ECBM: Transparency in purchasing benefits, the time has come

The employee benefit procurement process, sometimes called marketing, has changed little over the past 25 years. This continues to frustrate many organizations looking for transparency, and potential cost savings, when procuring life, disability stop loss, dental, vision or pharmacy benefit management coverage. Formal Requests for Proposals (RFP) may travel by email, but the underlying process […]

Bridge Bank: How to discover resources available to California businesses

Business banks can provide more to their clients than financial products. With all of their connections, bankers can steer businesses toward resources such as government entities and industry organizations that can help them grow and thrive. “Their bankers should be introducing them to the people and organizations that know their industry like the back of […]

Comcast Business: How Ethernet helps businesses realize cloud computing potential

The growing prevalence of cloud computing has driven astronomical growth in the amount of data center traffic passing through networks. A 2011 survey projects this traffic to hit 468 Exabytes in 2016. To put that in context, worldwide Internet traffic surpassed one Exabyte for the first time in 2003. The fuel behind this widespread adoption […]

Leverity Insurance Group: How to rebuild your business in the event of a catastrophe

Even with the proper insurance coverage, recovering from a disaster can be difficult for businesses that have not thoroughly prepared for the rebuilding process. Disaster plans and insurance money may not be enough to save a company that hasn’t tested its ability to address a crisis. “Yes, there’s insurance to protect against a disaster, but […]

ChamberChoice: How to create flexible, employee-centric benefits that reduce overhead

Workplace dynamics continue to change. Regardless of industry, employers need to set themselves apart. “With more women in the workforce, a divorce rate of 50 percent creating more single parents, and a significant increase in mobile or remote employees, the need for a competitive and employee-centric benefits package is critical,” says Ron Carmassi, a sales […]

Brown Smith Wallace: How the ACA and the end of Bush-era cuts affect tax strategy

It’s wise to consider the tax implications of business and financial decisions as the year winds down. This year, many tax benefits from the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA), which was extended through 2013, and many Bush-era tax cuts will end. The tax law changes from ATRA extensions ending and the implementation of […]

CRESCO: How to get the most from your property management services

Your property manager offers not only convenience, but also cost stabilization and a link to finding creative ways to save money without sacrificing quality of service. “A qualified property manager should be able to distinguish the needs of both the tenants and landlord to protect the asset — whether it’s office, industrial, retail or multi-family,” […]

Skoda Minotti: Moves you can make now to save money on your 2013 tax return

A few simple steps you can take now will pay dividends when tax time rolls around next April, says Steve Gross, CPA, a partner at Skoda Minotti. “Start now as opposed to waiting until late December and rushing to accomplish your goals. There are some very simple strategies you can follow now to reap the […]