Minneapolis Conference Highlights - NAHU’S Waltman updates Benefit Advisors Network on healthcare reform efforts

CLEVELAND, OH (9/9/09) --- The need to “get it right” when it comes to health care reform in America was the focus of a major address by Jessica Waltman, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), who recently spoke at Benefit Advisors Network’s (BAN) Smart Partners® Semi-Annual Educational Conference.

Speaking to more than 100 executives from 39 employee benefits companies who had gathered in Minneapolis to attend the two-day conference, Waltman stressed the need to make certain that Congress, the President, and the American people understand the need for health reform that contains medical care costs, builds on the strengths of the private market, and recognizes the value of health insurance agents and brokers.

NAHU has been working with BAN and other organizations to support private-market health reform efforts.

In addition to the health care address, the BAN conference focused on resources and methodologies for helping member companies improve performance and profitability, learn from proven growth strategies, and share enhanced operating efficiencies.

“The intellectual exchange of ideas and experiences between firms provides our members – known as Smart Partners® -- with the opportunity to learn from each other and from our Alliance Partners, the product vendors and service providers who provide our members with best-in-class solutions,” says BAN Director Deane Elek.

BAN is the premier national network of independent benefit advisory and consulting companies. Members are selected specifically for their industry knowledge, ethics, and vision. To be accepted into membership is a prestigious validation that a firm has been recognized as the “best of the best” in its particular market.

Other highlights of the Smart Partners® Conference were presentations on compliance changes and what to anticipate for 2010, client communications, marketing, and healthcare reform. At a special breakout of firm owners, the Smart Partners® brainstormed the innovative directions they want BAN to take to help them fulfill their progressive, strategic plans.

BAN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Bill Thurston, discussed the Alliance Partnership Program of products and services available to BAN members. Glenn Smith of World Synergy delivered a keynote address on cutting-edge ideas for maximizing brokerage business growth through website development, website marketing and search engine optimization.

Benefit Advisors Network’s next conference will be held in San Diego in February 2010.

For more information about Benefit Advisors Network, call 440-528-0301 or visit www.benefitadvisorsnetwork.com.

About Benefit Advisors Network (BAN)

Benefit Advisors Network is a federated association of benefits brokers who leverage their combined size to bring employers the right solutions at competitive prices. Together they represent more than 10,000 employer groups and 8.5 million employees. For more information about Benefit Advisors Network contact Director Deane Elek at (440) 528-0301 or visit the organization’s website at www.benefitadvisorsnetwork.com.