Benefit Advisors Network Plans Expansion Into 21 Markets

CLEVELAND, OH (6/16/09) --- After extensive research, Benefit Advisors Network (BAN) – the premier national network of independent benefit advisory and consulting companies – has identified 21 markets throughout the United States into which the organization intends to expand its network.

The goal of the organization, according to BAN President Jim Hopkins, is to have a presence in key primary and secondary markets nationwide, while maintaining BAN’s philosophy of recruiting only the “best of the best” firms in the employee benefits industry.

“Unlike many other industry organizations, our goal is to recruit only one firm per market so that members can interact at a high level within a true peerage and unencumbered by competitors,” Hopkins explains. “BAN firms distinguish themselves from their competitors through industry knowledge, an ethical approach to business, and vision.”

BAN was created to help independent benefit firms offer their clients the same kind of high-caliber expertise, resources, and services that are usually available only through a national firm, while providing the care and consideration of an interested and committed local partner that understands what local employers want and need.

A recent benchmarking survey from Hales & Company found that BAN member companies – known as SmartPartners® – enjoyed higher profitability and lower operating expenses than similarly sized firms.

BAN members also produce 65% higher revenues per employee than their peers, according to the survey, in part as a result of the network’s peer-to-peer sharing of best practices, resources, and world-class services.

BAN member companies currently represent more than 10,000 employer groups and 8.5 million employees.

About Benefit Advisors Network:

Benefit Advisors Network is the premier, national credentialed network of independent benefit brokerage, advisory and consulting companies. Benefit Advisors Network delivers industry leading tools, technology, and expertise to member firms so that they can deliver optimum results to their employee benefit customers

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