BENEFIT ADVISORS NETWORK NAMES INDUSTRY VETERAN BILL THURSTON CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

CLEVELAND, OH (1/29/09) --- Benefit Advisors Network (BAN) – the premier national network of independent benefit advisory and consulting companies – has signed a long-term agreement with Velocity Consulting Group that will allow Velocity’s Managing Partner, William A. “Bill” Thurston, Jr., to serve as BAN’s Chief Marketing Officer, leading the organization’s marketing, alliance partnerships, and member recruitment efforts.

Thurston, a 20-year veteran of the insurance industry who previously served as Chief Marketing Officer for Medical Group Insurance Services (MGIS) and then as Senior Vice President and Officer in Charge of Sales, Marketing and Operations with NFP Benefits, is charged with expanding the reach of Benefit Advisors Network into strategically selected markets nationwide.

“Bill Thurston brings tremendous experience in all facets of the insurance industry to his new role with Benefit Advisors Network,” says the organization’s President, Jim Hopkins. “He will play a critically important role in identifying and attracting new member firms that are widely regarded as the ‘best of the best’ in their respective geographic markets – firms that distinguish themselves from their competitors through their knowledge of the industry, their ethical approach to business, and their vision.”

Unlike many other industry organizations, Benefit Advisors Network only selects one firm per market or market segment to join the organization. That unique structure and philosophy allow members to share best practices, unencumbered by concern about the presence of their competitors.

“Being a part of Benefit Advisors Network has meant that a firm like ours can offer clients the same kind of high caliber expertise, resources, and services that a national firm can deliver, but with the confidence that those services will be performed with the care and consideration of an interested and committed local partner,” notes Jeana Hutchings, Managing Partner of Diversified Insurance Benefit Services (DIBS) of Salt Lake City, which recently joined Benefit Advisors Network.

As Chief Marketing Officer, Thurston’s primary charge will be to grow Benefit Advisors Network by attracting the best firms in major markets across the country. Thurston also will be responsible for developing the Strategic Alliance Partnership efforts with “Best in Class” insurance carriers and preferred vendors.

Thurston launched Velocity Consulting in 2008 to help organizations grow through strategic partnerships, product and distribution development. Prior to founding Velocity, Thurston was President of National Benefit Advisors Group, a privately held division of MGIS. He also served as Chief Marketing Officer for MGIS, one of the country’s leading Third Party Administrators.

Thurston began his insurance career in 1989 with Unum before moving to Paul Revere Insurance Group.

About Benefit Advisors Network

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.