Resources

Financing Your Growth

After years of working with construction businesses, I’ve seen many a firm struggle with finding the right financing to handle cash flow ups and downs,…

Manager to CEO – How to move past the growth plateau

Every single top construction firm started off as a one-person show, with one customer. The difference between those who make it big and those who…

Reduce Risk and Increase your Customer Experience Rating

When it comes to construction projects, rarely do any go exactly as planned – from weather interruptions, to supply chain mishaps to employee/vendor drama -…

Construction – The Secrets to Attracting Top Talent

I grew up in the construction business. Let’s just say I literally learned the ropes from the ground up – fetching a hammer, lugging wood…

Risk Mitigation: What’s Your Qualifier Disruption Plan?

As a Risk Manager. I spend a fair amount of time talking with business owners about the “What Ifs” in their company – from accidents…

Sexual Harassment Training Required for All Illinois Employees

By Ashley L. Orler, Partner at Golan Christie Taglia LLP (“GCT”) Beginning in 2020, all employers in Illinois are required to provide annual sexual harassment training to…

Refining your Equipment Roster

When it comes to job site equipment versatility, nothing beats a compact excavator. As every firm has different requirements, manufacturers have created excavators that are…

Predictive Modeling, Big Data and Construction

As a Risk Manager, I’m quite familiar with the phrases “Predictive Analytics and Predictive Modeling ” as insurance carriers use this process to determine the…

Construction: Risk in a Digital World

When I talk about risk with construction firm owners, the topics immediately go to job safety, workers’ compensation mods, and the ever-increasing need to mitigate…

2020 – Social Media in Professional Services

By: Paul V. Shaheen, RHU, REBC, Vice President / Horton Benefit Solutions What theme do I keep hearing over and over for law firms in…

“Revival Statutes” For Sexual Assault Claims Create Unique Problems Under D&O Insurance Policies

Authored by Todd M. Rowe, Partner at Tressler LLP and Aaron Turner, Practice Group Leader-Management Liability / Risk Advisory Solutions One look at the news and it…

Avoid Falling Victim to Kotecki

By: Kevin Palmer / Corporate Attorney Kotecki is an Illinois appellate court decision that caps employers’ liability in third-party actions filed by its employees (i.e.,…

Knowing Your Loss Ratio

By: Tony Hopkins, CPCU, CIC, CRM, Vice President / Risk Advisory Solutions When it comes to your health, everyone understands the importance of “knowing your…

Interviewing and Choosing a Broker

By: Dan Galos, CWCA, AFIS, SBCS / Sales Executive What is your insurance premium actually paying for? Experience has shown that the absolute best way…

Businesses Turn to Captives to Control Insurance Costs

Captives comprised of similar companies, like general contractors, share best practices for safety and risk management because they have a common financial interest in avoiding…

New Bill Repeals Some Unpopular ACA Taxes

OVERVIEW Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a short-term continuing spending resolution to prevent a government shutdown and continue funding through September 2020.…

Growing competition creates ways Minnesota employers can control healthcare costs

New health insurance choices give Minnesota companies opportunities to manage risk, reduce costs, and control claims. “The market is opening up for creative solutions,” said Erik…

Self-Funded Healthcare Plans With Potential Savings on Stop-Loss Insurance

Companies often turn to self-funded health insurance plans to reduce costs. But larger-than-expected claims the employer might face could negate any savings employers anticipate over…

Beyond the Basics – COBRA Coverage

By: Paul Shaheen, RHU, REBC, Vice President, / Horton Benefit Solutions We hope you are staying warm with this early-arrived winter! A few weeks ago,…

401(k) Contribution Limits to Rise in 2020

Highlights of changes for 2020 Employee annual contributons will increate from $19,000 to $19,500 Employer plus employee contricnbutions will increase from $56,000 to $57,000 For…

Are you prepared for Winter Storms & Extreme Cold? Home Preparedness Review.

While the amount of danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some…

Internal OSHA Changes Increase Inspection Likelihood for You

By: Horton Safety Consultants The September 27, 2019 headline, “U.S. Department of Labor Implements New Weighting System for Workplace Safety and Health Inspections,” may not grab…

Co-Op Kitchens: The How’s and What’s

By: Dan Galos, CWCA, AFIS, SBCS, Sales Executive / Risk Advisory Solutions As someone that has tried my hand (and often failed) at home-brewing, I…

About the Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program

Beginning in 2018, Illinois implemented its state-sponsored retirement program—the Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program (Secure Choice). This program offers a Roth Individual Retirement Arrangement…