Blog
The financial environment…then and now….
September 14, 2010
On Friday, September 10th, the Ted Spread closed with a value of 16.03 bps. Two years ago, on September 10th, 2008, the Ted Spread closed at 117.97 bps, and just five days later, after Lehman Brothers collapsed into bankruptcy, the spread closed at 201.38 bps.
The secret to insurance
September 13, 2010
We in the insurance industry always wonder if our clients actually read their insurance policies. I realize this is not something that appeals to most normal people, but for most of us it is a necessity, whether it is in our personal or professional lives.
Looking for the positive.
September 9, 2010
This week saw an abrupt change in the weather here in Seattle. Long gone are the 90-degree temperatures of summer and we have now settled down into the low 60’s that indicate that winter is just around the corner.
Every company is different
September 1, 2010
One thing that I have seen over the last 18 months is that when it comes to wellness, every company is different. One wellness challenge or initiative may work for one company, but not achieve the desired results for another.
10 Years – So What?
August 30, 2010
Among the daily emails that urge you to act, there is the occasional message that causes you to think. I had this experience when I read the invitation for the annual potluck luncheon for employees that have been with our firm for 10 years or more.
The secret to our success
August 26, 2010
I just finished reading Michael Lewis’ “The Big Short”, which deals with the fascinating and ultimately devastating details of the subprime mortgage trading industry and how it brought our financial system to its knees.
Cloud Computing
August 19, 2010
If you follow technology trends you have probably heard how “cloud computing” is going to take over the world.
No Quick Fix
August 10, 2010
In this Podcast Doug Pullman, a member of the Parker, Smith & Feek marketing team, describes the planning and process this top 100 broker went through to prepare for their launch into the world of Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and blogging.
What makes you happy?
July 28, 2010
I was having lunch with a client recently and we were talking about how tough the economy is today. Given all these challenges, I asked, “ What makes you happy, what gives you a sense of fulfillment?”
Passport to Wellness
July 26, 2010
Late last week we finished our latest Wellness challenge. Employees were challenged to complete 6 out of 14 activities such as, losing 5% body weight; lowering our BMI to 25 or lower; participating in one of the local community walking/running events; having our annual physical or dental exam.
Compliance Alert – No COBRA Subsidy Extension
July 23, 2010
Yesterday (Thursday 7/22/2010) Congress passed, and the President has signed, The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010 (H.R.4213). The Act does not include an extension of the COBRA subsidy.
…let’s take the rest of the summer off to read the Dodd-Frank Act!
July 19, 2010
Mid July saw BP’s runaway oil well in the Gulf finally capped, but with clear warnings that the mounting drill pipe pressure poses new challenges, the Dodd-Frank Act (2,500 pages of financial reform) that was recently passed in the senate also poses some new challenges – reading it first, and then implementing it!
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