who Steps Down as President of Charlotte-Based HRO Firm
Barbara Sheridan co-founded HR XCEL, a Charlotte-based provider of Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) services, in 1998. After nine years of leading the company she grew into a multi-million dollar business, Sheridan now steps down as President, moving into an advisory position on the Board of Directors.

HR XCEL Names Janet LeClair as President
Former Wachovia HR Leader Replaces Founder, Who Steps Down as President of Charlotte-Based HRO Firm

Al Phelps has joined Buck Consultants' Chicago office as Principal.
Phelps joins Buck from Mercer Human Resources Consulting, where he had served in its Chicago and Mexico City offices. His expertise includes global benefits plan design, valuations, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance issues.

60-Plus—Still Ambitious and Working
Management expert and author Bill Byham says organizations don’t have to watch their most seasoned workers walk out the door—many want to remain in their jobs.

Live Webinar Discusses Optimizing Portfolios for Insurable and Uninsurable Risk
Live webinar for senior investment partners of private equity, venture capital, and institutional managers entitled "Risk Management's Role in Improving Portfolio Performance" discusses optimizing portfolios for insurable and uninsurable risk.

Pension Plan Freezes Slowing, Watson Wyatt Finds Most Firms Committed to Keeping Plans
The rate of pension plan freezes among FORTUNE 1000 firms has slowed, and the majority of companies with defined benefit plans are committed to keeping them. These are the findings of two new studies by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading global consulting firm.

SeniorCareMarketer.com to Benefit Companies That Market to Older Americans
Marketing tool to debut in early 2008; offers senior care marketers the ability to generate publicity, website traffic, sales leads and improved search engine rankings

NASCO Selects GeoLearning's SaaS LMS Suite
National claims solution company deploys GeoExpress? LMS platform delivered Software as a Service.

Penn State Announces New Human Resources, Employment Relations Online Master's Degree
Penn State announces the launch a new online master's degree in human resources and employment relations (HRER). The growing challenges of hiring and retaining talented employees, managing complex benefit plans, and staying up-to-date with labor laws and employment relations trends are highlighted in this online master's degree. The HRER degree allows busy human resources professionals to stay employed while earning an education that can advance their careers. Students can begin taking courses in summer 2008 and will be able to choose a concentration that best meets their professional goals: benefits and compensation; employment and labor law; labor and collective bargaining; or staffing, training and development.

SCI Companies announced that Kika Bukoski is developing the interests of the professional employer
Known as the Employer of Choice, SCI is a “best-in-class” provider of human resources outsourcing specializing in payroll, human resources, benefits and workers’ compensation administration.

2007 Pay Increase Budgets Grow in Arkansas and Oklahoma
The newly released Compensation Data – Arkansas/Oklahoma annual survey of 134 companies found pay increase budgets are 3.53 percent for 2007 and are projected to be 3.58 percent in 2008.

ACS and Buck Consultants Announce Integrated Absence Management Services
According to estimates by Integrated Benefits Institute, costs for disabled employees average more than $40,000 per event for lost productivity and health care.

Missouri Health Care Costs Increase in 2007
Sixty-seven percent of Missouri companies had a health insurance premium increase, according to the Compensation Data 2007 – Missouri annual survey of 342 employers.

Michael Sternklar joins Mercer HR Services as Chief Operating Officer, Head of Americas


WorldatWork Survey: Pay Raises Projected to Plateau
Tighten your belts: employee pay raises will experience little change if any in 2008. The average salary budget increase for 2007 is 3.9 percent, an increase of 0.1% from last year, according to the 34th annual WorldatWork Salary Budget Survey (SBS).

New survey finds that 60% of working mothers prefer part-time.
Orange County, California Recruitment Company Embraces Part-Time Working Mother Business Model

Aspiria Corp. Announces Acquisition of LINK Employee Assistance Professionals Inc.
Expansion Increases Opportunity for Greater Market Share in Rapidly Changing Industry by Creating a More Robust, Psychological Support System for Companies and their Employees.

Indiana Employers and Employees Share Rising Costs of Health Insurance
Both organizations and employees in Indiana are facing high costs for health insurance.

30,000 Clients Using Newly Updated Software-as-a-Service Payroll Application
ADP ENHANCES PAY EXPERT SOLUTION TO EMPOWER CLIENTS WITH GREATER CONTROL AND VISIBILITY INTO THEIR BUSINESSES

Michigan Employers and Employees Share Rising Costs of Health Insurance
Both organizations and employees in Michigan are facing high costs for health insurance.

Corporate Counseling Associates Helps The New York Times Company “Put a Face” on their EAP
Personal care, responsiveness of counselors boost staff utilization, ensure productivity for Times Company

Employers and Employees Share Rising Costs of Health Insurance
Both organizations and employees are facing high costs for health insurance.

Missouri Pay Increase Budgets Hold Steady in 2007
The newly released Compensation Data – Missouri annual survey of 342 companies found pay increase budgets are 3.58 percent for 2007 and are projected to be 3.54 percent in 2008. These numbers have fluctuated over the last three years. In 2006, they were 3.46 percent and 3.5 percent in 2005.

Iowa and Nebraska Employees Pack Their Bags for a Summer Vacation
As the weather heats up, many employees are packing their bags for a summer vacation.

Collaboration to Allow Employers to Access Consumer Incentives Management Platform
Major Employer Coalition, Incentives and Technology Provider Announce Partnership to Encourage Healthy Employee Behavior

Workplace Options Offers 24-Hour Call Center Services to EAP and Behavioral Healthcare Customers
Work-life provider now offers intake and referral service which incorporates crisis intervention, critical incident response and triage services for behavioral healthcare providers nationwide.

BERNARD HODES GROUP’S HEALTH CARE DIVISION STRENGTHENS WESTERN REGIONAL TEAM
Judith Russell joins nationally renowned consulting team

Business Week Magazine Selects Fiserv in Top 100 IT Companies for 2007
Technology improvements and shareholders’ return part of criteria

Business Week Magazine Selects Fiserv in Top 100 IT Companies for 2007
Technology improvements and shareholders’ return part of criteria

ShirleyBOARD.com Journal Feature Helps Caregivers Connect with Family
Almost everyone knows someone older who needs a helping hand. And with the U.S. population aging and experiencing increasing numbers of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, more people are becoming unofficial caregivers to elderly friends, relatives and neighbors. Fortunately, for the scores of remote caregivers who are in this difficult situation, there is a free new service called ShirleyBOARD.com. The web site enables caregivers to centrally store important information, keep a log of daily activities, and network with other caregivers. Caregivers decide who has access to certain information.

Best of the Web Introduces Vertical Search for Human Resources Software
B2BSoftware.com's software portal promises to revolutionize the way corporate consumers shortlist HR software.

Clearpicture Teams Up With Hr.Com For Best Practices Webcast Series
HR Professionals gain tools and insight into increasing engagement for improving business outcomes

Workplace Options Partners with EAP Expert to Provide New Enterprise Software Solution
Workplace Options (WPO), the world's largest provider of work-life employee benefits, continues to broaden its services and capabilities for EAPs with the recent partnership with EAP Expert Inc.’ a leading provider of technology and professional service solutions to both internal and external EAPs around the world.

TEDS Releases Case Study on Dominion Resources' Use of Talent Management
Dominion streamlines enterprisewide compliance with technology. Bersin & Associates case study by Chris Howard, Principal Analyst.

Illinois Health Care Costs Increase in 2007
Sixty-seven percent of Illinois companies had a health insurance premium increase, according to the Compensation Data 2007 – Illinois annual survey of 367 employers.

Human Resources Technology Company Announces New Sales Director
Brian Stenklyft to work with brokers, carriers, human resources managers in San Francisco, Sacramento and Northernmost California to help companies automate benefits management with BeneTrac

Corporate Executive Board and Allen & Company LLC Make Strategic Investment in Real-Time Salary Data
Funding for PayScale, Inc. signals increasing business and consumer need for Web-based compensation source.

Zywave Unveils Latest Version of Powerful Claims Analysis Tool for Benefits Brokers
For a broker, the gap in the supply of reliable, easily understood healthcare cost and utilization reporting presents a tremendous service opportunity. Claims analysis tools like Decision Master Warehouse helps brokers determine options that reduce costs but still benefit the employees, increasing the value of their services to their clients and differentiating themselves from the competition.

BenefitsEssentials.com Wins 2007 APEX Award
BenefitsEssentials.com, a comprehensive web-based library covering Human Resources, Employee Benefits, and related subjects has been awarded the 2007 APEX Award for Publication Excellence.

Web-Based Software Adds MySpace-Style Features to Connect Workers, Reduce Turnover
Social Networking Enters HR World with Mentor Scout 2.0, Aiding Talent Management & Retention for Younger Employees

Thinking of Retiring on the Beach? Start Saving Now.
Most U.S. employees know they should save more for retirement. However with the personal savings rate at negative 1.4 percent (www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/pi/pinewsrelease.htm), individuals are spending more than they earn, depleting their savings and increasing debt.

SumTotal Systems Announces Second Quarter 2007 Earnings Release and Conference Call Date
SumTotal(R) Systems (NASDAQ:SUMT), a global provider of talent and learning management solutions, will host its second quarter 2007 earnings conference call on Tuesday, July 31, 2007.

Shooting Star Casino Achieves 250 Percent ROI with Kronos® for Gaming
Nucleus Research finds that increased productivity, improved employee morale, and enhanced management of FMLA-related cases contribute to ROI

Many Workers Struggle With Basic Health Benefit Terms, Watson Wyatt Survey Finds
Many U.S. employees don’t understand how their health care coverage works and admit their familiarity with the most basic health care vocabulary needs improvement, according to a survey by Watson Wyatt, a leading global consulting firm.

Zywave, Inc. announced the 5.0 version release of Decision Master® Warehouse (DMW)
DMW is a claims analysis tool for brokers that uses clients’ real data for strategic management of healthcare and Rx costs and utilization.

ACS/Buck to Provide Lafarge Canada With Pension Plan Administration Services
ACS/Buck, one of Canada’s leading human resource and benefits consulting firms, today announced that it has been retained by Lafarge to continue providing administration services for Lafarge’s Canadian defined benefit pension plans. ACS/Buck has provided services to Lafarge since 1997.

Ultimate Software Schedules Second Quarter 2007 Financial Results Conference Call
Ultimate Software (Nasdaq:ULTI), a leading provider of end-to-end, strategic human resources, payroll and talent management solutions, will be hosting a conference call on Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.

Arbita Sponsors HR-XML Global Partnering and Integration Summit 2007
HR-XML Global Partnering and Integration Summit Brings Together HR Industry Thought Leaders in Technology and Strategy

MyHealthCoach.com Helps Employees Keep Fitness Commitments
MyHealthCoach.com is a valuable employee benefit to help workers balance work and family issues.

C&B Consulting Introduces LifeGuide, a Comprehensive Work/Life Resource
C&B Consulting Group, a strategically-focused benefits advisory firm, today announced the release of LifeGuide, a comprehensive work/life resource available to employees 24 hours a day. LifeGuide is designed to help manage time-consuming work/life issues that many employees face in today’s demanding business world.

C&B Consulting Introduces LifeGuide, a Comprehensive Work/Life Resource
Web-based tool designed to improve productivity.

G&M Moving and Storage Inc. under new ownership
Cincinnati agency ensures smooth transition during change of ownership

Planned Administrators Inc. and BCS Insurance Company Launch Educational Podcast Series
Insurance brokers, HR executives listen and learn with industry's first podcast series -- educational program offers new insights into emerging limited benefits market.

The Lakewood Resoruce and Referral Center and MassMutual Sponsor Second Set
The Lakewood Resource and Referral Center and MassMutual Sponsor Second Set of Application Meetings for Free Life Insurance Policies in Lakewood, NJ MassMutual's LifeBridge Program has Already Given Away $350 Million of Free Insurance to Eligible Working Parents

New Consulting Service Launched at 59th Annual SHRM Conference to Help Human Resource Managers
New Consulting Service Launched at 59th Annual SHRM Conference to Help Human Resource Managers and Benefit Consulting Firms Address Long Term Healthcare Planning in the Workforce

GroupLink Launches myGroupLink; Online Portal Provides 24/7 Access to Dental Plan Information
GroupLink, a member company of Independence Holding Company (NYSE: IHC), today announced the launch of myGroupLink, a comprehensive online portal which provides a fast, simple and secure way for brokers, employers, providers and employees to submit and obtain the information necessary to effectively manage and service dental plans.

U.S. IT Staffing Firm's List Ranks TEKsystems in First Place for Seventh Consecutive Year
IT Services Business Report ranks Top U.S. IT staffing and services firms.

HRmarketer.com Revisits the "New Rules" of Marketing and Public Relations in July 17 Webinar
The thought-leadership strategist will show HR suppliers how to target buyers directly via blogs, podcasts, search-optimized press releases and other forms of viral marketing

U.S. Employees Pack Their Bags for a Summer Vacation
As the weather heats up, many employees are packing their bags for a summer vacation.

Iowa and Nebraska Health Care Costs Increase in 2007
Seventy-two percent of companies in Iowa and Nebraska had a health insurance premium increase, according to the Compensation Data 2007 – Iowa/Nebraska annual survey of 221 employers.

Health Fitness Corporation Emphasizes Science Behind Health and Fitness Management with New RDO Div.
HealthFitness (OTC BB: HFIT) is putting more than a few exceptional heads together to advance the science behind fitness and health management.

The 2008 Best Practices in Consumer Empowerment and Protection Awards, Conference March 25-26, 2008
RAC, the independent, nonprofit leader in promoting health care quality through accreditation and certification programs, announced the rollout of a new awards competition for the nation’s best programs that promote consumer empowerment and protection.

Delta Dental names Daniel Croley, DMD, as vice president of network development
Croley, who most recently served as the company's central region dental director, will oversee network growth and retention, development and implementation of new networks, and leading regional network development efforts in 16 states plus the District of Columbia.

Section 125 Plan Employer Guide - Free Report
Many employers mistakenly believe that Section 125 Plans are too complicated and expensive to set up and they miss out on hundreds or thousands of dollars in tax savings. A new Free Report entitled "Section 125 Plan Employer Guide" from Core Documents at www.CoreDocuments.com dispels this myth.

Cammack LaRhette Consulting Sponsors Learning Series Aimed at 403(b) Plan Sponsors
Cammack LaRhette Consulting is launching its 403(b) Learning Series to help Plan Sponsors better understand their responsibilities and better manage their retirement plans in a time when 403(b) plans are under pressure from government regulation, media attention and legal challenges.

Health Fitness Corporation emphasizes science behind health and fitness management with new RDO div.
HealthFitness (OTC BB: HFIT) is putting more than a few exceptional heads together to advance the science behind fitness and health management.

Cost of Co-Pays for Non-Formulary Drugs Continues to Increase in Ohio
In past months, large retailers have made news with plans to reduce the cost of some generic prescriptions.

Einstein HR Announces Its Grand Opening in Atlanta & Partnership with NetPEO
Einstein HR, a full-service human resources outsourcing firm, announces its grand opening in Atlanta & partnership with NetPEO.

Berman Moving & Storage Inc. becomes Atlas Van Lines agent
Bedford Heights, Ohio, firm joins network of more than 500 agents

Guardian Relocation Inc. expands into Fort Wayne market Indianapolis-based firm opens new office
Guardian Relocation Inc., an Atlas Van Lines agent, has opened a new office in Fort Wayne, Ind. The Fort Wayne office, which opened May 11, is the second location for Indianapolis-based Guardian.

URAC, announced the rollout of a new awards competition for the nation’s best programs
The 2008 Best Practices in Consumer Empowerment and Protection Awards, Conference & Exhibit Program, to be held March 25-26, 2008 in Orlando, will feature the Best Practices award winners among entries from health plans, pharmacy benefit management organizations, care/medical management companies and health information technology companies.

Workscape Promotes Bill Bergen to Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Workscape, a proven provider of outsourced benefits, compensation and performance management solutions, has promoted Bill Bergen to the position of senior vice president and chief information officer (CIO.)

Companies Aim to Transform HR Delivery Strategy to Meet New Employee Needs, Watson Wyatt Study Finds
One in Five Will Change HR Delivery in Coming Year

HR.com Launches Revolutionary New Social Networking Website for HR Professionals
HR.com’s new website will allow HR professionals to connect, network and share their expertise and experiences in a solutions-oriented online environment.

NAM WELCOMES FMLA REPORT DOCUMENTING EMPLOYER CHALLENGES
Employers Seek Clearer Rules

ExcellerateHRO Ranked Number Three Global Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) Provider
ExcellerateHRO Named to Top Ten Global HRO Provider List Based on Client Satisfaction

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND DESTINY HEALTH ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP
INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND DESTINY HEALTH ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER THE DESTINY HEALTH EMPOWERMENT PLAN(TM) FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Centre Partners Announces Acquisition of Orion International
Leading Middle Market Private Equity Firm Partners with Veteran Management Team to Acquire Nation’s Largest Military Recruiting and Consulting Firm

Centre Partners Announces Acquisition of Orion International
Leading Middle Market Private Equity Firm Partners with Veteran Management Team to Acquire Nation’s Largest Military Recruiting and Consulting Firm

Pharmaceutical Strategies Group Welcomes New Talent In the Southeast
Former Bank of America SVP Brian Wilson joins PSG as pharmacy benefit consultant

ShirleyBOARD.com's Patient Journal Helps Caregivers Connect with Family
The web site enables caregivers to centrally store important information, keep a log of daily activities, and network with other caregivers.

Impact Achievement Group’s Service Advantage™ Series Helps Farmers Insurance
Impact Achievement Group’s new Service Advantage™ training program is helping Farmers Life Insurance focus on its key customer group – Farmers’ agents.

Hopkins & Sons Inc. becomes Atlas Van Lines agent
New Castle, Del., firm joins network of more than 500 agents

HR.com’s new website will allow HR professionals to connect, network and share their expertise
HR.com, the largest online community and social network, is thrilled to announce the official launch of their newly redesigned website.

Harris, Rothenberg International, LLC, Announces A New Health and Wellness Program
Harris, Rothenberg International (HRI), LLC, a global performance management company, announced today the implementation of a new health and wellness program, Healthy Changes. Healthy Changes targets the behaviors that lead to unhealthy lifestyles and helps employees to change them in order to lead healthier lives.

Workplace Options President Alan King Voted Onto Distinguished Human Resources Top 100 List
Alan King, president of Workplace Options (WPO), the world's largest provider of work-life employee benefits, has been recognized by HR's elite and named to the HR Top 100 Most Influential list in the United Kingdom.

Tales from the Audit Front: Managing ERISA Retirement Plan Risk
Tales from the Audit Front: Managing ERISA Retirement Plan Risk. Find out from experienced fiduciary auditors what you need to know to protect yourself, your company, the Board and plan participants.

Benefits Main
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Singapore: More Childcare Options For Working Parents
Singaporeans surveyed prefer to use childcare centers as a childcare option, rather than in-home childcare workers.

Advising IT Managers on How to Train For Peak Performance in Today's High Pace Workplace!
-A solution for employee burnout among IT Managers.

Enviego-Comparing Lifestyle Management in the UK and the US
Ever wish for a personal assistant? No you can have one...

Parent Connection ®
Give your employees the skills to communicate and deal with their kids; it may increase your workplace´s productivity.

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