Category Archives: Insurance

Matic Insurance Services Debuts Integration with Roostify During TechCrunch Startup Battlefield, Advances to Competition’s Final Round

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matic Insurance Services (Matic), a digital insurance agency that enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the home-buying transaction, has forged a partnership with automated lending technology provider Roostify. The company announced the news Tuesday afternoon from the stage of TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield, part of the TechCrunch Disrupt SF conference held in San Francisco this week. Matic was one of just six elite startups chosen to advance to the final round of the competition.

"Homeowner's insurance has long been a missing element in mortgage innovation," said Matic co-founder and CEO Aaron Schiff, who demonstrated the integration "By relocating the insurance purchase decision to where it belongs - within the mortgage transaction - Matic is bridging the gap between mortgage tech and insurtech and meaningfully improving the experience of borrowers and lenders alike."

"Our partnership with Roostify makes it as easy as the tap of a button for borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the loan application process," added Matic co-founder and COO Ben Madick. "We make the policy information simple to understand, and the entire process takes just minutes, alleviating unnecessary borrower stress and enabling loan officers to close loans faster."

"The integration of homeowner's insurance into the home loan process is a big step forward for the mortgage experience," said Roostify VP of Products Sandeep Aji, whose team worked closely with Matic to prepare for the TechCrunch competition. "Roostify is on a mission to improve the home-buying process, and we welcome the opportunity to partner with companies like Matic that share our vision and can help us execute on it."

Roostify's digital mortgage platforms, preferred by leading lenders including tier-1 banks and large independent mortgage banks, accelerate the mortgage loan process by eliminating unnecessary paperwork and making it easy for borrowers to apply for a loan, submit the required documentation and communicate with their loan officer and other loan participants from any web-enabled device.

Matic was among just 22 startups selected to compete in TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield, the world's pre-eminent startup competition. Each Battlefield event invites a select group of early-stage startups to pitch their businesses in front of a live audience of thousands, including members of the press, investors and potential business partners. Pitches are critiqued by a panel of judges that includes leading venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. The winning pitch earns a place at the top of the Startup Battlefield leaderboard and a $50,000 cash prize.

More than 648 startups have participated since the first Startup Battlefield in 2007, including such household names as Mint, Dropbox and Yammer. In aggregate, these companies have raised over $7 billion, and nearly 100 have been acquired or gone public.

For more information, download Matic's press kit from https://maticinsurance.com/presskit.pdf.

About Matic Insurance Services

Matic Insurance Services (Matic) was founded in 2014 by Aaron Schiff and Benjamin Madick. Based in Sherman Oaks, California, Matic is a technology-driven insurance agency focused on helping lenders and loan officers better integrate homeowner's insurance into the lending process. By using loan application information and first-of-its-kind technology, Matic provides homebuyers multiple policy options within seconds, helping loan officers close their loans faster.

Matic delivers the most trusted, affordable insurance policies available thanks to its partnerships with a diverse network of insurance carriers. Today's borrowers expect a digital home-buying experience, and Matic gives them the digital insurance experience to match.

For more information, visit https://maticinsurance.com.

About Roostify

Founded by consumers looking for a better way to buy a home, Roostify leads the industry in delivering accelerated and transparent online mortgage experiences. From enterprise banks to independent brokerages, dozens of lenders across the United States trust Roostify to speed up closings, reduce unnecessary work and give their customers a smooth, anxiety-free mortgage experience. Since 2014, Roostify has helped close thousands of home loans nationwide.

Roostify is privately funded and headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, please visit https://www.roostify.com.

*LOGO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0921s2p-matic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

Matic Insurance Services, a digital insurance agency that enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the home-buying transaction, has forged a partnership with automated lending technology provider Roostify. The company announced the news Tuesday afternoon from the stage of TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield, part of the TechCrunch Disrupt SF conference held in San Francisco this week. Matic was one of just six elite startups chosen to advance to the final round of the competition.

Related link: https://maticinsurance.com/

EPIC adds Broker Anthony ‘Tony’ Gerrato in New York City

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Anthony (Tony) Gerrato has joined the firm as a Principal in EPIC's New York City office.

Gerrato will be responsible for new business development and the design and management of property & casualty insurance and risk management programs for clients in a wide range of industries. In particular, Gerrato has specialized in providing creative and cost effective risk management and insurance solutions to the portfolio companies of private equity firms. Gerrato joins from the Whitmore Group LTD in Garden City, New York.

Said John Hahn, EPIC co-founder and CEO, "We are excited to add Tony to our growing operations in New York and the North East. His considerable experience, strong consulting skills and customer service excellence will be of great value to our EPIC clients, particularly private equity portfolio companies and financial services firms. I have known Tony personally for many years, since we first worked together at Tri-City Brokers. He is an outstanding broker/consultant and a great person."

Tony Gerrato can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
tony.gerrato [at] epicbrokers.com
516-528-6363 - Mobile.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0920s2p-Tony-Gerrato-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Anthony (Tony) Gerrato has joined the firm as a Principal in EPIC's New York City office.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Anthony (Tony) Gerrato has joined the firm as a Principal in EPIC's New York City office.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC’s Duane Dennis and Jamie Chambers to Present Employee Communications & HR Technology Strategies at Cement Employers Association Annual Meeting

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal and Senior Consultant Duane Dennis and Director of HR Technology Solutions Jamie Chambers will present at the Cement Employers Association Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 8:15 a.m. at South Point Hotel Casino Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Cement Employers Association aims to promote industrial relations and administration of the hydraulic cement manufacturing industry through research study and dissemination of these studies' results. Dennis and Chambers will present on "Optimizing Employee Communications and HR Technology Strategies."

About Duane Dennis, Principal and Senior Consultant:

Dennis works with clients to understand their culture, goals and objectives to create short and long term strategies to optimize business results in the US and internationally. He works with executive leadership teams, business leaders (HR, Finance, Legal and IT) and their teams to achieve their goals in all industries.

Dennis is a principal and senior advisor at EPIC. He previously held positions as the EVP of Business Development and Marketing at Hixme and was a partner at Mercer. At Mercer, he was a member of Mercer's global leadership team, US region leadership, Pacific Southwest leadership and the Health and Life Sciences Industry team.

About Jamie Chambers, director, HR Technology Solutions:

Jamie Chambers joined the firm in 2013 and now serves as a director, leading the HR Solutions Team. In this role, he manages a team of specialists that support clients by overseeing human resource projects involving systems, technology, processes and best practices, as well as implementations and integrations related to mergers and acquisitions. Chambers collaborates with other Ascende - a Division of EPIC teams to deliver coordinated and comprehensive services to clients.

Prior to joining the team, he served as vice president of human resources for First Continental Mortgage and Campus Living Villages, both national companies with multi-state operations. He also has extensive human resources experience in the health care industry, having served as the human resources director for Bayshore Medical Center and Houston Northwest Medical Center. Chamber's knowledge and experience spans all areas of human resource management, from recruiting to systems management to compliance. He has extensive experience with change management initiatives, mergers and acquisitions and start-ups.

Chambers received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from Texas Tech University. In 2007, he earned the Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the HR Certification Institute(tm) (HRCI(r)).

He is an active member of HR Houston and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

IMAGES for Media:
* PHOTO 1: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0818s2p-jchambers-300dpi.jpg
* Photo 1 Caption: Jamie Chambers of EPIC.

* PHOTO 2: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0914s2p-ddennis-300dpi.jpg
* Photo 2 Caption: Duane Dennis of EPIC.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal and Senior Consultant Duane Dennis and Director of HR Technology Solutions Jamie Chambers will present at the Cement Employers Association Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 8:15 a.m. at South Point Hotel Casino Spa in Las Vegas.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC’s Clay Ma to Present at Texas Total Rewards Conference in Fort Worth

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Retirement Senior Associate Clay Ma will present at the Texas Total Rewards Conference on Friday, Sept. 15 at 8:30 a.m. at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Texas Total Rewards Conference features two days of educational sessions presented by several of the top minds in total rewards. In his presentation, "Wait! How Did I Get on the Pension Committee? A Practical Guide to Understanding Defined Benefit Plans," Ma will provide a high-level overview of pension plans and translate complex actuarial speak to plain English for those looking for an easy-to-understand crash course on pension plans.

Click here to view the full agenda: http://txtotalrewards.starchapter.com/Schedule.

About Clay Ma, Senior Associate:

Clay Ma is a senior associate at Ascende Wealth Advisers, Inc. (AWAI), EPIC's Retirement Consulting Team. His responsibilities include, but are not limited to, investment research and analysis, vendor search and management, and ERISA compliance for AWAI clients. Ma graduated with honors from UT Austin with a concentration in Finance and Accounting. He currently holds the QPA and QKA designations from ASPPA and is a licensed enrolled retirement plan agent with the Internal Revenue Service.

About the Texas Total Rewards Conference:

The Texas Total Rewards Conference features two days of educational sessions presented by several of the top minds in total rewards. Attendees can earn HRCI, SHRM, and WorldatWork recertification credits. Anyone looking for new strategies, insights from industry thought leaders and the opportunity to grow their network, won't want to miss this year's conference.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0911s2p-clay-ma-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Retirement Senior Associate Clay Ma will present at the Texas Total Rewards Conference.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Retirement Senior Associate Clay Ma will present at the Texas Total Rewards Conference on Friday, Sept. 15 at 8:30 a.m. at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance’s Chuck Simpson to Present at Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group Meeting

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson will present at the Gulf Coast Safety & Training Group (GCS&TG) Meeting on Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Lafayette Petroleum Club in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group is a nonprofit corporation organized to promote the advancement of safety, health, environmental stewardship and safety training in the oil and/or gas exploration, production and transmission industry.

Simpson will present on "ANSI z390: Hydrogen Sulfide Training Requirements Update." A recognized expert in Hydrogen Sulfide safety practices and training, Simpson led the revision effort as the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Committee's Chairman. Simpson served as Vice-Chairman of the committee from 1994 until his appointment as Chairman in 2015.

Click here for more information: http://www.gcstg.com/Home.html.

About Chuck Simpson, Senior Risk Control Consultant:

Chuck Simpson is a health and safety professional with more than 30 years of experience helping companies develop and implement risk management systems in various industries.

Prior to joining EPIC, Simpson served as president of Work Safe International, LLC where he worked on both on- and off-shore projects in the United States, Mexico, Canada, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Simpson has experience in the sulfur operations, pipeline, fabrication, oil and gas drilling, vessel operations and food processing industries. He is a certified safety professional (CSP) and a widely recognized expert on Contractor Safety Management, OSHA Recordkeeping and Hydrogen Sulfide Safety. He has presented lectures at the ASSE Safety Professional Development Conference and Exposition, OSHA Oil and Gas Safety Conference, the International Conference on Offshore Safety, the Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group, and the Sulphur Institute's Sulphur World Symposium in the United Arab Emirates.

Simpson is an active participant in the American Society of Safety Engineers, Gulf Coast Safety Training Group and serves as Chairman for the ANSI Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee. He earned his bachelor's degree in international studies from the University of South Alabama.

About Gulf Coast Safety & Training Group:

The Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group (GCS&TG) is a nonprofit corporation promoting safety, health, environmental stewardship and safety training in the oil and/or gas exploration, production and transmission industry. The group provides its membership with educational and networking opportunities to accomplish common goals, share ideas, discuss and seek solutions to identified safety, health, environmental and training needs.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run-rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions.

More information: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0825-Chuck-Simpson-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: EPIC Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson will present at the Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group Meeting on Sept. 8, 2017 at the Lafayette Petroleum Club in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Trudi Barton Joins The Capacity Group – an EPIC Company in Mahwah, New Jersey

MAHWAH, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property & casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Trudi Barton has joined the firm in Mahwah, New Jersey as part of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company.

A results-oriented leader with extensive business development, operations and client relationship management experience spanning more than 20 years, Barton joins as Vice President of Special Projects, reporting to Carl Gerson, Managing Principal.

Barton was most recently with Key Insurance and Benefits Services in Syracuse, N.Y. (formerly First Niagara Risk Management) where she served as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Lines Manager.

Said Carl Gerson, "I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Trudi for many years. She is a committed and capable professional, whose experience and ability is extensive. I am excited to have her as an integral part of the Capacity/EPIC team. Trudi's expertise in operational process improvement will be of significant value in positioning our company and the clients we serve for future growth and success."

Barton attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y. where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance.

Trudi Barton can be reached at:
The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company
tbarton [at] capcoverage.com
201-831-2700 - Direct.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0823s2p-trudi-barton-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Trudi Barton Joins The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Trudi Barton has joined the firm in Mahwah, New Jersey as part of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Jamie Chambers of EPIC to Present at 2017 SHRM-Atlanta Symposium

DULUTH, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Director of HR Technology Solutions Jamie Chambers will present at the 2017 SHRM-Atlanta Symposium on Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, Ga.

In his presentation "Impacting Employees and Executives Through HR Technology," Chambers will discuss how to navigate the maze of available HR technology options and how current technology tools can positively affect engagement at different levels across an organization. Chambers will also provide insight on the decision points to consider in creating and implementing a successful HR technology strategy and what HR information is important to both employees and executive decision makers.

Click here to view the full agenda: http://www.shrmatlanta.org/mpage/2017symposium

About Jamie Chambers, director, HR Technology Solutions:

Jamie Chambers joined the firm in 2013 and now serves as a director, leading the HR Solutions Team. In this role, he manages a team of specialists that support clients by overseeing human resource projects involving systems, technology, processes and best practices, as well as implementations and integrations related to mergers and acquisitions. Chambers collaborates with other EPIC teams to deliver coordinated and comprehensive services to clients.

Prior to joining the team, Chambers served as vice president of human resources for First Continental Mortgage and Campus Living Villages, both national companies with multi-state operations. He also has extensive human resources experience in the health care industry, having served as the human resources director for Bayshore Medical Center and Houston Northwest Medical Center. Chamber's knowledge and experience spans all areas of human resource management, from recruiting to systems management to compliance. He has extensive experience with change management initiatives, mergers and acquisitions and start-ups.

Chambers received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from Texas Tech University. In 2007, he earned the Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the HR Certification Institute(tm) (HRCI(r)).

Chambers is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and a former member and Board member of HR Houston.

About SHRM-Atlanta:

SHRM-Atlanta, founded in 1965, is one of the largest single-city Chapter affiliates of the national Society for Human Resource Management, with a current membership of over 2,300 individuals representing more than 1,300 large and small organizations in the metro Atlanta area. SHRM-Atlanta empowers Atlanta's HR professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge, develop their business and leadership acumen, and create best-in-class workforces and workplaces. SHRM-Atlanta's mission is accomplished by fostering a strong community of peers with which to share best practices and knowledge, designing high-impact professional development initiatives and leadership development opportunities, celebrating excellence in HR, and advancing thought leadership in the field. Building exceptional Atlanta leaders is our business, one member at a time. More information is available at http://www.shrmatlanta.org/.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

IMAGES FOR MEDIA:
*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0818s2p-jchambers-300dpi.jpg
*LOGO: Send2Press.com/300dpi/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Director of HR Technology Solutions Jamie Chambers will present at the 2017 SHRM-Atlanta Symposium on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017 at 3 p.m. at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, Ga.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Plays Key Role in Launching New Employee Wellness Center for the City of Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that EPIC client the City of Atlanta recently celebrated the grand opening of a new Wellness Center for city employees. This 12,000-square foot facility is located in the City Plaza building across from Atlanta's City Hall.

City of Atlanta workers now have a single place in which to exercise, eat nutritious snacks, and receive health care and employee assistance services while pursuing their personal health goals.

EPIC consultants Cloe Guidry and Chris Clark provided health management consulting services and guidance for the City of Atlanta throughout the design and development of the Wellness Center. Guidry and Clark anticipate that after 36 months the City of Atlanta will save $2 for every $1 it invests in the program.

The savings come from the combination of managing the rising cost of health care services and improving productivity. Having a health center at work saves time (patient wait times average only 5 minutes) so employees get back to work faster, minimizing downtime and improving productivity.

The new, approximately $3 million facility was funded entirely through insurance reserve funds generated through contracts with insurance vendors, pharmacy rebates and performance guarantees.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that EPIC client the City of Atlanta recently celebrated the grand opening of a new Wellness Center for city employees. This 12,000-square foot facility is located in the City Plaza building across from Atlanta's City Hall.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Longevity Alert: As America Ages, Long-Term Care Costs Could Overwhelm Most Families, say ACSIA Partners

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- The number of Americans age 65 and older is on track to double -- from 46 million now to over 98 million in 2060, when today's 20-somethings will be turning 65. At that time the 65-plus age group's share of the population will have jumped to 24-percent from 15-percent today. "Think of it," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, "one in four of us will be in the older group, at high risk of needing long-term care."

The concerning statistics are from "Aging in the United States," a study published by the Population Reference Bureau (PRB).

The proliferation of older Americans places a big burden right now on all breadwinners in their prime productive years (20 through 65), Gott asserts. According to the PRB, by 2030 there will be only 2.8 working-age adults for every person 65 and older, down from 5.0 in 2000.

Because of this, today's working-age citizens, now building our economy and their own economic futures, will be hit by a double-whammy, according to Gott.

The first part of the double-whammy has to do with one's aging parents. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, almost three in four aging Americans will need some form of long-term care after 65. "For a working couple with two sets of parents, the odds of financial impact are very high," says Gott, "if any of the parents lacks the resources for their own care."

The second part of the double-whammy is that the younger couple may need long-term care services themselves at some point. "After dealing with mom and dad, they'll need to be ready to care for one another; or to pay professionals to do it."

Long-term care services can be expensive, costing from tens of thousands to $100,000, $200,000 or even more per year, depending on location, type of services, and type of claim. Multiply that by the number of family members needing care, and the cost can become prohibitive.

But the financial impact extends beyond care costs. It often involves income loss from interrupted employment as well. According to a study by the MetLife Mature Market Institute, America's 10 million employed caregivers face $3 trillion in lifetime losses for missed pay, pensions, and social security. That amounts to $304,000 per worker (typically the female half of a young couple).

"Long-term care has always been expensive and a key cause of impoverishment in one's later years," says Gott. "As America ages, the cost challenge promises to increase."

What can be done about it?

"Forward-looking public policy would help," says Gott. "But there's plenty people can do on their own."

"The key is to develop a long-term care plan," Gott continues. "It's especially important for today's younger, productive couples. It's the only way to control costs and head off avoidable threats to one's income, assets, lifestyle, and future."

Long-term care planning can be done independently but Gott recommends consulting a licensed specialist. "The process is emotional and the options and pitfalls are vast. You need a calm, collected professional to hold your hand."

ACSIA Partners has hundreds of state-certified long-term care specialists in all parts of the country. "They're glad to talk with consumers and business executives about any and all care-related concerns and actions, financial and otherwise," says Gott. Specialists develop group plans for employers as well as individual plans for families.

ACSIA Partners LLC -- https://www.acsiapartners.com -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0814-ACSIA-Partners-300dpi.jpg

The number of Americans age 65 and older is on track to double -- from 46 million now to over 98 million in 2060, when today's 20-somethings will be turning 65. At that time the 65-plus age group's share of the population will have jumped to 24-percent from 15-percent today. "Think of it," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, "one in four of us will be in the older group, at high risk of needing long-term care."

Related link: https://www.acsiapartners.com/

EPIC’s National Real Estate Practice Invests in Upgrading Computer Lab for Residents of Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Historic Pullman Wheelworks Apartments

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Real Estate Practice of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has contributed $32,000 to Mercy Housing Lakefront to upgrade the computer lab at the Pullman Wheelworks Apartments, offering residents state-of-the art online tools to advance their educational and career goals.

Comprised of 210 affordable rental units, the property serves low-to-moderate-income families in Chicago's historic Pullman neighborhood.

One of the largest non-profit affordable housing organizations in the country, Mercy Housing provides services that empower residents to achieve their full potential. The updated computer lab will enable children at Pullman Wheelworks to have greater access to tools to improve their academic performance. Adult residents will benefit from access to continuing education resources, as well as resources to enhance their financial literacy.

"We are grateful to EPIC for their generous support at Pullman Wheelworks," said Mercy Housing Lakefront President Mark Angelini. "In our digital world, having the right tools to connect with the online world is a vital imperative for success, and EPIC understood that and was eager to help. With their support, our residents are well-positioned to achieve their goals."

Since 2015, EPIC has raised more than $100,000 for Mercy Housing initiatives, consistent with the organization's commitment to increasing the national supply of high-quality affordable homes. In past years, EPIC's support has enabled the expansion of summer and after-school youth programming and security system upgrades at Mercy Housing properties in Colorado and California.

"During our three-year relationship with Mercy Housing, we have visited a number of their properties and seen the dramatic impact that a safe, happy, clean and caring environment can have on individuals and families," said Jonathan Griffiths, managing principal of EPIC's National Real Estate Practice. "As our country tries to address an acute shortage of affordable housing, Mercy Housing's operations should be applauded and we are very proud of our association with them."

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty, and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States and is the 10th largest privately held broker in the nation. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For more information, visit: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About Mercy Housing Lakefront:

Mercy Housing Lakefront (MHL) is working to build a region where everyone has an affordable home to use as a springboard to achieve better health, economic security, and a brighter future for their kids. By the end of 2017, MHL will own and operate 52 properties in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana, enabling nearly 10,000 people to live in hope. MHL is a regional branch of Mercy Housing, Inc. (MHI), a leading national affordable housing nonprofit headquartered in Denver.

For more information, please visit: https://www.mercyhousing.org/lakefront.

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*PHOTO Caption: EPIC presents check to Mercy Housing Lakefront.

The National Real Estate Practice of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has contributed $32,000 to Mercy Housing Lakefront to upgrade the computer lab at the Pullman Wheelworks Apartments, offering residents state-of-the art online tools to advance their educational and career goals.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance adds Denise Walsh as Assistant General Counsel

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Denise Walsh has joined the firm as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel.

Said EPIC Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Dan Crawford, "Denise is a strong negotiator with exceptional skills in buying and selling businesses; as well as drafting operating and shareholder agreements, business formation documents, corporate resolutions and complex contracts. Denise will use these skills to great advantage as she assumes responsibility for all legal work related to EPIC's future mergers and acquisitions. We are very fortunate to add a top professional of her caliber to our legal team."

Walsh will report to Crawford and will be based in EPIC's New York City office.

Walsh joins from Saiber, LLC in Florham Park, N.J. She was previous with Marcus, Brody, Ford & Kessler, LLC in Roseland, N.J., who merged with Saiber in January 2014. Walsh was a member of the Corporate Law and Business Counseling Practice Group and the Financial Services Practice Group at both firms. Walsh began her legal career with Lowenstein Sandler PC, in Roseland, N.J., an Associate in their Litigation Department.

Professionally, Walsh has been recognized as a New Jersey Rising Star(tm) in the area of Business/Corporate Law (2012 - 2016) as well as one of the New Jersey Law Journal's "New Leaders of the Bar" (2012).

Academically, Walsh attended Seton Hall University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Psychology. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctor, also magna cum laude, from the Seton Hall University School of Law.

Denise Walsh can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
denise.walsh@epicbrokers.com
201-661-2436 - Direct.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0802s2p-denise-walsh-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Denise Walsh has joined the firm as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Oak Hill Capital Partners to Invest in EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants to Support EPIC’s Further Growth & Expansion

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage, and employee benefits consultant, announced today that private equity firm Oak Hill Capital Partners (Oak Hill) has agreed to acquire all of The Carlyle Group's stake, giving Oak Hill a controlling equity position in EPIC. Oak Hill's investment will enable EPIC to continue its aggressive organic growth strategy and will support strategic acquisitions of additional complementary insurance distribution platforms across the United States.

Founded in July 2007, EPIC has become a leading national insurance broker with annual revenues approaching $300 million. The company has developed a broad suite of capabilities related to risk management, commercial property & casualty insurance, and employee benefits consulting, as well as specialty programs for a wide range of industries nationally, including construction and design, real estate development and property management, transportation and logistics, energy, hospitality, financial and professional services, healthcare, and food and beverage.

Since Carlyle acquired a controlling stake in December 2013 with equity provided by Carlyle Global Financial Services Partners L.P. and Carlyle Global Financial Services Partners II L.P., EPIC has transformed itself from a California-centric insurance broker into one of the top 20 nationally recognized platforms while more than tripling its revenues.

John Hahn, co-founder and CEO of EPIC, said, "Over the past 10 years, we have built EPIC into a unique and successful firm that is focused on providing innovative solutions and significant value to our clients and EPIC team members by creating a culture of accountability and alignment through broad-based employee ownership. We are thankful for the robust support, guidance, and access to resources we have received from The Carlyle Group over the past three and a half years, and look forward to building further on the strengths of our organization across the country with the strategic and financial backing of Oak Hill Capital Partners."

Peter Garvey, President of EPIC, said, "We are proud of the unique 'people first' culture that we have built at EPIC. Our company will stay true to the guiding principles that were established when the business was launched 10 years ago. I am confident that with the support of Oak Hill, EPIC will continue to attract and retain the best talent in the industry and the clients who value them."

Scott Kauffman, Partner at Oak Hill said, "We are excited to partner with John Hahn, Pete Garvey, their executive team, and the entire EPIC organization, all proven industry leaders, to continue supporting EPIC's strong growth, innovation, and success in the insurance brokerage industry."

John Redett, Managing Director and Co-head of Carlyle's Global Financial Services team said, "We wish John Hahn and his team well as they continue to execute upon their strategic vision and buildout of EPIC. We believe in their business model and ability to capitalize upon the vast opportunity ahead of them, and are thankful to have played a part in their success over the past several years."

The investment is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the 3rd quarter of 2017. Total Enterprise Value of EPIC now approaches $1 billion, at $977 million.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch acted as lead financial advisor and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey acted as financial advisor to EPIC. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as EPIC's legal advisor.

Barclays acted as financial advisor to Oak Hill and Weil, Gotshal & Manges served as Oak Hill's legal advisor.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty, and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States and is the 10th largest privately held broker in the nation. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

More information: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About Oak Hill Capital Partners:
Oak Hill is a private equity firm managing funds with more than $10 billion of initial capital commitments since inception from leading global endowments and foundations, public and corporate pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, financial institutions, consultants, and family offices. Over the past 30 years, the professionals at Oak Hill and its predecessors have invested in 84 significant private equity transactions across broad segments of the U.S. and global economies.

Oak Hill applies an industry-focused, theme-based approach to investing in the following sectors: Consumer, Retail & Distribution; Industrials; Media & Communications; and Services. Oak Hill works actively in partnership with management to implement strategic and operational initiatives to create franchise value.

More information: http://oakhillcapital.com/.

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage, and employee benefits consultant, announced today that private equity firm Oak Hill Capital Partners (Oak Hill) has agreed to acquire all of The Carlyle Group's stake, giving Oak Hill a controlling equity position in EPIC. Oak Hill's investment will enable EPIC to continue its aggressive organic growth strategy

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Joins in Authoring Updated American National Standards Institute / American Society of Safety Engineers 2017 Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Standard

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, and a member of the American National Standards Institute / American Society of Safety Engineers (ANSI/ASSE) Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee, announced today the approval and upcoming publication of a revised Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Standard (ANSI/ASSE Z390.1-2017).

EPIC Sr. Safety Consultant Charles (Chuck) Simpson, a recognized expert in Hydrogen Sulfide safety practices and training, led the revision effort as the ASSE Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Committee's Chairman. Simpson served as Vice-Chairman of the committee from 1994 until his appointment as Chairman in 2015.

The Committee was formed in 1994, and the ANSI/ASSE Z390.1 Standard has consistently been one of ANSI's most valued publications. A new edition of the document will soon be published by ASSE.

The guidelines in ANSI/ASSE Z390.1 establish content and instructional practices for training personnel with potential exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The Standard includes detailed training recommendations concerning H2S properties and characteristics, respiratory protection, gas detection, emergency response, and more. These guidelines are used extensively in the oil and gas industry, in petrochemical operations, and in a variety of other industries worldwide.

Said EPIC's Simpson, "Although exact numbers are not known, it is likely that worldwide tens of thousands of people have died from H2S poisoning since 1900. It is also difficult to determine how many lives the standard has helped to save, but I have no doubt that it is an equally impressive number. H2S has a unique set of properties and characteristics that make it particularly hazardous and I am proud to have played a role in leading this important, lifesaving effort."

For additional information about the latest edition of the ANSI/ASSE Z390.1 Standard or for assistance with your H2S safety program, please contact EPIC's Chuck Simpson at chuck.simpson@epicbrokers.com or 504-577-4743.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-1027-Chuck-Simpson-300dpi.jpg
* LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, and a member of the American National Standards Institute / American Society of Safety Engineers (ANSI/ASSE) Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee, announced today the approval and upcoming publication of a revised Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Standard (ANSI/ASSE Z390.1-2017).

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

It’s Easier to Plan for Long-Term Care if We Face Our Personal Concerns First, says ACSIA Partners

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- Last year the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued a report about Americans' concerns and actions related to long-term care (LTC), also referred to as long-term services and supports (LTSS). "The main takeaway was not the particulars of the responses, in our view," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners. "It was the fact that participants considered and faced the issues."

In the HHS survey, 15,298 non-institutionalized Americans aged 40-70, a statistically-significant sample of the age group, answered seven questions about long-term care personal concerns and ten questions about long-term care actions.

CONCERNS: What is your degree of concern about:
1. Losing independence
2. Being a burden on your family
3. Losing control and choice over LTC you might need
4. Being unable to afford high-quality care
5. Using up savings/income to pay for nursing home care/services
6. Becoming poor and having to rely on Medicaid
7. Being unable to depend on family/friends for care.

ACTIONS: What is your degree of willingness to:
1. Have family/friend move in
2. Move in with children/family/friend
3. Rely on spouse/family/friend
4. Attend adult day care
5. Hire aide or agency for care
6. Hire live-in caregiver
7. Move into assisted living facility
8. Move into nursing home
9. Make modifications to home
10. Use value in home to pay for care.

Key Findings:
* More than 75% of respondents said they had at least five of the seven personal concerns.
* High on the list were losing independence and being unable to depend on family or friends for care.
* Personal concerns varied little by wealth or age.
* Of the ten actions, most respondents expressed willingness to modify their homes or have a family member or friend move in.
* But fewer than 50% were willing to move in with family/friends or use the value in their home to pay for care.
* The wealthier respondents were more willing to take actions that cost money, such as secure long-term care insurance or tap savings to pay for in-home care.

The report concludes, "These findings highlight the need for increased education on the ... choices and financing options."

Gott agrees, and believes the survey itself opened the eyes of the 15,298 participants, "by provoking introspection and analysis."

"All Americans would benefit from considering such questions," Gott adds. "First the personal concerns, which are often hidden, then the action options."

ACSIA Partners has hundreds of long-term care specialists in all parts of the country. "Part of their job is to ask the right questions and invoke the right thinking," says Gott. "They're glad to talk with consumers and business executives about any and all care-related concerns and actions, financial and otherwise."

ACSIA Partners LLC -- https://www.acsiapartners.com -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

The HHS report is available at https://aspe.hhs.gov/system/files/pdf/255356/LTSSconcern-IB.pdf. NOTE: The report uses the term "long-term services and supports" (LTSS) in place of "long-term care" (LTC).

*ACSIA LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0421-ACSIA-Partners-300dpi.jpg

Last year the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued a report about Americans' concerns and actions related to long-term care (LTC), also referred to as long-term services and supports (LTSS). "The main takeaway was not the particulars of the responses, in our view," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners. "It was the fact that participants considered and faced the issues."

Related link: https://www.acsiapartners.com/

JenCap Holdings Acquires Special Risks Facilities

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- JenCap Holdings LLC announced today that it has agreed to acquire privately held Special Risks Facilities, Inc., an MGA/contract binding authority and wholesale insurance brokerage firm based in Sterling Heights, Michigan with another office in Peoria, Arizona. Special Risks was formed in 1971 and has been led by Jack Klebba and Randy Kaszeta. Messrs. Klebba and Kaszeta have built one of the premier insurance distribution platforms in Michigan.

JenCap Holdings (JCH) was formed in March 2016 by The Carlyle Group (Nasdaq: CG) and JCH management to consolidate specialty insurance distribution businesses, including managing general agents, program managers and transactional wholesale brokers. The acquisition of Special Risks (SRF) is the fifth transaction by JCH and places the company amongst the largest wholesale brokers in the U.S.

John F. Jennings, President and Chief Executive Officer of JCH, commented that, "Jack Klebba and Randy Kaszeta have built a high quality business and we are excited that they have chosen JenCap to preserve Special Risks' commitment to excellence and service to their clients. We are excited to have Special Risks join our growing distribution platform."

Jack Klebba, President of SRF stated that "We wanted a partner that felt the same way about our commitment to clients, employees and carriers and we realized early on that JenCap was the right fit."

"We are very enthusiastic about the JenCap transaction," commented Randy Kaszeta, Executive Vice President of SRF. "Our thoughts on how to continue our growth matched up perfectly with the JenCap management model."

About JenCap Holdings LLC:

JenCap Holdings is a consolidator of specialty insurance distribution and program management businesses, including managing general agencies, specialty program underwriters, transactional wholesale brokers and captive managers. JenCap Holdings has assembled a management team with the sector insight and experience to drive organic growth and strategic acquisitions leveraging technology and advanced data analytics. JenCap Holdings is headquartered in New York.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Les Ross
JenCap Holdings
415-442-8502
lross@jencapholdings.com

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JenCap Holdings LLC announced today that it has agreed to acquire privately held Special Risks Facilities, Inc., an MGA/contract binding authority and wholesale insurance brokerage firm based in Sterling Heights, Michigan with another office in Peoria, Arizona. Special Risks was formed in 1971 and has been led by Jack Klebba and Randy Kaszeta. Messrs.

Related link: http://www.jencapholdings.com/

Two EPIC Insurance Consultants Recognized Among the 30 Most Influential Women in Benefit Advising

MAHWAH, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal Susan L. Combs and Senior Vice President Suzanne McGarey have been recognized among Employee Benefit Adviser's "2017 Most Influential Women in Benefit Advising."

The 2017 Most Influential Women in Benefit Advising list highlights national benefits consulting leaders who stood out in a large field of highly qualified nominees for both personal and professional reasons.

Susan L. Combs, Principal of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company, served as the youngest president of Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS) in the group's 81 year history. A strong advocate of bringing more women into the benefits advising field, Combs was instrumental in establishing WIFS's national mentorship program.

Suzanne McGarey, senior vice president of Ascende - a Division of EPIC, has helped to lead Ascende's health and welfare team for more than a decade, working to differentiate the company through industry specific benefits benchmarking surveys and other business intelligence initiatives, as well as defining best practice in compliance advisory services.

"We are pleased and proud that these extraordinary EPIC women have been recognized among the 2017 Most Influential Women in Benefit Advising," said John Hahn, CEO of EPIC. "To have two of our consultants included in this small, elite group nationally is a wonderful accomplishment, which speaks to the character and ability of both the women and men who choose to make EPIC their business home."

See the full list of the 2017 Most Influential Women in Benefits Advising here: https://www.employeebenefitadviser.com/slideshow/ebas-2017-most-influential-women-in-benefit-advising

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:
* PHOTOS for Media:
(1) Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0628s2p-scombs-300dpi.jpg
Photo Caption: Susan L. Combs, Principal of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company.

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Photo Caption: Suzanne McGarey, senior vice president of Ascende - a Division of EPIC.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal Susan L. Combs and Senior Vice President Suzanne McGarey have been recognized among Employee Benefit Adviser's "2017 Most Influential Women in Benefit Advising."

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Acquires Product Warranty Analytics Specialist After, Inc.

NORWALK, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the acquisition of After, Inc. - a product warranty analytics firm based in Norwalk, Conn. The Acquisition was made primarily to further strengthen and grow EPIC subsidiary company, PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services - a renewable energy program manager based in the United States.

Founded in 2005 as a subsidiary of Fulcrum Analytics, After, Inc. was formally created in 2015 to offer the industry's most advanced warranty products and services. Clients include a number of the world's top brands, including Canon, Electrolux, Ford, Generac, Jaguar Land Rover, Polaris, and Seagate Technologies,

Led by Chief Executive Officer Nathan Baldwin and Chief Technology Officer David King, After, Inc. has four core product offerings: warranty marketing, warranty analytics, warranty administration and the After Protection Plan which includes data recovery services.

PowerGuard provides an innovative 25-year, non-cancellable quality and performance guarantee solution to back up a manufacturer's own warranty terms. Guaranteeing warranty terms through the use of insurance provides the certainty manufacturers and their customers seek, as well as long-term stability for the industry.

Said EPIC CEO and Co-founder John Hahn, "For several years we have been searching for the right data analytics partner to strengthen and augment PowerGuard's offerings, and to create new capabilities for their diversification into product warranty fields other than wind and solar. It became evident to us that After, Inc. provided the best platform and partnership to enhance and grow PowerGuard. This is a very exciting development for PowerGuard's clients and their other business partners around the world."

The PowerGuard solution - available through EPIC and other top retail insurance brokers globally - provides certainty and security to the solar manufacturer's end customers, with warranty terms that are non-cancellable - surviving even insolvency and bankruptcy. Third-party rights to the policy in case the original solar manufacturer goes out of business are also offered, backed by the capital strength of the insurance market.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services:

PowerGuard is a specialty renewable energy program manager specializing in the design and underwriting of unique insurance and risk management solutions for wind, solar and other alternative energy companies.

PowerGuard's PowerClip warranty product is the most comprehensive contractual liability coverage available to renewable energy manufactures, project developers, power generation operators and the financial institutions who invest in them.

PowerGuard's PowerWrap Solar Project Guarantee Policy is a simple and straightforward insurance policy that guarantees the performance of the entire solar energy system - written on investment grade paper with an insurance company holding an AA- rating from Standard & Poor's. For more information please visit http://www.powerguardins.com/.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the acquisition of After, Inc. - a product warranty analytics firm based in Norwalk, Conn. The Acquisition was made primarily to further strengthen and grow EPIC subsidiary company, PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services - a renewable energy program manager based in the United States.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Most Americans Aren’t Going for Long-Term Care Insurance, ‘But They Will, Where They Work,’ says James Dettman of ACSIA Partners

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- James Dettman, a veteran of the insurance and employee benefits industries, has joined ACSIA Partners, one of America's largest long-term care insurance agencies. He will serve as one of four Worksite Sales Directors.

So?

He's a man with a mission. Like David with a glint in his eye, he's aiming to help bring down an American Goliath, our looming long-term care crisis.

"Nearly three in four Americans over 65 will need long-term care at some point," he says, quoting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "So virtually all families will be affected. Somebody will probably need care. If not Dad, Mom; if not you, your spouse."

"This is a very big deal," he asserts, because --
* Long-term care can eat into retirement savings, costing from tens of thousands to $100,000, $200,000 or even more per year, depending on location, type of services, and type of claim.
* Family members may be forced into caregiving, disrupting their lives and affecting their ability to earn a living and protect their livelihood.
* Companies suffer, too. They report reduced productivity when employees worry about loved ones needing care.

"Long-term care insurance is the answer," Dettman asserts, "but most consumers aren't buying it. No problem. We just need to start offering it more aggressively through another channel, the workplace."

He points to key advantages over policies sold directly to consumers:
* Group rates are generally lower,
* Health screening is relaxed, and
* Family members can be included.

ACSIA Partners is a pioneer in worksite LTC with a successful team in place, and that's why Dettman joined them, he says. "I'm here to help them take it to the next level."

The potential is very large. According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, only 10 million or so Americans have bought long-term care insurance; and only a fraction have gotten it at their place of work.

By contrast, over 270 million have health insurance, and a majority, 155 million, have it through their employer, according to the Urban Institute.

"We need to go with what's working," says Dettman. "If we follow the lead of health insurance, within a few years up to 155 million can have easy access to LTC protection through their jobs," he says. "We'll have multiplied the business 15 times over, and more important, released a flood of economic and personal vitality."

To get the ball rolling, Dettman and colleagues are seeking alliances with benefit brokers, insurance brokers, consultants, human resource managers, executives and association directors. "Our focus is to help deliver financial savings strategies for employees and employers alike," he says.

For over 20 years, James Dettman has held sales, sales management, and sales consultant positions in the insurance and employee benefits fields, winning many promotions and setting sales records.

He has been a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) since 1997, serving on the Board of Directors for his local association and twice as President for two different Chapters. He is also a Lifetime Qualifier for the Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT).

He will serve alongside fellow Worksite Sales Directors Dan Cahn, Ed Jette, and Mario Sestito, "a crack team leading the charge toward universal LTC protection," according to Dettman.

ACSIA Partners LLC is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

Dettman and colleagues may be reached at the following numbers:
* James Dettman: (901) 301-7421
* Dan Cahn: (425) 284-2148
* Ed Jette: (508) 981-6261
* Mario Sestito: (518) 817-3446

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0619s2p-Dettman-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: James Dettman, Worksite Sales Director for ACSIA Partners, with graph showing big potential for LTC insurance.

James Dettman, a veteran of the insurance and employee benefits industries, has joined ACSIA Partners, one of America's largest long-term care insurance agencies. He will serve as one of four Worksite Sales Directors.

Related link: https://www.acsiapartners.com/

EPIC Joins the American National Standards Institute/American Society of Safety Engineers (ANSI/ASSE) Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that as part of the firm's commitment to the Energy Industry and ongoing efforts to improve worker safety, EPIC has joined the American National Standards Institute/ American Society of Safety Engineers (ANSI/ASSE) Z390 "Hydrogen Sulfide Training" Committee.

EPIC Sr. Safety Consultant Charles (Chuck) Simpson, a recognized expert in Hydrogen Sulfide safety practices and training, has been appointed as the Committee's Chairman.

ANSI is a national consensus standard organization that publishes guidelines on a wide variety of safety issues; ASSE is a global organization of professionals who manage, supervise, research and consult on occupational safety and health concerns in industry, government and education.

The ANSI/ASSE Z390 "Hydrogen Sulfide Training" Committee was formed in 1994, and the ANSI/ASSE Z390.1 Standard has consistently been one of ANSI's most valued publications. A new edition of the document will be released in the next few months.

The guidelines in ANSI/ASSE Z390.1 establish content and instructional practices for training personnel with potential exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The Standard includes detailed training recommendations concerning H2S properties and characteristics, respiratory protection, gas detection, emergency response, and more. These guidelines are used extensively in the oil and gas industry, in petrochemical operations, and in a variety of other industries worldwide.

For additional information about the latest edition of the ANSI/ASSE Z390.1 Standard or for assistance with your H2S safety program, please contact EPIC's Chuck Simpson at chuck.simpson@epicbrokers.com or 504-577-4743.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-1027-Chuck-Simpson-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that as part of the firm's commitment to the Energy Industry and ongoing efforts to improve worker safety, EPIC has joined the American National Standards Institute/ American Society of Safety Engineers (ANSI/ASSE) Z390 "Hydrogen Sulfide Training" Committee.

EPIC Insurance Presents CSRA SHRM Strategic Session

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it will host the CSRA SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Mini Conference on Thursday, June 8 from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Legends Club in Augusta, Georgia.

At the strategic session, experts from EPIC will discuss the latest news and trends in human resources and employee benefits consulting and compliance.

Chief Actuary Davin Millholland will provide insight on better ways to measure and manage your company's healthcare spend. Director of Employee Benefits Compliance Carl Pilger will discuss what impact the Trump administration is having on benefits, tax and employment compliance.

HR and Benefits Technology Specialist Mimi Bush will provide an update on the HR and benefits technology landscape. Senior Benefits Consultant Jim Baker will provide a carrier update on what the major healthcare underwriters are doing and what questions you should be asking.

Click here to RSVP to the event: http://www.csrashrm.org/index.php/events/rsvp?eventId=9&controller=event&task=individualRegister

About the Society for Human Resource Management CSRA SHRM Chapter:

As a SHRM affiliated local chapter in Augusta, GA, CSRA SHRM strives to provide a forum for personal and professional development for members by offering quality programming, networking opportunities, community resources and current information that may impact state, federal and national human resource management issues. Information: http://www.csrashrm.org/.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0605s2p-epic-csra-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: EPIC's Davin Millholland, Carl Pilger, Mimi Bush and Jim Baker will share their knowledge and expertise.

*LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

Twitter Tags: @EPIC_Insurance #EPICCSRASHRM #CSRASHRM

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it will host the CSRA SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Mini Conference on Thursday, June 8 from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Legends Club in Augusta, Georgia.

EPIC Insurance Expands and Strengthens Six Year Relationship with California New Car Dealers Association

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, and the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) jointly announced today that CNCDA has expanded their relationship with EPIC, appointing the insurance broker/consultant as their exclusive licensed broker to provide health and welfare insurance consulting to CNCDA members across the state.

EPIC was previously the CNCDA appointed health and welfare insurance broker/consultant in Northern California only, and this new agreement extends their reach and responsibilities to CNCDA members across Southern California, as well.

According to Brian Maas, CNCDA's President, "EPIC has consistently offered outstanding service and value to our members and has demonstrated a strong commitment to the association since we began working together in 2011. As the CNCDA-licensed broker in California, EPIC will continue to provide dealers with the help they need to navigate the increasing complexity of the California health insurance market."

John Connell, EPIC's West Region President, Employee Benefits said, "We are pleased and honored to have Brian Maas and his team at the CNCDA recognize the strength of our partnership and commitment to their members by further expanding our relationship in this way. The entire EPIC organization will work hard every day to continue earning the trust, respect and confidence of CNCDA and their members across California."

About the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA):
The California New Car Dealers Association is the country's largest state association of franchised new car and truck dealers representing over 1,100 dealer members. CNCDA members are primarily engaged in the retail sale and lease of new vehicles, and also engage in automotive service, repair and part sales. CNCDA promotes fair and ethical business practices through a wide range of educational programs, services and industry publications. Learn more about CNCDA at: http://www.cncda.org/.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

Twitter Tags: @CNCDA @EPIC_Insurance #EPICCNCDA

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, and the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) jointly announced today that CNCDA has expanded their relationship with EPIC, appointing the insurance broker / consultant as their exclusive licensed broker to provide health and welfare insurance consulting to CNCDA members across the state.

EPIC Insurance Kicks Off 2017 Energy Forum in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the successful launch of their 2017 Energy Forum in Houston and that they will host two additional Energy Forum presentations in Dallas and Oklahoma City next week.

EPIC's Ascende Division, their southwest regional hub and the premier benefit consultant for the oil and gas industry, kicked off its annual Energy Forum roadshow in Houston on Thursday, May 25 moments after OPEC announced it would extend the status quo an additional nine months-curbing oil output until the end of March 2018.

The event attracted 50 different energy companies for a total showing of nearly 200 HR executives and consultants.

The EPIC Energy Forum provides HR professionals in the energy industry the opportunity to learn the results of EPIC's annual Energy Acumen Employee Benefit Plan Survey and network with their peers facing similar market challenges. The Energy Acumen survey is the leading source of benefits benchmarking information for the oil and gas industry and provides sector-specific reports, as well as a unique report on international assignee benefits to companies that participate in EPIC's Global Employee Benefit Plan Survey.

In addition to a detailed overview of EPIC's employee benefit plan survey data, Houston attendees also heard from a panel of HR executives representing Archrock, Diamond Offshore and Pioneer Energy Services, who candidly discussed key HR issues impacting energy companies.

Employers use the survey's benchmarking data to gauge where their company stands among peer companies in the industry, leveraging the survey's reported trends to support their strategies with executive leadership.

"The first words out of my CEO's mouth when we talk benefits strategy is 'What is the market doing?'" said Jane Johnapelus Munoz, director of Global Employee Services at Diamond Offshore. "The second question out of my CEO's mouth is 'Are we going to hit the Cadillac Tax, and when?'"

The panel also encouraged putting heightened focus on employee retention, since no one can afford to lose key talent. The key is communicating each employee's total rewards and not failing to promote benefit offerings that help your company stand out, panelists noted.

By using the survey's benchmarking data to realign HR programs and benefit strategies so that they offer better value to employees at a lower cost, companies can make more meaningful decisions employees will appreciate.

"2017 may not be the year of growth, but for us, it's the year of the employee," said Sharon Paul, VPHR at Archrock. "Give your savings back to your employees. This year, we put our savings back into our employees' pocket by increasing HSA contributions and lowering premiums."

EPIC's Carl Pilger, director of Employee Benefits Compliance Services also delivered an ACA compliance update to a crowd of HR executives who agreed they'd rather keep compliance issues in their broker or consultant's hand so they can divert attention back to their employees.

Companies who weren't able to make the kickoff presentation in Houston are encouraged to join EPIC in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 3 p.m. at the Hilton - Arlington or in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Thursday, June 8 at 3 p.m. at the Tasting Room.

Click here to RSVP to the event: http://go.epicbrokers.com/l/322651/2017-05-03/34yb.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the successful launch of their 2017 Energy Forum in Houston and that they will host two additional Energy Forum presentations in Dallas and Oklahoma City next week.

ACSIA Partners Offers Decision Funnel for Quick and Easy Long-Term Care Choices

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- Many Americans spend hours investigating long-term care options online, only to come away confused and dispirited. Now there's another way to go. It's a by-phone Decision Funnel designed to cut through the complexity. Offered by ACSIA Partners, the service will be delivered by real human specialists, not phone robots.

Available in all states, the specialists are licensed long-term care agents trained to cut through the confusion, make choices clear, and leave it at that. ACSIA Partners is one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies.

Going quickly down the Decision Funnel, "Our specialists will be in educator mode, not sales mode," says Denise Gott, the company's CEO. "They will quickly determine whether LTC protection is called for, and if it is, what kind might make sense. Then the call will end, often in just minutes."

If information about specific financial instruments is desired, it may be supplied on a subsequent call, according to Gott.

Depending on individual needs and financial circumstances, the instruments may be:
* Traditional long-term care insurance
* A variety of products offering long-term care riders
* Savings, such as a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account.

The by-phone Decision Funnel sessions are available in all states for consumers, financial advisors on behalf of their clients, and companies exploring LTC protection for their employees.

Decision Funnel sessions may be requested at (866) 471-4072.

About ACSIA Partners:

ACSIA Partners LLC -- https://www.acsiapartners.com/ -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

*IMAGE for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0531s2p-acsia-funnel-300dpi.jpg
*Image Caption: Decision Funnel service from ACSIA Partners.

Many Americans spend hours investigating long-term care options online, only to come away confused and dispirited. Now there's another way to go. It's a by-phone Decision Funnel designed to cut through the complexity. Offered by ACSIA Partners, the service will be delivered by real human specialists, not phone robots.

More Than Two Thirds of Americans Not Prepared for Disability

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The average American Fidelity Assurance Company long-term disability is nearly three years. Even though one in five adults experiences a long-term disability, most Americans are ill-prepared to cover expenses if they are unable to work (note 1). The average American could not cover a $400 emergency without selling some of their possessions and 69 percent have less than $1,000 in savings (notes 2, 3).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings of full-time workers in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2016 were $849 (note 4). Based on that weekly earning amount, workers would need $132,444 in savings to cover the lost income from the average long-term disability claim length of three years. On top of that, they would need funds to cover any medical expenses not covered by major medical insurance and their co-pay and/or deductible.

American Fidelity provides Disability Income Insurance to help protect Customers if they can't work due to a covered injury or sickness. It provides steady benefits to cover expenses, paying a percentage of the Customer's gross monthly earnings. American Fidelity provides disability insurance and many other supplemental benefits through employers in the education, municipal, auto and healthcare industries.

One teacher recently learned of the benefits of Disability Income Insurance as she prepared for surgery. "I was so surprised to find that my benefits would cover my extended recuperation even though it was summer time. Teachers don't take the summer 'off,' as they have mandatory trainings, planning sessions and continuing education classes. Unfortunately, my medical condition was going to make me ineligible for these salary earning opportunities. Having surgery is very stressful. The fact that I did not face financial worries at the same time is priceless." Deborah Sullivan, Seneca Valley High School, Germantown, Maryland.

Learn more about Disability Income Insurance at: https://americanfidelity.com/for-individuals/employee-benefits/disability-insurance/.

About American Fidelity:
American Fidelity Assurance Company is a supplemental benefits provider with a focus on offering a different opinion for Customers in education, municipality, auto retail and healthcare. It serves more than 1 million Customers across 49 states. More information can be found at https://americanfidelity.com/.

American Fidelity has earned an "A+" (Superior) from the A.M. Best Company since 1982. One of the nation's leading insurance company rating services, A.M. Best conducts a strict review process for financial stability every year.

American Fidelity has recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" by global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work(R) and Fortune Magazine 11 times.

The Company was also selected for several other lists by Fortune in the past year, including, Best Workplaces in Finance and Insurance, Best Companies for Giving Back, Best Workplaces for Women, Best Workplaces for Diversity and the Human Capital 30: Companies that Put Employees Front and Center.

Contact:
Lindsey Sparks
Senior Public Relations Specialist
Lindsey.Sparks@americanfidelity.com
405-523-5901

Melody Wortmann
Assistant Vice President, Corporate Communications, Creative Services and Culture
Melody.Wortmann@americanfidelity.com
405-523-5979

NOTES -- Sources:
1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, April 20, 2015 https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/features/key-findings-community-prevalence.html
2. Federal Reserve, May 2016 https://www.federalreserve.gov/2015-report-economic-well-being-us-households-201605.pdf, page 9
3. GOBankingRates.com Survey 2016 https://www.gobankingrates.com/personal-finance/data-americans-savings/
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Jan. 24, 2017 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf

ESB-5796-0517

The average American Fidelity Assurance Company long-term disability is nearly three years. Even though one in five adults experiences a long-term disability, most Americans are ill-prepared to cover expenses if they are unable to work (note 1). The average American could not cover a $400 emergency without selling some of their possessions and 69 percent have less than $1,000 in savings (notes 2, 3).

EPIC Insurance adds Broker/Producer Nick Pedisich

CONCORD, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Nick Pedisich has joined the firm as a Transportation Industry-focused insurance broker/producer. Pedisich will be responsible for new business development and the design and management of insurance and risk management programs for transportation clients and those in related industries. He will be based in EPIC's Concord, Calif. office and report to Curt Perata, President of EPIC's Pacific North Region.

Prior to joining EPIC, Pedisich spent almost 10 years with Paul Hanson Partners Transportation Insurance in Napa, Calif., where he was part of the commercial insurance sales and service teams providing risk management solutions to transportation, warehousing and logistics companies across California, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon.

Pedisich attended the University of California Santa Barbara prior to completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing at California State University - Sacramento.

Said Curt Perata, "We are excited to add another dynamic young professional to our growing operations here in Northern California and the West. Nick's energy, knowledge of the transportation industry, strong consulting skills and customer service orientation will be of considerable value to the EPIC clients we serve."

Nick Pedisich can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
nick.pedisich [at] epicbrokers.com
925-822-9154 - Direct
707-344 6401 - Mobile.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0522s2p-Pedisich-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Nick Pedisich has joined the firm as a Transportation Industry-focused insurance broker/producer.

Jordan & Jordan Announces Separation from John Powter Insurance Agency

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Linda Jordan ended her business partnership with Powter Insurance, and launched Product Liability Specialty, LLC doing business as Jordan and Jordan Insurance Group. This structural change will have little to no impact on daily business operations with the agency. Any correspondence and checks will continue to bear the Jordan & Jordan name, as they always have.

"We are excited to begin this new chapter in the life of the agency, and look forward to a bright future," said Alison Roberts, Agency Manager.

Linda requests all business partners to please update the mailing address on file for Jordan & Jordan to show our current address: 16801 Addison Rd, Suite 300, Addison, TX 75001, and any necessary paperwork be forwarded to Alison Roberts at ar@j-jins.com.

We appreciate your assistance in this time of transition, and we look forward to more profitable years together.

"Reliable Protection is the key to prosperity."

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Alison Roberts at 972-398-6222 or email at ar@j-jins.com.

Website: http://jordanjordaninsurance.com/.

Linda Jordan ended her business partnership with Powter Insurance, and launched Product Liability Specialty, LLC doing business as Jordan and Jordan Insurance Group. This structural change will have little to no impact on daily business operations with the agency. Any correspondence and checks will continue to bear the Jordan & Jordan name, as they always have.

EPIC Insurance adds Reba Mathew, Pharm.D., R.Ph to Employee Benefits Consulting Pharmacy Practice

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Reba Mathew Pharm.D., R.Ph has joined the firm's Employee Benefits Consulting Practice as Pharmacy Practice Director.

Dr. Mathew will be based in Houston, Texas and will report to Cliff Caldwell, Chief Operating Office of Ascende - a Division of EPIC.

Dr. Mathew completed her Managed Care Pharmacy Residency with one of the largest Medicare health plans. During her residency she worked on several pharmacy initiatives such as medication therapy management, pay for performance, and quality improvement.

In addition to residency, Dr. Mathew has worked as a clinical pharmacist in both the hospital and retail setting. Her significant clinical experience led her to the pharmacy consulting practice for two of the world's largest brokerage services, managing nearly $250 million annually in pharmacy benefits.

Dr. Mathew was able to achieve significant clinical goals for her clients, including improvement in generic dispensing rates and medication adherence, implementation of customized and standard utilization management programs and formularies, and reduction in total pharmacy spend.

Said Cliff Caldwell, "We are pleased and excited to have Reba join Robin Rankin R. Ph in leading our Pharmacy Practice team and the Ascendent Pharmacy Coalition. Her knowledge, depth of experience and strong, client-focused consulting skills deepen and strengthen the resources and services available to EPIC clients across the country."

Dr. Reba Mathew can be reached at:
Ascende - a Division of EPIC
Office: 832-476-8454
Mobile: 713-515-8058
reba.mathew@epicbrokers.com
rmathew@ascende.com

About the Ascendent(R) Pharmacy Coalition:

Launched in 2002, the Ascendent(R) Pharmacy Coalition brings the power of a purchasing coalition to mid-market clients looking for a more effective means of delivering transparent pharmacy pricing and discounted rates. Participants in the coalition realized over $100 Million dollars in savings in 2016.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
408-295-4309 x104
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0516s2p-Reba-Mathew-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Reba Mathew Pharm.D., R.Ph has joined the firm's Employee Benefits Consulting Practice as Pharmacy Practice Director.

William Reyes Joins Wholesale Trading Insurance Services in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Wholesale Trading Insurance Services, LLC (WTIS) announced today that industry veteran William Reyes has joined the firm as Director/Casualty Broker in Laguna Niguel, Calif.; he will work in conjunction with the firm's principal office in San Francisco.

"With over 17 years in casualty broking and underwriting throughout California and the Western U.S., Bill brings WTIS and its retail broker-clients significant experience and knowledge of all facets of complex casualty brokerage. In addition, his expertise in real estate, construction, distribution and hospitality are recognized by the key carriers that participate in those sectors," said Kristopher Bauer, President of WTIS.

Reyes joins WTIS from Risk Placement Services, where he was a Senior Vice President and worked for over twelve years. Prior to his tenure at RPS, Reyes was a senior property and casualty underwriter at Chubb.

WTIS is a privately-held wholesale insurance broker created and managed by industry veterans whose goal is to better align the business interests of the retail broker, the wholesaler and insurance carriers for the benefit of the buyer. WTIS has substantial expertise in Property, Casualty and Professional/Management Liability. WTIS is a JenCap Holdings Company.

For more information about WTIS, visit: http://wtisllc.com/.

About JenCap Holdings, LLC:
JenCap Holdings is a consolidator of specialty insurance distribution and program management businesses, including managing general agencies, specialty program underwriters, transactional wholesale brokers and captive managers. JenCap Holdings will drive organic growth and strategic acquisitions leveraging technology and advanced data analytics. JenCap Holdings is headquartered in New York.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Les Ross, of WTIS
415-442-8502
lross@wtisllc.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0215s2p-wtis-300dpi.jpg

Wholesale Trading Insurance Services, LLC (WTIS) announced today that industry veteran William Reyes has joined the firm as Director/Casualty Broker in Laguna Niguel, Calif.; he will work in conjunction with the firm's principal office in San Francisco.

TriWest Healthcare Alliance Receives Three Full URAC Accreditations for Quality Standards

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- TriWest Healthcare Alliance announced today it earned full URAC accreditations for its Health Utilization Management and Case Management programs, and full reaccreditation for its Health Network.

URAC is a Washington, D.C.-based health care accrediting organization, whose mission is to promote continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of healthcare management through processes of accreditation, certification, education, and measurement.

Accreditation serves as a symbol of excellence. The accreditation standards establish key quality benchmarks for core business practices and managed care programs including network management, provider credentialing, utilization management, quality management and improvement, consumer protection and confidentiality.

"It is our honor and privilege to work at the side of the Department of Veterans Affairs in meeting the health care needs of Veterans in 28 states and the Pacific. We are grateful to the URAC representatives who took the time to examine our business practices and for validating that our health care network, utilization management and case management programs meet their rigorous standard of quality," said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr. "By achieving these accreditations, the Veterans we are privileged to serve have further confirmation they are receiving the highest level of care and service in support of VA's noble mission of caring for those who have borne the price of the battle."

"To meet the growing demand to provide quality healthcare services at a reasonable cost, TriWest Healthcare Alliance distinguishes itself in the marketplace by having earned Health Network Accreditation from URAC," said URAC President and CEO Kylanne Green. "With rigorous standards created by a broad array of stakeholders, TriWest's independent accreditation from URAC demonstrates its commitment to bringing together qualified, credentialed, and well-managed providers for their patients."

TriWest's accreditations in utilization management and case management are effective June 1, 2017 to June 1, 2020. The effective period for the health network accreditation is now extended to August 1, 2020. This is TriWest's fifth consecutive accreditation for its health care network.

About TriWest Healthcare Alliance:

TriWest Healthcare Alliance serves our nation's heroes as the partner of the Department of Veterans Affairs in administering the Patient-Centered Community Care and Veterans Choice Programs. TriWest has been On a Mission to Serve(R) America's military families and Veterans since 1996 delivering award-winning customer service and providing access to high-quality health care. More information: https://www.triwest.com/.

About URAC:

Founded in 1990, URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through accreditation, certification and measurement. URAC is a nonprofit organization developing evidence-based measures and standards through inclusive engagement with a range of stakeholders committed to improving the quality of healthcare. Our portfolio of accreditation and certification programs span the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare management, healthcare operations, health plans, pharmacies, telehealth providers, physician practices, and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability.

*Logo for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0825-TriWest-300dpi.jpg

TriWest Healthcare Alliance announced today it earned full URAC accreditations for its Health Utilization Management and Case Management programs, and full reaccreditation for its Health Network. The accreditation standards establish key quality benchmarks for core business practices and managed care programs.

EPIC’s Carl Pilger to Present at ‘The First 100 Days: What the New Administration Means For Benefits, Taxes and Employment Compliance’

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Director of Employee Benefits Compliance Carl Pilger will present at "The First 100 Days: What the New Administration Means For Benefits, Taxes and Employment Compliance" seminar on Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30 a.m. at the Buckhead Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

With the current administration dominating the headlines, Pilger and experts from Aprio and Fisher Phillips will provide an in-depth analysis of how the administration's new initiatives will impact businesses and recommend best practices moving forward. Pilger will provide an update on the Affordable Care Act repeal and replace efforts, remind employers about ongoing compliance obligations and share insight into the DOL's current focus on audits and penalties.

Click here to view the full agenda: https://www.fisherphillips.com/resources-newsletters-1859.

About Carl Pilger, Director of Employee Benefits Compliance, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

Carl Pilger has advised and represented businesses as an ERISA attorney for more than 20 years. Across his career he has focused exclusively on ERISA compliance, including representing his clients in DOL and IRS audits. As EPIC's Director of Employee Benefits Compliance, he continues to consult with and advise clients on ERISA and ACA compliance. Pilger is based in Duluth, Georgia and reports to John Gaffney, EPIC's Director, National Benefits Operations.

Prior to joining EPIC, Pilger served as Vice President, Legal Counsel with Digital Insurance where he spearheaded ERISA and ACA compliance initiatives. Previously, he held positions with three prominent Atlanta law firms including; Taylor English Duma, LLP, Miller & Martin, PLLC, and Fisher & Phillips, LLP.

Pilger is a well-known subject matter expert on the Affordable Care Act and he has traveled the country speaking to numerous industry groups regarding the law's complexities.

Pilger earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism and a Juris Doctorate degree from Northwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Georgia Bar Association.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0119-Carl-Pilger-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
408-295-4309 x104
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Director of Employee Benefits Compliance Carl Pilger will present at "The First 100 Days: What the New Administration Means For Benefits, Taxes and Employment Compliance" seminar on Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30 a.m. at the Buckhead Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

Greyling’s Gregg Bundschuh and Kent Collier to present at April 2017 Risk Management Conferences

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that managing principal Gregg Bundschuh and client executive and professional services risk consultant Kent Collier of Greyling Insurance Brokerage - a Division of EPIC, are among the featured risk management and insurance professionals presenting at two high profile events targeting the needs of large Construction and Design firms.

Greyling's Bundschuh will present at the exclusive EFCG CFO Conference for Engineering & Consulting Firms, taking place at the New York Yacht Club and Harvard Club on April 20 and 21, 2017. The event has been held annually for the past 16 years to educate invitees on the most important issues facing a CFO in the Construction and Design industry. Bundschuh will share his experience and knowledge on the increasing risks related to foreign and domestic terrorism, including cybercrime.

Collier will present at the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law, being held in Washington, D.C. April 20 - 22, 2017. His session, "A Risky Proposition: The Ever Changing Role of Insurance in the Current Construction Climate - Need-to-Know Trends for In-House and Outside Counsel," will help attendees understand insurance coverage issues confronting owners, contractors and design professionals - including emerging risks impacting construction projects, such as cybercrime and terrorism.

About Gregg Bundschuh, J.D., Managing Principal, Greyling Insurance Brokerage - a Division of EPIC:

Gregg Bundschuh, J.D. is a co-founder and an equity partner of Greyling Insurance Brokerage. He is nationally recognized for his active role in addressing emerging issues that affect the construction, design, and development communities. He advises clients of the firm on their insurance programs and risk management strategies. He also provides guidance to industry organizations such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Bundschuh's unique perspective on risk and insurance issues reflects his background as a construction lawyer, a general counsel to an international design firm, and an insurance broker and risk consultant.

Bundschuh's experience includes design of customized insurance policies for risks associated with building information modeling (BIM) and integrated project delivery (IPD). He has developed insurance and risk management programs for domestic and international firms in a wide range of industries. In addition, he has spoken before dozens of national and international gatherings concerned with design, construction, risk management, and insurance matters. His publications include An Owners' Guide to Construction Risk Management & Insurance; the insurance chapter of the New York Construction Law Manual; and The Design/Build Deskbook.

Prior to Greyling, Bundschuh was a senior executive and leader of the Global Construction Practice with Marsh Inc. Before that, he had been general counsel for an international architecture and engineering firm and had practiced construction law with an Atlanta law firm. He is a member of the board of governors and a fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers.

Bundschuh is a 1982 graduate of Wake Forest University and holds a law degree from the University of Georgia.

About Kent Collier, J.D., CRIS, Client Executive and Professional Services Risk Consultant, Greyling Insurance Brokerage - a Division of EPIC:

Kent W. Collier, J.D., CRIS, is Associate Client Manager at Greyling Insurance Brokerage. Collier provides day-to-day service to Greyling clients by identifying, addressing, and mitigating insurance and risk issues in the architecture, engineering, construction contracting and development, environmental, and legal service fields. He advises clients on professional liability claim recognition and reporting, and he helps clients manage claims, including periodic review of outstanding and past claims. He is also responsible for drafting and negotiating professional service contracts.

Collier performs risk management consulting for clients including preparation and presentation of educational seminars, compilation and analysis of risk surveys, recommendation of and coordination with legal counsel, and answering various client questions concerning legal, insurance, and risk issues impacting the construction and engineering industry. He has experience presenting continuing education training to staff regarding risk management, contract negotiation, and insurance.

Prior to joining Greyling, Collier was a practicing attorney for over 8 years at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP in Atlanta, focusing on construction litigation and transactions. He represented architects, engineers, EPC and general contractors, owners, and specialty subcontractors in litigation across the country regarding issues such as insurance coverage, delay and lost productivity, construction defects, design errors and omissions, product liability, surety bonding, and lender liability on diverse projects including high-rise condominiums and hotels, casinos, power plants, industrial and chemical processing plants, civil and underground work, schools, and hospitals. He is a licensed attorney in Georgia, New York, and Florida, where he is a Board Certified Specialist in Construction Law. Collier was named as a "Rising Star" in Construction Litigation by Georgia Super Lawyers from 2012 through 2015.

Collier is a 2002 graduate of the University of Virginia and received his law degree in 2005 from Emory University. Collier is active in several industry organizations including the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). He is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction. Collier also holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI).

About Greyling Insurance Brokerage - a Division of EPIC:

Greyling is designed for construction and design professionals. Our leadership includes attorneys, engineers, environmental experts, and risk specialists who are veterans of the insurance and construction industries. We take a proactive, multi-focal view of risk to help develop solutions that lower cost and minimize exposure. That's why the management at many of the world's leading construction and design firms -our clients- sleep well at night.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About the EFCG CFO Conference for Engineering & Consulting Firms:

EFCG's CFO Conference has been held in early April over the last 16 years. This 1 1/2 day conference, held at the New York Yacht Club and Harvard Club, is intended to identify and provide insight into the most important issues facing a CFO in the "A/E/C" industry. Participation is limited to 150 and is by invitation only. To learn more about EFCG please visit http://www.efcg.com/

About the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law:

The ABA Forum on Construction Law is the largest organization of Construction lawyers in the United States, and indeed in the world. The Forum's roughly 6,000 Members and Associates are drawn from all types of Construction practice - law firms large and small, solo practitioners, in-house and government counsel, as well as construction professionals and the public sector. Forum members represent all segments of the Construction industry: owners, developers, design professionals, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, construction managers, lenders, insurers and sureties. Learn more here: http://www.americanbar.org/groups/construction_industry.html.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
408-295-4309 x104
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that managing principal Gregg Bundschuh and client executive and professional services risk consultant Kent Collier of Greyling Insurance Brokerage - a Division of EPIC, are among the featured risk management and insurance professionals presenting at two high profile events targeting the needs of large Construction and Design firms.

Be Alert for a Job Offer You Can’t Refuse: ‘Unpaid Caregiver,’ Warns Long-Term Care Leader ACSIA Partners

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- "America faces a senior health crisis that is also an employment crisis," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies.

In most U.S. households an out-of-the-blue "job offer" will suddenly appear.
* Urgently needed: caregiver.
* Duties: look after an aging family member 24/7.
* Pay: zero.

"This can be disruptive," says Gott, "but with good planning, it needn't be."

The demand for senior caregiving is huge. About 70% of those over 65 will need help with the activities of daily living at some point, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "These activities are basic tasks we normally take for granted," says Gott. "Things like eating, moving around, bathing, and toileting."

In families with two or more seniors, the odds approach 100% that at least one will need caregiving services sooner or later. That creates millions of caregiving "jobs." Most go to unpaid family members or friends, and their ranks are legion.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 40 million unpaid caregivers currently look after adults ages 65 and older. That's more than a quarter of the entire U.S. workforce. And new caregivers enter the ranks every year.

When these services are extensive, the toll on the caregiver can be great. According to a 2015 report from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, heavy-duty caregivers (who often perform medical or nursing tasks without preparation) reported negative effects. A majority, 63%, said the intense caregiving made their own health worse.

"And when full-time caregiving also leads to quitting your job or reducing your work hours," says Gott, "financial stresses make matters worse."

When volunteer caregiving is more limited, it can be a different story. "The extent of caregiving seems key," observes Gott. "It would appear that some caregiving is OK and even enriching." She points to a Pew Research study revealing that most caregivers found caring for an older loved one rewarding.

"The right balance is vital," says Gott. "Supplying some care personally, and hiring professionals to supply the rest."

Appropriate services for family members include companionship; emotional support; handling paperwork such as paying bills; and assisting with some, but not all, activities of daily living.

Appropriate services for professionals include monitoring the loved-one during working hours; helping with activities of daily living when family cannot be present; and any assistance requiring medical or nursing skill.

To be in a position to pay for professional caregiving, Gott's organization recommends five options:
* Long-term care insurance
* Critical illness insurance
* Life insurance (with LTC rider)
* An annuity (with LTC rider)
* Savings, such as a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account.

"Our advisors are glad to walk anyone through these options, in person or by phone," says Gott.

About ACSIA Partners:

ACSIA Partners LLC -- https://www.acsiapartners.com/ -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

"America faces a senior health crisis that is also an employment crisis," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies. In most U.S. households an out-of-the-blue "job offer" will suddenly appear.

The Capacity Group – an EPIC Company adds Jeanne Braun as President of Health Care Strategy Group

MAHWAH, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Capacity Group of NY LLC (CGNY), a division of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company and a retail property & casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefit consultant, announced today that Jeanne Braun has joined the firm as president of CGNY's newly established Health Care Strategy Group.

Braun will be responsible for new business development, program design and management and coverage placement. She will oversee CGNY's delivery of products, services and solutions to clients in the healthcare industry, in collaboration with EPIC teams serving healthcare professionals across the nation. Braun will report to Rob Salem, President of CGNY.

With a career spanning more than 25 years working in the medical professional liability sector, Braun has an extensive background in healthcare, both as a hospital administrator and an Executive Vice President of a medical professional liability insurance company where she developed specialty programs for hospitals, medical facilities and large doctor groups.

Said Braun, "As a part of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, The Capacity Group - already one of the largest privately-held insurance brokers in the country - now has access to the broad resources and global reach of a Top 20 U.S. retail insurance broker. Our combined organizations share similar beliefs and values, and understand the importance of comprehensive risk management support and client service excellence, particularly in view of the many changes continuing to impact the health care industry. This is an exciting time to be EPIC."

Jeanne Braun can be reached at:
Capacity Group of NY
jbraun@braunstrategies.com
516-277-8368

About The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company:

The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company offers an expansive range of standard and customized insurance and financial products, while providing superior customer service for all types of businesses, industries, and individuals. It has a diversified insurance distribution and product platform in Retail, Wholesale and Specialty Program business, as well as all types of personal, commercial, specialty and benefits lines of business.

Headquartered in Mahwah, N.J. the firm has grown organically and through a series of acquisitions and strategic partnerships to become one of the 100 largest insurance brokerage firms in the U.S. It is currently ranked number 39 by Business Insurance magazine, and is among the Top 25 privately held brokerage firms in the U.S. according to Insurance Journal Magazine. For additional information, please visit https://capcoverage.com/.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions across California and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
408-295-4309 x104
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/14-0417s2p-Jeanne-Braun-300dpi.jpg

Capacity Group of NY LLC (CGNY), a division of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company and a retail property & casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefit consultant, announced today that Jeanne Braun has joined the firm as president of CGNY's newly established Health Care Strategy Group.

EPIC’s Dan Houston to Present Best Practices on Data Breach Response at Georgia PRIMA’s Risk Management Conference

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management and Principal Dr. Dan Houston will present at Georgia Public Risk Management Association's (PRIMA) Annual Education Series on Wednesday, April 26 at 8:30 a.m. at the Savannah Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia.

The Georgia Chapter of PRIMA was established in 2004 to provide education, training and professional development opportunities for public sector risk management professionals in the state of Georgia. This EPIC sponsored event is an education-intensive multi-day seminar where members will learn, network and meet with private sector representatives from businesses offering services to the membership.

Houston will present alongside Vince Josaphs, Senior Vice President of INSUREtrust on "Best Practices On Data Breach Response: Test Your Cyber IQ."

Click here to view the full agenda: https://www.gaprima.org/insidepages/events/agenda.cfm?eventid=ED5A5E04-5056-8960-3ED1-225D4F9EE532.

About Daniel W. Houston, D.Div., ARM, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management and Principal, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

Prior to joining EPIC in August 2006, Houston was Senior Vice President and Vice President/Producer with Marsh, Alexander & Alexander (Aon) and Willis/HRH. He has also served as Director of Risk Management and Insurance Worldwide for Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company and NCR Corporation. While working for NCR, he co-developed the first cyber insurance policy and risk management response.

Author of over 500 articles, texts and educational courses on risk management, insurance, analytics, contractual risk transfer, music, religion and law, Houston is the recipient of The Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.'s (RIMS) prestigious "Harry and Dorothy Goodell Award," and was named "2010 Insurance and Risk Management Professional of the Year."

He was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal and CNBC for his work with the endangered panda program. He is a member of and/or serves on a number of boards, notably the Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM), Japan-America Business Council, Federal Reserve Bank, Advanced Risk Management Panel, Defense Research Institute, Eisenhower (after his great uncle Dwight D. Eisenhower) Academy and is a founding member of the International Risk Management Federation in Helsinki, Finland.

About The Public Risk Management Association:

The Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) is North America's largest risk management association dedicated solely to the practice of public entity risk management. For three decades, PRIMA has been dedicated to providing hard-hitting, practical education and training for public entity risk management practitioners like you.

There are more than 2,200 PRIMA member entities, of which 1,800 are local governments. These entities realize that membership provides the necessary tools and solutions needed in today's complex and changing risk management environment

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
408-295-4309 x104
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0412s2p-dan-houston-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management and Principal Dr. Dan Houston will present at Georgia Public Risk Management Association's (PRIMA) Annual Education Series on Wednesday, April 26 at 8:30 a.m. at the Savannah Civic Center.

Traffk Signs Contract with David Brown of CHEQS, LLC

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Traffk(TM) LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. David Brown to the expanding Traffk team. Brown will fill the role of Market President, serving Traffk's payer and health solutions market.

Throughout his distinctive career in employee benefits, Brown has innovated, produced, consulted, and managed prominent northern California operations, including critical assignments with Aetna, Johnson & Higgins, ABD Insurance & Financial Services and Arthur J. Gallagher.

Brown's thought leadership and regional/national industry relationships have been nurtured for decades and have led to his service on the broker advisory panels for all major California health plans. He has also presented at numerous human resources and healthcare symposia.

"If you bear risk related to people's health and productivity, Traffk produces the data and insights to guide your critical business decisions, whether they be pricing, risk adjustment, underwriting, or care management," said Brown.

He added, "Today's market goals are simple and clear; reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance the user experience. Traffk's data integration and machine-learning capabilities create measurable decision advantages for those who decide to utilize the platform's intuitive and massive power."

Paul Ford, CEO of Traffk, commented, "The addition of Dave Brown to the Traffk marketing effort provides another seasoned industry endorsement of our technology and has already added to our accelerating growth. We are thrilled to have Dave's enthusiastic support of our product portfolio."

For more information, visit: https://www.traffk.com/ or http://cheqs.healthcare/.

About Traffk:

Traffk(TM) modernizes the insurance underwriting process with more accurate data insights and risk profiling, allowing risk-bearing companies or health plans to manage profitability, risk, market growth, cross-lines sales, marketing, product development and compliance. Its SaaS platform enables an organization to deploy data mining, analytics and rules automation to manage risk, pricing and utilization. Traffk's risk management platform is powered by insurance experts, data scientists, machine learning and client-specific experiences and data.

Traffk solutions provide the following benefits:
* Traffk collects, integrates, analyzes and transacts data on its SaaS platform, which is HIPAA-compliant and has passed numerous technology assessments and security platform reviews.
* Traffk transforms cloud data into actionable, dynamic, multi-variant indexes. Its predictive and responsive, insurance-optimized risk modification index and insights use clients' proprietary data, as well as its rich public information database and proprietary algorithms.
* Traffk indexes membership into risk profiles to enable efficient and dynamic pricing, risk reduction and underwriting.
* Traffk helps make data actionable, driving deeper understandings of client and/or consumer tendencies and decision characteristics.

Learn more about Traffk solutions at: https://www.traffk.com/solutions.

Traffk(TM) LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. David Brown to the expanding Traffk team. Brown will fill the role of Market President, serving Traffk's payer and health solutions market. Traffk(TM) modernizes the insurance underwriting process with more accurate data insights and risk profiling, allowing risk-bearing companies or health plans to manage profitability.