Press & Interviews
Benefits Pro Magazine Interview – Diversity of Ideas: A Q&A with Rosario Avila and Andrew McNeil
By Lily Peterson
Rosario and Andrew discuss how they stand out and differentiate themselves in the Benefits industry by offering each of their unique perspectives – together – to serve clients. They also attribute a big part of their success to looking at alternative options and having fun in the process.
BenefitsPRO – June 2023
The Benefits ‘Goldilocks Zone’
By Mick Van Staveren
It seems that every day brings news of layoffs at marque companies. Even with these stories, the labor market remains tight. Savvy employers understand that a well-designed Employee Benefits Package is a key component in recruiting a talented workforce. It’s no longer about “perks” or “fringe benefits.” Benefits comprise an increasing share of employee compensation. According to a recent Bureau of Labor statistics report, benefits account for approximately 30% of total rewards. It’s a huge investment.
NorthBay biz – May 2023
The Power of Two: The pitfalls of fully insured employee medical plans
By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
There’s no escaping it, in today’s market, workers expect employers to offer a strong health insurance program. It creates stability for individuals and families by covering at least a portion of medical care costs and provides financial protection in the event of unexpected illnesses or injuries.
Photo credit: Monster Ztudio / Shutterstock
North Bay Business Journal – May 2023
6 steps toward resolving the employee-benefits tug of war
By Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil
When meeting with HR leaders to discuss employee benefits programs, one of the first questions we ask is, “Aside from you, is there anyone else involved making decisions about your program?” It’s an important question because there is usually someone else involved — and they frequently have quite a different agenda.
Photo credit: EamesBot / Shutterstock
North Bay Business Journal – April 2023
Employers’ work not done by just lining up employee benefits
By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
For most workers, benefits are an expected part of their total compensation package and are a key factor in attracting and retaining talent. Benefits provide financial and personal value to employees and are a key factor in attracting and retaining talent. But should an employer stop there with their benefits program? Once a program is in place, is it set it and forget it?
The short answer is, no!
North Bay Business Journal – March 2023
The Superpower of Surveys
By Mariah Shields
Fielding useful employee feedback can help you stay connected to your team. Throughout my career, employers have consistently voiced a similar concern—the struggle to recruit and retain employees. Today, this issue is more prevalent than ever. How do you compete with other employers to attract and retain a skilled workforce in a tight labor market?
NorthBayBiz Magazine – March 2023
Preparing for Hospitalization: What to Expect
by Matthew Sohn
It’s difficult to predict when and even how a person might end up in the hospital. However, you can take steps to plan so that your health insurance policy takes care of the bills, and your focus can be on recovery.
NorthBayBiz Magazine – February 2023
How your business can survive, avoid Labor Department benefits-compliance audits
By ABG advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
“Compliance” and “audits” — two words that strike fear in most business leaders.
In addition to the more well-known rules surrounding financial disclosures and human resources practices, employers have compliance requirements related to their employee benefits programs as well. Being non-compliant can cost you significant pain financially and cause you and your team the major inconvenience of spending precious time and resources to meet requirements after-the-fact.
North Bay Business Journal – February 2023
North Bay Business Journal – January 2023
Where employer-sponsored benefits plans are headed in 2023
From Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
As the costs of offering benefits to employees continues to outpace inflation, many employers often have these questions: Why are we offering these to employees? Why are we expected to pick up the tab, when employees can buy things like health insurance on their own? Why do we need to offer benefits when governments around the world take care of it and leave the employer out of it?
All valid questions.
NorthBayBiz Magazine – January 2022
“A Night in Tuscany” and the North Coast Wine Industry Expo Gallery
“A Night in Tuscany,” hosted by Arrow Benefits Group at its 33rd annual event in November for the North Bay Children’s Center, raised more than $420,000. About 160 guests visited the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards in Sonoma to enjoy fine wines and tasty treats. Senator Mike McGuire served as emcee and auctioneer. [Photos by Stuart Lirette]